Honolulu & Oahu: On My Bucket List as a Solo Traveler
The thrill of travel has always been a constant in my life. My late husband and I had the privilege of exploring the world together, wandering through cobbled streets in Europe, savoring street food in Asia, and immersing ourselves in the vibrancy of local art, music, and culture. Our experiences are etched deeply in my heart, and now, as I set my sights on new horizons alone, I’m filled with a mix of nostalgia and excitement.
Honolulu, the heart of Oahu, has made its way onto my bucket list. This island’s balance of rich history, stunning landscapes, and artistic soul calls out to me. While I’ve been fortunate enough to see many places, Oahu is different. It represents something more personal now, a space where I can connect with both the memories of my past and the promise of new beginnings.
A Short Poem:
Across the seas where mountains rise,
I feel your hand, hear ocean sighs.
In waves that crash and stars that shine,
We travel still, your soul with mine.
Why Honolulu, Why Now?
As a woman now traveling solo, Honolulu feels like the perfect place to reconnect with the joys of life that once filled my days with my husband. There’s a unique sense of beauty in the way Oahu marries modernity with tradition, where bustling streets of Waikiki give way to tranquil, hidden beaches. This island offers more than just a tropical escape; it offers an opportunity for reflection, for exploration, and for rekindling my passion for the world.
My late husband’s ashes accompany me in a small locket, reminding me that although he is no longer physically present, our shared memories and experiences are with me wherever I go. Oahu will be no exception, and I imagine this journey will be part of the memoirs I always promised myself I’d write.
Places I Can’t Wait to Visit
While I have always been drawn to the vibrancy of cities, it’s the quieter, serene spaces on Oahu that now call to me.
1. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
I’ve read that this garden, nestled in Kaneohe, is a place of pure tranquility. Translating to “a place of peace and tranquility,” Ho’omaluhia seems to embody everything I’m seeking right now. Walking through the lush green pathways and viewing the majestic Ko’olau Mountains will surely offer me a moment of reflection.
2. Lyon Arboretum
Located near Manoa Falls, this peaceful botanical garden offers not only the beauty of nature but also a sense of quiet contemplation. I’ve heard it’s an excellent place to relax with a good book or simply breathe in the tropical air, away from the crowds.
3. Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design
As lovers of art, my husband and I would often seek out unique museums in our travels. The Shangri La Museum, with its stunning collection of Islamic art, is high on my list. The blend of art, architecture, and the Pacific Ocean views will be a perfect homage to our shared passion for creativity and beauty.
4. Lanikai Beach
Although I look forward to the energy of Waikiki, it’s the calmer beaches like Lanikai that speak to me now. I imagine the turquoise waters and soft white sands will offer moments of peace, where I can sit and watch the world go by, holding close the memories of past travels while creating new ones.
5. Byodo-In Temple
This stunning temple located in the Valley of the Temples seems to offer the serenity I now seek. I’ve read that the atmosphere here is peaceful, with the sound of birds and the calming reflection of the koi ponds. I can’t think of a better place to meditate and reflect on life’s journey.
A Personal Journey
Though the island of Oahu is new to me, the idea of travel is not. I’ve always believed in the power of travel to heal, to inspire, and to help us grow. This solo journey feels like a continuation of the adventures I shared with my husband, though the lens through which I view the world has shifted.
The idea of visiting Oahu stirs something within me—a longing to explore, but also to find tranquility in the journey. There’s no rush this time. I look forward to losing myself in the rhythms of the island, perhaps letting the music of a local ukulele player wash over me as I sip on a cocktail by the beach.
Whether this trip to Oahu will find its way into my memoirs someday is uncertain, but I do know one thing—Hawaii will leave its mark on me, just as each place we visited together left its mark on us.
As I embark on this new chapter of travel, I’m reminded that while my partner is no longer beside me, his presence is always with me. Each new destination carries with it the memories of past adventures, and Oahu feels like the perfect place to honor both those memories and the new ones I’m yet to create.
Honolulu and Oahu have made their way to my bucket list, not only for their undeniable beauty but for the opportunity they provide to reflect, heal, and once again embrace the joy of exploration.
Jane E.
N.Yorkshire. U.K.
