I want to go to The big island of Hawaii but have only raised enough money for myself and not my family. I am thinking of going on my own. I feel like going alone would be boring. Should I go alone? is it fun? How would I meet new people and make new friends? Do I just approach a group of people and introduce my self... I am kind of shy. Any tips?

It can be; that really depends on you. Lots of people do it every year. While it's nice to have someone to share a trip. When you go solo, you get to see and do exactly the things that interest you and you have the flexibility to change plans on the fly if you run across an interesting festival, exhibition or other event.

You could also go on escorted group tours.

Or there are sites where you can find travel companions such as:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/fo...

http://www.travbuddy.com/Hawaii-travel-p...

http://www.helpx.net/travelcompanions.as...

http://www.travellerspoint.com/forum.cfm...

It depends on what you're looking for. Some people travel to say they were there. Some need to see something in person. Some do it as a distraction, something to look foward to. Some do it because they think that's just what is done.

If you're running and exploring, traveling alone can be the most amazing thing you can do. People will just slow you down. If you want the family vacation idea, then you'll be bored out of your mind. If you do go, find a mission of sorts. You might do a hike or take a surfing leason etc. You meet people in passing. You're not going to be besties and text for the rest of your lives. You might, as you hitch get dropped off at the trail head, ask someone for directions and start a conversation. At the most you'll get something to eat and then make love. But mostly just share a moment to connect and be present and speak from the heart. If vacations have any core purpose it might be to get away from distractions and be allowed to do that, if just for a day or two.

I would think hypothetically that you are married. This automatically changes the advices suitable for singles in not applicable for married people. The crowd going to Hawaii and Big Island for that matter is mostly families and singles. You would be probably able to make contacts with fellow travelers but don't expect too many opportunities. I wont be too attractive to the singles ( opposite sex) if you disclose your status. There are plenty of activities there which can fill your time by yourself but it is not for everybody. The big question is if you can do this without threatening your relationship. If the answer is no you better wait and raise more money enough for two. There are plenty of options to go on a budget to Hawaii.

I have travelled alone many times and there are plenty of other people doing this.

Here are some things to make solo travel more fun.

1. Travel light (you don't have anyone to look after your stuff while you go to the toilet)

2. Make local friends (using websites like meetup.com to join up with locals in the area)

3. Meetup with other travellers. Backpacker hotels are great for this, but you can also join tours, especially 1/2 day or full day tours.

4. Have a hobby or goal. For example, by myself I could easily get out of bed before sunrise to take photos. Other things include collecting certain things, or have a list of things to see and do. Basically achievement tourism.

Talk about selfish! If I were your wife, I would divorce you the day you left.