Solo travel · Maui · United States
Solo travel in Maui
How to enjoy Maui at your own pace.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Katie (alaskahokie) from Anchorage, Alaska, USA, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
Maui is easy for solo travellers who are comfortable driving; group snorkel trips, whale cruises and lūʻau are sociable, and Pāʻia and Kīhei have relaxed cafés and bars. Many solo travellers base themselves in Kīhei.
Key facts
- Base
- Kīhei
- Getting around
- Car
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance, ocean rescue)
- Language
- English and Hawaiian
Solo travel tips
- Group snorkel and whale-watching tours are an easy way to meet people.
- Kīhei has the widest range of affordable condos and hostels-style rooms.
- Tell someone your plans before hiking in Haleakalā or on the Road to Hāna, where mobile coverage is patchy.
- Do not swim alone at unguarded beaches; currents and shorebreak are strong.
- Never leave valuables in a parked car at trailheads or beaches.
Where to stay
$$$ · Best for budget, families, beach and solo travellers
Kīhei
Kīhei stretches about 10 km along the dry south shore, with a string of beach parks, condos and moderately priced hotels, food trucks and shopping plazas along South Kīhei Road. It is central for Haleakalā, Molokini boats and the airport, and generally the best-value base on the island.
- Good
- Best value on the coast; Sunny and dry most of the year; Central for driving around the island
- Watch out
- Strip-mall feel along the main road; Afternoon winds
- Nearby
- Kamaʻole Beach Parks, Keālia Pond, Wailea, Māʻalaea Harbor
Great on your own
Viewpoint · Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā summit sunrise
Bring warm layers, a hat and gloves; if you miss sunrise, sunset and stargazing at the summit are equally striking and need no reservation.
- Time needed
- Half a day including the drive
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Views
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Couples
Nature · Haleakalā National Park
Keoneheʻeheʻe (Sliding Sands) Trail
Start in the morning, carry plenty of water and sun protection, and turn back while you still have energy for the climb.
- Time needed
- 3–5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Active
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Views
Waterfront · Wailea
Wailea Beach Path
Walk it at sunrise before the heat, or at sunset with a drink at one of the resort bars at the end.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Couples
- Views
- Outdoors
Experience · Upcountry (Makawao and Kula)
Upcountry farms and ʻUlupalakua
Combine it with a Haleakalā sunset rather than sunrise, so you drive the farm roads in daylight.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Views
- Couples
- Off the beaten path
Meeting people
- Lūʻau — A traditional feast with kalua pig from the imu, poi and other Hawaiian dishes, accompanied by hula and storytelling; reputable lūʻau on the west and south sides sell out in season.
- Upcountry farm stands — Kula's farm stands and markets sell onions, strawberries, avocados and tropical fruit straight from the volcanic slopes.
Sensible precautions
Ocean conditions are the biggest risk: shorebreak, currents and high surf cause many visitor injuries, so swim at lifeguarded beaches and when in doubt stay out. Flash floods can turn streams dangerous within minutes on the Road to Hāna, and car break-ins at trailheads are common. The Haleakalā summit is cold and at high altitude.
- Emergency number
- 911 (police, fire, ambulance, ocean rescue)
- Staying connected
- Good mobile coverage in towns and resorts; coverage drops along the Road to Hāna, in Kīpahulu and parts of Haleakalā, so download offline maps.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Maui good for solo travellers?
Maui is easy for solo travellers who are comfortable driving; group snorkel trips, whale cruises and lūʻau are sociable, and Pāʻia and Kīhei have relaxed cafés and bars.
+Where should solo travellers stay in Maui?
Kīhei: Long, sunny south-shore town of condos, beach parks and casual food.