Travelers aren’t always the happy-go-lucky people that you believe them to be, joyously skipping, shackle-free, around the world, as they prepare to tackle their next adventure.
The truth is that sometimes, traveling is utterly miserable. Especially when you are going solo.
Not only do you have a long plane journey with nothing but bad Nicolas Cage movies to keep you company, but you don’t have anyone to share your fears with.
On the beach, who will agree with your fear of getting eaten by sharks? Who will you raise an eyebrow at, when some smiling local tries to give you SPAM for the first time? And, who will drag you up to the limbo at a poor hotel party?
Instead, you will stalk the island like a lone tiger, half scowling at the happy families in the sand and half losing yourself in the utter bliss of being alone.
That’s only partially true. There is a few sharp things that you can do to keep sane when traveling solo…
Now, Maui isn’t the easiest island for those who are feeling the pangs of loneliness. You are sure to find doe-eyed honeymooners at every turn. But, don’t let love grind you down. Life in Maui can be way more fun on your own! Check out these super cool solo Maui activities to keep you entertained on the luscious island…
Solo Trip To Maui: Take A Surf Lesson
Who needs friends when you look super cool riding a surf board to shore? And, have you ever seen a miserable surfer? Actually, don’t answer that question!
We can’t promise that surfing will make you look cool. In fact, for a while, it may make you look even more miserable. Water up your nose, the feeling of being thrown in a washing machine and the complete incapability to balance – sounds like fun, huh? Don’t be fooled, this is still one of the coolest things to do in Maui!
The funny part is that it is actually super fun, like the most fun that you can have in the world. Book a surf lesson and charge into the water to catch a few waves. We can almost guarantee that, at some point during your lesson, your face will be split into the biggest grin that you could ever muster.
Also, if you love it, then you can totally spend the rest of your time in Maui out in the water and dancing on the waves. No friends necessary.
On a side note – surfing will also make you feel like you have run a thousand marathons, which means that you can skip mingling at the awkward hotel luau listening to endless ‘how we met’ stories from boring couples and can just pass out in your bed.
Pro Tip– you’ll be so sore after your first surfing adventures that you won’t be able to lift your hands over your head. Bounce over to SuperCuts for a shampoo or practice contorting your body so that you can shampoo with your feet.
Solo travel in Maui, especially through activities like surfing, offers unparalleled opportunities for personal growth and adventure, making every moment of the journey truly unforgettable.
Go On A Group Hike In Pipiwai Trail
Maui is a whirlwind of beautiful scenery, with jaw-dropping sights that make every hike an unforgettable experience. In fact, you may as well just open your mouth now and keep it that way until you get back on your homeward bound flight.
Particularly noteworthy is the Pipiwai trail, a popular path that leads through the bamboo forests and ends at the Wailuku Falls, offering a 2-hour hike through some of the most beautiful scenery on the island. Of course, you can go off exploring on your own, but sometimes a group hike is so much better.
Walking alone is great, when you want time to your thoughts. But, solo Maui hikes can be smattered with confidence shattering moments…
Did I go the right way? Was the sound of that twig snapping a small rodent / anaconda / serial killer / ghost from mars? Am I lost? Will I be stranded on this mountain all night and be forced to drink my own urine?
You get the picture.
But, when you join a group hike, you can bash about the rainforest with ease, you can run up mountains and not waste a single moment with your head stuck in a map.
Sunrise Tour At Haleakala National Park
Sunrise perfectly reflects the meaning of new journey and exciting beginnings. So, how about kicking off your day with an incredible sunrise tour at one of Maui’s most iconic destinations?
If you love rare plants and animals and hiking, you’ve got to see Haleakalā National Park. The place is also known as the “House of the Sun” where you can see amazing view of both the sun rising and sun setting.
It’s the tallest spot in Maui, sitting atop a dormant volcano, the best place to disconnect with the world and the people.
To reach the top, you can drive all the way up to the summit or if you are booking a Haleakala sunrise tour, you’ll be taken comfortably in a air conditioned vehicle. You can take a nap as well on the way when its still dark outside.
Don’t forget to carry with yourself warm jackets and gloves as it can get quite chilly up there. And since you’ll be all alone you won’t have anyone to hug you while you feel cold.
Once the sun starts rising, get your camera ready. The sky turns this amazing mix of orange and pink—it’s a sight to behold!
And that’s not all! After the sunrise, you can end the tour with even more incredible views and a yummy breakfast and fresh Hawaiian coffee while taking in the stunning scenery outside.
See Stunning Landscapes On Your Way To Road To Hana Road Trip
If you love to travel solo and visit Maui, we highly recommend you to take a Road to Hana tour to check out the scenic side of Hawaii at your own pace.
The lush landscape is dotted with tumbling waterfalls, wild flowers growing deep in the rainforest, bright birds singing hypnotic melodies, sacred pools that seem to dazzle with mysticism, black sand beaches and the enchanting bamboo forest.
You can stop by at any place you like on the way and click some photos to capture the memories. As you explore the different places while on the drive, you’ll find many restaurants where you can halt and taste some delicious food.
Every moment spent here will surely be a time to cherish even when you go back to your town!
Climb Aboard For A Whale Watching Adventure
Who needs friends when you have whales? The second you see your humpback whales jumping from the water and causing a splash, you will know that you would have sold all of your friends to medical research for the chance to see it again.
Pick your tour carefully and try and find a non-profit organization who will pump the tour money back into keeping the gentle giants of the sea safe and the waters wonderfully clean and pristine. They deserve the money more than suited and booted execs, up in their ivory castles.
Go For A Snorkeling Tour At Molokini Crater At Maui
What could capture Maui fun more than a bunch of whales slapping their tails and leaping out of the water?Close to the wild and wonderful shores of Maui, you can go snorkeling at Molokini Crater.
The boat ride to the snorkeling site itself is an experience to cherish, offering pleasant ocean views and the fresh sea breeze that sets the perfect tone for an underwater adventure.
Here, over 250 species of fish shoal their way through the waters, and you might even spot Hawaiian monk seals along with the vibrant marine life. As soon as you stick your head under, you are bound to be blinded by an array of color.
Yet, to truly make the most of being out of your comfort zone, you should head into the depths of the deep blue sea and try a Maui snorkel tour.
Book An Exciting Submarine Tour
Can you imagine how amazing it would be to explore the underwater without really wetting yourself? Yes! You heard that right! You can stay dry but also experience the incredible world under the clean Pacific Ocean.
An underwater submarine tour is the right activity you’ll be interested in. Book one with the Atlantis Adventures that’ll take you 100 ft deep into the water where you can watch multiple sea creatures swimming with you alongside.
You don’t have to step out of your comfort zone. Relax inside the submarine that’s fully air-conditioned encompassing 8 passengers on the trip.
You’ll be seeing many colorful coral reefs and fishes making it one of the best activities you could have. Trust me, this is going to be one hell of a trip, especially on a sunny day in Hawaii.
Taste Fresh Chocolate At The Cacao Farm
Do you have a sweet tooth? Would you like to taste the freshest chocolate on the island? If yes, then you’re in for a treat with a tour to the Cacao Farm.
This, 1 hour tour into the heart of chocolate heaven will make your dreams come true. Yup, we’re talking about a cacao farm tour with a side of chocolate tasting that’ll blow your mind.
This is hands down one of the coolest things you can do solo in Maui. You’ll join a group and get an exclusive peek into a private cacao estate sprawling over 20 acres in the foothills.
You can expect to walk through the entire chocolate-making process, from cacao bean to scrumptious chocolate bar. And trust me, it’s way more fun than just listening to a lecture – these tours are interactive and downright memorable.
And here comes the best part – after all that learning, you get to treat your taste buds to a chocolate tasting extravaganza, accompanied by a heavenly cocoa drink.
It’s like Willy Wonka’s factory, but real and without the Oompa Loompas.
Kayak Alone On The Ocean At Turtle Town
Are you feeling a little more adventurous? Look no further than the self-guided clear-bottom kayak tour! It’s a total game-changer.
This 2 hours activity will allow you to see the underwater world in complete peace. Even if you’re a total newbie, you’ll be cruising like a champ in no time.
The kayak will have a clear bottom, which means you can catch a glimpse of all the cool marine life without even getting wet yourself. It’s like having your own personal submarine – but way cooler.
Now, the best place to enjoy this is in Turtle Town. You can explore the underwater wonders at your own pace. Yep, you heard that right – you’ll be paddling over crystal-clear waters, getting up close and personal with the area’s famous green sea turtles and all sorts of colorful reef fish.
Before getting forth with your adventure, you will definitely be trained on how to handle your kayak. Once you’re schooled enough, you’ll be all ready to launch into the water like a pro!
Take A Helicopter Ride Over Molokai And Then Head To Little Beach
If you don’t have vertigo and want to add some exciting activity to your itinerary, this has got to be a must-try!
Soared over 2000 ft high looking down at the waterfalls cascading down the sea cliffs, cruising through the lush West Maui mountains, and Molokai, you’ll be mesmerized on this 1 hour helicopter ride.
Just don’t peek out too much. If your luck in not that great you’ll end up having a serious adventure.
After the tour gets over, head to the famous Little Beach, that’s on the north side of the Big Beach. And not to worry if you don’t have an extra pair of clothes as this a nudie beach in the town.
Little Beach is the perfect place to meet people, have fun, party with the locals and the tourists, basically have a really great time without anyone judging you!
It will be like something straight out of a post on Insta, you know?
Some Travel Tips For Newbie Travelers Visiting Maui
When you are surrounded by couples clinking cocktails, ordering lobster, and gazing longingly into each other’s eyes, you may have moments where you want to hold their heads in a bucket of champagne or to hide in your room and watch all of the Harry Potter movies.
But screw that. You can have an ace time by being ace to yourself. We are talking about not scrimping on the dollars and treating yourself to a massage or groan inducing spa day at the Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Kea Lani Resort.
If you are traveling alone, seeking a unique and budget-friendly experience, consider staying at the Aloha Surf Hostel or Banana Bungalow. These accommodations offer a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with amenities like free tours to explore the island, hot tubs for evening relaxation, and they are within walking distance of key attractions.
We recommend you to look for a car rental, especially from locations like the Hyatt Regency Hotel to enhance your adventure. Renting a car will allow you to explore the Road to Hana and more of Maui’s beauty at your own pace. These hostels are perfect for meeting other travelers, joining group tours, and enjoying social activities, making your solo travel experience in Maui unforgettable.
We are talking about eating your weight in SPAM musubi, indulging in delicious Maui delights aboard a dinner cruise and then spending hours snoozing in a hammock, waking only to take another sip of your Tequila Sunrise. These are the best things to do in Maui! You should also totally eat your way through the following list.
We are also talking about buying yourself beautiful shell jewelry, renting a car and going on awesome adventures, galloping across the sands on horseback and booking yourself the whole penthouse suite (ok, maybe don’t go that far, you don’t want to bankrupt yourself). Indulging in a little luxury is a reminder that you are awesome and you are worth it, and will make your Maui trip a lot less miserable.
FAQs
Is it safe for solo travelers to explore Maui on their own?
Overall, Maui is a safe destination, however, you must be careful just like you would in any tourist destination, such as staying aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated areas at night. Also, if possible, consider joining group tours or activities for added safety.
Can I rent transportation for exploring Maui if I’m traveling alone?
While public transport is easily available, renting a car or scooter is a popular option for those traveling alone and are looking to explore Maui at their own pace.
Are there any solo traveler-friendly accommodations in Maui?
Maui offers a variety of accommodations including hostels, boutique hotels, and vacation rentals. Look for options with communal spaces or organized activities to meet other travelers. If it’s your first trip here, I’ll suggest Hakuna Matata Hostel if you are looking for a quiet place. But, if you love meeting new people and want to relax on a hot tub after a tiring day, Banana Bungalow is a great option to stay.
Get Ready To Have The Best Solo Trip To Maui
So, wrapping things up, soloing it in Maui might seem a bit scary at first, but trust me, there’s a ton of stuff to do that’ll make your trip epic. When you are here, you’ll never run out of adventures. Whether it is cruising in the water or flying and exploring the island from a bird’s eye POV, there’s just a lot of things to do.
And if you are worried about the stay, there are budget-friendly and amazing places to crash where you can meet fellow travelers. So, even if you think you’re alone, you really won’t be.
Now what?! Get ready and treat yourself to awesome experiences, and make some killer memories on Maui!
