Island in Hawaii, United States
Maui for solo travelers
Is Maui good for solo travel?
Hawaii's favorite island for beaches, whale watching, Road to Hana and Haleakala sunrise. A car is essential; very expensive, quiet nights and housing shortages after the 2023 Lahaina fire limit stays.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 3/5 · Good, with some effort |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women. Avoid isolated beaches and trails after dark, and book rides in advance for late nights. |
How to meet people in Maui
Snorkel and whale-watching boat trips, surf lessons in Lahaina and Kihei, hiking groups at Haleakala, yoga classes in Paia, and a couple of hostels in Wailuku and Kihei.
Good things to do alone
- Watch sunrise from Haleakala (book ahead)
- Snorkel Molokini Crater by boat
- Surf a lesson at Kihei's Cove Park
- Drive part of the Road to Hana
- Whale-watch Dec–Apr
Where to stay in Maui
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Kihei | Affordable condos, beaches and snorkelling |
| Wailea | Upscale resorts and calm beaches |
| Paia | Boho beach town, windsurfing and cafés |
| Kaanapali / Napili | Resort beaches on the west side |
| Upcountry (Makawao, Kula) | Cool, quiet stays with ranch and farm views |
Solo travel across United States
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | 5/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Nashville | 5/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Austin | 5/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Las Vegas | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Los Angeles | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Miami | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| San Francisco | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Honolulu | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Washington, D.C. | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Chicago | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Boston | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| New Orleans | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| San Diego | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Seattle | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Miami Beach | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Key West | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Denver | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Philadelphia | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Portland | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Atlanta | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Charleston | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Savannah | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Fort Lauderdale | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Kauai | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Big Island | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Sedona | 4/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Orlando | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Maui | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| San Antonio | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Scottsdale | 3/5 | Spoken almost everywhere |
Quick answers
Is Maui good for solo travelers?
Good, with some effort (3/5). Hawaii's favorite island for beaches, whale watching, Road to Hana and Haleakala sunrise.
How do you meet people in Maui?
Snorkel and whale-watching boat trips, surf lessons in Lahaina and Kihei, hiking groups at Haleakala, yoga classes in Paia, and a couple of hostels in Wailuku and Kihei. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Maui?
Spoken almost everywhere.
Is Maui safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women. Avoid isolated beaches and trails after dark, and book rides in advance for late nights.
More about Maui
Going to Maui solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Maui meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Maui Bus (County of Maui Department of Transportation)
- Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports (OGG)
- Maui Visitors Bureau
- Maui Health
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.