So you have a few ideas of where you want to travel but are having difficulty deciding and...

It's your first solo trip but you're a little hesitant...

At the same time you're ready to get on with it

Then read on because I think Maui is the perfect Starter Destination for the first time solo traveling woman over 50.

My husband and I have traveled to Maui several times and on this trip I decided to look at Maui through the lens of the women over 50 traveling solo for the first time.

I also selfishly have started to think about that time that will come where my husband will no longer be able to make this trip and I asked myself…

Would I come to Maui on my own and the answer was a resounding HECK YES!

Let’s start with some simple geography about Hawaii and why Maui is the perfect choice for a solo visit.

There are four main islands 

🏝️ O’ahu - where Honolulu is located and the most populated island think nearly a million people

🏝️ Hawaii - known as the big island thing big volcano’s as in Kilauea and Mauna Loa

🏝️ Kaua’i - known as the garden island and a little more off the beaten track, great for hikes and much quieter tourist wise than the other islands

🏝️ Maui - Maui is just like “Goldilocks and the three bears”...

It’s that in between the hustle and bustle of O’ahu and the quiet of Kaua’i…

See, I said Maui is perfect for a solo trip. 

You can chose to have an adventure packed solo trip with sunrise on Haleakala volcano to helicopter rides to surfing to scuba diving to whale watching.

But it can also be a real place for solitude. If you just want to hang out by a pool or beach or take in a spa day or two ;-).

And then you can do the Goldilocks “just right” thing and do a combination of adventure and a bit of lazing around.

Let’s dive into the basics…

First The Weather

What I love about Maui is its not too hot for a tropical vacation and the weather is pretty consistent year round.

Think of temperatures ranging between 16 - 27 Celsius.

This means you get to enjoy lovely warm days but not to the point where you are boiling. And… it cools off in the evening but still warm enough to sit out and enjoy the sunset and a cocktail on your lanai.

Getting To Maui

You can fly to Maui from the West Coast of the US and Canada. In addition there are regular flights between Honolulu and Maui.

The airport is small and compact and the rental car centre is right on site so everything is convenient for you landing and getting on your way.

The Kahului airport is small and easy to find your way around.

https://airports.hawaii.gov/ogg

Seasonal Considerations

Maui tends to be a year around destination given the consistency in the weather but it is definitely much busier in the Christmas holiday season and over the North American winter months.

Who Typically Travels to Maui

It an be easy to think that Maui might be more of a “couples” island but hold that thought. Maui caters to everyone from families, to wellness seekers, nature lovers, adventure seekers and much more. 

Many American and Canadian’s own condos and are regular visitors for the winter. 

It is definitely easy to connect with people if you want to.

So you definitely won’t look out of place traveling solo.

Safety

If you’re a regular reader of my blog you know safety is HUGE for me and my fellow female travelers.

What I love about Maui compared to O’ahu is that there aren’t as many people picture ~164,000 total compared to nearly a million people on O’ahu. 

So yes, while there might be more shopping in Honolulu I’ll trade that off any day for something a bit smaller and intimate.

Maui and its people are so welcoming and the crime rate is low and more petty in nature.

And as I write this its only been just over a year since the tragic fire that destroyed much of Lahaina. Maui depends on tourism and they are eager to see visitors return so now couldn’t be a better time to visit.

Accommodations

You get to pick what works for you. There are many of the big name hotels but this is also an island where AirBnB and VRBO accommodation is abundant.

Personally I would be more than comfortable to stay in one of the many condo units on offer through AirBnB and VRBO. 

Transportation

You will definitely want to have a rental car for your stay. The island is compact so getting to different places doesn’t take very long and the roads are excellent.

All the car rentals are located across the road from the airport terminal. There is even a little tram to take if you don’t want to walk the short distance.

The Different Areas Of Maui

Maui has distinct areas and for those of us who have traveled here frequently tend to have our favourite “go to” areas. 

I’ll start with my fav… 

West Maui: Which includes Kaanapali, Napili-Honokowai, Kahana, and Kapalua and Lahaina which suffered from the devastating fire of 2023. This area is about a 45 minute drive from the airport. 

I love this part of the island because it has everything you need from sandy beaches to my all time favorite is the Kapalua area. 

It is a great mix of AirBnb style condo rentals, low rise and a handful of beach resorts or go totally up market to the Ritz Carlton.

There is a lovely breeze that even on the hottest days saves you from using air conditioning. 

And I like how the local residents homes are tucked along the coast and in the hills. 

My husband and I have stayed in different parts of the west but our “go to” are the condos at Napali Point Resort.

You can rent the condos directly from the site below or you can find some owners also make their units available on AirBnB and VRBO. 

https://www.napili.com/

Why we love this location in particular…

It’s low rise, don’t be put off by the slightly dated exterior look. This is common for many places in Maui to have been built in the 70’s and 80’s. 

Many of the owners have been renovating their units so they are lovely inside. 

While there are 115 units it never feels crowded. There are two swimming pools - a must for me and I never have a problem having the pool to myself to do my laps.

But the best part is you have uninterrupted up close and personal views of the ocean and the island of Moloka’i.

It is difficult to describe how incredibly beautiful the sunsets are. 

What I also love depending on which unit you choose you look across the bay at the houses dotted around Honokeana Bay which is famous for the green sea turtles…

And you don’t even need to get in the water to see them.

And if you pick your visit to be sometime around November to April you can sit on your lanai and watch the humpback whales swim past!

If you would prefer more of a hotel vibe then you might look into the Napali Kai Beach Resort.

https://www.napilikai.com/

I also love the look of Honokeana Cove Resort which we look across the cover to from Napili Point Resort.

https://honokeana.net/

South Maui: Includes Kihei, Wailea, and Makena, and is a popular tourist destination.

If you’re still a little concerned about traveling solo for the first time and prefer a hotel I would recommend Wailea. 

You will find all the name brand hotels at different from the Four Seasons to Marriott to Wyndham… there is a hotel and budget to fit your needs.

When you think of Wailea picture manicured gardens and beautiful tropical resorts and gated communities. 

You will find the cute upscale shopping centre called “The Shops At Wailea” for high end shopping. 

https://www.theshopsatwailea.com/

Kihei is very popular if you love long sandy beaches and a lot of families return year after year to this area.

These tend to be the main areas people stay in and use as a base to visit other parts of the island.

Things To See And Do

I’m big on always having a purpose to any of my trips and I clearly distinguish between a trip and a vacation.

Maui is more of a vacation for me where I’m going to spend most of my time chilling out vs. a trip where I am looking for new experiences.

Now Maui is great because you can do either or a combination of trip and vacation.

Road To Hana

The road to Hana is one of the most scenic drives in the world but… DO NOT DRIVE it!

You want to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and the road is very as in very windy with numerous one way only sections…

Think 600+ turns, 50+ one-lane bridges!!!

Instead pick a small group tour, say no more than 8 people. This means a couple of things.

1. The vehicle will be smaller to deal with those windy roads and…

2. The fewer people the more intimate your experience will be

Below is a sample of what a tour looks like:

https://www.roadtohanatours.com/tours/small-group-road-to-hana-tour/

This is an all day experience and you must absolutely buy a loaf of banana bread along the way… its all part of the experience and not to be missed.

Haleakala Sunrise Tour

Full disclosure I have not done this tour and not likely to. 

I come from New Zealand originally so the whole volcano thing is part of my DNA plus… the idea of being on a tropical island and freezing my tush off well you guessed it, its not really my thing.

https://haleakalacrater.com/

However, for you it might be just the thing you’ve dreamed of so go for it.

Labyrinths

Now while volcanos are not my thing labyrinths are definitely my thang!

Now if you’re not familiar with a labyrinth here goes.

A labyrinth is circle with a path that leads you into the centre of the circle. 

They are not to be confused with a maze which is puzzle.

Labyrinths are used for meditation and prayer and have an extremely calming effect. 

So not only are you in Maui which immediately has this amazingly calming and serenity feeling but throw in three labyrinths and for those looking for a more spiritual or energetic feeling will love Maui.

At the Sacred Garden you get to experience not one but two labyrinths. Plus a very zen like atmosphere with its quirky garden.

Please do make donation as this place is truly special.

https://sacredgardenmaui.com/

Now just 10 minutes from where we stay is the Kapalua Labyrinth. Not only is this a large labyrinth but it is in the most stunning setting on the point above the ocean.  

There is only a small car park so I would suggest going early in the morning when you are most likely to have the place almost to yourself.

Makawao - Cowboy Country

Now I know you don’t immediately think of cowboys when you think of Hawaii but think again.

But ranching has a long history in Maui including the Paniolo (Hawaiian for Cowboy).

Makawao is a cute little town in the Upcountry area of Maui.

https://mauiguidebook.com/upcountry/makawao-town/

If you’re going to visit the Sacred Garden you are literally 10 minutes from Makawao.

You definitely want to put this on your list of a little half day trip where you get to walk the labyrinths of the Sacred Garden and then hang out with an amazing coffee in Makawao and…

Get in a little retail therapy. There are some cute little shops that you can poke around in and likely walk away with a purchase ;-)

Paia

This is another cute little half day trip to check out the galleries and shops here and chill outside at a restaurant or cafe and watch the world go by.

🔥🔥🔥Hot Tip🔥🔥🔥

Do go early. This places gets super busy and parking can be difficult.

https://mauiguidebook.com/north-shore-maui/paia-town/

While you’re in this area there are a couple of other things you might enjoy…

Drive a few minutes further down the road and you will come to Ho'okipa Beach Park.

The views of the ocean and waves crashing are spectacular. But also…

A world famous surfing beach. I get mesmerized just watching the surfers catching the waves. 

https://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/hookipa-beach-park/

Now Baldwin Beach Park is just before you get to Paia. It has a lovely long beach with good facilities.

I would avoid the park on the weekend as it is very popular with the locals.

https://mauiguidebook.com/north-shore-maui/baldwin-beach-park/

A word of caution! Maui beaches while beautiful can be deceptively dangerous. So if traveling solo and going to a beach make sure you checkout how safe the beach is re riptides etc.

Lavender Farm

Now on your way to drop in and visit Oprah haha. Yes, she does have a place on Maui and its in the same neighborhood as the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm.

It’s easy to think of Maui and only think of the beaches and ocean but what I love about Maui is the upcountry hillside areas. 

If nothing else the drive up to the Lavender Farm is fun and the views across the island and out to sea are worth it alone. 

However, it is absolutely worth checking out the Lavender Farm.

https://www.aliikulalavender.com/?doing_wp_cron=1733613610.7887039184570312500000

Other Things To See And Do

My intention was not to be the complete Wikipedia of Maui but to give you some insight into the things I have come to love about Maui and…

To give you ideas for who you might want to spend some of you time on Maui.

Other activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, golfing, visiting a pineapple farm or distillery tours, whale watching tours, outrigger canoe tours and much more.

Oh and I nearly forgot 🤦‍♀️the spas that you can choose from.

Places To Eat

OMG, I almost forgot the food haha.

I don’t know about you but when I travel to warmer climates I have less of an appetite. 

You are not short of options in Maui.

My favourite are the Food Trucks, I know now what you were expecting.

But seriously there are several Food Truck parks around the island and the food is both excellent and varied.

If you’re in a condo of some sort there are several small markets and Safeway to grab food from as well as local Farmers Markets in a couple of spots.

And of course if you are a coffee lover you will not be disappointed. Both plenty of coffee shops to get your cup of jo but also great places to just hang out. 

I’ve already mentioned that I love the little cafes and also places to eat in Makawao and Paia if you are out for the day. 

If you’re staying on the West side between restaurants at the resorts and dotted along the coast you won’t be short of a choice.

And last but not least a local institution is Leoda's.

If you love pies this is a must stop to dine in or grab a pie or two or three haha to take to your hotel or condo.

https://www.leodas.com/

Additional Resources

https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/maui

Interested in more, check out my YouTube Channel

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Female Travelers Over 50 By Raewyn Crist: @FemaleTravelers50Plus

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So cheers to wheels up to winging your way to your long dreamed of destination.