Hawaii - Solo on Maui....suggestions?

Hello All,
I'm going to Molokai for a month for work, but will be staying on Maui for 5 days prior to my arrival on Molokai. Unfortunately, my wife can't come for the trip, but still hoping to have a fantastic time.

Details: Arriving on Maui Wednesday Jan 11th at 12:30 PM and leaving for Molokai from OGG (quick mokulele airlines flight) sunday Jan 15th at 2:20 PM. I'll be staying at the westin (unless I find something better over the next 2 days, i'm a sucker for good deals at nice hotels). I figure I'll go to beaches, snorkel, haleakala, just the beginning of the road to Hana (I've done the whole way in the past), possibly Iao needle, molokini, lahaina pizza once or twice?

These are just some ideas, but wondering if anybody has any other suggestions or approaches to being alone on Maui. Of course I would have loved to be with my wife but i'm determined to have a good time. FTers are super helpful and creative, so looking forward to your ideas.

Golfing. Asked to be paired
Tennis ask to be player matched
Eating. Eat at restaurant bars
Tours etc. call the operators and tell them you can be a last min fill in and maybe you'll get a discounted rate
Hula. Free shows at lahaina cannery mall
Many more I can't think of now

We recently stayed at the Westin without much guidance for food, and so we explored a few places that were well-reviewed on Yelp:


Shave ice at Ululani's was great, http://www.yelp.com/biz/ululanis-hawaiian-shave-ice-kahului
Excellent kalua pork at Local Food, http://www.yelp.com/biz/local-food-lahaina
Awesome malasadas and a top-notch Vietnamese crepe at Star Noodle, which can have a long wait during dinner hours and whose location is slightly off the beaten track, http://www.yelp.com/biz/star-noodle-lahaina
Fresh mahi mahi and ahi sandwiches, plus some tasty ahi poke, at Fish Market Maui, http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-fish-market-maui-lahaina
Gerard's is very French -- for example they serve locally caught fish prepared per French culinary tradition, and puff pastry with pineapple; awesome food although the clientele is a little too 1% for me, http://www.yelp.com/biz/gerards-restaurant-lahaina
On the way to the Iao Needle, it's worth a stop for hot malasadas (prepared fresh at certain hours, call ahead) or for fresh manju and mochi at Home Maid Bakery, http://www.yelp.com/biz/home-maid-bakery-wailuku


We didn't find good places for char siu or for manapuas, but I bet they're out there.

Not food: some really interesting scenery at the huge banyan tree, http://www.yelp.com/biz/banyan-tree-park-lahaina.

Thanks!!

Any other ideas?

You don't mention if this is first trip to Maui or one of many.

If the former, I am assuming you mean the Westin on Kaanapali Beach. Go to the beach and turn right and walk down to the Black Rock at the Sheraton. Mostly vertical rock face over deeper water so no sucking your stomach up off the rocks. (If the swells are down generally considered to be one of the better snorkel spots on Maui and its just out the back door. If the sea is flat as glass swim clear out to the end and work your way back in to the cuts that are only accessable from the sea side for different fish varieties, but usually not that calm).

Lahina is goofy, historical, and artsy but worth the trip unless you have been 10 times.

Day trip back to Pearl Harbor if you have never been.

2nd time to Maui. I went this past summer with my wife for a week, following a week on the big island, and a week on Kauai. I was with my wife the last trip though, so I think the tone of this trip will be quite different. Hoping to avoid boredom...

2nd time to Maui. I went this past summer with my wife for a week, following a week on the big island, and a week on Kauai. I was with my wife the last trip though, so I think the tone of this trip will be quite different. Hoping to avoid boredom...

Did you guys end up staying at Fairmont Kea Lani, or Ritz Carlton Kapalua?..

Probably, you want to be central where the action is and if on a bit of budget going solo, a hotel in Ka'anapali may suit.. especially with the convenience of shops and restaurants around that strip..

If the company is picking up the bill, may as well treat yourself to the Fairmont or Ritz again..

Great happy hour with live music on Kaanapali Beach @ LEILANI'S -- Saturday afternoons (3-5 pm)^ Two musicians are awesome (Harry & J.D.) and $4 mai tais, margaritas, and sliders ;)

Did you guys end up staying at Fairmont Kea Lani, or Ritz Carlton Kapalua?..

Probably, you want to be central where the action is and if on a bit of budget going solo, a hotel in Ka'anapali may suit.. especially with the convenience of shops and restaurants around that strip..

If the company is picking up the bill, may as well treat yourself to the Fairmont or Ritz again..

We Stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani and it was truly spectacular. Received a double upgrade....we were in heaven. This time around I was booked for the Westin Maui resort and spa, but I just switched my reservation to the Marriott Wailea. I actually like Wailea a lot more than Kaanapali, but would have felt silly paying for a suite at the Fairmont as I'll be staying alone.

We Stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani and it was truly spectacular. Received a double upgrade....we were in heaven. This time around I was booked for the Westin Maui resort and spa, but I just switched my reservation to the Marriott Wailea. I actually like Wailea a lot more than Kaanapali, but would have felt silly paying for a suite at the Fairmont as I'll be staying alone.

Yeah.. we feel the same way.. last year we did not want to leave Kea Lani.. it was quite the feeling..

Mutual, on staying in Wailea vs Kaanapali.. plus the real estate is worth 3 or so times more in Wailea for very good reason.. A 2,800 fourplex is going ocean front for $4 million.. Truly the most spectacular area in all of HI imo..

Yeah.. we feel the same way.. last year we did not want to leave Kea Lani.. it was quite the feeling..

Mutual, on staying in Wailea vs Kaanapali.. plus the real estate is worth 3 or so times more in Wailea for very good reason.. A 2,800 fourplex is going ocean front for $4 million.. Truly the most spectacular area in all of HI imo..

Personally, I'm a huge fan of the fairmont Orchid and the surrounding area. I'm just a huge fan of the big island, one of my favorite spots on the planet...

Personally, I'm a huge fan of the fairmont Orchid and the surrounding area. I'm just a huge fan of the big island, one of my favorite spots on the planet...

Agreed.. I just booked today ten nights again this year spring break, in an Ocean Front Suite.. 1,477 sq ft, panoramic ocean front.. pm me next time you go.. The rate I got was just insane.. Regular is $1,749 per night

Unfortunately, Kea Lani just upped their prices for Easter Long Weekend on Maui.. I tried to book friends and family, but miscalculated as I forgot that it was Easter Long Weekend..

I think we'll have to try out the Four Seasons On Lanai in its place..

If you are worried/concerned about being bored on Maui, then your stay on Molokai will drive you bonkers!
Lol sorry. The bored part on a 5 day stay seems silly to me :)

The Waterpark at Grand Wailea is a blast.
Any of the nearby properties make it an easy walk.

Many times, the Four Seasons next door has a really nice local art fare in the lobby. Fun to see the local arts on display.

The shops at Wailea is an easy walk from many properties. There are really nice shops, yes, but you will also find great restaurants, and nice coffee shops.
I like to hang out at Longhi's Restaurant/Bar. Free Wifi, and great place for breakfast/lunch/dinner without breaking the bank. Sit outside under the lanai!
Tell "Marko" I said HELLO!
There is also a Longhi's at Ala Moana on Oahu, so I frequent both of them a lot.

Also, Try Maui Bake Shop and Deli, 2092 Vineyard Street, Wailuku for a real breakfast or lunch treat. This place does not look like much from the outside (What does in Wailuku?), but the food is astounding. You have a genuine French Chef baking and making you food. Actually, most genuine I've had outside of Paris. And he does not compromise. His dishes are incredible. The baked goods are out of this world. If you have wheels and are anywhere near this place, stop by. Park anywhere along the street or side streets where you find room. Go in, and enjoy.

As a bonus, as long as you are on that side of the island, explore the shops and mall there. They are very nice. After all, you can't sit on a beach or play golf, or sit at a bar/restaurant the entire time, can you? Well, I guess you can! But stop and enjoy the local shops anyway. There are a bunch of them around that bakery/deli. Buy your wife something nice. :)

Hey, it's Maui, dude. You could have fun just BEING THERE! ;) Snap a picture of yourself somewhere and send it to yourself and say, "Having a GREAT time, GLAD I am HERE!"

What I,m really wondering
What kind of job do you have that requires a MONTH on molokai?

We were ther once for a week and loved it,the scenery,small town feel
Have fun as well as working
I,m jealous!

The Waterpark at Grand Wailea is a blast.
Any of the nearby properties make it an easy walk.

Many times, the Four Seasons next door has a really nice local art fare in the lobby. Fun to see the local arts on display.

The shops at Wailea is an easy walk from many properties. There are really nice shops, yes, but you will also find great restaurants, and nice coffee shops.
I like to hang out at Longhi's Restaurant/Bar. Free Wifi, and great place for breakfast/lunch/dinner without breaking the bank. Sit outside under the lanai!
Tell "Marko" I said HELLO!
There is also a Longhi's at Ala Moana on Oahu, so I frequent both of them a lot.

Also, Try Maui Bake Shop and Deli, 2092 Vineyard Street, Wailuku for a real breakfast or lunch treat. This place does not look like much from the outside (What does in Wailuku?), but the food is astounding. You have a genuine French Chef baking and making you food. Actually, most genuine I've had outside of Paris. And he does not compromise. His dishes are incredible. The baked goods are out of this world. If you have wheels and are anywhere near this place, stop by. Park anywhere along the street or side streets where you find room. Go in, and enjoy.

As a bonus, as long as you are on that side of the island, explore the shops and mall there. They are very nice. After all, you can't sit on a beach or play golf, or sit at a bar/restaurant the entire time, can you? Well, I guess you can! But stop and enjoy the local shops anyway. There are a bunch of them around that bakery/deli. Buy your wife something nice. :)

Hey, it's Maui, dude. You could have fun just BEING THERE! ;) Snap a picture of yourself somewhere and send it to yourself and say, "Having a GREAT time, GLAD I am HERE!"

We haven't had the pleasure of staying at the GW or Four Seasons, but we've walked the properties a number of times and always choose to stay at the Kea Lani..

But, if travelling alone to GW, FS or Fairmont, its hard to justify the room expense. Maybe the Mariott, as I think they have smaller rooms. Shops at Wailea is a great place to shop and frequent for convenience..

What I,m really wondering
What kind of job do you have that requires a MONTH on molokai?

We were ther once for a week and loved it,the scenery,small town feel
Have fun as well as working
I,m jealous!

I'm a medical student and will be doing a family medicine rotation on Molokai

Having an awesome time here on Maui by the way. Thanks to all for your helpful suggestions. This place is awesome and the ocean, mountains, trees, plants, stars, everything basically is a feast for the eyes.

Having an awesome time here on Maui by the way. Thanks to all for your helpful suggestions. This place is awesome and the ocean, mountains, trees, plants, stars, everything basically is a feast for the eyes.

Awesome.. and you're solo.. good on you to get alone time, and refresh the mind..:cool:

If you are worried/concerned about being bored on Maui, then your stay on Molokai will drive you bonkers!
Lol sorry. The bored part on a 5 day stay seems silly to me :)

Wasn't literally worried about being bored even though I did use that term. Was more concerned about missing my spouse as it is the beginning of a month apart. While i do miss her, still having the time of my life here in paradise...

If you have a apt in. Molokai, bring food supplies from. Maui with you
Limited supplies on Molokai
Bring your favorites in a rubber bin tape it up and use as your portable pantry

If you have a apt in. Molokai, bring food supplies from. Maui with you
Limited supplies on Molokai
Bring your favorites in a rubber bin tape it up and use as your portable pantry

So what major hotels in Molokai.. Lanai has the two Four Seasons.. anything noteworthy to stay in on Molokai.. IIRC didn't military test weapons on Molokai?

Pretty sure both major hotels sheraton and the lodge hotel are shut down
Leaving B n B's and condos as the only option

I did a 5 day solo trip to Maui back in 2003. Had a great time. I:

1) snorkeled at Ahihi Cove
2) snorkeled in front of my hotel (The Fairmont)
3) went and saw the drum circle on Little Beach in Makena on Sunday night
4) drove to Hana
5) checked out the shops at Wailea
6) had plenty of shave ice

If you've never been to Haleakala Crater that's worth a trip, and splurge at dinner at the Kula Lodge.

Have a wonderful time!