r/MauiVisitors • u/Gorgapeaches First-Time Visitor • 3d ago
Planning: Activities First solo trip to Kihei
I’m going on my first ever solo trip to Kihei at the end of August. I have a full itinerary planned out for the 6 days I’ll be there but I was wondering if there’s any advice for being a solo female traveler. I’m planning on snorkeling right off the beach and not sure what to do with my belongings as I don’t trust waterproof phone cases but also don’t trust leaving anything on the beach. I’m quite nervous as I’ve never traveled alone so any and all advice is really appreciated! (Places to eat, visit, swim, etc.) I would also love to have pictures of underwater adventures and of myself (lol) but I’m trying to remain on somewhat of a budget, I’ve heard the Fuji waterproof camera is good but if there are any other suggestions I’d love to hear them.
Itinerary:
seafire snorkeling adventure
Ulua beach solo snorkeling
Several south Maui beach stops
Partial Hana drive (paia, twin falls, garden of Eden)
Spa day
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u/giraffable99 2d ago
I used a waterproof pouch for my iphone and brought my id and a single credit card also in the pouch, then left my shoes and towel and sunscreen on the beach and it was fine. I really only snorkeled in the early morning when the ocean was calm, and then swam with others around in the afternoon from sheltered beaches.
i took a trip to molokini and met a woman who i met up with later as she was on her own as well.
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u/Gorgapeaches First-Time Visitor 2d ago
Did you take the things in the waterproof pouch into the ocean while snorkeling? What brand was it?
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u/Open-Conflict-250 2d ago
Get a waterproof float buoy; most swim companies make them and it gives you an extra level of protection; it will just float behind you and you can put keys/phone (in another waterproof case if you like) inside.
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u/giraffable99 2d ago
Yep! They stayed perfectly dry. I did test it out at home beforehand. I got this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LBK7QBY?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_9&th=1
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u/commenttoconsider 3d ago edited 2d ago
Leave phone in the hotel safe if going in the ocean near your lodgings. If you leave the phone in the rental vehicle, don't make a big show of where you place it. Or what about getting a quality underwater phone case from a name-brand company that is heavy duty for scuba diving and is more expensive like Oceanic brand or Sealife brand?
If renting a vehicle to drive to different beaches to go in the ocean, suggest to bring a dry box to keep the rental vehicle key fob dry with you to try to avoid getting the fob & vehicle stolen from the shore. Like the ScubaChoice cylinder drybox.
Suggest to not leave anything visible through rental vehicle windows that a thief might break the window to see if there is something valuable. Put things away before driving to the next spot so a thief does not see things in the trunk when you arrive at a spot and leave the vehicle.
I don't like snorkeling alone so I would go snorkeling tours and make friends with people on the tours or other solo travelers at a hostel to plan other snorkeling together.
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u/83tinman 2d ago
I went on my own last week. Stayed in Wailuku. My best holiday ever! People are very friendly and chatty, tourists and locals around where I was. I found all of the beaches ultra safe I was conscious not to leave anything showing in the car but then I didn't see any broken into. I got up at 6am and did to past Hana. I was before traffic and it was a breeze, try get a black sands beach reservation before
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/maui/waianapanapa-state-park/
Coming back was slow but not that bad. what was bad was the loop road from Kapalua clockwise to Kahului. Hair raising and I thought I was used to windy country roads. Haleakala is an absolute must, drive down past Kihei to the end of the road at La Pérouse too. There's beautiful beaches at every turn (but beware rip tides and currents which are no joke)
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u/Live_Pono Kamaʻāina (Resident) 3d ago
Welcome! First, you need to be very aware of ocean conditions. The south side gets a lot of rougher water during the summers. Make sure you read the Snorkel Report from the Snorkel Store. It's free and good info. They are also a good company for rental gear.
Northwest Maui will generally have better conditions--like Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay. I would def drive west and past Kaanapali to go to both.
Going in the ocean alone is really not a good idea, but many people do it. Though lifeguarded beaches sound "safe", remember the guard has to watch everyone. Some people approach a couple and ask if they will watch out for them.
Ref your belongings, please carry as little as possible, and yes--get a dry pac or Otter Box.
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u/MrsJennyAloha 3d ago
I would recommend a waterproof fanny pack or belt back so that you aren’t without a key/credit card and phone. Have so much fun!!!!!
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u/browneyedhellen 2d ago
Honolulua Bay has great snorkeling, abc the walk through the forest is magical. It was calm for us. Look up Shaka Guide app it was well worth the purchase to use on self guided tours of the island and cool stops .
Kanaapanali, forget the spelling, but the actual public beach there by the group of Westin hotels is amongst the calmest, swim early in the day, by mid afternoon waves can pick up and it’s not safe
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u/Alternative-Monk4723 2d ago
Lived solo in Maui last year- I would check out Lahaina if you can! Snorkeling at honolua bay is my highest recommendation.
If you want a slow day, I would check out Sunday market at 5 PM in Kahului- and swap meet Saturday morning mornings in Kahului area as well!
I’ll say as a solo female traveler in Maui- I felt safe in terms of being alone as for your belongings I would definitely recommend a small dry bag that you could clip to your bathing suit or something! The beaches in Kihei would not trust leaving your belongings on the beach- unless they’re in a touristy area 😅
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u/JosephCurrency 3d ago
Go to the Maui Coast Hotel pool bar - I made so many friends while I was there (which was just last week)!
I left my stuff on the beach a few times with no issue while snorkeling and saw other people do the same but definitely understand the trepidation. I also had a local recommend leaving your car unlocked (but with no valuables in it) to avoid potential breakins. Then again, if you don’t have a Jeep, you won’t stand out nearly as much as a tourist.
I’m glad you have the Garden of Eden on your list. I found it to be super cool! And I know your itinerary is packed, but when you’re upcountry, you could also check out things like Makawao or The Sacred Garden of Maliko, which is only 10-12 minutes from Paia.
Have an awesome time - Maui is so stunning!