Hello Solo! I have never traveled solo but I have a single son who does at times. He really likes hostels for this reason: He meets people from all over and enjoys conversations with them over breakfast. Most of which are also solo travelers. You could check Maui Hostels, read up on them and see if it could fit your needs. http://www.hostels.com/maui/usa?source=hostelscomus&gclid=CMreiriribUCFawWMgodZTgAIA

There are myriad VRBO rentals that can be very inexpensive, and that way you can fix your own meals/picnics, etc. (For example, Hale Kamaole in south Kihei is a nice complex with pretty grounds, tennis courts, barbeques, 2 pools, right across from the beach, and some start at $88/night: http://www.vrbo.com/search/usa/hawaii/maui/south-maui/kihei/south/hale-kamaole?bedrooms=1 )
The rental car agreements state restrictions for driving on "unimproved" roads; the highway you are referring to is constantly being improved, and I have driven it on visits for 20+ years with no problems.
The road to Hana (and all the way around, as you mention), Haleakala crater (I love sunset, not sunrise), the historic town of Lahaina, and myriad beachs and snorkel spots are must sees. There are also boat excursions, such as to the wonderful clear deep snorkeling off Molokini, and the upcountry towns are fun to visit.
Too much to do to list!

If you want privacy and a feeling like being at home (but in paradise) and not a busy resort check into the Maui Kai. You can book through VRBO or they have an office you can check with where they book the "pool" of units. It is north of the main Kaanapali area, all ocean front with a lanai, fantastic view, very low key and reasonably priced. I travel solo and just returned from Kauai and Maui a couple days ago.

You can get to most if where you want to on the "allowed" roads. DO NOT just stop at HANA, you have to keep going past it, still on good roads, to Oheo and walk out the little trail. AMAZING

March 31 is Easter and the weeks on either side are typically busy, so best not wait too long before making decisions.

If I were traveling solo, I'd want to stay close to the action, which on Maui is Kaanapali Beach or maybe even Lahaina. If you'd prefer more privacy, perhaps a studio condo on the beach at Napili. Kinda hard to get more specific without having a better idea of your budget though.

I'm curious why you chose Maui. For a solo traveler, I think Waikiki makes better sense. Might be easier on the budget too.

1. I would like to thank all you for your kind and informative responses.

2. I would like to apologize for the double posting. I let my fingers do the walking. (did I just show my age?)

@cd - That is a thought but I prefer a lot more privacy. Thank you though.

@sylvia3: Much obliged for the information on VRBO, I will research that. As far as the driving restrictions, I am referring to that little stretch of land between after Kaupo. I have read, may have been misinformed, but more likely, I misunderstood; that the rental vehicles have GPS systems in them that the agency reviews after you have returned the vehicle and one may incur costly fees for minor dings and dents.

@hpeabody: I will look into the Maui Kai. As far as hiking, I cannot wait.

@22tango: I am pretty much like my screen name. More of a people watcher and observer than a social person. HEY! It took me a looooong time just to ask for suggestions. As far as budget, I am not one of those folks that posted that they could afford five hundred dollars per night on a room for two people. NOR am I budget conscious that I HAVE to room at a hostel (more just a loner) As far as Waikiki? I may have misunderstood the costs when I was first planning this holiday. Hence, Maui.

I appreciate all of your informative replies. Happy and SAFE Travelling to us all!

Solo, have a good trip and enjoy! Just a note, most hostels do have private rooms, but you have to share a bath.

I would add that to me, Kaanapali is more lodging, not where things are "happening"; the town of Kihei has lots of shopping, a couple of supermarkets (sign up for your Safeway card when you walk in the door, if you don't have one), variety of restaurants, and all the equipment rental/tour offices you could want. From there south, there are many wonderful beaches.

ps: if you are male, go out to the grill in the p.m., if you decide on a condo. That's where all the socializing/gossip/idea exchange stuff happens!

what the heck does being male and grilling have to do with each other?

I travel solo often, so encourage you that it will not be a problem.

For Maui, definitely get a rental car for your entire stay. That will give you the freedom to move around. When I'm solo I like to be near a town with something going on (so would choose Lahaina) but it sounds like maybe this isn't a requirement for you.

Thanks to all who have responded and have offered further insight into my planned holiday. My delay in responding is due to work; hence, the need for this time to get away from work. Unfortunately, with the delay in planning the costs have gone up by several hundred dollars. Despite the expense, I will attempt to forge on. Safe travels to you all!

My best advice - assuming you are renting a car - it not to try and fine tune it so much that you wind up paying more by not locking into something. Whether you stay up in the Lahaina/Kaanapali area, or down in Kihei - you can drive to the other location.

VRBO is good for private rentals - and also check on B & B's - where you can meet others at a nice breakfast. http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/accom/mbb.htm (Not a great hostel fan but they can work).

I love the Napili Sunset - which is right on the beach at Napili - and it has a section across the beach road that is less expensive than the units which front the lawn/ocean. There is also a market/small shopping center as you come from the main road toward the beach, within a mile or so of the units.

Hey - they also have a webcam facing the beach - where at an appointed time - friends can see you waving to them on the net. http://www.napilisunset.com/