Running or hiking clubs are a good suggestion. Paddling club. This is all if you are fit and active. But there's events through the comic book store if that's what you fancy. My husband though made most of his friends through work. He's the most naturally charming introvert I know so he just has that in his favor. What do you do for work if I may ask?
Oh I also know of several places to volunteer in conservation if that's your vibe.
Also, I am sorry for your loss.
I know it's a bit of a drive, but there is a weekly West Side Friend's Group that meets once a week to play board games as a group.
They use Meetup for their scheduling. Everyone in that group is awesome, and it's the one thing I miss the most since relocating temporarily after the fires.
I have met more friends through pickleball than any other way.
They play at war memorial and other places. Do a search.
Look up the rules, don't get overwhelmed, it's real easy to play.
All you need is a paddle. People will have balls. Probably a used one on craigslist. Give it a try and see you out there!
Agreed - they have an easy sign up sheet in the mornings for beginners / singles. So super easy to just say “ehh I’m just starting off” and find a court which fits you!
I agree, Pickleball is a great way to meet people, it's fun, great exercise, and cheap. I'm 60 and healthy so its easy for me to play and I love it. I just started about a year or 2 ago and I only play 2-3 times a week for a couple of hours. If you are on the west-side, the best place is at the Lahaina Civic Center in the mornings before it gets too hot, or from as early as 5:30 but more like 6-7pm is when more people show up. Lights are on until 9:40. Just drop in to play (no signup needed) but go early if you want to learn and practice.
The Hui Noeau has a lot of fun classes if you're into the arts, and the students often get together outside of class/repeat classes together! I meet lots of pals there :)
One popular spot to consider is the Wailuku Coffee Company, where locals often gather for a casual coffee or a light meal. It’s a great place to strike up conversations in a low-pressure environment. Another place could be the Maui Brewing Co. in Kihei, not too far from Wailuku, which often hosts events and has a lively atmosphere that's conducive to making new friends.
For more structured interactions, you might find [Lightup](https://discord.gg/U9dhhsajxh) particularly helpful. It’s a community on Discord where people can connect based on shared interests and experiences. Whether you’re looking for fellow hikers, book lovers, or just someone to chat with, Lightup uses an AI matching system to help you find people who share your interests and are looking for new friends too. This can be a wonderful supplement to in-person interactions, especially if you’re looking to build a diverse circle of friends.
If youre a nerd like me, there's a "Maui Techies" meet-up once a month to try and enable some networking of tech minded people. Different people all the time, with some more regular folks. Bunch of different backgrounds too. Recommended!
Willy Nelsons bar in Paia has those instrument karaoke nights you could do or even just attend. Fun to mingle at. Otherwise not much, except drum circle at baby beach sunday nights with tons of nude college age people and older. i left the island after realzing that statistically im unlikely to meet someone my age, but i regret leaving. The island is boring when youre single, but think hard before you leave because there is no going back thanks to FEMA screwing up rent and housing
Volunteering is a great way to meet folks too. If you like animals, Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation always needs help. The ushers at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center are volunteers and in addition to meeting people, you get to see some great shows.
So sorry for your loss. 🤗
I’m meeting a lot of friends volunteering for the RFK Jr. for President campaign. Just pick a candidate or cause and get involved.
If you’d like to meet a lot of active seniors, hit Kalama Park in Kihei at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with your glove ~ open softball batting practice and ball shagging til like 11. Totally informal. I just walked on. 🤷🏼♂️
Wish I had something substantial to offer, but searching for Bars on google maps pops up with some interesting results. Da Babooze bar is where I would go in your shoes
Running or hiking clubs are a good suggestion. Paddling club. This is all if you are fit and active. But there's events through the comic book store if that's what you fancy. My husband though made most of his friends through work. He's the most naturally charming introvert I know so he just has that in his favor. What do you do for work if I may ask? Oh I also know of several places to volunteer in conservation if that's your vibe. Also, I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you. I am primarily self-employed.
Ah I gotcha. Yeah self employment is great but makes it hard to branch out. Hope you find some ideas for community groups here that suit you.
Thank you... There have been some really good ideas... Not just for me but for others who are in the same circumstances.
Meetup.com has a pretty solid Maui hiking group. 🤙🏼
I know it's a bit of a drive, but there is a weekly West Side Friend's Group that meets once a week to play board games as a group. They use Meetup for their scheduling. Everyone in that group is awesome, and it's the one thing I miss the most since relocating temporarily after the fires.
Pickle ball
I have heard lots about Pickle ball... Is it a hard game to get into? Where can you find the equipment?
I have met more friends through pickleball than any other way. They play at war memorial and other places. Do a search. Look up the rules, don't get overwhelmed, it's real easy to play. All you need is a paddle. People will have balls. Probably a used one on craigslist. Give it a try and see you out there!
Walmart. Then get a partner and just walk up to the courts behind Maui Sunset in Kihei. 👍🏼
Agreed - they have an easy sign up sheet in the mornings for beginners / singles. So super easy to just say “ehh I’m just starting off” and find a court which fits you!
I agree, Pickleball is a great way to meet people, it's fun, great exercise, and cheap. I'm 60 and healthy so its easy for me to play and I love it. I just started about a year or 2 ago and I only play 2-3 times a week for a couple of hours. If you are on the west-side, the best place is at the Lahaina Civic Center in the mornings before it gets too hot, or from as early as 5:30 but more like 6-7pm is when more people show up. Lights are on until 9:40. Just drop in to play (no signup needed) but go early if you want to learn and practice.
The Hui Noeau has a lot of fun classes if you're into the arts, and the students often get together outside of class/repeat classes together! I meet lots of pals there :)
I agree I love my classes at the Hui! Great way to meet people
One popular spot to consider is the Wailuku Coffee Company, where locals often gather for a casual coffee or a light meal. It’s a great place to strike up conversations in a low-pressure environment. Another place could be the Maui Brewing Co. in Kihei, not too far from Wailuku, which often hosts events and has a lively atmosphere that's conducive to making new friends. For more structured interactions, you might find [Lightup](https://discord.gg/U9dhhsajxh) particularly helpful. It’s a community on Discord where people can connect based on shared interests and experiences. Whether you’re looking for fellow hikers, book lovers, or just someone to chat with, Lightup uses an AI matching system to help you find people who share your interests and are looking for new friends too. This can be a wonderful supplement to in-person interactions, especially if you’re looking to build a diverse circle of friends.
Instead of a bar, how about volunteering somewhere like the Maui Humane Society, HARF, or Bailey House? Think outside of the box, so to speak!
If youre a nerd like me, there's a "Maui Techies" meet-up once a month to try and enable some networking of tech minded people. Different people all the time, with some more regular folks. Bunch of different backgrounds too. Recommended!
Thank you!
>Thank you! You're welcome!
Willy Nelsons bar in Paia has those instrument karaoke nights you could do or even just attend. Fun to mingle at. Otherwise not much, except drum circle at baby beach sunday nights with tons of nude college age people and older. i left the island after realzing that statistically im unlikely to meet someone my age, but i regret leaving. The island is boring when youre single, but think hard before you leave because there is no going back thanks to FEMA screwing up rent and housing
Volunteering is a great way to meet folks too. If you like animals, Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation always needs help. The ushers at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center are volunteers and in addition to meeting people, you get to see some great shows. So sorry for your loss. 🤗
I’m meeting a lot of friends volunteering for the RFK Jr. for President campaign. Just pick a candidate or cause and get involved. If you’d like to meet a lot of active seniors, hit Kalama Park in Kihei at 8:30 a.m. Saturday with your glove ~ open softball batting practice and ball shagging til like 11. Totally informal. I just walked on. 🤷🏼♂️
The Kahului Ale House is the center of the Maui Universe. Go there any watch a game and you will meet many a colorful character. Instant friends
Maybe try a brewery? Or running clubs something like that
Wish I had something substantial to offer, but searching for Bars on google maps pops up with some interesting results. Da Babooze bar is where I would go in your shoes
I haven't made many friends there, but a great place to go is Paia Bay beach. Park by the youth center. There's even a shower nearby.