There are lots of hiking trails along the road to Hana. Most of them are relatively short but very scenic, passing through bamboo forests, Ke’anae Arboretum, and O’heo Gulch (a.k.a. Seven Sacred Pools), among others. You cal also hike along the rugged southwestern shore, but I’d suggest taking a companion or guide with you for that because it’s pretty isolated. The trails on the road to Hana are much busier.

At Haleakala Crater you can do several day hikes. It is relatively safe because while you may be doing the hike solo, you will come across other hikers along the trail if you do a day hike. Even though there are other hikers on the trail, it will not detract from the solo experience, as Haleakala is a vast landscape.

The visitor’s center will require you to watch an 8 minute video on “leave no trace” before you begin your hike.
Just take water and keep in mind the altitude…

Hiking by yourself is NEVER a good idea regardless of age, fitness level, or ***.

If you do hike alone, I would suggest you let someone know exactly where you plan to go and when you expect to be home just in case something happens to you, they’ll know where to send the rescue crews.

As for hiking with a knife, it’s not illegal for you to have a knife on hand……

Good luck and happy hiking!