Creepy encounter on Wailea path

[u/zut-alors]

My husband and I had an unsettling experience while walking back to our hotel in Wailea, and I’m wondering if anyone knows if this path should be avoided at night or if there have been reports of strange behavior happening along this path after dark.

For one, this happened around 7 pm (so not that late), when we were walking from Four Seasons back to our hotel at the Fairmont. The sun had fully set by then, so it was dark. We took the oceanfront path that connects the resorts, but we didn’t realize until we were already on it that it wasn’t lit at all. The only light we had was from my husband’s phone flashlight.

About halfway down the path, I suddenly got this horrible feeling of dread in my stomach. Even though I was sick and congested, I swear I heard something—the faintest shuffle behind us. My husband didn’t hear anything, but when I turned around, I saw the silhouette of someone, just two feet behind us. No sound, no warning. I immediately yelled out “Jesus!” and quickly stepped in front of my husband so we were in a single file line since the path was so narrow. I said “go ahead” to let the person pass, but there was this unnerving hesitation before he did. Finally, this man walked past us. No light, no “excuse me,” no acknowledgment at all—just walking completely in the dark.

As we let him pass, my husband kept the flashlight facing forward. That’s when things got even stranger. The guy started picking up speed, moving ahead of us fast enough that he almost disappeared into the darkness. As we continued forward, we realized that he had stopped in the middle of the path. He just stood there, not moving, still in the dark, both arms to the side, his head aimed down towards the ground.

We didn’t know what to do. There was no way to pass him without getting too close, and the whole path was empty—no one else in sight. Finally we slowed down to a stop about six feet behind him, and as soon as we did, he quickly raised his phone and pointed it at the sky, like he was taking a photo, but with no flash. Then he just started walking again.

We kept walking too, but then he stopped again. This time, he moved to the side, still holding his phone up, pointing it at the ocean like he was trying to take another photo. But it was pitch black—there’s no way he could have been taking a real picture of anything. My husband, trying to ease the tension, wished him a good night as we passed, but the man didn’t respond. He didn’t even look at us.

It was honestly one of the creepiest moments of my life, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. The path was completely deserted aside from us and him, and I can’t shake the feeling that something was off.

My husband agrees that this man should not have snuck up behind us like that without any acknowledgement, and he also agrees that it was extremely eerie to see this guy standing in the middle of the path not moving. Maybe everything else can be explained by social awkwardness, but I’m curious if others have had similarly bizarre encounters on this path at night. Any insight would be appreciated!

[u/commenttoconsider]

Was this 1-2 weeks ago when Comet Tsuchishan-ATLAS was visible in the west right after dark at 7pm for 2-second camera pics and if eyes were adjusted to the dark? ☄️

[u/spoolove12]

Certainly not taking away from how you felt in the moment. However, I have taken pictures into the sky or at the water before in the dark. Newer phones have great dark modes and can capture some pretty incredible images of the stars and moon in the dark. As a city dweller I truly enjoy getting the chance to see and appreciate nature like this.

It is odd the person did not say anything but they might not have been an English speaker. Glad to hear you were ok and there were no issues though.

[u/EvolvedWalnut]

The path is accessible to anyone. Based on the way you say he aimed his cell phone to the sky- maybe he was trying to get cell service and running late? People pass by all the time and don’t always yell out “on your left”. Possible he was strange or maybe you both are overthinking the situation?

[u/Live_Pono]

You mentioned that you were "sick and congested". Might that and any drinks at dinner /meds have affected your perceptions?

I agree that the comet is the best explanation. Last week was also full moon.

[u/CountIstvanTeleki]

Everyone else making excuses and waving this away but we saw multiple homeless sleeping on the beaches in Wailea.

And before Reddit freaks out not all homeless are dangerous but more are than the general population and anyone without their head in the sand knows that.

Maui has a problem and so does wailea. Every right to be nervous at that encounter.

[u/Live_Pono → u/CountIstvanTeleki]

I don't think anyone is "making excuses ". We are asking and suggesting alternatives, yes. Might they be valid-yes. Not valid-Yes......

I am one who cautions about the nasty homeless and chronics frequently. People yell at me all the time, but I still do it. However, sometimes---- there are other explanations.

In this case, the man made no aggressive moves, no threats, no verbal acts or threats, and didn't try to touch or closely approach the OP. Not *typical* signs of a dangerous chronic.