When is the Best Time to Visit Maui? A Season-by-Season Guide for Your Dream Vacation
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One of the most common questions I get asked by visitors is, “When is the best time to visit Maui?”
My answer?
It depends.
Whether you want fewer crowds, better deals, or specific activities, Maui offers something special year-round.
That said, each season does have its benefits and drawbacks. For instance, if seeing humpback whales tops your list, winter is your best bet. But if you’re hoping to save money and enjoy a quieter experience, the holidays are best avoided.
So while there’s no bad time to visit, the best time really depends on your on your priorities, and this guide will help you figure that out.
Even though Hawaii officially has just two seasons, summer (May to October) and winter (November to April), I’ve broken things down by the four traditional seasons to better align with how most visitors plan their trips.
I’ve based this post on my own experiences living on Maui, along with data from The Weather Channel, National Centers for Environmental Information, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
The Basics
- Hawaii has two primary seasons: summer (May–October) and winter (November–April).
- Summer tends to be warmer and drier, while winter is slightly cooler and wetter.
- Temperatures are consistently pleasant year-round, averaging between 70–85°F (21–29°C).
- Ocean temperatures remain swimmable all year, hovering around 76–81°F (24–27°C).
- Rainfall varies significantly depending on location: the leeward sides (south and west) are generally drier, while the windward sides (north and east) are wetter and more lush.
- Rain showers in Maui is often short-lived and followed by sunshine and rainbows, with all-day rain being uncommon.
- Hurricane season in the Central Pacific runs from June to November, but direct hits on Maui are extremely rare. Every so often, passing storms can bring heavy rain and flooding to parts of the island, so it’s wise to stay informed.
📖 Related Read: What to Do on Maui When It Rains: Fun Ideas for a Wet Day in Paradise
Winter (December to February): Escape to Paradise
Winter on Maui is a perfect escape from colder climates elsewhere. You’ll deal with fewer crowds (minus peak holiday weeks) and experience some of the world’s best whale watching.
Weather
No need to bundle up, winter on Maui is mild and inviting. Daytime highs hover between 70–80°F (22–26°C), with cooler evenings and a higher chance of rain, especially in January and February.
To minimize the chance of rain, base yourself on the leeward (drier) side of the island—towns like Kihei, Wailea, Lahaina, and Kaanapali are your best bet. These areas stay sunnier thanks to Maui’s protective mountain ridges and prevailing tradewinds.
Activities
The ocean remains warm enough for swimming and snorkeling year-round. Just keep in mind that north-facing shores often experience large winter swells, making them dangerous for swimming but ideal for experienced surfers and big-wave spectators.
📖 Related Read: Best Things to Do on Maui in Winter (December-February)
Whale watching is the crown jewel of winter in Maui. From mid-December to April, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to breed and give birth. You can often see them breaching from shore, but the best views come from boat tours.
🐋 Peak whale watching season is mid-January through March—don’t miss it!
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Top Winter Events
🎄 Holiday Festivities (December)
December on Maui comes with its own island-style holiday spirit. You might catch Santa arriving by outrigger canoe, enjoy tree lighting events, watch free hula performances and caroling at shopping centers, or stumble upon a pop-up market or festive workshop. There are also holiday boat cruises if you’re looking for something a little different.
📖 Related Read: Maui on a Budget: Free & Low-Cost Things to Do
⛳ PGA Tournament of Champions (January)
Held at the prestigious Plantation Course in Kapalua, this tournament kicks off the PGA Tour each year. Even if you’re not a die-hard golf fan, it’s worth attending for the killer views of rolling fairways and the ocean.
🌊 Big Wave Surfing at Jaws (December–February)
Pe’ahi, also known as Jaws, is one of the most famous big-wave surf breaks in the world. When the surf is up, it attracts elite surfers and photographers from across the globe. Viewing this spectacle requires planning—access can be muddy, the surf is unpredictable, and parking is limited. But if you catch a big day, it’s unforgettable.
🐋 Maui Whale Festival (February)
Each February, the Pacific Whale Foundation hosts this month-long celebration to honor Maui’s beloved humpback whales. The festival includes educational talks, family-friendly activities, beach cleanups, live entertainment, and fun concert boat cruises.
📍 Visit the official website for updated event schedules.
Crowds & Costs
Expect the highest prices and biggest crowds during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. That said, January and February tend to be less crowded (and slightly cheaper) than the peak holiday weeks, making them a great time for budget-minded travelers.
Tips for Visiting in Winter
- Book early if visiting over the holidays, hotels and tours fill up fast.
- Pack a light jacket or long sleeves for cooler evenings and rainy days.
- Use the Daily Snorkel Report to stay updated on ocean conditions.
- Don’t worry too much about rain. It often clears up quickly. Plus, Maui offers plenty of alternative activities.
Spring (March to May): The Unsung Sweet Spot
Spring is Maui’s underrated gem. With winter crowds dwindling and summer tourism not yet in full swing, this shoulder season offers a quieter and often more affordable experience.
Weather:
Expect beautiful spring weather, with temperatures ranging between the low 70s to low 80s°F (22–28°C). March is the rainiest spring month, but things dry out and warm up in April and May, making late spring an especially nice time to visit.
Activities:
Spring is ideal for…
- Beginner surfing, as the intense winter swells begin to calm.
- Snorkeling and swimming, especially on the south and west shores.
- Hiking and waterfall adventures, thanks to the lingering lush greenery from the wet season.
- It’s also a great time to catch the tail end of whale season, with sightings usually continuing into April.
📖 Related Read: Best Things to Do on Maui in Spring (March-May)
Top Spring Events
🏃♂️ Maui Marathon (April)
One of the most scenic races in the country, the Maui Marathon takes runners along the island’s beautiful west coast. Even if you’re not racing, it’s fun to cheer from the sidelines and soak up the energy.
🌱 East Maui Taro Festival (April)
Held in Hana, this beloved community event pays tribute to kalo (taro), the root vegetable at the heart of Hawaiian cuisine and culture. Sample traditional Hawaiian dishes, watch cultural demonstrations, and learn how taro is grown. The festival also includes music, crafts, food booths, and hands-on activities that celebrate sustainability and Hawaiian heritage.
🌺 Lei Day (May 1)
A uniquely Hawaiian celebration, Lei Day honors the tradition of making and gifting lei. Expect live music, hula performances, lei-making workshops, and lei contests throughout the island, especially in town centers and cultural venues.
📖 Related Read: Best Workshops, Lessons, and Classes on Maui: 22 Hands-On Experiences You’ll Never Forget
🍻 Maui Brewers Festival (May)
Held at the MACC, this laid-back festival brings together dozens of local and mainland breweries, delicious food booths, and live music. A great excuse to spend the day sampling new brews and hanging out in the sunshine.
Crowds & Costs
With fewer visitors, spring offers better deals on flights and accommodations compared to winter. This is a fantastic time to find discounts while still enjoying prime weather and activities.
Tips for Visiting in Spring
- Book your whale watching tour for early March if that’s a priority.
- Take a Road to Hana day trip—the waterfalls and foliage are especially lush this time of year.
- Visit the island in April or early May for fewer crowds and more affordable prices.
- Take advantage of seasonal discounts on hotels and activities.
Summer (June to August): Family-Friendly Fun
Summer is Maui’s sunniest season and a popular time for families, making it one of the busiest time of year. Known for longer days and ideal beach weather, it’s the ideal season for classic island activities.
Weather:
Expect warm temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to high 80s°F (23–30°C), accompanied by gentle trade winds and clear skies.
Activities:
This season is prime for water and land activities—snorkeling, paddle boarding, zip lines, hiking, you name it.
Summer and early fall are also one of the best times to spot turtles and other marine life. The higher ocean temperatures and calm, clear conditions draw out more sea life into shallow waters.
📖 Related Read: Best Things to Do on Maui in the Summer (June-August)
Top Summer Events
🍷 Kapalua Wine & Food Festival (June)
Indulge in a culinary extravaganza at the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival! This renowned event brings together celebrity chefs and acclaimed winemakers for tastings, cooking demonstrations, and the lavish Grand Tasting Gala. It’s a must-attend for foodies.
📖 Related Read: Most Romantic Things to Do on Maui: 22 Date Ideas for Couples
⛵️ Wa‘a Kiakahi Canoe Festival (May/June)
Celebrate traditional Hawaiian canoe sailing at the Wa‘a Kiakahi Canoe Festival on Ka‘anapali Beach! This three-day event honors Hawaiian sailing canoes, with crews from all the Hawaiian Islands sharing their knowledge and practices. Enjoy cultural ceremonies, canoe rides, educational talks on celestial navigation, and an exciting race starting at Ka‘anapali Beach.
🐎 Makawao Rodeo (July)
Experience Maui’s paniolo (cowboy) heritage at the annual Makawao Rodeo! This multi-day event is full of fun activities including bull riding, sheep riding for the keiki (children), country concerts, and a colorful parade through Makawao Town.
📖 Related Read: Top Family-Friendly Things To Do on Maui with Kids
🥭 Summer Fruit Season
Summer is the peak season for tropical fruits like lychee, mango, watermelon, dragon fruit, white sapote, and jackfruit. Visit local farmers’ markets and grocery stores to try them, so delicious!
Crowds and Costs
High season means bigger crowds and higher prices, with July being the most active month. Families flock to Maui during summer break, so expect popular spots like Wailea Beach and Ka’anapali Beach to be teeming with vacationer’s.
The first two weeks of August are still fairly busy, but towards the end of the month, many kids head to back to school, and the island becomes a little less crowded.
Tips for Visiting in Summer
- Book accommodations and activities well in advance to secure better rates.
- Arrive early at beaches to beat the crowds and the midday heat.
- Consider exploring less crowded areas like Maui’s Upcountry region.
Fall (September to November): Festival Season & Great Deals
Fall is another underrated season to visit Maui. With pleasant weather and thinning crowds post-summer, it’s a fantastic time to enjoy the island.
Weather:
Fall temperatures are slightly cooler than summer, ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s (24–28°C). This season is also relatively dry, though occasional rain showers occur, keeping the island lush and green.
Activities:
Enjoy uncrowded beaches and hiking trails. Fall also marks the early arrival of humpback whales, so you may get a chance to witness these majestic creatures before the peak season.
📖 Related Read: Best Things to Do on Maui in Fall (September-November)
Top Fall Events
🌺 Festivals of Aloha (September–October)
Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture during the Festivals of Aloha! These island-wide celebrations feature hula performances, parades, craft fairs, live music, and plenty of cultural activities.
📖 Related Read: Top Authentic Things to Do on Maui for a Culturally-Rich Vacation
🎡 Maui County Fair (October)
A beloved local tradition, the Maui County Fair returns in 2025 under the organization of Festivals of Aloha. While scaled back from previous years, it will still have carnival rides, live entertainment, a parade, and some of the best local food vendors on the island.
🍷 Hawaii Food & Wine Festival (October)
Join over 150 global tastemakers, including Michelin-starred chefs and renowned winemakers, at this premier culinary event in Ka‘anapali. It’s a multi-day celebration of food, wine, and cooking demonstrations. If a caviar tasting bar, truffle station, and seafood feast sound like your kind of party, check out this event!
📖 Related Read: Foodie’s Guide to Maui: Farm Tours and Culinary Delights
🛍️ Made in Maui County Festival (November)
As Maui’s largest product show, this festival showcases over 140 vendors selling locally made goods, including food, art, crafts, jewelry, and more. Held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, it’s the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and gifts.
Crowds and Costs
Fall is a low season, which means fewer tourists and lower prices for accommodations and flights. You’ll find some of the best deals of the year here!
Tips for Visiting in Fall
- Try visiting anytime after Labor Day when kids are back to school and before the week of Thanksgiving to take advantage of lower accommodation rates and fewer tourists.
- Keep an eye out for early-arriving humpback whales, as some begin to appear as early as September!
Making the Most of Maui
As you can see, Maui is a year-round destination, with plenty of sunshine and exciting seasonal events no matter when you come. Plan around your interests, and the island will take care of the rest!
For a comprehensive listing of events throughout the year, be sure to check the calendar of events on Maui Now and GoHawaii.com.
And to truly make the most of your trip, consider using my digital, interactive map of Maui. It’s the ultimate guide to discovering the best of Maui, no matter the season.
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