The best times to visit Maui, considering the weather, demand for accommodations, and how crowded the island is, are April, May, August, September, and early October. These have come to be known as Maui’s “shoulder months.”
Maui’s warm tropical climate is consistent year-round, with daytime highs of 75-85°F. At the coastal resorts at sea level, temperatures rarely get below 60°F, even in the coldest winters. In other words, the weather in Maui is typically great for visitors all year. The only time Maui’s weather isn’t great is when a winter storm hits the island with clouds and rain, but those don’t happen often.
If you experience rainy weather in Maui, don’t worry. The rain showers are typically short and are quickly followed by more sunshine and, if you’re lucky, rainbows. Rainbows are said to be a sign of good luck on the islands, meaning you’ll return one day if you spot one.
Visit Haleakala National Park for free!
The last week of April is National Park Week all across the US. During this time, entrance fees are waived at all 400+ national parks. Maui is home to Haleakala National Park, a stunning 30,000-acre expanse featuring five distinct climate zones, spectacular views, and the island’s tallest peak. It is a must-see even if you aren’t visiting during National Park Week! Head up to the top of this massive volcano to take in an incredible daybreak view from the highest point on Maui at sunrise. Enjoy the orange-and-red dawn of a new day set amid the clouds. The sublime beauty of this sight has inspired so many people, including the literary great Mark Twain.
The magical Maui sunrise at the 10,023-foot-high Mt. Haleakala Crater greets many bleary-eyed travelers and residents willing to wake up as early as 3 am to make the trek to experience it. If you crave a breathtaking view without all that company, consider taking a stroll before sunset. Pack a picnic dinner and some beverages, and toast to a stunning display of color as the sun descends into the clouds. Maui is no ka oi (the best) for good reason!
Travel the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is well known worldwide as one of Maui’s go-to destinations. It’s a long, beautiful drive full of incredible sights and stops. The Road to Hana is a 52-mile stretch of highway with winding, narrow, one-lane sections. As such, it requires your full attention to navigate safely. Plan to take your time and make it an entire day, or let someone else drive while you relax and enjoy the scenery. No matter what time of year you drive it, the road to Hana is beautiful, but the drive can be tricky. Most tour companies will pick you up at your accommodation and make stops for treats and photos.
Be sure you allow time to stop at Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread on the Ke’anae Peninsula. Since 2003, Aunty Sandy’s has become a must-stop destination for hot, fresh-baked banana bread. They have been featured in numerous magazines and publications, most recently in Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted.
Go Surfing!
Maui offers more surf breaks for beginners than any other Hawaiian Island. A good beginner surf spot should have easy access for those who have not surfed before. There should also be a friendly, non-competitive vibe in the water, with no dangerous obstacles such as reefs, rocks, or rip currents. The shoulder season is a great time to visit Maui’s beaches because they are typically less crowded.
Kaanapali Beach is a scenic surf break in Kaanapali. It can be found just outside the Kaanapali Alii Resort and to the right of the Marriott. This beach is consistently ranked among the most beautiful in the world. It’s also a top place to learn to surf on the island.
Tour the Sacred Gardens
The Sacred Garden of Maliko is tucked away in the rainforest of the North Shore’s Haiku area. It’s an incredible botanical garden, spiritual center, and Maui health and wellness community hub. Within the Sacred Garden, you’ll find two medieval-style labyrinths, a sweet spiritual gift shop, a nursery, the “Mother Shrine,” and so much more. Every type of spirituality is represented on this fantastic property, and all are welcome to enjoy this peaceful space!
A fun thing to do here in the evening is the nighttime labyrinth walk. Each full moon, Eve Hogan, Labyrinth Facilitator and author of Way of the Winding Path, offers a presentation on the labyrinth and how to get the most out of walking it. This is followed by the walk of either one or both of the 11-circuit and 7-circuit labyrinths and a discussion.
For more information about the Sacred Gardens, please visit them online: Visit the Sacred Gardens
Visit Iao Valley State Park
Iao Valley is the site of the famous 1790 battle in which King Kamehameha defeated Maui’s warriors, leading to the unification of the Hawaiian Islands. There are easily accessible walking trails that range from mild to moderate in difficulty. The most popular walk is the Iao Needle Lookout, a trail that leads hikers to a breathtaking view of the Iao Needle. This 1,200-foot natural rock pinnacle is covered in lush tropical foliage and extends over the valley and above the clouds. There’s also a trail that follows a winding stream, looping through a botanical garden full of native Hawaiian plants.
You will find Informative signs along the way that share information about the history and ecology of this area. Remember that this is one of the wettest parts in all of Maui, so bring your rain gear just in case.
For more information, please visit the Department of Land and Natural Resources: Visit the DLNR
Snorkel Molokini Crater and Turtle Town
Molokini Crater and Turtle Town are the two best sites to snorkel, and you can see both on a trip with Pride of Maui. These top-notch snorkeling locations are not to be missed, and this comfortable catamaran has exceptional features and amenities, so you’ll travel in comfort.
Molokini Crater is a designated marine sanctuary just off Maui’s coast. It is one of only three volcanic calderas found in the world. Here you will experience some of the best snorkeling that Maui has to offer! Its calm waters and incredible visibility will allow you to see hundreds of fish species and coral that call Molokini home.
Once you’ve explored Molokini Crater, take a ride out to the coastal area known as Turtle Town. Turtle Town is home to hundreds of colorful fish and a large population of Hawaiian green sea turtles. The water here is calm, and you can swim among unique lava formations while you enjoy the company of curious turtles. Overall, it’s a delightful place to snorkel and take pictures. Hawaiian sea turtles, or honu, are a protected species, so never attempt to feed the turtles and make sure to give nesting or basking turtles plenty of space and peace and quiet.
Enjoy a Maui Festival
Most people have heard of the significance of taro in Hawaiian culture, but you can learn all there is to know about it at the East Maui Taro Festival. This festival is held yearly in April and celebrates the importance of this staple food of Hawaii. There are many food vendors, and you can participate in poi pounding and lauhala weaving demonstrations while you enjoy some delicious taro dishes.
Maui’s Onion Festival takes place each year in May. This festival celebrates the sweet Kula Onion and the many ways in which it can be used. Learn all about the cultivation and promotion of the world-famous Maui Onion. This free event is held in Whaler’s Village in the Kaanapali area of West Maui and is attended by thousands of visitors and residents annually.
In October, you can head to the Maui Steel Guitar Festival in Kahului. This two-day festival celebrates the Hawaiian Steel Guitar as a unique music genre. They even hold workshops where you can learn to play. This festival is free to the public and has multiple live performances for you to enjoy.
Relax and Refresh at one of Maui’s many wonderful Spas
If you’ve planned out a trip to Maui, you probably intend to kick back and unwind while you’re here. Why not carve out time for a relaxing, luxurious Maui spa day? Maui has a wide range of spas and spa styles, whether it’s a relaxing couples massage or a full body treatment. Bask in luxury at Mohalu by Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea Resort, or channel your inner goddess at the Marilyn Monroe Spa at the Hyatt Regency Resort in Ka’anapali. There are so many choices, so you’ll surely find the perfect way to relax on your Maui vacation.
Tour some Upcountry Farms
During the shoulder season, getting tickets for some fun farm tours is much easier. The Maui Chocolate Tour is a sure winner because, of course, chocolate! Start out at the Ku’ia Estates Chocolate Factory, the largest in Hawaii, then visit the estate where the cacao is grown. This interactive tour demonstrates the techniques used to harvest the fruit and offers guests a tasting of their award-winning chocolate!
Another tour that’s sure to please is a Pineapple Farm Tour. The tour offered by the Haliʻimaile Distilling Company is an excellent activity for the whole family. On their tour, you will learn all about the cultivation and harvesting of this “Maui Gold.” You’ll have the chance to taste the sweet fruit, and you will receive an “airport-ready” fresh pineapple of your own to take home!
Explore the Maui Ocean Center
There is so much to do here that everyone in your group will come away with stories to share.
For thrill-seekers, there is the cage-free dive in the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit. Everything you thought you knew about sharks will transform into a sense of wonder and respect for these fantastic creatures.
The Humpbacks of Hawaii 3D Sphere Exhibit brings you eye-to-eye with Maui’s humpback whales in their kingdom in the deep blue sea. Explore their world and discover the vibrant life of these intelligent and spiritual creatures, their journeys, and their social bonds in this first-of-its-kind 3D Sphere, only at Maui Ocean Center.
Love sea turtles? The Sea Turtle Lagoon allows you to meet the Hawaiian green sea turtle, or honu. They are the largest hard-shelled sea turtle species in the world and are native to the Islands. The Maui Ocean Center proudly designates this unique area for you to view these graceful animals in an interactive display.
For more information about the Maui Ocean Center, please visit them online: Visit the Maui Ocean Center
No matter what you decide to do when you visit Maui or which time of year you choose to come, you will have so many unique experiences. It might even take more than one visit to see them all!
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