Best months to visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
April-May and September-October are the sweet spot — dry leeward beaches, comfortable Haleakala, lighter crowds. December-March is whale-watching peak (worth the slightly cooler sea) and December-January is also the busiest tourist period. June-August is hot and dry but most expensive in mid-summer.
Best for
Beach
April-October — Wailea, Kihei and Kaanapali have driest weather, calm warm sea (25-28 °C). Whale-watching adds a strong reason to visit January-March despite cooler water.
Hiking
April-June and September-November — Iao Valley, Pipiwai Trail and Haleakala day hikes are coolest and driest. Haleakala is hikeable year-round but summit nights can drop below freezing November-March.
Sightseeing
April-May and September-October — Road to Hana drier and safer (fewer waterfalls, better visibility), Haleakala sunrises clearer.
Climate notes
- Northeast trade winds: Maui's defining weather driver — windward Hana on the east is among the wettest places in the state, while leeward Lahaina/Kihei on the west are among the driest.
- Wet winter (November-March): Pacific fronts and Kona lows bring 80-100 mm per month to Lahaina and 200-400 mm to Hana; mountain interiors much higher.
- Dry summer (May-September): leeward Wailea/Kihei drops to 50-65 mm/month; trade winds steady, daytime 27-30 °C with refreshing breeze.
- Haleakala summit (3055 m): air 8-15 °C cooler than the coast; sunrise viewing temperatures often 4-8 °C, with rare frost. Above 2400 m the air is dry and clear, ideal for sunrise/sunset viewing.
- Hurricane season (June-November, peak August-October): direct hits rare but Tropical Storm scenarios possible; the west coast is most exposed.
- Whale season (December-April): the Auau Channel between Maui, Lanai and Molokai is one of the densest humpback whale calving grounds in the world.
Temperature (min / max °C)
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Rainy days per month
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Sunshine hours per month
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Regional notes
- Lahaina and Kaanapali (west, leeward): driest, warmest, sunniest belt — the main resort coast.
- Wailea and Kihei (south, leeward): even drier than Lahaina, with afternoon haze in winter Kona conditions.
- Hana (east, windward): one of the wettest paved-road communities in the US — 3-4 m rain per year. The Road to Hana is greenest after wet days but landslides occasionally close sections.
- Upcountry (Kula, Makawao, 600-1200 m): cooler year-round, evenings often 12-15 °C in winter; lavender farms and pasture country, completely different from the coast.
- Haleakala summit (3055 m): subarctic conditions possible; check weather before sunrise hike. Reservations required for sunrise.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Maui?
April-May and September-October — driest leeward beaches, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds. December-March if whale-watching is the priority.
When can I see whales in Maui?
Mid-December to early April, with peak sightings late January through March. The Auau Channel between Maui, Lanai and Molokai is the densest humpback breeding ground in Hawaii — boat tours from Lahaina and Maalaea harbour are reliable.
Why is Hana so much wetter than Lahaina?
Hana sits on the windward east side of Haleakala, where NE trade winds dump moisture as orographic rainfall. Lahaina is on the leeward west, in the rain shadow — Hana gets 3-4 m of rain a year, Lahaina under 0.5 m.
Do I need a jacket for Haleakala sunrise?
Yes, layers including a warm jacket. Summit temperatures at 3055 m drop to 4-8 °C even in summer, and 0-5 °C in winter (occasional frost or snow). Wind chill is significant.
When does Maui get hurricanes?
June-November, peak August-October. Direct hits are rare; Tropical Storm conditions occur in some seasons. The west coast (Lahaina, Kaanapali) is most exposed when storms come from the south.
Is the Road to Hana safe in winter?
Generally yes, but heavy winter rain (December-March) can trigger landslides that close sections temporarily. Drive in the morning to maximise daylight, and check the Hawaii DOT road status before setting out.
Can I swim in Maui in February?
Yes, especially on the leeward south and west coasts. Sea is around 24-25 °C — comfortable for most swimmers. Some prefer a thin rash vest for longer sessions.
Is Maui's weather different from Oahu?
Similar pattern but more extreme microclimates because Maui has higher mountains. Haleakala blocks more trade-wind moisture, making the rain shadow drier than Oahu's and the windward side wetter.
Climate data: Open-Meteo · 2020–2025