Capturing a pot of gold in Hawaii
Hawaii Tourism authority / Joe West
Best Time to Visit Maui
By AAA Travel Editor, Sherry Mims
Hawaii offers a beautiful vacation experience year-round. But is there truly a “best” time to visit? It depends on where you want to go. With Maui often at the top of travelers’ list, it’s one of the main islands that garners a lot of attention, followed by Oahu, Kauai, the Big Island (aka Hawaii), Lanai and Molokai.
Despite the 2023 fire that ravaged some of the island, Maui is open to travelers and remains treasured year-round for its pristine beaches and amazing sights. Winter specifically draws visitors wishing to spy some of the thousands of humpback whales that begin arriving to the island’s west and south coasts in November, with mid-December the prime time to start observing them. The whales spawn and raise their young in the warm waters, staying anywhere from mid-April to mid-May. Winter also provides superb north coast surfing.
Outside of that timeframe, Maui is also lovely between April and early June and from September to November. These shoulder seasons offer great weather and a variety of exciting celebrations and holidays, such as the birth of Buddha (Vesak Day) at Chua Tu Hanh Buddhist Temple in Kahului; King Kamehameha I Day in June, honoring the king who united the islands; and the month-long Aloha Festivals in September. These events present excellent opportunities to explore the island’s history and culture. Foodies especially like the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, which takes place in October.
Hana bike ride
Hawaii Tourism authority / Tor Johnson
The wetter months, November through March, add an allure to the island and make it lush and welcoming. During the spring and fall, Maui resorts are less crowded, providing a relaxed environment and more affordable prices. Fall, January and some spring dates are generally the least expensive times to visit Maui.
Summer is Maui’s busiest season, with families booking swimming and scuba diving opportunities and generally enjoying all the area resorts’ amenities. It’s also popular with sun worshipers (or avoiders) interested in learning about Lahaina Noon, which occurs on each Hawaiian island. (Lahaina translates as “cruel sun,” referencing droughts experienced in that part of Maui.) The exact dates and times of the tropical solar phenomena, during which the sun stands directly overhead and casts no shadow, vary slightly due to their position. Kauai experiences Lahaina Noon first, followed by the other islands. This event typically occurs in late May and mid-July, so, given Maui’s more southern position, it would take place later in the cycle.
Waianapanapa State Park
Hawaii Tourism authority / Tommy lundberg
Even though summer on Maui can be busy, travelers are more inclined to visit other Hawaiian Islands right now, leaving Maui somewhat less crowded—likely because of the 2023 wildfires. While some of the fire-affected areas of West Maui remain closed, the rest of the island is open; visitation is encouraged and welcomed.
Go to Hawaii With AAA Start planning today with the digital Hawaii AAA Tourbook or contact a knowledgeable AAA Travel Agent.