Are you thinking about visiting Maui, Hawaii? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Maui worth visiting?
Maui is worth visiting for three to seven days so that you can explore everything that the island has to offer. Maui is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Frommer's Best Places to Go in 2024. For many visitor's, Maui is a favorite of the Hawaiian Islands. The island is home to the Haleakala National Park, with its dramatic peaks and breathtaking scenery. Another iconic experience is to drive the road to Hana. Maui also has more than 30 miles of stunning beaches and the Iao Valley State Monument. Luaus and other cultural experiences also offer a unique take on the island's history.
Maui, Hawaii
Reasons to Visit Maui
Beaches
The island has stunning beaches and more miles of swimmable beach than any of the other Hawaiian islands. One of the best swimming beaches is Kapalua Beach, but other favorite beaches include Makena Beach State Park, Ka'anapali Beach, Baldwin Beach Park, and Wai'anapanapa State Park.
Hiking
There are many diverse hikes on the island that pass through different landscapes and ecosystems. Hikes range from easy to challenging and are of varying length. Some of the favorites include 'Iao Valley State Park, Haleakala's Sliding Sands Trail (in Haleakala National Park), and The Pipiwai Trail.
Resorts
There are a number of nice resorts, but there are also VRBOs, condos, and local hotels where you can stay. High-end luxury resorts on the island include The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua and Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. There are also more reasonable priced resorts without all of the glitz and glam.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
The island has excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. You can really find it anywhere on the island, but some places are more crowded than others. Some of the best beaches for snorkeling include Honolua Bay, Slaughterhouse (Mokuleia Bay), DT Fleming Beach, and Kapalua Bay.
Shopping
There are many shopping centers where you'll find souvenirs, Hawaiian clothing, and even handmade crafts. If you forgot something from home, you'll also find many of the major chains that are common on the mainland.
Is Maui worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 26°C (79°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (87°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Maui, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too. Summer is a pleasant time to visit Maui with warm temperatures.
With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, get out into nature, and enjoy the amenities of a resort.
Summer Weather in Maui
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| August | 26°C (80°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| September | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
Is Maui worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Maui. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 26°C (78°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 30°C (87°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery and take a hike.
Autumn Weather in Maui
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 26°C (78°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| November | 24°C (76°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| December | 23°C (73°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
Is Maui worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Maui. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year. Temperatures stay pleasant year round in Maui but winter mornings can be cooler at higher elevations.
The weather in Maui is fairly warm during winter, and stays around 22°C (72°F). But it can get as warm as 27°C (80°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
During this season it's fun to experience .
Winter Weather in Maui
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 22°C (72°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| February | 22°C (72°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| March | 23°C (73°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
Is Maui worth visiting in the Spring?
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (74°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (82°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Maui, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.
A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. This is a great time of year to browse the shops and admire the wonderful scenery.
Spring Weather in Maui
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 24°C (74°F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 24°C (76°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| June | 25°C (78°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Maui
Nightlife
Most people don't associate Maui with a lively nightlife scene. The island is not known for its nightlife, but the limited activities that do exist you'll find in Kaanapali and Lahaina.
Museums: Maui isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. Most people prefer not to spend their time inside or at a museum, but for a rainy day you can check out the Maui Ocean Center.
Food: Maui doesn't top the list for most foodies. Like the other Hawaiian islands, food is expensive and of varying quality here, but the food scene continues to grow and improve. There are eclectic food trucks where you can try local flavors. There's also plenty of fresh tropical produce like mangos, avocadoes, and coconuts. Seafood is common on many menus as well.
Lots of Tourists
Maui sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Maui might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Maui here or see if Maui is expensive here.
Related
What is Maui most famous for?
Maui is most famous for its beach-filled coastline, world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, dramatic landscapes, and paradise environment. The island is very popular for its beaches and hiking. It's also known for resorts and scuba diving & snorkeling. And many travelers come for the shopping, as well. It is often described as idyllic, adventure-filled, breathtaking, and stunning.
What is the most famous sight in Maui?
The most popular sight in Maui is Haleakala National Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Maui on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Haleakala National Park and other attractions here.
How touristy is Maui? Is it a popular island to visit?
Maui is a very touristy island that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Private Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tour in Turtle Town, Maui: $149
- Voted #1 on Maui. VIP, Private Road to Hana backstage pass tour: $299
- Afternoon Adventure Snorkel from Ka'anapali: $169
- Private and Personalized Scuba Diving Adventures for All Experience Levels: $250
- Taste of Hawaii: A Maui Farm Tour: $69
- 4 Dual-Zipline Mountain Adventure ~ Maui: $200
- Maui "Reverse" Road To Hana Audio Driving Tour: $20
- Lahaina, Maui Water Bike Tour: $119
How long should I spend in Maui?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Maui is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Maui has a variety of activities such as beaches and hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Maui?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Maui?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Maui?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.