Maui is an unforgettable vacation destination year-round, especially with its near-perfect climate, gorgeous scenery, and exciting attractions for all ages. However, the ideal time to visit can be a bit challenging to pinpoint since it varies depending on your interests and favorite activities. From whale watching to simply sunbathing on the beach, Maui has plenty to offer. Here are a few highlights during every season to help you decide when to book a Maui vacation rental.
Visiting Maui in the Summer
Many families choose summer for their Maui vacation to coincide with their kids’ summer break from school. This means more crowds on the island, but also more family-friendly activities at area businesses and tourist sites. Summertime also brings gentler currents to the Maui area, making swimming easier for little ones and beach-time more relaxing for parents. If your family loves festivals, you may want to consider a June or July trip to attend one of the many festivals offered during the early summer, such as the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival or the Maui Film Festival at the Wailea Maui Arts and Cultural Center. August sees the warmest temperatures in Maui, making it a less than ideal time for those who prefer more temperate weather. On the other hand, because summer brings dryer weather, it is the best time to visit if you don’t mind the crowds and want to tour one of the islands rainy regions, such as Central Maui or the Road to Hana.
Visiting Maui in the Fall
If you plan on many excursions away from your vacation rental to explore Maui’s beautiful terrain, fall is an excellent time to visit. The weather is near perfect, with daily highs in the low 80s and only occasional rainstorms in the evenings, and the scenery this time of year is exceptionally beautiful. One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Maui is by driving the Road to Hana, also known as Highway 360. Plan a whole day for this trip to allow time for plenty of stops for photos and taking in the landscape. The road twists and turns through the rain forest passing numerous waterfalls with lookouts and rest areas available around nearly every turn for both soaking up the view and a break from the intense mountain driving. Early morning is the best time for the drive if you want to beat the crowds, and many companies offer tours if you prefer to leave the driving to others.
Visiting Maui in the Winter
Winter is the rainy season on Maui, but the weather is still warm and pleasant most of the time with daily highs in the 70s and temperatures rarely dropping below 60. If you love to surf or to watch the best of surfing, winter offers the biggest waves for the wildest rides. Winter is also the time of year when Hawaii is flooded with snowbirds looking to escape the worst of winter weather in other areas of the country making for big crowds in many tourist areas, and the same waves that make the beaches ideal for surfers, make it hard or impossible to swim, especially for children and those with weak swimming skils. If you love nature, winter is the best time for whale watching, and the humpback migration takes place from December to May with many guided whale watching tours departing from Lahaina Harbor, and popular land viewing sites, such as McGregor Point and Kihei beach, busy with whale watchers hoping for a glimpse of the migration.
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Visiting Maui in the Spring
Spring offers Maui visitors the best of Hawaii’s weather, with warm days, cool evenings, and very little rain, and the extra bonus of fewer crowds than the busy winter and summer vacation seasons. Head to Maui in April for the popular East Maui Taro Festival in Hana, honoring the taro’s role in Hawaiian mythology and culture as well as its many uses in the local cuisine, or plan your trip around the dates of the Maui Steel Guitar festival to enjoy fabulous musical performances, hula demonstrations, and steel guitar workshops with renowned experts. When packing for Maui in spring, add some rain gear if you plan on making excursions to explore the rain forest region. The Pipiwai Trail in Oheo Gulch is an easy hike with a waterfall view, but evening rain showers are common at this time of year.
When Is The Best Time to Visit?
Before deciding on the best time to visit Maui, ask yourself what you want out of your vacation? If you have a family and hope to spend a lot of time on the beach with your toddlers, opt for summer for the calm waters and multitudes of tourist-oriented family activities available. Select June to enjoy the Kamehameha Day Celebration at Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina, July for spectacular Independence Day fireworks displays over the ocean, or August for the Hana Cultural Center and Museum Ho’olaulea celebrating local culture with music food and crafts. If you want to explore the Maui countryside at its best, opt for a visit between September and November. If whale watching is essential to your Maui experience, opt for a stay in December or January, and book a vacation rental in Ma’alaea or Lahaina for close access to the best views. If you want the ultimate Maui experience with a little bit of everything, plus great weather and fewer crowds than other times of year, make your vacation plans for April or May.
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