When to Go to Maui

When to Go to Maui

Typically the weather on Maui is drier in summer (more guaranteed beach days) and rainier in winter (greener foliage, better waterfalls). Throughout the year, West Maui and the South Shore (the Leeward areas) are the driest, sunniest areas on the island -- hence all the resorts here. East Maui and Hana (the Windward areas) get the most rain, are densely forested, and abound with waterfalls and rainbows.

Only in Hawaii Holidays

If you happen to be in the Islands on March 26 or June 11, you'll notice light traffic and busy beaches -- these are state holidays not celebrated anywhere else. March 26 recognizes the birthday of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, a member of the royal line who served as a delegate to Congress and spearheaded the effort to set aside homelands for Hawaiian people. June 11 honors the first island-wide monarch, Kamehameha I; locals drape his statues with lei and stage elaborate parades. May 1 isn't an official holiday, but it's the day when schools and civic groups celebrate the quintessential Island gift, the flower lei, with leimaking contests and pageants. Statehood Day is celebrated on the third Friday in August (Admission Day was August 21, 1959). Another holiday much celebrated is Chinese New Year, in part because many Hawaiians married Chinese immigrants. Homes and businesses sprout bright red good luck mottoes, lions dance in the streets, and everybody eats gau (steamed pudding) and jai (vegetarian stew). The state also celebrates Good Friday as a spring holiday, a favorite for family picnics.

Timing is Everything

Each season brings its own highlights to Maui. The humpback whales start arriving in November, are in full force by February, and are gone by April. The biggest North Shore waves also show up in winter, whereas kite boarders and windsurfers enjoy the windy, late summer months. Jacarandas shower Upcountry roads in lilac-color blossoms in spring, and the truly astounding silver-swords burst forth their blooms in summer. Fall is the quietest time on the island, a good time for a getaway. And, of course, there's what's known as high season-June through August, Christmas, and spring break-when the island is jam-packed with visitors.