Loading Page...

What month does it rain the most in Maui?

In general, the wettest periods on Maui occur during the winter months of November to March, although Wailea benefits from being on the leeward side of Maui, which means the weather at Grand Wailea is generally drier (and warmer) than the rest of the island, even during the winter.



While Maui is famous for its diverse microclimates, the rainiest month for the island as a whole is typically December. The "wet season" in Hawaii generally spans from November to March, when the northeast trade winds bring consistent moisture to the windward (eastern and northern) sides of the island. For instance, the town of Hana can see significantly higher rainfall totals during this time, often peaking in March or December. Conversely, the leeward (southern and western) regions like Kihei and Wailea remain much drier year-round due to the "rain shadow" effect of Haleakala. If you are planning a trip to the summit of Haleakala or the lush rainforests of East Maui, expect daily showers during the winter months. However, these rains are often passing "liquid sunshine" that clears quickly. For the driest and sunniest beach weather, travelers typically prefer the months of June through September, though the island's lush beauty is at its peak during the winter rainy season.

People Also Ask

The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.

MORE DETAILS

There are two off-seasons on Maui: the spring and the fall. Spring on Maui is from April to mid-June with April and May being the quietest months. The average springtime temperatures on Maui are around 80 degrees.

MORE DETAILS

Like anywhere, the more time you spend on Maui, the more you can see. I recommend at least one week in order to experience all that Maui has to offer. You can still get a flavor of Maui even if you just visit for one day. However, as a minimum, try to plan 3 to 5 days in Maui.

MORE DETAILS

Don't swim, surf or dive near harbor entrances, river mouths and channels, especially after heavy rains.

MORE DETAILS

There's plenty of gorgeous water to be found at Maui's beach parks, but the clearest is in Honolua Bay, especially during the summer. Honolua is Hawaiian for “two harbors,” and the bay was originally used to receive ships and unload supplies.

MORE DETAILS

Hawaii's hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts more cyclone activity in the central Pacific than usual, due to it being an El Nino summer.

MORE DETAILS

Wailea: For high-end lodgings, look no further than Wailea. This area includes several incredible beachfront resorts, condo complexes, a lovely outdoor mall, and several quality restaurants. Our favorite luxury resorts include the Four Seasons Maui, Hotel Wailea, the Wailea Beach Marriott, and the Grand Wailea.

MORE DETAILS

Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach located on Maui is known to have rough water and is reported to be one of a handful of red sand beaches around the world. Makena Beach in Maui has the nickname of “breakneck beach” because the surf breaks right on the shore, making it very dangerous to swim in.

MORE DETAILS

Don't enter the water at dawn, dusk or night when sharks are most active and/or moving closer to shore to find food.

MORE DETAILS

It takes about 9 hours to drive around Maui, not including stops. Not many visitors drive around Maui in one day, though. The majority of visitors take their time while traveling on the island.

MORE DETAILS

According to data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, if you want to visit Maui with the fewest crowds, you should visit in January, February, September, October, or November. The busiest months on Maui are March, June, July, August, and December.

MORE DETAILS