South Maui: Kihei/WaileaWith comfortable temperatures, a lively atmosphere, and whales splashing offshore, December is one of the sweetest times to stay in South Maui.
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Maui's leeward side inarguably presents the best beaches on the island—if by “best” you mean golden sand, perfectly-swimmable waters, outstanding snorkeling opportunities, lulling waves gentle enough for first-time surfers, and sunshine in spades.
Both areas have their own unique charm and attractions. West Maui is known for its historical landmarks, cultural entertainment and surf, while South Maui offers a more transient casual vibe, both with luxury resorts and pristine beaches. Each area also has its own distinct weather patterns and natural scenery.
Maui—A Winter WonderlandWhile Florida's ocean temperatures drop as much as 25 degrees from August to January, Maui stays within 5 degrees of its highs year-round! That means that during the holidays, Maui visitors swim in ocean waters that average a comfortable 75 degrees.
For a more authentic feel, skip the mega-resorts of West and South Maui and head to the North Shore, East Maui, or Upcountry, where you're more likely to interact with locals than with tourists. Upcountry is the least touristy area.
However, in most cases, rain tends to fall at night in Hawaii. If the rain worries you, consider booking your stay on the leeward side of the islands, as they tend to be drier. You can also look at the islands with the least rain in December, which include Big Island and Maui.
The best time to visit Maui is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to November). These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer and winter seasons, allowing you to explore the island without feeling overwhelmed.
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.
What is Maui's South Side like? Maui's South Side is known for some of the island's most expensive real estate and its ultra high-end Wailea resorts. Nearby Kihei, just north of Wailea, is known for its relaxed beach town vibe and long stretch of sand. Both tourists and locals intermingle in Kihei.
Airline tickets to Maui in January are at the lowest prices all year. Another good reason to go to Maui in January is the smaller crowds. January sees 8% fewer visitors than the yearly average. But, January is the wettest month of the year and temperatures are cooler, with an average high of 79 degrees.
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.
The Road to Hana is by far the most famous scenic drive on Maui! The route takes you along gorgeous spots on the island, including Paia Town, the impressive Twin Falls, Keanae, and Huelo Point Lookout.
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.