When is the best time to visit Maui in 2023?
Just like the vibrant hibiscus flowers that bloom in gardens across the state, Maui’s warm weather is perennial. On Maui’s leeward sides— like Kaanapali and Kihei, where most condos and hotels are located— average daytime temperatures hover in the high 70s to low 80s (25°C to 29°C, roughly).
While the other 49 states fret over arctic blasts in the winter or suffocating heat waves in the summer, Maui’s temperatures sit right in the sweet spot all year long.
But contrary to popular belief, Maui does, in fact, have seasons. Albeit, our seasons look a little different than on the mainland. Instead, we have wet season, dry season, whale season, busy season, slow season, etc.
So, while temperatures may be pleasant year-round in our slice of paradise near the Tropic of Cancer, a little extra research is required to decide the best time for you to visit Maui in 2023.
To help refine your search, we’ve broken down what each month on Maui looks like.
January, February, March
Whales, whales, whales! And maybe some rain.
The first two months of the year are usually marked by an abundance of humpback whales and large winter waves. After the Christmas and New Year holidays, crowds simmer down a bit, but these months are still pretty busy. During whale season, activities like parasailing and jet skiing are prohibited. So if those are your ‘can’t miss’ activities, wait until summer to visit.
Best Thing To Do: Go on a Maui whale watch (or several). For an ultra-unique experience, book a guided paddle board whale watch in Wailea.
Weather: Winter is Maui’s wet season. Some winters are clear, bright, and beautiful, but the occasional rainy day could strike during this time. Winter is also big wave season on Maui. Wave heights on north-facing shores can reach up to sixty feet— which is great for spectating! Be extra mindful of the ocean during this time.
Best Events: If you’re a golf fan, then there is no better place to be than on Maui during the first week of January. This is when the PGA Tournament of Champions comes to town. The tournament is held in Kapalua, just a few minutes north of Lahaina.
April and May
Spring has sprung!
Spring on the Valley Isle is lovely. Island-wide rainstorms aren’t as frequent, damaging north swells taper off, waterfalls are flowing on the Road to Hana, and some whales are still hanging around in early April. Typically, Maui gets a pop of crowds right around spring break. Then things start to cool off a bit.
Best Thing To Do: Go on a private kayak tour or enjoy a sunset sail out of Lahaina Harbor.
Weather: Storms become less frequent during spring (not saying they’re nonexistent, just not as common). The weather is usually sunny and breezy, with a passing shower or two. Usually, if it’s raining in your area, you can drive to a different side of the island to find the sun.
Best Events: Traveling with a craft beer connoisseur? The Maui Brewers Fest comes to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center each May, showcasing dozens of breweries from around Hawaii and the nation. (Note: this event has yet to return post-covid, but we’re hoping it’ll happen in 2023!) You can also always catch great live music at Da Playground in Maalaea and concerts and local theater productions at the Pro Arts Playhouse in Kihei.
June, July, and August
Hot, sunny, and busy as can be.
The summer months are the warmest and busiest of the year. July is bustling with visitors, so be prepared for moderate crowds wherever you go. The trade-off is that you’re almost guaranteed sun every day of your visit, especially near Kihei and Lahaina.
Best Thing To Do: Take a day trip to Molokini or a surf lesson at Cove Park in Kihei.
Weather: Dry as can be— in most places. You might experience a little shower on the Road to Hana, but otherwise, the sun is usually out in full force around the island.
Best Events: The Maui Film Festival— one of the most celebrated film festivals in the nation— kicks off in June. Heads up foodies: the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival also comes to town in June. Visiting on the 4th? You can watch a spectacular— and free— fireworks show from Front Street in Lahaina.
September
Slow and sunny.
September is the slowest month of the year on Maui, and it’s a great time to visit. You can experience summer weather minus the crowds.
Best Thing To Do: Spend a day at Keawakapu Beach in Kihei or go parasailing in Kaanapali.
Weather: Dry, hot, and breezy— good for spending long days at the beach.
Best Events: Since September is so slow, there are not many big events on the island. However, you can enjoy local concerts and town parties almost every weekend (the Kihei town party every 4th Friday is great!). There’s always something going on in Maui.
October and November
Seasons are changin’…
Crowds pick up, and temperatures start to cool off during these months. A few rogue humpback whales and large north swells might make their way to Maui during this time. Fall is relatively mellow crowd-wise, but there’s definitely a little pop during Thanksgiving.
Best Thing To Do: Snorkel at Ahihi Kinau Reserve (only enter/exit at the concrete slab on the north end of the bay) or learn how to stand-up paddle.
Weather: The weather is still warm but cooling off after a hot summer. November can get a little stormy and breezy, with showers passing through now and then. Winter is on its way!
Best Events: The Maui County Fair in October is always a crowd-pleaser, especially for families with keiki. Visitors can also look forward to October’s Hawaii Food and Wine Festival. If you’re visiting in November, you won’t want to miss the Made in Maui County Festival and the Maui Invitational Basketball Championships.
December
Whale season and Christmas craze.
Whales start returning in greater numbers in December, and most whale tours start operating on December 15th. Crowds are light in early December, but near the Christmas holidays, things really heat up. Historically, the week between Christmas and New Years is the busiest week of the year, with most hotels across Hawaii at or near 100% capacity.
Best Thing To Do: Hike across lava plains on the Hoapili Trail and go Christmas shopping at the Shops of Wailea.
Weather: December is usually the rainiest month of the year in Hawaii. That said, it rarely rains island-wide every day. Instead, passing showers make rainbows and keep the island green.
Best Events: December on Maui is all about the holidays. You can find tree lighting ceremonies across the island, and Santa usually makes a grand arrival near Wailea Beach on an outrigger canoe.
We hope this helped you better understand the best time for you and your family to travel to Maui. Every season on the island is beautiful and has something unique to offer! And remember, Ali’i Resorts is one of the top resources for condos, car rentals, and excursions. Book with us today and make your dream Maui vacation a reality! A hui hou!
