Maui holidays

When to go to Maui

There’s never a bad time to take Maui holidays. Find out why…

The climate of Maui is a little mind-boggling, but essentially it’s warm and pleasant all year round. Maui has two main seasons and both of them are warm. It’s a tropical island so temperatures rarely stray from the yearly average of a rather comfortable 24C. Rain can fall at any time though, with a wetter season between November and April. You should also know about the leeward side of the island – south and west Maui, which is sheltered from ocean breezes and hotter and drier than the east and north – or the windward part of the island.

Punctuated with microclimates thanks to its varied terrain, you can experience heat, humidity and rainfall in one area and then drive to another for warm weather and blue skies. That’s one reason it’s a great idea to book car hire in Maui.

The most popular time for holidays here is between December and February – not because the weather is any better, but because people are escaping the biting chill and snow of their home region. Bargain breaks, therefore, can be found in spring and autumn, when Maui experiences some of its warmest, driest weather. We told you it was a little confusing!

What to do in Maui

Nature, food, wine and traditional customs come together to create a packed calendar of events in Maui. Here are three of the best…

World Whale Day; February: Kihei hosts this day, held in honour of the humpback whales that reside off the coast. There’s a colourful parade and all kinds of fun things to see and do.

Kapalua Wine and Food Festival; June: Maui brings a number of food festivals to the table each year. This is one of the biggest and the best and you can get a taste of the island at various locations, including the Kapalua Resort.

Festivals of Aloha; September-October: Gaze upon the rich tapestry of Maui’s history and heritage at this annual celebration of culture. Music, dance and song form the backbone of this scintillating event.

Maui welcomes families, couples and groups of friends – and provides a wealth of attractions for all…

Kids and teens: The lava fields of Haleakala form more than two-thirds of the island of Maui. Travel to the heart of Haleakala National Park, where youngsters can become junior rangers and learn all about the mighty peaks and unique geology of Maui.

Grown-up families: Hire a car and take the “Road to Hana” – where waterfalls, beachside gardens and secluded bays of spectacular beauty pepper the journey through the rainforest. It’s an unforgettable drive.

Romance: Clap your eyes on the pristine beaches and luxury resorts of the coastline and you won’t be surprised to learn that Maui is a popular honeymoon destination. The beaches in the west, such as Kihei, Wailea and Makena, are ideal spots to sit and observe the nightly dance of fiery colours as the sun goes down.