FALL MONTHS IN MAUI (SEPT, OCT, NOV)

Maui In September, October & November

Maui is an amazing place to visit year around but you may find that the fall months and early winter seasons can be one of the best times of year on the island. This is because the weather cools down a bit, the crowds are small with the kids returning to school and plenty of holiday activities abound.

Halloween in Maui is a big event with the Lahaina celebration dubbed as the “Mardi Gras” of the pacific. Thanksgiving luau’s are wonderful feasts of imu (underground oven) cooked turkey and Christmas includes Santa landing on the beach in an outrigger canoe.

Maui’s Fall Weather

Just like in most parts of the world fall in Hawaii is a transitional time for the weather. Summertime is hurricane season and though they rarely make landfall the tropical storms can cut off the tradewind flow making the weather hot and humid.

Starting in the fall the temperature can stay pretty hot at sea level through September and usually starts to cool to a perfect upper 70’s to low 80’s the first few weeks of October. Usually, by mid-October, the trade wind patterns begin to shift, and light rain can come in from the southeast. These are known as “Kona winds,” and this shift can bring showers to the dry leeward sides of the island-like Wailea in south Kihei and Kaupo along the road past Hana. The normal and persistent trade winds come out of the northeast throughout the year which brings some relief from the warm temperatures and high humidity seen during the summer months. For the most part, though the weather is ideal in the fall and can be some of the best weather seen during the year.

This shift in seasons from summer to fall is barely noticeable at sea level in places like Kihei or Lahaina, but the higher elevations of Haleakala volcano can get downright chilly. Places like Makawao and Kula can see morning temperatures in the mid-’40s and even snow at the summit of Haleakala later in the winter months. If you’re visiting Maui in fall and plan on going to the summit of Haleakala be sure to pack some warm clothes and maybe even some gloves. Freezing temperatures at sunrise on this 10,000 ft volcano are seen throughout the year but becomes more frequent starting in the fall.

Rainfall averages start low in October with 1.2 inches and end with a yearly high of 3.35 inches in December (Kahului airport). It’s the average rainfall measured at Kahului which is mid-island and at sea level. However Maui has so many microclimates that depending on where you are there could be quite a bit less precipitation (in Kihei and Lahaina) or quite a bit more (in Hana or the slopes of Haleakala volcano).

Travel Specials

Fall is known as a shoulder season of travel to Maui. This means discounts abound in accommodations and flights to the island. With the best rates, fewer crowds and reliably great weather this is one of the best times of year to visit.

Availability is suitable for most tours and luaus, but it’s still a good idea to book early. Discounts can be found booking island activities online, but it’s also possible to call directly to inquire about last minute deals.

A good example of the available specials this time of year is the Four Seasons Resort in Wailea. They have fall couples special were guest can enjoy the best rates of the year, no resort fee, special dining, spa and boutique pricing plus plenty of complimentary activities. This is one of Maui’s 5-star resorts and fall is one of the best times to experience some affordable high-end luxury!

Things To Do

Road To Hana

This is one of the premier things to do while in Maui. Many venture to this side of the island every time they visit. It truly has the feeling of old, even ancient, Hawaii. It can be a daunting drive with around 600 hairpin turns and 50+ one lane bridges! There are several ways to experience this all day journey so do some research. Taking a tour doing the full loop around Haleakala is the easiest and most relaxing way. Plus it’s hard to beat having a guide sharing the history and legends of Hana.

If you drive yourself here are a few tips to keep in mind. You could go half way to Hana, out the Pools of Oheo in Haleakala National Park and back, or you could do the full loop past the Pools through Kaupo and upcountry Maui. It’s all good no matter how you travel this road…just give yourself plenty of time, take it slow and let the locals pass every time you see them. It’s one of the ways of spreading Aloha while visiting Hana!

Haleakala Sunrise

If you drive yourself here are a few tips to keep in mind. You could go half way to Hana, out the Pools of Oheo in Haleakala National Park and back, or you could do the full loop past the Pools through Kaupo and upcountry Maui. It’s all good no matter how you travel this road…just give yourself plenty of time, take it slow and let the locals pass every time you see them. It’s one of the ways of spreading Aloha while visiting Hana!

Haleakala Sunrise

Haleakala volcano rises over 10,000 ft above the ocean and comprises 75% of Maui’s land mass. Viewing the sunrise from the summit is another of Maui’s most popular things to do. Haleakala National Park has one of the most unique and rarest ecosystems in the world with the summit and crater resembling what the surface of the moon or mars might look like. This view becomes even more dramatic as the sun rises from the crater rim some 7 miles away. It’s a spectacular sight when it happens…the weather can be iffy at 10,000 ft no matter where you are on the planet.

Next best thing besides sunrise is a daytime journey. There is plenty to see from this amazing volcano. Sunsets can be just as spectacular too without the 3am wake up time for sunrise. A tour here is a good idea too if you want to relax on vacation, or you can drive the 38 miles from sea level to 10,000 ft yourself. Just be prepared for slow traffic in the dark up a steep and winding road. Also keep in mind that virtually everything you encounter is either endangered or sacred to the native Hawaiians. Please learn about and respect the culture and aina (land) while in this stunning National Park.

Maui’s Ocean Activities

There are many ways to get out in the offshore waters of Maui. Marine reserves are scattered around Maui, and excellent snorkeling can be found at Honolua Bay near Kapalua, Olowalu in the south side of the West Maui Mountains, and Molokini Crater off the coast of Kihei.

Every year in the fall the humpback whales begin their journey from Alaskan waters to give birth and mate. While the winter months of December through March are their most active, younger male scout whales can start to arrive in November.

Molokini Crater sits between Maui’s south shore and the uninhabited island of Kahoolawe. Within the horseshoes shaped inlet of this tiny island lay one of the most unique reefs in the world. Tens of thousands of people snorkel and dive here every year.

The large boats are usually the most affordable way to get out on the ocean here in Maui. If you’re looking for something unique or less crowded, consider a rafting tour. Another wonderful way to experience the Hawaiian culture is an outrigger canoe tour. It can be the thrill of a lifetime to have whales or dolphins right under your canoe!

Friday Town Parties

If it’s Aloha Friday in Maui there is a town party going on somewhere. These street parties take place in the four main towns in Maui – Wailuku (central Maui) Lahaina (west Maui) Makawao (upcountry) and Kihei (south Maui). Food carts, live music and shopping specials make these Fridays nights a great way to experience the culture and lifestyle of living in Maui!

Learn About The Culture!

Ho’olaulea

A Ho’olaulea is a celebration usually associated with the Aloha Festivals that take place in the fall. Though this word is used today to describe a “Hawaiian celebration” it has a deeper meaning to native Hawaiians. The first part, ho’o, always means to do or to make. Laule’a means happiness, friendship, and peace. Thus it’s deeper meaning – “make happiness!”

Hawaiian Fall Month Names

The names of the months varied from district to district and island to island. Which is because each island and areas of an island have different environments that might be used to describe the month. Prince Kuhio gave the names below in the late 1800s:

Hilinama (Aug.-Sept.)–Sun rises due east and sets due west (fall equinox). Tubers ripen for harvest; sugar cane blossoms; vines dying off. Ula and moi season; ‘opelu fishing.

Welehu (Oct.-Nov.)–Makali’i (Pleiades) appears in the ENE sky after sunset, signifying the start of the rainy season. Makahiki, a four-month long harvest festival dedicated to Lono, the god of rain and agriculture, begins toward the end of October and continued into the new year. ‘Opelu and akule fishing.

Seasons of Ancient Hawai’i

There are two seasons in Hawai’i, the cooler wetter season called Ho’oilo, and the hotter, drier season called Kau. Both seasons last about six months. In ancient times the months were marked by the appearance of various stars and constellations in the eastern sky at sunset.

Hawaiian Rain Names

The ancient Hawaiians had over 200 names for rain. Each name is very descriptive and highly specific. It is a wonderful example of how attuned and connected these ancient peoples were to their environment. These words distinguished the types of rain by its many attributes: color, intensity, duration, what times they arrived, the angles or paths of rainfall. Rain names were also often linked to a place or area.

Events Of The Fall Months

Fall is one of the most active times of year on Maui for events. The holiday season is filled with lots of Hawaiian culture as well as the many cultures represented in Hawaii’s melting pot of peoples. Here is a sampling of what to do in Maui during this beautiful and fun time of year…

September Events