Maui in the Summer
Maui is an amazing island to visit anytime of year and summertime is one of the most popular for visitors. Many people enjoy traveling with their families in the summertime and Maui is a great place for a family vacation. Summertime is actually a busy time for the tourist season on the island. From July through September the weather is typically warmer with much relief brought in by the trade wind breezes.
Seasons In Maui
Even though there may not seem to be much difference between seasons in Maui one way to tell is by the fruit trees. Mango and avocado trees are loaded in the summer months and it is one of the best times of year to load up at the various island fruit stands – especially out on the road to Hana!
Summer Season
Summertime is a popular time of year for families to visit Maui. The air is clear and the water is warmer. Though it can get hot the ocean and trade winds to make it easy to cool off while enjoying paradise with family and friends!
Shoulder Seasons
The gap between our two most popular seasons can be a wonderful time to enjoy Maui at a bit of a discount in accommodations and somewhat smaller crowds. From Spring Break and Mother’s Day to Halloween there is plenty going on and the weather is often perfect during spring and fall months!
Winter Season
The winter months in Maui are spectacular with warm days (mid 70’s) and cool nights (mid 60’s). It’s a popular time to visit for people looking for a break from the cold and snow of northern climates.
Ancient Hawaiian Summer
Ancient Hawaiians developed a brilliant land and sea resource management system that ensured the sustainability of food sources throughout the year. The land was divided up into districts called Moku’s, and within each Moku the land was divided again into pie shaped areas called an Ahupua’a. The tip of the pie-shaped triangle started at the mountaintop, usually containing a stream and expanded and widened down the mountain slope to the ocean.
Experience the Famous Haleakalā Sunrise Tour
Along the stream, gardens were planted with diverted stream water used for irrigation. The irrigation water was returned to the stream after flowing through the garden plots (Loi) loaded with nutrients. These nutrients flowed to the ocean where stone walled fishponds were built at the mouth of the stream some 20 yards or more out into the ocean. These ponds had gates built into the stone walls that allowed small fish inside. As the fish fed on the stream nutrients, they became too large to fit back out through the gates to the open ocean, thus becoming trapped. The larger fish were then netted and became a constant source of food for nearby Ahupua’a village. All resources were shared within the Ahupua’a and traded with other Ahupua’a villages and districts.
Though the food was grown and gathered year around the ancient Hawaiians were very much in touch with their environment. Their religion was based on nature and rituals were performed for fishing, planting, and hunting. In the upper mountain slopes and valleys, wild hogs were hunted and captured along with the gathering of wild foods and logging used for house building and canoes. Farming occurred farther down the slopes with fishing and tide pool gathering at the coastline. The flow of nature was recognized and managed, such as fish spawning and tree and bird harvesting, by what is called the Kapu system.
Ancient Hawaiian Kapu System
In ancient Maui the literal meaning of Kapu was “Obey or die”. This strict form of managing resources was harsh but kept the society productive and assured the survival of the people. Kapu’s on things like fishing and tree harvesting allowed the plants and animals to reproduce and continue to thrive for generations to come.
Hinaia‘ele’ele (June-July)
Manaiakalani (Maui’s Fishhook, or Scorpio) in the SE evening sky. Humid weather, sudden storms. ‘Ohi’a ‘ai (mountain apple) ripens; gourds and melons ripen. In traditional times,’opelu (reef fish) kapu (forbidden) lifted; aku kapu (forbidden) through Jan. during its spawning season; akule spawning.
Hilinaehu (July-August)
Leo in the western evening sky. ‘Ohi’a ‘ai abundant. He’e (octopus) fishing with lures.
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.
Things To Do on Maui In Summertime
Learn about The Hawaiian Culture!
Since summertime in Maui has a lot to do with families traveling to the island we put together a quick list of activities that families can do together. Whether young or old there is something for everyone to do in Maui! Pick a favorite or try them all… it will be fun and informative to check out these tours which highlight the Hawaiian culture and natural world!
Learn more on the Road to Hāna
Road to Hana Tour
It can be quite hot at the beach in the summertime, so it’s a great time to check out the rainforest on the eastern side of Maui. If you want to experience a relaxing day in an air-conditioned van with a wonderful guide sharing the stories and legends of this amazingly beautiful part of Maui check out a road to Hana tour!
Outrigger Canoe Tour
Working as a team is one of the amazing things about the Hawaiian culture that many don’t hear much about unless you’re on an outrigger canoe tour! These boats can weigh as much as 700 lbs, but you’ll learn not only how to manage these beautiful boats, but you’ll also learn the Hawaiian language and ways of the canoe but also have the wonderful experience of being out on the ocean in true Hawaiian style fashion!
Rafting Tours
There are some wonderful boat tours all over Maui but if you want something with a little different from the large capacity boats than you may enjoy a rafting tour. These boats often have a max capacity of 24 passengers which allow the boats to be maneuverable so they can go where the larger boats cannot. Snorkeling the more remote spots in addition to the popular ones will give you a less crowded and more personalized experience of Maui’s amazing reefs!
Experience the Famous Haleakalā Sunrise
For almost 150 years, visitors to Maui have ascended Haleakalā to experience the miracle of demi-god Maui’s efforts. But for over 1,000 years before that, Hawaiians held Haleakalā sacred. Known as wao akua, or “realm of the gods,” its summit was visited only when necessary and only by certain individuals such as kahuna (priests). Discover the special meanings and purposes behind Haleakalā’s unique animals, plants, and rocks.
SUP Tour
The popularity of stand up paddling has exploded in the last few years, and Maui is a fantastic place to get up close and personal with the natural wonders of the island’s coastlines. Though it’s a bit risky to do it on your own as conditions change quickly, it’s best to do a SUP tour. A guide will not only keep you safe and help with your paddling technique, but they also know all the cool spots where turtles and dolphins will be your partners of exploration for the day!
Summertime is a wonderful time for families to travel to Maui and we hope the events and things to do in this post will give you a good idea about what’s going on and when would be a good time to plan your Maui vacation!
Aloha Nui Loa
