I am often asked, “When is the best time to visit Maui?” The answer is both simple and complicated: it depends. Personally I never think there is a bad time to come to Valley Isle, but the reality is, what are you looking for in particular on your Maui vacation? Answer this question, and then you’ll know exactly when to come to Maui.

Without question the most popular time to visit Maui begins with the Christmas Holiday / Winter Break and lasts though April. This is our high season. Guests come from all over to escape the cold, warm up, snorkel / scuba, golf and in general relax. Not only is our winter warm and beachy, but it is also whale watching season! Maui’s largest visitor, the humpback whale, visit Maui typically from early November until  late March. Why do the whales come to Maui at this time? To escape the cold Alaskan winters of course! Truthfully, they come to mate and calve.

If you like having the beach to yourself and fun bartering with the activities then you would want to come during the least busy time to visit Maui. Though summer time has often been a 2nd High Season, the last several years have found early May and June to be slow. But the slowest time on Island is no doubt the weeks between Thanksgiving (the 4th Thursday in November) and the rush of the Winter Holiday season. There are fewer families here due to school schedules and summer obligations. The beaches are emptier, there are few to no lineups for restaurants and you will have the best selection and rates on condos and hotel rooms.

The best time to visit Maui for the weather? Well, if you like low to upper 80s throughout the day and low 60s to upper 60s at night, then anytime is for you. I’ve often joked you cannot tell the difference between January 1st and July 1st weather wise on Maui. Maui’s temperatures are relatively stable throughout the year, the warmest months are August and September with day-time temperatures in the high 80s, the coolest month being January (low 80s during the day and mid 60s at night). It tends to be more humid in the summer months, so you may want to check that the condo has A/C. In sunny south Maui (Kihei/Wailea) we average 8-11 inches of rain/year (very little at all) so generally rain isn’t a factor here. However, the rest of the island does get more rain. Remember, Maui has many micro-climates, if it’s raining where you are, drive 10 minutes in any direction and you will usually find sunshine. The Central Pacific hurricane season (June-November) is usually pretty tame, but always good to be aware.

The least expensive time to visit Maui is generally in June and then again between Thanksgiving and Winter Break when demand is low. Many owners will schedule larger maintenance projects during the summer which can help to limit availability as well; so make sure you check with your host to make sure no construction near you when you visit. You will also find that owners often offer last-minute specials if they have openings; so never bad to ask for a “Last Minute” special. The trick then becomes finding a flight to match available dates. Airlines will often add flights in high season and offer incredibly tempting deals. Do make sure you have a place to stay before booking that cheap flight!

How about the worst time to visit Maui? Are you kidding me!?! Is there a worst time to go on vacation? Make sure you have all your ducks in a row back at home, pack your bags and come on vacation! This is the perfect place to relax and work on your tan! After all, there is a reason Maui No Ka Oi!