10 Best Things to Do In Maui in the Winter
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If you’re looking for things to do in Hawaii during the winter, the island of Maui should be on the top of your list. The diverse island creates a wide variety of things to do on Maui, especially in the winter months. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a helicopter tour around the island or a visit up 10,000 feet to the summit of Haleakala. If you prefer to stay out of the sun, there are plenty of local restaurants and shops to visit. No matter what your passion, the island offers something for you. This Maui travel guide is full of ideas if you are looking to decide on what to do in Maui.
What is the weather like on Maui?
While there is no best time to visit Hawaii, temperatures generally range from highs of 85–90 °F (29–32 °C) during the summer months to 79–83 °F (26–28 °C) during the winter months. The winter months in Maui (November thru February) are a bit cooler, reaching mid 60’s at night. If you’re headed to the higher elevations of Haleakala National Park, it can be very cool in the mornings (mid 40’s and 50’s), so we would suggest bringing a jacket.
When is the best time to Visit Maui?
If you’re searching for the best airline rates when visiting Maui, search for flights that arrive/depart in the middle of the week. Flying during the middle of the week will save you a lot of money. Airlines, such as Southwest, have recently started flying to islands in Hawaii, but comparing multiples airlines on Kayak or Priceline, may yield a cheaper result. According to Skyscanner, the most affordable rates for both flights in Hawaii will be during the fall (August through October).
For hotel accommodations
The months of September through November offer the best hotel deals, excluding holidays, such as Thanksgiving.
For tours and activities
‘Last-minute’ deals may be your best bet, but you run the risk of the tour being sold out. Check out Viator for the best deals on tours and excursions.
For Rental Cars
If you plan to do the Road to Hana, a rental car is a must. Rental cars are limited, so make sure to book the rental car far in advance.
Tip: Jeeps are very popular in Hawaii and will come at a premium, but, especially on Maui, you will find are not necessary. Skip the expensive Jeeps and get a convertible to enjoy the open air, instead!
Road to Hana, photo credit: Brittany Dunning
Top 10 Things to do in Maui
Take a Whale Watching Tour
Maui is one of the best places in Hawaii to experience whale season. The best time to see whales is November through May, although January through March is peak season. Thousands of North Pacific Humpback whales migrate over 3,500 miles from Alaska to Hawaii to mate and give birth each year. As the season begins, males arrive first, eager to begin mating in the warm Hawaii waters, followed shortly by the females. Males form “competition pods” searching for the right female to mate with, meaning they are very active with aerial displays. As the season comes to an end, you are more likely to see newborn calves mimicking the movements of their mothers in the water.
During peak season, there is no best time of day to see whales. However, the morning hours are generally calmer than the choppy waves of the afternoon. It is easier to spot whales when the water is calm, but also a better option for those prone to motion sickness. Midday, from the hours of 11am to 3pm, there is more direct sun, making it easier to see the whales underneath the water.
It is possible to see the whales from the shore, especially from areas in West Maui, such as Ka’anapali or Lahaina. You can take a variety of whale watching tours from Maalaea Harbor, on the south side of the island, which is considered the mecca for whale watching. Raft tours are smaller and able to get closer to adult whales, however might not be suitable for children. Larger boat tours may not be able to get as close, but may be more comfortable and affordable for those on a budget.
Molokini Snorkel Tour, photo credit: Ashley Rademacher
Molokini Snorkeling Tours
One of the best things to do in Hawaii is snorkeling and the island of Maui offers some of the best snorkeling options! It is one of the top activities in Maui. Many island locations offer great snorkeling spots that are protected from strong winds, such around Black Rock at the north end of Ka'anapali Beach. This is a great affordable option, as snorkel gear can be rented from many nearby hotels for as low as $10/day. If you’re interested in taking a snorkel tour to Molokini Crater, you will not be disappointed. The Molokini Crater offers over 150 different species of fish and unparalleled underwater viewing. Check out our experience with the Maui snorkeling tour.
Haleakala National Park, photo credit: Ashley Rademacher
Take a Bike Ride After a Haleakala Sunrise
For those seeking a bit of adventure, consider taking a guided tour to the 10,023ft summit of Haleakala, which means “house of the sun” in Hawaiian. While the volcano has been dormant since 1790, Haleakala Crater is actually not volcanic in origin. Scientists believe that it was formed when two large erosional valleys merged at the summit of the volcano.
To see a Maui sunrise on Haleakala, visitors must wake up early to drive to the Haleakala Visitor Center, which is the best spot to watch this incredible sunrise. If you choose to drive yourself to this sunrise location, allow yourself 2 hours of drive time from Kaanapali and Wailea, as well as additional time to pay the entrance fee. A Haleakala sunrise reservation is also highly recommended.
Driving down the winding roads of Haleakala can be challenging in a car, but nothing beats the adrenaline rush of riding back down on a bicycle. Maui offers many guided downhill bike tours that allow visitors to breathe the fresh air of the island as they are teleported down the slopes. However, this tour is not for beginners. It is only recommended for experienced riders. See our experience on the Haleakala Bike Tours with Bike Maui here.
Black sand beaches on The Road to Hana, photo credit: Brittany Dunning
Complete the Road to hana
No “Top 10 Things to Do on Maui” list would be complete without the Road to Hana. The Hana Highway is a 64.4 mile stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360, connecting Kahului to the town of Hana. Even though this 64.4 mile stretch of highway sounds simple, the highway is incredibly windy and narrow, with approximately 620 twists and turns through lush rainforest. Much of the highway is only one lane wide, with bridges dating back to 1910. With numerous waterfalls and hiking trails, the stop offs can easily make the trip an all-day excursion. We recommend getting a guidebook and researching which points are of most interest and getting an early start to beat the crowds. For $10, you can download a Hana hiking app to your phone to program in your stops. If you’re not interested in driving yourself, the island offers many guided van tours to Hana.
For full enjoyment, plan to stay the night in Hana before heading back across the island. And, of course, if you’re prone to car sickness, make sure to stock up on Dramamine.
Witness the Annual Lighting of the Banyan Tree in Lahaina
If you are visiting Maui during December, this free festival is a can’t miss attraction. The Banyan Tree is one of the most famous landmarks in Lahaina. Brought from India, the tree was planted in 1973 at a mere 8 feet tall. It now has more than dozen trunks, covering almost one acre of the city. Each year, on the first weekend of December, the tree is lit with over 6,500 lights to kick off the holiday season.
See the Best Maui Beach at Kaanapali Beach
Covering nearly three miles, Kaanapali Beach was once named America’s Best Beach. This pristine beach of white sand and clear water is the perfect option for travelers looking to kick back and relax. There are no private beaches in Hawaii, meaning that this is another low-cost option for those looking to spend some time in the sun. Parking is $2/30 minutes and gives you access to many of Maui’s best restaurants and resorts. Snorkel during the day at Black Rock and then head into Whaler’s Village for happy hour Mai Tai at Moneypod.
Pro tip: We stayed at Kaanapali Alli on Kaanapali Beach and loved the resort style condos - it made making a quick lunch in our own kitchen a snap. A great option for families with children or those looking to avoid the high cost of restaurants and dining in the area.
Surfing at Jaws, photo credit: Surfer Today
See The Big Wave Surfing at Jaws
Jaws, also known as, Pe’ahi is Maui’s biggest surfing break and the home to big wave surf championships. In the winter months, the north shore of Maui is hit with waves (sometimes up to 70 feet!) from winter storms from Alaska. This attracts big wave surfers from all over the world.
If you want to witness Jaws breaking for yourself, the lookout on the Peahi cliffs is the best vantage points outside of a boat or helicopter. However, it is only accessible via an unpaved road and requires a 4x4 to avoid getting stuck.
Helicopter Tour
One of the best ways to see Maui is by the air. On your own private helicopter tour, you have access to hidden views of waterfalls and valleys that are inaccessible by land. The length of flight may vary, but this is one of the most scenic ways to explore the island and makes for an unforgettable trip!
Don’t Leave without Hiking
Hawaii offers some of the best hiking in the world. If you are hitting the trails, make sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen. During the winter months, rain showers are much more frequent, so wear proper hiking shoes and be prepared for muddy trail conditions. Nightfall also comes quickly in Maui during the winter, so make sure to time your hikes accordingly or bring headlamps to avoid being stranded in the dark.
Guided waterfall tours are also widely popular group hiking excursions on Maui.
Eat at Local Restaurants
If you’re looking to enjoy activities out of the sun in Maui, stop in for a quick bite in the wide variety of Maui restaurants. If you’re in Lahaina, we recommend grabbing the local catch of the day at Paia Fish Market. If you’re in a breakfast mood, Belle Surf Cafe is right next door with the perfect crepe and latte. If you’re staying on the western side of the island, make sure to visit Merriman’s for happy hour for their famous Mai Tai (two and you might need a ride home!). The best shave ice on the entire island can be found on the north shore in the small town of Paia — Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice — but make sure you add a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream!
What is your favorite thing to do on Maui?