Maui
Maui is a Hawaiian island for beach days, winter whale watching and a sunrise trip up Haleakalā, with the Road to Hana for a long day on the east coast.
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Maui is the second-largest of the main Hawaiian Islands, in the Pacific Ocean and part of the state of Hawaii. Its sandy beaches sit on the west and south shores. A long, winding road follows the wetter east coast toward Hana. Inland, Haleakalā is a dormant volcano whose summit rises above 10,000 feet. Most visitors fly into Kahului Airport on the north shore.
Maui suits couples, families and travelers who want a resort base with a few long drives between coasts. The beaches on the dry, sunny side are the easiest for a beach day. From about December to April, humpback whales come close to shore, which makes winter the season for whale watching. Spring and fall are calmer times to visit. Plan at least four or five days so you can stay in one area without rushing the drives between coasts.
Maui in five
- Book the Haleakalā sunrise slot earlyDriving into Haleakalā National Park between 3am and 7am needs a $1 per vehicle reservation from Recreation.gov, released 60 days ahead and again 2 days ahead. Slots sell out fast.Haleakalā National Park
- Pick one coast to sleep onWest Maui, Kīhei, Wailea and Pāʻia are each 30 to 90 minutes apart. Choose the coast that fits your days, not the cheapest room.Where to stay in Maui
- Rent a car, and book it earlyPublic transit does not reach the beaches and trailheads you will want. Cars sell out in holiday periods, so book when you book your flights.Road to Hana, day trip or overnight
- Reserve Waiʻānapanapa before you drive to HanaNonresident visitors to the black sand beach park need advance entry and parking reservations through the state parks site. You cannot buy them on the day.Hawaii State Parks
- Visit Lahaina with careLahaina was destroyed by the August 2023 wildfire and is still rebuilding. Check current local guidance, support businesses that have reopened and keep out of closed areas.Lahaina
Things to do in Maui
See all attractions in Maui
Need to know
- Airport
- Kahului (OGG), with direct flights from the US mainland
- Getting there
- Fly to OGG; inter-island flights from Honolulu take about 30 to 40 minutes
- Getting around
- Rental car; rideshare and taxis are patchy outside resort areas
- Best base
- Kīhei or Wailea for sun, Kāʻanapali for resorts, Pāʻia for surf
- Time needed
- 5 to 7 days; 4 if you skip Hana
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryWhales, showers
- FebruaryWhale peak
- MarchWhales, showers
- AprilQuiet, dry
- MayDry, calm
- JuneDry, summer
- JulyBusy, dry
- AugustHot, busy
- SeptemberCalm, quiet
- OctoberCalm, quiet
- NovemberRain starts
- DecemberHolidays, swells
Right now in Maui
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
24
- Feels like
- 22°
- Humidity
- 78%
- Wind
- 31 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 4%
Maui
11:56 AM
Monday, November 2
- Today26°21°4%Monday: Fog. High 26°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Tue25°19°29%Tuesday: Fog. High 25°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 29%.
- Wed25°19°71%Wednesday: Fog. High 25°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 71%.
- Thu25°20°25%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 25°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 25%.
- Fri26°20°45%Friday: Partly cloudy. High 26°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 45%.
- Sat25°21°49%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 25°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 49%.
- Sun26°21°22%Sunday: Cloudy. High 26°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 22%.
Updated 07:30 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Haleakalā summitabout 1.5 to 2 hours from KiheiSunrise or sunset above the clouds. Pack warm layers and reserve ahead.Read the guide
- Molokaʻiabout 20 to 30 minutes by small planeA quiet island with few resorts. Better as a separate stay than a day trip.Read the guide
- Lahainaabout 45 to 60 min from Kihei or WaileaRebuilding after the 2023 fire. Check local guidance before you go.Read the guide
Before you go to Maui
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Rules for Maui, checked
- Haleakalā: a $1 per vehicle reservation is required to enter the park between 3am and 7am. Book on Recreation.gov.Checked Oct 1, 2026 · Source
Maui FAQ
How many days do you need in Maui?
Five to seven days covers beaches, Haleakalā and the Road to Hana without rushing. With four days, skip Hana or do it as one long day. Add days only for snorkeling trips and slow beach time.
Where should I stay in Maui for the first time?
Kīhei or Wailea if you want sun and calm beaches near the airport, Kāʻanapali for a resort strip, and Pāʻia only if surf and an early Hana start matter. Avoid splitting a short trip across three coasts.
Do you need a rental car in Maui?
Yes for most trips. The beaches, Haleakalā and Hana are far apart, and buses and rideshare are limited. If you stay at a resort and only want the beach, you can skip the car and book a few tours.
Is the Road to Hana worth it?
Yes if you enjoy winding scenery and short stops, and you start early. It is a long day with narrow bends, so skip it if you get carsick or only have a few days.
Is Maui safe to visit after the Lahaina fire?
Maui welcomes visitors, and most resort areas outside Lahaina are unaffected. Check current local guidance for Lahaina itself, and respect closed areas and the community there.
What is the best time to visit Maui?
April, May, September and October for calm weather and lower prices. December to March is whale season but busier and rainier, and summer is dry but crowded with families.