Maui Weather and Climate
Maui has a tropical climate with a two-season year. More than half of Maui is within 5 miles of the ocean, so there is a great maritime influence on weather patterns. Maui’s location near the equator produces little variance in daylight or daily temperature (the reason why Hawai’i does not observe daylight savings time). Summer temperatures at sea level range from 85-90 degrees; winter temperatures range from 79–83 degrees. The great difference is a rainier season from October to April, and a drier season from May to September. Elevation plays a great role in temperature and weather. The trade winds, which blow from the northeast, create complex wind and weather patterns in different parts of the island. Generally, windward (toward the wind) parts of Maui get lots of rain, and leeward (away from the wind) are drier. The large mountains on Maui require clouds to rise to pass them, dropping precipitation as a result. Rather than an extended climate discussion, refer to the sections below that correspond to the drop-down menus on this website. Each hike on this site also has a link to a pinpoint forecast from the National Weather Service.
West Maui: This older section of Maui is a microcosm in itself. The West Maui Mountains get an incredible amount of rainfall. The eastern side is much rainier and windy. The south side can be windy because the trade winds careen in and out of the large valleys here. The north side is also windy because it’s in the direct line of the trade winds. Lāhainā is in the sweet spot for dry weather and low wind.
South Maui: Instead of the actual south side of Maui, South Maui refers to the development along the southwestern coast of Maui where many visitors stay. It’s very dry, creating some of the best beaches. Many visitors wonder where the rainforests and waterfalls are when they arrive here. Because of the rainshadow created by Haleakalā, this coast gets little rain. Mornings are not very windy unless you’re at the southern end where the trade winds begin to wrap around the bottom part of the island. Afternoons can get windy if it’s been hot and sunny all day.
Upcountry: At elevations ranging from 2000’ to 5000’, it’s much cooler and rainy. The climate here creates cool rainforests. The wind is often less than at coastal destinations.
Road to Hāna: In general, this is among the rainiest places on Maui. This gives rise to the waterfalls, lush rainforests, and compelling seas. Hāna itself is often drier because it’s close enough to the eastern tip of Maui, but it’s windy in the direct line of the trade winds.
Haleakalā National Park: At elevations from 7000’ to 10,000’, Haleakalā volcano is unlike anywhere else on Maui. The highs at the summit are in the 50s, and the lows are in the 30s. The sheer size of Haleakalā creates complex weather patterns that are beyond the scope of this short discussion. One of the best parts of visiting the volcano is the feeling of being thousands of feet above the clouds. This is a good way to think about it up here: you’re above the weather on the rest of Maui. Winds can be extreme, snow is possible, and rainstorms can be epic. Conditions can change on a dime. Be prepared for anything up here.
Haleakalā Backside: This is actually the southern coast of East Maui. It’s fairly dry along the coast because it’s in the shadow of Haleakalā volcano, but the trade winds whip around this side of the island creating constant winds.