Maui, known as the Valley Isle, is a tropical paradise renowned for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the scenic Road to Hana, relax on the famous Kaanapali Beach, and witness the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park. This island offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and Hawaiian hospitality.
The destination guide
Maui
Island in United States, North AmericaUpdated
- Overall6/10
- Best forCouples, Adventure seekers
- PeakJan, Feb, Jun, Jul
- CurrencyUSD
Maui has the Road to Hana with 620 curves, Haleakalā volcano above the clouds, and whale watching so close you can hear them breathe. The Valley Isle earns its hype.
Travel guides for Maui
Itineraries & day trips (1)
Things to do (1)
Where to stay (1)
Destination stories (1)
More guides featuring Maui (26)
At a glance
Currency$ USDCode: USD
Time zoneHawaii-Aleutian Standard Time
Languages
- English
Setting
- Volcanic island
- Tropical beaches
- Mountain rainforest
- Road to Hana
Known for
- Beach relaxation
- Nature exploration
- Adventure sports
- Cultural immersion
- Romantic getaways
Population164K164,007 residents
VisaDocuments: For domestic U.S. air travel, travelers age 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another TSA-accepted ID such as a valid passport
How Maui scores
6/10OverallFair
Weather9/10
Value for money7/10
Safety9/10
Food & cuisine8/10
Culture & arts6/10
Cultural experience8/10
History7/10
Nature & outdoors10/10
Adventure6/10
Nightlife6/10
Shopping7/10
Family friendly5/10
Romance9/10
Character
Photography score7/10
Authenticity score10/10
Off-the-beaten-path score7/10
Editorial scores on a 10-point scale, weighed against destinations of the same kind.
Travel safety snapshot
Overall88/100High rating
Women travellers85/100
LGBTQ+ travellers80/100
Theft80/100
Medical care88/100
Physical harm90/100
Political freedom84/100
SafePlace indicators use their source 100-point scale; higher is more favourable. Planning context, not a live travel advisory — check official government guidance before you go.
When to go
Best months to visit: April, May, June, September, October and November.
- January: 16.1 to 22.5 degrees Celsius, 83.5 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- February: 15.6 to 21.8 degrees Celsius, 163.6 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- March: 16.2 to 22.5 degrees Celsius, 95.5 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- April: 17 to 23.2 degrees Celsius, 149.2 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- May: 17.7 to 24.1 degrees Celsius, 88.2 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- June: 18.6 to 25.5 degrees Celsius, 43.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- July: 19.6 to 26.7 degrees Celsius, 46.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- August: 19.8 to 26.6 degrees Celsius, 97.5 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- September: 19.4 to 26.3 degrees Celsius, 63.3 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- October: 19 to 25.5 degrees Celsius, 109 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- November: 18.1 to 24.2 degrees Celsius, 83.7 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- December: 16.9 to 23 degrees Celsius, 124.6 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
Month-by-month conditions and packing advice
- January
- Mild to warm, some rain January in Maui: warm and tropical with prime whale-watching, but wetter weather and peak post-holiday crowds with high rates. Crowds: January in Maui is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- February
- Mild to warm, rainy February in Maui: peak whale season and reliable sun, though winter rains and busy crowds persist. Crowds: February in Maui is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- March
- Mild to warm, some rain March in Maui: pleasant warmth and whale watching continue, but spring-break crowds drive up demand. Crowds: March in Maui is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- April
- Mild to warm, rainy April in Maui: ideal shoulder season with drier weather, calmer ocean, thinning crowds, and rates well below peak. Crowds: April in Maui is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- May
- Mild to warm, some rain May in Maui: one of the best months, with warm dry weather, calm seas, light crowds, and great value. Crowds: May in Maui is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- June
- Mild to warm, occasional rain June in Maui: warm, dry, and reliably sunny, though summer family crowds begin to build. Crowds: June in Maui is comfortable for sightseeing, neighborhoods, food stops, day trips, and outdoor time with limited weather friction. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
- July
- Mild to warm, occasional rain July in Maui: gorgeous dry weather but peak summer crowds and elevated prices. Crowds: July in Maui is comfortable for sightseeing, neighborhoods, food stops, day trips, and outdoor time with limited weather friction. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
- August
- Mild to warm, some rain August in Maui: hot, dry, and sunny but busy with summer travelers and higher rates. Crowds: August in Maui is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- September
- Mild to warm, occasional rain September in Maui: top shoulder-season pick with warm dry weather, calm ocean, and the year's lightest crowds. Crowds: September in Maui is comfortable for sightseeing, neighborhoods, food stops, day trips, and outdoor time with limited weather friction. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
- October
- Mild to warm, some rain October in Maui: excellent value with dry warm days, quiet beaches, and discounted accommodations. Crowds: October in Maui is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- November
- Mild to warm, some rain November in Maui: pleasant early-winter weather with light crowds before the holiday rush and start of whale season. Crowds: November in Maui is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- December
- Mild to warm, some rain December in Maui: early-month shoulder calm gives way to peak holiday crowds and the wettest, busiest weeks of the year. Crowds: December in Maui is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
Peak season
- June
- July
- August
- December
- January
- February
Off-peak
- September
- October
- April
- May
- November
Know before you go
About
Maui, the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, is known as the Valley Isle for the lowland that links its two volcanic massifs, and ranks among the world’s most beloved island destinations. Its crown is Haleakalā, a 10,023-foot volcano whose summit national park draws crowds for sunrise above the clouds. One of Maui’s signature adventures is the Road to Hāna, a lush coastal drive of some 52 miles winding past roughly 620 curves and 59 bridges through rainforest and waterfalls. The island’s historic former whaling town of Lāhainā, devastated by wildfire in August 2023, is steadily rebuilding. Visitors come for whale watching in winter, snorkeling and golden beaches at Kāʻanapali and Wailea, and farm country on the volcano’s slopes. Part of Maui County, which counts about 160,000 residents across neighboring islands too, Maui pairs dramatic volcanic scenery with classic Hawaiian beaches, making it a favorite for both adventure and relaxation.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Maui is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and crowds are smaller. Summer is popular for beach activities, while winter is great for whale watching.
Getting there and around
Getting there
Maui is accessible via major US airports and the interstate highway system. The city connects to other US cities via domestic flights, Amtrak trains, and highway networks.
Getting around
Maui provides public transportation options that vary by city. Car rental and ride-sharing services are widely available.
Top experiences in Maui
Iao Valley State Park
Lush valley with the 1,200-foot Iao Needle rock formation rising from the green ridgeline — sacred site of a major Hawaiian battle.
Molokini Crater
Crescent-shaped volcanic crater 3 miles offshore with 150 feet of visibility — one of the top snorkeling and diving spots in Hawaii.
Editor-curated picks carried over from our original guide. Where a full place guide exists, the card links to it.
Worth booking ahead in Maui
Hand-picked from the operators our guides already send readers to. Prices and availability are live on the partner site.
BrowseViator
Tours and tickets in Maui on Viator (opens Viator in a new tab)
Viator's full list of bookable tours and tickets in Maui.
BrowseGetYourGuide
Experiences in Maui on GetYourGuide (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)
Everything GetYourGuide sells in Maui, with the cancellation terms on each listing.
Where to stayBooking.com
Stays in Maui (opens Booking.com in a new tab)
Live rates and availability for Maui on Booking.com; filter by neighbourhood once you know where your days start.
We earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. It is how we keep the guides free and independent.
Where to stay
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Luxury beachfront resort on Wailea Beach with three pools, a spa, and whale-watching from your lanai (Dec-Apr).
Montage Kapalua Bay
All-suite resort on Kapalua Bay with multi-bedroom residences, a cliff-edge spa, and access to two championship golf courses.
Paia Inn
Boutique inn in the surf town of Paia on the Road to Hana, with ocean-view rooms and a beachfront that feels like old Hawaii.
Editor-curated stays carried over from our original guide. Where we have reviewed the hotel, the card links to the review.
Tips from the field
Highlights
- Haleakalā National Park
- Road to Hana
- Wai'ānapanapa State Park
- Maui Ocean Center
- Nakalele Blowhole
Best activities
- Driving the Road to Hana
- Watching sunrise at Haleakalā National Park
- Snorkeling at Molokini Crater
- Relaxing on Ka'anapali Beach
- Hiking in Iao Valley State Monument
Practical tips
- Rent a car to explore the island
- Make reservations for popular attractions in advance
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
- Stay hydrated and wear appropriate footwear for hiking
Keeping it authentic
- Respect local Hawaiian culture and traditions
- Support local businesses and artisans
Culture, customs and safety
Cultural heritage
Maui preserves the sacred landscapes of Native Hawaiian culture and traditional Polynesian heritage, where ancient Hawaiian spiritual sites, traditional land stewardship, and island agricultural practices created one of Hawaii most culturally significant islands. The island maintains traditional Hawaiian cultural practices including hula, traditional fishing, and spiritual connections to volcanic landscapes while balancing cultural preservation with contemporary tourism development. Maui cultural heritage encompasses ancient Polynesian traditions, Hawaiian spiritual practices, traditional island agriculture, and contemporary Native Hawaiian cultural revitalization that continues to preserve authentic Hawaiian cultural identity and Pacific Islander heritage.
Local customs & etiquette
In Maui, Americans are generally friendly and informal. Tipping is expected (15-20% in restaurants). Personal space is important.
Travel Style
Activities
