Things to Do in Maui in August

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Stay in Maui in August

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August is the most expensive month to visit Maui. Mainland families with school-age children pack the island before Labor Day, and accommodation rates across Ka'anapali, Wailea, and Kihei climb 40-60% above the yearly average. You will feel the crowds at every popular snorkeling spot, every beach park, and every sunset-facing restaurant from Lahaina to Makena.

The weather, to be fair, is about as warm as Maui gets. Coastal areas from Ka'anapali to Kihei average highs near 31°C (88°F) and overnight lows around 23°C (73°F), though Haleakalā's summit sits roughly 20°C cooler. Humidity tends to run around 72%, and you notice it most walking around the coastal towns in the early afternoon. The leeward coast gets minimal rain in August, since both July and August fall squarely in Maui's dry season. Most showers blow through on the trade winds along the north and east shores and rarely ruin a beach day on the west or south side.

Mind you, August also falls squarely in Central Pacific hurricane season. Direct hits on Maui are rare, but passing tropical systems can bring rough surf and heavy rain bands on short notice. You might get a perfect week of calm seas and sunshine, or you might catch the edge of a passing storm. The ocean is typically at its calmest and warmest, south-shore breaks pick up Southern Hemisphere swells, and snorkeling visibility near Molokini Crater tends to be as clear as it gets all year. If you can absorb the price premium and share the beach with the resort-corridor crowds, August delivers on the core experience.

Why visit in August

Ocean temperatures hit their yearly peak, and south-shore surf at Makena State Park picks up consistent summer swells from the Southern Hemisphere that keep body surfers and bodyboarders busy through September.
Snorkeling conditions near Molokini Crater and along the Kihei coast tend to produce the clearest underwater visibility of the year, often exceeding 45 meters (150 feet) on calm mornings.
The leeward coast from Ka'anapali through Wailea receives significantly less rain than the windward side, so beach days on Maui's west and south shores remain reliable even when showers hit the Hana coast.
Haleakalā National Park, established in 1961, offers summit stargazing under some of the darkest, driest skies in the Northern Hemisphere, with the Milky Way core directly overhead during August evenings.

Worth knowing

Peak-season pricing hits every category, from accommodations to rental cars to activity bookings, with rates 40-60% above what you would pay in the shoulder months of May or October.
Crowds at Wai'anapanapa State Park and along the Road to Hana are at their annual peak, and the state park now requires advance reservations that fill up weeks ahead.
Hurricane season runs through November, and August carries a real, if small, risk of tropical weather systems disrupting plans on 48-72 hours of warning.
The windward and upcountry areas around Hana and Kula see persistent afternoon showers in August that can dampen hiking plans, even while the leeward tourist coast stays mostly dry.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 20° / 12°C 166mm rain · 16 rainy days · 86% humidity rains perceptibly ~3h/day · 83% of mornings dry

Crowds peak

Pack Lightweight moisture-wicking layers for the coast, a fleece or hoodie for Haleakalā summit excursions where temperatures drop below 5°C (41°F) even in summer, reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen as required by Hawaii state law, and a compact rain shell for windward-side hikes and the Road to Hana.

August ties with July as Maui's warmest month, both falling in the island's dry season. Coastal resort areas average highs near 31°C (88°F) with lows around 23°C (73°F). Haleakalā's 3,055-meter (10,023-foot) summit runs roughly 20°C cooler. Humidity along the coast sits around 72%, and the trade winds that blow across the island at 15-25 km/h (10-15 mph) provide shoreline relief but push moisture into the windward valleys. Showers tend to arrive in quick bursts, usually in the afternoon on the north and east sides, while the leeward coast from Lahaina south through Wailea stays markedly drier. The tourist coast typically collects about 15mm of rain across 6-8 days, well below the wettest months of November through March. The windward Hana coast sees considerably more, often 75-100mm in the same period.

Seasonal caution

August sits within the Central Pacific hurricane season (June through November). Direct landfalls on Maui are uncommon, but passing tropical storms can bring sudden heavy rain, high surf advisories, and temporary beach closures. Monitor NOAA's Central Pacific Hurricane Center starting a week before departure.
The UV index at sea level typically ranges from 11 to 13 in August, among the highest readings in the United States. Unprotected skin can burn in under 15 minutes at midday, and reflected light off the water compounds the exposure during snorkeling and paddling.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Maui
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	17	10	165
Feb	16	9	190
Mar	17	10	236
Apr	17	10	285
May	18	11	224
Jun	19	11	139
Jul	20	12	81
Aug	20	12	166
Sep	20	12	122
Oct	19	12	236
Nov	18	11	156
Dec	17	10	186

Best things to do in August

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater

water sports

The partially submerged volcanic crater sits about 4 km (2.5 miles) off the south coast and shelters a crescent-shaped reef where over 250 fish species have been recorded. Morning charters depart from Ma'alaea Harbor around 6:30 AM, before afternoon winds chop up the surface. The water is warm enough that most people skip the wetsuit entirely.

August's calm seas and minimal swell produce underwater visibility that often exceeds 45 meters, about as clear as the crater gets all year.

Booking tipBook morning departures at least 3 weeks ahead. Afternoon trips are cheaper but choppier, and you lose the flat-light clarity.

Haleakalā sunrise viewing

nature

The drive from sea level to the summit takes about 90 minutes, climbing through temperature zones that drop roughly 3°C per 300 meters of elevation gain. At the crater rim before dawn, the air smells thin and mineral-clean, and the silence is the kind that makes your ears ring. Bring warm layers.

Summer trade-wind inversions tend to hold clouds below the summit, giving August mornings a higher chance of unobstructed views than the wetter winter months.

Booking tipThe National Park Service releases sunrise reservations exactly 60 days in advance, and August dates sell out within hours of opening. Set a calendar reminder for the release date.

South-shore surfing at Big Beach

water sports

Big Beach at Makena State Park faces south and catches long-period swells generated by Southern Hemisphere storms. The shorebreak is powerful and the beach drops off steeply, so this is not a beginner wave. The smell of salt spray and warm sand here is distinctly different from the reef-sheltered west side.

Southern Hemisphere storm season sends the most consistent south swells between June and September, and August typically brings the largest, most frequent sets.

Booking tipNo booking needed, but arrive before 9 AM to claim parking. The lot fills completely by mid-morning in August.

Road to Hana drive

scenic drive

The winding highway from Paia to Hana crosses 59 bridges and passes through roughly 600 curves across 84 km (52 miles). Stops along the way include Wai'anapanapa State Park's black volcanic sand, waterfall swimming holes, and Kahanu Garden with its massive Pi'ilanihale Heiau temple platform. The air on the windward side smells like wet ginger and plumeria.

August's warmer temperatures make waterfall pool swimming more comfortable than in winter, and the month's rainfall keeps the falls running well without the dangerous flash-flood risk of the wettest months.

Booking tipWai'anapanapa State Park requires timed-entry reservations that open 30 days ahead. August slots disappear within hours of release.

Stargazing from Haleakalā summit

nature

Above the cloud layer, the summit area has minimal light pollution and dry, thin air. On a clear August night the Milky Way stretches horizon to horizon, and you can pick out the Sagittarius arm with the naked eye. The temperature after dark can dip into the single digits Celsius, and the wind cuts through anything thinner than a fleece.

The Milky Way's galactic center reaches its highest point in the Hawaiian sky during August evenings, peaking around 9 PM, making it the premier month for naked-eye and telescopic observation.

Booking tipEvening entry does not require the sunrise-specific reservation. Bring layers, a headlamp with a red filter, and a blanket for lying on the parking area.

Stand-up paddleboarding along the Makena coast

water sports

The sheltered waters between Makena Landing and the southern shoreline offer flat, warm conditions for paddling. Green sea turtles feed on algae in the shallows, and sightings during early-morning sessions before the wind picks up are nearly guaranteed. The water is so clear you can watch the turtles grazing from your board.

August mornings along the south shore are typically glassy before the trades build after 11 AM. The calm conditions and warm water make this the most reliable month for long flat-water paddles.

Booking tipRental shops in Kihei tend to be cheaper than resort-based outfitters in Wailea. Launch before 9 AM for glass conditions.

Upcountry farm tours in Kula

culture

The agricultural district of Kula, at roughly 900 meters (3,000 feet) elevation, grows Maui onions, protea flowers, strawberries, and lavender. The cooler air up here is a genuine relief after days at sea level, and the views down toward the coast make the drive worthwhile even without the farm visits.

August is harvest season for the sweet Maui onion, and protea flowers bloom heavily in the Kula highlands. The Enchanted Floral Gardens of Kula displays over 2,500 species, many at their peak in late summer.

Booking tipMost farm tours run morning sessions only and limit group sizes. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for August visits.

What to eat in August

In season: fruit

Hayden and Rapoza mangoes
Hawaii's mango season peaks from June through September, and August is the sweet spot. Roadside stands along the Hana Highway and the Kahului Saturday farmers market sell Hayden and Rapoza varieties that rarely leave the islands. The Rapoza, developed at the University of Hawaii, has firmer flesh and less fiber than mainland varieties. The smell of ripe mango at a farm stand in Kula is one of those sensory details that sticks with you.
Lilikoi (passion fruit)
The yellow-skinned Hawaiian passion fruit hits peak ripeness in late summer. You'll find it in lilikoi butter at upcountry Kula farm stands and as fresh juice at morning farmers markets. The flavor is sharper and more tart than commercial passion fruit, with a floral acidity that cuts through the tropical humidity.

On menus now

Fresh ahi poke
Poke is available year-round, but August's calm ocean conditions mean local fishermen access offshore grounds more consistently. Fish counters at markets in Kahului and Kihei typically carry 6-8 preparations by late morning. The shoyu and limu (seaweed) styles are the most traditional, and the texture of same-day ahi is noticeably silkier than anything shipped to the mainland.

Street food peaks

Shave ice with summer fruit syrups
August heat drives peak demand for shave ice across the island. The best versions layer fine-shaved ice over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or azuki beans, then finish with house-made mango or lilikoi syrup from fruit harvested that week. Stands in Lahaina and Paia draw afternoon lines that wrap down the block.

In markets

Ulu (breadfruit)
Breadfruit season runs through summer, and August brings the largest harvest. Traditionally roasted over an open flame, ulu has a starchy, potato-like texture when cooked. Several restaurants in Paia and Wailuku serve it mashed or fried as a side, and Kahanu Garden grows over 120 cultivars on its Hana coast grounds.

Regular events in August

Admission Day (Statehood Day)Free

Hawaii's state holiday marking August 21, 1959 admission to the United States. Government offices, banks, and some local businesses close. Falls on the third Friday of August each year.

Third Friday of August (August 21 in 2026)

Maui Onion FestivalFree

Annual celebration of the Kula-grown Maui onion, historically held at Whalers Village in Ka'anapali. Features cooking demonstrations, onion-eating contests, and local food vendors showcasing the sweet, mild Maui onion in various preparations from onion rings to onion-topped poke bowls.

Early August, typically the first Saturday

Friday Town PartiesFree

Rotating weekly street festivals in different Maui towns, including Wailuku, Kihei, Lahaina, Makawao, and Ha'iku. Each edition features local food trucks, live Hawaiian music, and craft vendors lining the main street from 6 PM to 9 PM. The Wailuku edition on Market Street tends to draw more locals than tourists.

Every Friday evening throughout August, rotating locations

Best places this August

Makena State Park (Big Beach and Little Beach)
beach
One of Maui's largest undeveloped sandy beaches, backed by the Pu'u Ola'i cinder cone. Big Beach faces south and catches summer swells. Little Beach, over the rocks to the north, hosts Sunday evening drum circles through the summer months that draw locals and visitors as the sun drops into the ocean.
Makena
Wai'anapanapa State Park
state park
Black volcanic sand beach near Hana, with sea caves, blowholes, and a coastal trail winding through hala groves. The freshwater cave pools stay cool even in August's warmth, and the contrast between the dark sand, white surf, and green pandanus trees is striking. Advance reservations are mandatory.
Hana
Haleakalā National Park summit district
national park
The erosion-carved depression at the summit stretches 11.25 km (7 miles) long and 3.2 km (2 miles) wide. The Sliding Sands Trail descends 760 meters (2,500 feet) into the basin, passing cinder cones and endangered silversword plants found nowhere else on Earth. August's drier conditions make the full day-hike more manageable than in the wet winter months.
Upcountry
Ho'okipa Beach Park
beach
The North Shore's premier windsurfing beach. August's consistent trade winds make it one of the best months to watch expert windsurfers launch off the breaks. At the eastern end, a protected reef area serves as a haul-out spot where green sea turtles rest on the sand most afternoons. The turtles are close enough to photograph without a telephoto lens, though federal law requires staying 3 meters (10 feet) back.
Paia
Kahanu Garden
botanical garden
A 472-acre National Tropical Botanical Garden on the Hana coast, founded in 1972. The collection includes over 120 breadfruit cultivars, many bearing fruit in August. Pi'ilanihale Heiau, one of Polynesia's largest ancient stone temple platforms, sits on the grounds overlooking the ocean.
Hana
Lahaina Heritage Museum
museum
Located in the historic town of Lahaina, once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, the museum documents the area's history from ancient Hawaiian settlement through the whaling era and the plantation period. The surrounding Lahaina district has been a focus of significant rebuilding and restoration work in recent years.
Lahaina
Iao Valley State Monument
state park
The Iao Needle, a 370-meter (1,200-foot) vegetation-covered rock formation, rises from the valley floor in the West Maui Mountains. The valley receives more rain than the coast, and August's afternoon showers keep the landscape intensely green, with moss and ferns clinging to every rock face. The paved path to the viewpoint is short but steep.
Wailuku

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Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreenHawaii state law prohibits sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. August's UV index is among the highest in the country, and unprotected skin burns in minutes at midday. Bring enough for reapplication every 90 minutes, especially after swimming. Shop
Compact rain shellThe leeward coast sees rain on roughly 6-8 days in August, but windward-side showers typically last 15-30 minutes. A packable shell stows easily in a daypack for hikes along the Road to Hana or through Iao Valley. Shop
Light fleece or hoodieThe temperature difference between the coast and Haleakalā's summit can exceed 20°C. Pre-dawn summit excursions in shorts and flip-flops are one of the most common tourist mistakes in August. Shop
Water shoes or reef walkersRocky entry points at snorkeling spots like Ahihi-Kina'u Natural Area Reserve and the black sand at Wai'anapanapa are rough on bare feet. August's afternoon low tides expose more reef along the south shore. Shop
Rashguard or swim shirtMore effective than sunscreen for long water sessions. In August's clear, calm conditions you might spend 2-3 hours snorkeling without realizing how much exposure you're accumulating on your back and shoulders. Shop
Dry bag (10-15 liter)Essential for windward-side excursions. Quick tropical showers can soak electronics left in your car at trailhead parking lots where you cracked the windows against the heat. Shop
Wide-brimmed hat with chin strapTrade winds blow steadily across exposed beaches and summit areas. A hat without a strap will end up in the surf or over the crater rim. Baseball caps leave the neck and ears exposed. Shop
Insulated water bottle (1 liter minimum)Maui's tap water is safe and clean, sourced from mountain aquifers. August's humidity means you will drink more than you expect. Refill at trailheads and beach parks instead of buying single-use plastic. Shop

Insider tips

Maui's west side, from Ka'anapali down through Makena, gets roughly half the rainfall of the east and north coasts in August. If the forecast says rain, it likely means the Hana side. Check the windward versus leeward split on the NOAA forecast before canceling beach plans.
The Friday Town Parties rotate between five towns on different weeks. Locals treat these as their weeknight dinner plan. The Wailuku edition on Market Street has shorter food truck lines and better variety than the more tourist-heavy stops.
If driving the Road to Hana, leave before 7:30 AM and consider the counterclockwise route from the Kula and Ulupalakua side if you have a 4WD rental. Most tourists drive the traditional Paia direction, and by mid-morning the one-lane bridge waits stack up badly.
Kahului and Kula both hold Saturday-morning farmers markets with Maui-grown produce at roughly half the grocery-store price. August is peak season for local mangoes, lilikoi, and the famous sweet onions. Arrive by 8 AM for the best selection.
Admission Day on the third Friday of August closes banks and government offices. Most tourist-area restaurants stay open, but locally oriented shops in Wailuku and Kahului may close for the day.

Avoid these mistakes

Failing to book a Haleakalā sunrise reservation on the release date. August permits sell out within hours, and there is no walk-up alternative. Missing the booking window means missing the experience entirely.
Skipping sunscreen reapplication after swimming. Even waterproof formulas wash off after 40-80 minutes in the water, and the reflected UV off the ocean surface compounds the direct exposure. Second-degree burns that need medical attention are a common August emergency room visit on Maui.
Trying to drive the Road to Hana round-trip in a single day without planning stops. August traffic adds at least an hour to the already 4-5 hour round-trip drive time. Rushing it means missing the waterfall pools, Kahanu Garden, and the black sand beach that make the drive worthwhile.
Packing only beach clothes and forgetting warm layers for Haleakalā. Visitors arrive at the summit in shorts because it was warm at sea level, then stand shivering at the crater rim at 5:30 AM. This happens to someone every single morning in August.

Practical tips for August

Book rental cars, accommodations, and the Haleakalā sunrise permit at least 6 weeks before an August trip. The island's limited rental car fleet can sell out entirely during peak weeks, and last-minute airport pickups at Kahului Airport (OGG) may be unavailable at any rate. Wai'anapanapa State Park's timed-entry reservations open on a 30-day rolling window. Gas stations in Hana are limited to one, so fill your tank in Paia before starting the Road to Hana. Most interisland and mainland flights arrive in waves between 10 AM and 2 PM, so ground transportation logistics are smoother on early-morning arrivals. The Maui Bus system connects Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina, and Wailea, but service frequency is limited and not practical for reaching Haleakalā or Hana. A rental car is effectively required for August itineraries that go beyond a single resort area.

FAQ

Is August a good time to visit Maui?

August is a good but expensive time. The ocean is warm and calm, snorkeling visibility is among the best of the year, and south-shore beaches pick up consistent summer surf. The trade-off is peak-season pricing across all categories and crowded beaches from Ka'anapali to Makena. If your schedule is flexible, June and September offer similar conditions with noticeably fewer people and lower rates.

What is the weather like on Maui in August?

Coastal Maui averages highs near 31°C (88°F) with lows around 23°C (73°F) in August, while Haleakalā's summit runs about 20°C cooler. The leeward tourist coast from Ka'anapali to Wailea typically gets about 15mm of rain across 6-8 days, while the windward Hana coast sees considerably more. Both July and August fall in Maui's dry season. Humidity along the coast runs around 72%, with trade winds providing relief along the shore.

Is Maui crowded in August?

Yes, August is Maui's most crowded month. Mainland families with school-age children drive visitor counts to their yearly peak. Popular beaches, snorkel spots, and the Road to Hana all see their highest traffic. Parking at Makena State Park and Ho'okipa Beach Park fills before 10 AM most days, and advance reservations for Haleakalā and Wai'anapanapa sell out weeks ahead.

Should I worry about hurricanes on Maui in August?

August sits in the middle of Central Pacific hurricane season, which runs June through November. Direct hurricane landfalls on Maui are uncommon, occurring roughly once every few decades. That said, passing tropical storms can bring heavy rain, high surf, and temporary beach closures with 48-72 hours of warning. Travel insurance covering weather disruptions is worth the modest cost for an August trip.

Can I see humpback whales on Maui in August?

No. Humpback whales migrate to Maui's waters from roughly November through May, with peak activity between January and March. By August, the whales are feeding in Alaskan waters. If whale watching is a priority, plan a winter visit instead. August's marine highlights are sea turtles, reef fish, and calm-water snorkeling rather than whale encounters.