Things to Do in Maui in March

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March sits in the thick of Maui's wet season. Rain arrives more days than not along the windward slopes from Haiku through Hana, with heavy bursts that fill every gully and roadside ditch. Coastal highs still reach about 27°C (81°F), warm enough for beach time between showers, but the leeward-windward weather divide is sharp. Kihei might sit in afternoon sun while Hana gets 50mm of rain in the same hours. First-time visitors who drive the 2-hour climb to Haleakalā's 3,055m summit in beach clothes tend to learn this the hard way. The island carries roughly a 25°C vertical temperature range, from warm coast to near-freezing crater rim.

That said, March is also the tail end of humpback whale season. Thousands of North Pacific humpbacks winter in Hawaiian waters, and the shallow Au'au Channel between Maui and Lanai is one of the top spots on the planet to see them. March is among the last reliable months for sightings before the pods start their northward migration in April. The constant rain feeds waterfalls along the Road to Hana to their peak flow, and the slopes above Kula turn a deep green that fades entirely by July.

Spring break arrivals push crowd levels up from mid-March onward, particularly in Kihei and along the resort beaches of Wailea. Accommodation rates climb well above shoulder-season levels during the last 2 weeks of the month. If your dates are flexible, early March tends to be quieter and noticeably easier to book.

Why visit in March

Shore-based whale watching along the Honoapiilani Highway between Maalaea and Lahaina produces regular sightings of breaching humpbacks from free coastal lookouts, no boat ticket required
Waterfalls along the Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu district, including Makahiku Falls, reach their fullest volume from accumulated wet-season rainfall
The upcountry landscape around Kula and the Hana coast turn their deepest, most photogenic green of the year
Availability for accommodation and tours in early March, before spring break, is noticeably better than during the December-January peak while whale-watching conditions remain comparable

Worth knowing

Rain on roughly 3 out of every 4 days limits beach time and forces itinerary flexibility, especially on the windward side of the island
Spring break visitors from the US mainland fill the Kaanapali and Wailea resort corridors by the third week of March, driving up wait times for tours and restaurants
Overcast skies and passing showers interrupt beach plans on most days, and even the drier leeward coast from Kihei to Makena sees more rain than during the June-to-September dry season
Trail conditions on backcountry paths in Haleakalā National Park can turn muddy and slippery, with some routes temporarily closed after sustained rainfall

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 17° / 10°C 236mm rain · 24 rainy days · 91% humidity rains perceptibly ~4.8h/day · 74% of mornings dry

Crowds high

Pack Coastal days hover around 27°C, but upcountry mornings near Kula can dip to 10°C, so layers earn their suitcase space. Pack a waterproof rain shell, a fleece or midweight pullover for elevations above 300m, reef-safe SPF 30+ sunscreen for clear intervals, quick-dry shorts and shirts instead of cotton, and closed-toe hiking shoes with tread for muddy trails.

March on Maui averages a coastal high of 27°C (81°F) and a low of 18.5°C (65°F) at sea level, with 236mm of rainfall spread unevenly across the island. Humidity holds around 91% on the windward side, so even the gaps between showers feel damp against your skin. Rain typically arrives in intense bursts along the Hana Highway rather than the all-day gray of a mainland winter. The windward side, from Haiku through Hana, catches the bulk of it. The leeward coast from Lahaina south to Makena stays noticeably drier, and you'll get more beach-worthy afternoons there than the island averages suggest. Upcountry areas around Kula, sitting at roughly 900m elevation, see highs closer to 21°C (70°F) with mornings cool enough for a pullover. Morning fog tends to blanket the upcountry roads until 9 or 10 AM.

Seasonal caution

Flash flood advisories are common in March, particularly in stream valleys along the Hana Highway. The Oheo Gulch area of Haleakalā National Park can close without notice after heavy rainfall.
Winter surf on north-facing shores, including Ho'okipa Beach and Honolua Bay, can produce waves exceeding 4.5m (15 ft). Swim only at beaches with posted lifeguards.
Temperatures near the Haleakalā summit can drop below 0°C (32°F) before sunrise. Hypothermia is a real risk for hikers who arrive in lightweight beach clothing.

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

Holidays and festivals in March

Public holidays

Good Friday(Good Friday)26 March 2027

Headline events

Regional Free

Humpback Whale Season

December through mid-April, with March among the strongest viewing weeks

Every winter, North Pacific humpback whales travel thousands of kilometers to breed and calve in Maui's warm, shallow coastal waters. March is one of the final peak months, with mother-calf pairs and male competition pods frequently visible from shore and by boat. The Maui Nui basin, covering channels between 4 islands, sits within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

#MauiWhaleWatch

Best things to do in March

Whale watching by boat from Lahaina Harbor

wildlife

Board a whale-watching vessel from Lahaina Harbor for a 2-hour tour into the waters where humpbacks concentrate. Boats typically encounter pods within the first 15 to 20 minutes, and breaching, spy-hopping, and tail-slapping are common sights. The smell of salt spray and the deep percussive boom of a whale hitting the surface are things that stay with you. Nothing else sounds quite like it.

March is among the last reliable months for peak humpback activity before the northward migration thins the population

Booking tipBook morning departures at least a week ahead during spring break. Afternoon trade winds create chop that makes for rougher seas and harder spotting.

Hiking the Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls

hiking

The Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu district of Haleakalā National Park covers 6.4 km (4 mi) round trip through a dense bamboo forest where stalks creak and clatter in the wind. The path passes the Makahiku Falls overlook before reaching Waimoku Falls at its end.

Accumulated wet-season rainfall pushes both waterfalls to their highest volume of the year, and the surrounding vegetation is at peak density

Booking tipArrive at the Kipahulu Visitor Center before 9 AM to secure parking. The lot fills early during spring break weeks.

Haleakalā sunrise viewing

nature

Drive to the summit of Haleakalā, the 3,055m (10,023 ft) shield volcano, before dawn to watch the sun rise above the cloud layer. The crater floor, cinder cones, and native silversword plants glow in warm light. The pre-dawn chill at the summit is the sharpest cold most Hawaii visitors will experience on a trip.

Fewer visitors book sunrise permits during the wet season, improving your odds of securing a slot within the 60-day advance window

Booking tipPermits are required and sell out within hours of becoming available. They open at midnight HST exactly 60 days before your date on recreation.gov.

Surfing or spectating at Ho'okipa Beach Park

water sports

Ho'okipa Beach Park on the north shore near Paia sees consistent winter swell in March, with waves regularly reaching 2 to 4m (6 to 12 ft) face height. The break is advanced-level with rocks and strong currents, but the bluff above the beach offers a front-row seat for spectators. You can hear the waves hit the reef from the parking lot.

The last of the North Pacific winter swells deliver some of the biggest rideable surf of the year before conditions mellow by May

Booking tipNo booking needed. If surfing, respect the lineup. Ho'okipa has an established local pecking order.

Kula strawberry farm visits

food and drink

Several farms in the Kula district on Haleakalā's slopes grow strawberries in volcanic soil at roughly 900m (3,000 ft) elevation. The cool, misty air up in Kula feels like a different island from the coast. March sits in the middle of the February-through-May harvest.

Peak strawberry sweetness coincides with the cool March nights and mild daytime temperatures of the upcountry growing season

Driving the Hana Highway

scenic driving

The Hana Highway winds roughly 103 km (64 mi) along Maui's northeast coast through 59 bridges and over 600 curves, passing roadside waterfalls, thick vegetation, and ocean lookouts. In March, roadside ginger, heliconia, and banana plants crowd the shoulders, and cascades that dry to trickles by August are running full.

The wet season transforms the drive into its most lush version, with waterfalls appearing around nearly every bend and the roadside vegetation at peak overgrowth

Booking tipIf your route includes the black-sand beach near Hana, state park entry requires advance booking online. Same-day slots are nearly impossible to get in March.

What to eat in March

In season: fruit

Kula strawberries
Volcanic soil and cool nights on Haleakalā's western slopes produce intensely sweet berries during the February-through-May harvest. March sits right in the peak of the picking season, and several upcountry farms open their rows to visitors.

On menus now

Fresh ahi poke
Spring yellowfin tuna runs in the waters surrounding Maui bring peak freshness to the island's fish counters. The raw preparation with sea salt, limu seaweed, and kukui nut lets the fish quality stand out.
Taro and poi
Taro root grown in lo'i kalo across the Hana district benefits from heavy March rains. Pounded into poi, it becomes a starchy, slightly tangy staple that anchors traditional Hawaiian plates alongside lomi-lomi salmon or kalua pork.

In markets

Macadamia nuts
The tail end of Maui's macadamia harvest extends through March. Freshly cracked nuts from local orchards carry a richer, more buttery flavor than the packaged versions sold at Kahului Airport shops.

Regular events in March

Prince Kuhio DayFree

A Hawaii state holiday honoring Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole, a delegate to the US Congress who championed Native Hawaiian homesteading rights. Government offices and some businesses close. Cultural ceremonies and community events take place across the island.

March 26

East Maui Taro FestivalFree

An annual celebration of taro cultivation and Hawaiian culture held in the Hana district. The festival features poi-pounding demonstrations, traditional hula, local food vendors, and talks on sustainable lo'i kalo farming. Timing varies between late March and early April depending on the year.

Late March or early April

Best places this March

Wai'anapanapa State Park
state park
The black volcanic sand beach at Pa'iloa Bay sits against a backdrop of green hala trees and sea caves. March's overcast skies and saturated vegetation make the color contrast more striking than in the dry brown months of summer.
Hana
Kahanu Garden
botanical garden
Founded in 1972, this tropical botanical garden near Hana houses the Pi'ilanihale Heiau, one of the largest ancient stone temples in Polynesia. The garden's breadfruit, coconut, and taro collections reach full canopy in March after months of wet-season rain. The stone platform of the heiau feels heavy and quiet under gray skies.
Hana
Enchanted Floral Gardens of Kula
botanical garden
A botanical garden on the slopes of Haleakalā in the Kula district, where protea flowers and tropical blooms reach peak color during the wet spring months. The cool, misty mornings at this elevation give the grounds a moody atmosphere that feels more temperate rainforest than tropical island.
Kula
Makena State Park
beach park
Big Beach and Little Beach on Maui's southern coast see fewer crowds in March than during summer. The kiawe trees behind the sand are green from wet-season rain, and the shoreline feels more local than the manicured resort beaches to the north in Wailea.
Makena
Iao Valley State Monument
state park
The Iao Needle in Wailuku rises roughly 370m (1,200 ft) from the stream bed, wrapped in dense green vegetation that reaches its thickest cover during March. A short paved trail leads to the viewpoint, and the sound of Iao Stream running high after recent rain fills the valley.
Wailuku
Paia Town
town
The small north-shore town serves as the last supply stop before the Hana Highway and has a concentration of surf shops, local art, and fish taco spots along Baldwin Avenue. In March, the town hums with north-shore surf energy as winter swells draw experienced wave riders from around the world.
Paia
Lahaina Heritage Museum
museum
Located in the old courthouse building in Lahaina, this museum documents the town's history from its era as the Hawaiian kingdom's capital through the 19th-century whaling industry. March brings fewer visitors than summer, making it easier to browse the exhibits and get context for walking the surrounding historic district.
Lahaina

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Waterproof rain shellMarch showers come and go quickly but hit hard. A packable rain layer that fits in a daypack is the single most important item for hikes and the Hana Highway. Shop
Fleece or midweight pulloverEvenings in upcountry Makawao and Kula drop into single-digit Celsius temperatures. The Haleakalā summit before dawn hovers near freezing. Shop
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)Hawaii state law prohibits sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. The UV index in March still reaches 8 to 10 during clear afternoon intervals despite the frequent cloud cover. Shop
Quick-dry hiking pants or shortsCotton and denim stay wet for hours after a trail shower. Synthetic or nylon-blend fabrics dry in 20 to 30 minutes in the trade winds. Shop
Water shoes or reef walkersRocky entry points for snorkeling along the south coast and volcanic sand beaches need sole protection. Standard flip-flops are not enough. Shop
Binoculars (8x42 or similar)Shore-based whale watching from coastal lookouts along the Honoapiilani Highway is far more rewarding with optics. March is the final stretch of peak viewing season. Shop
Dry bag or waterproof phone pouchStream crossings on the Hana Highway, salt spray on whale-watching boats, and sudden downpours all threaten electronics. A roll-top dry bag earns its space. Shop
Light long-sleeve rash guardDoubles as sun protection for snorkeling and a warmth layer when the trade winds pick up on exposed beaches. Shop

Insider tips

The stretch of Honoapiilani Highway between Maalaea and Lahaina has several unmarked pulloffs for whale watching. The lookout near mile marker 8, McGregor Point, is where locals park to spot humpbacks for free. You'll often see spouts within 10 minutes of arriving in March.
Skip the resort restaurants in Wailea for lunch and drive 15 minutes to Wailuku instead. The plate-lunch shops and small eateries along Lower Main Street serve bigger portions of better food for significantly less than the resort-area equivalents.
Maui's trade winds blow from the northeast. If rain is falling in Paia or Haiku, drive 30 minutes south to Kihei, where the leeward side is likely dry and partly sunny. Locals use this east-to-west weather pattern constantly in March.
If you are driving the Hana Highway on a weekend in March, leave Paia by 7 AM. Spring break traffic creates backups at the one-lane bridges by 9 AM, and by mid-morning the roadside parking at major waterfall pulloffs is full.
The Saturday morning farmers markets in Kula and Makawao are where residents buy produce. The selection and freshness outpace the tourist-oriented shops near the resorts by a wide margin.

Avoid these mistakes

Packing only beach clothes and no layers. March mornings in upcountry Maui and at the Haleakalā summit require a fleece at minimum. Visitors in tank tops at high elevation before dawn are visibly cold and miserable.
Driving the Hana Highway after heavy rain without checking stream-crossing conditions. The waterfalls are at their most impressive, but the same rainfall that feeds them can make stream crossings impassable. Check conditions before heading out.
Booking every activity during US spring break, typically the 3rd and 4th weeks of March. Snorkel tours, whale-watching boats, and dinner tables fill up quickly. The first 2 weeks offer the same weather and whale conditions with fewer crowds.
Assuming the entire island gets the same weather. Kihei and Wailea on the leeward south shore can be dry and partly sunny while Hana is receiving 50mm of rain in the same afternoon. Plan your days around the leeward-windward divide.

Practical tips for March

Book Haleakalā sunrise permits through recreation.gov exactly 60 days before your visit. They open at midnight Hawaii Standard Time and sell out within hours. Reserve a Wai'anapanapa State Park entry slot through Hawaii's DLNR online portal well in advance, since same-day walk-ins are nearly impossible in March. Secure a rental car at least 3 weeks before spring break dates. Maui's public bus system connects Kahului, Kihei, and Lahaina on limited schedules, but reaching Hana, Kula, or the summit requires a vehicle. Dinner reservations at sit-down restaurants in Wailea and Lahaina should be made 5 to 7 days ahead during the second half of the month. Hawaii state law requires reef-safe sunscreen at all beaches, and shops near the coast sell compliant brands if you forget to pack your own.

FAQ

Is March a good time to visit Maui?

March is a fair time to visit, not ideal. It falls in the wet season, with rain on most days along the windward coast and frequent showers even in the drier Kihei and Wailea corridor. Coastal temperatures stay warm at about 27°C (81°F), so beach days still happen between storms. The major draw is humpback whale season, which still delivers reliable sightings in the Maui Nui basin. If whale watching is your priority, March delivers. If consistent sunshine matters most, the June-through-September window is a better fit.

What is the weather like in Maui in March?

Coastal areas like Kihei and Wailea see daytime highs around 27°C (81°F) with overnight lows near 18°C (65°F), warm enough for the beach on dry afternoons. Expect showers on most days, with the heaviest rain falling along the windward Hana coast. The leeward side stays drier but still sees more rain than during Maui's summer months. Upcountry areas around Kula sit noticeably cooler, with highs closer to 21°C (70°F), and the Haleakalā summit drops near freezing before dawn. Pack a rain jacket for the coast and a fleece for anything above the 300m elevation line.

Is Maui crowded in March?

The first 2 weeks of March are moderately busy, comparable to February. From mid-March onward, US spring break pushes occupancy and restaurant wait times up significantly, especially in the Wailea and Kaanapali resort corridors. Whale-watching tours often sell out during the second half of the month. Book ahead if your trip falls after March 15.

Can you still see whales in Maui in March?

Yes. March is one of the peak months for humpback whale sightings in the Maui Nui basin. Mother-calf pairs, competitive male pods, and breaching behavior are common from both shore lookouts and boat tours. Sighting frequency begins to taper once the northward migration picks up in the following weeks.

Is Maui welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Maui scores 9 out of 10 for LGBTQ+ friendliness (sourced from TTDI's editorial rubric). Hawaii legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, and the island's culture is broadly welcoming. Paia and the Lahaina community are particularly open. March does not have a dedicated Pride event, but the island's hospitality is consistent year-round.