Things to Do in Maui in May

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Stay in Maui in May

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May on Maui sits right at the turn from wet season to dry. The winter rains that peak between November and March have largely tapered off, though brief afternoon showers still roll through on roughly 10 to 15 days during the month. Average highs reach about 29°C (85°F) along the coast, with humidity around 73%. Most showers blow through in 15 to 20 minutes, leaving the plumeria smelling sharper and the red dirt trails steaming. The leeward side from Kihei south to Wailea stays noticeably drier than the windward coast near Paia and Hana, where a full gray afternoon still happens a few times in May.

The cultural calendar starts strong. Lei Day kicks off the month with lei-making competitions and hula across the island, and the celebration tends to feel more community-driven on Maui than on Oʻahu. Later in May, the Holy Ghost Feast in Kula draws locals for a gathering rooted in Maui's Portuguese heritage. Beyond the events, the island is quiet. Winter's resort crowds have cleared out. Summer families have not arrived.

To be fair, if your dates are flexible, pushing to June or July brings drier, more consistently sunny weather. May is not a bad month on Maui. It is the warm side of shoulder season, with fewer people on every trail and beach. You can hear the surf from the Makena parking area without the background chatter of a packed beach, and a restaurant table in Wailea that takes 2 weeks' notice in February might be available same-day.

Why visit in May

Visitor density drops to one of the year's lowest levels, opening up Molokini snorkel boat trips, Haleakalā sunrise slots, and beachfront dining reservations that take weeks of advance booking in high season
Waterfalls along the Hana Highway and in Haleakalā National Park's Kipahulu District run at peak volume from accumulated winter and spring rains, with Makahiku Falls particularly full after a wet March and April
South shore surf swells begin arriving in late May, opening up spots near Wailea and Makena that sit flat during winter's north-swell dominance
Lei Day on May 1 and the Holy Ghost Feast later in the month offer cultural events that draw primarily local audiences rather than tour-bus crowds, giving visitors a window into community life in Wailuku and Kula

Worth knowing

Rain still appears on 10 to 15 days during May, mostly as brief afternoon showers on the windward coast near Paia and Hana. A heavier system can occasionally close portions of the Hana Highway and disrupt outdoor plans on the east side of the island
Despite warm 29°C coastal temperatures, Upcountry areas above 600m in Kula or on the Haleakalā summit road drop significantly cooler. The summit itself can approach freezing before dawn, a genuine shock if you packed only beach clothes
Whale season is over. Humpbacks typically depart Maui waters by mid-April, making May one of the first months without reliable sightings off the west coast

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 18° / 11°C 224mm rain · 22 rainy days · 89% humidity rains perceptibly ~4.3h/day · 72% of mornings dry

Crowds low

Pack Light, breathable clothing handles May's warm days along the coast. A packable rain shell still earns its space for passing showers, especially on the windward side and along the Hana Highway. Add a midweight fleece for Upcountry excursions above 600m and the Haleakalā summit, where pre-dawn temperatures can drop below 5°C. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential, and water shoes help on muddy trail sections near the waterfalls along the Pipiwai Trail.

May marks Maui's transition into the dry season. The winter rains, which peak from November through March, have largely subsided by early May, though brief afternoon showers still blow through on the windward side from Paia to Hana. The leeward coast around Kihei and Wailea sees drier conditions, often stringing together 5 or 6 sunny days in a row. Mornings typically start clear before trade-wind clouds build over the mountains by midday. The air feels warm and slightly humid but rarely oppressive at coast level. Upcountry areas around Kula and Makawao run 4-6°C cooler than the coast, and the Haleakalā summit drops further still, sometimes approaching freezing before dawn.

Seasonal caution

Flash flooding occurs in stream valleys and along the Hana Highway during heavy rain events. Check Maui County emergency alerts before driving east of Paia on wet days.
Ocean conditions on the north shore remain rough through May, with high-surf advisories common. South shore beaches around Makena and Wailea are calmer and better suited to swimming.

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 May

Public holidays

Truman Day(Truman Day)8 May 2027
Memorial Day(Memorial Day)31 May 2027

Best things to do in May

Haleakalā sunrise viewing

nature

Watching sunrise from the 3,055m (10,023 ft) summit of Haleakalā remains Maui's signature experience. The crater rim drops below freezing before dawn, and the colors break across the cloud layer below you. The drive up from sea level takes about 90 minutes in the dark.

May's lower visitor numbers mean sunrise reservations on recreation.gov often have availability 3-5 days out, compared to the 2-week lead time that July and August demand.

Booking tipReserve a sunrise time slot on recreation.gov as soon as you confirm travel dates.

Pipiwai Trail to Makahiku Falls and Waimoku Falls

hiking

The 6.4 km (4 mi) round-trip Pipiwai Trail in the Kipahulu District passes through a bamboo forest thick enough to block the sky, ending at the 122m (400 ft) Waimoku Falls. Makahiku Falls, a 61m (200 ft) cascade visible from the first overlook, thunders loud enough to feel in your chest after a wet week.

Accumulated winter and spring rainfall keeps both waterfalls at peak volume. By July, flow diminishes noticeably, and the smaller cascades along the trail may dry out entirely.

Booking tipNo reservation needed for the trail, but arrive before 10 AM to find parking at the Kipahulu Visitor Center.

Road to Hana drive

scenic drive

The 103 km (64 mi) Hana Highway features 620 curves and 59 bridges, many one-lane, through rainforest past waterfalls and along volcanic sea cliffs. The drive takes 3-4 hours one way without stops, though most people stop often.

Waterfalls along the highway are still running strong from the wet season. The 20-plus named cascades visible from pullouts are at their most photogenic before the dry months reduce their flow.

Booking tipWai'anapanapa State Park near the eastern end requires advance entry reservations. Book at least a week out for morning slots.

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater

water sports

The crescent-shaped volcanic crater 4.8 km (3 mi) off Maui's south shore shelters a marine preserve with 30m (100 ft) visibility on calm days. Over 250 fish species have been recorded inside the crater walls, and green sea turtles cruise the outer reef.

Winter's north Pacific swells have subsided by May, and south-shore water conditions are typically calmer than they will be during peak summer swell season in August and September.

Booking tipMorning departures from Ma'alaea Harbor around 6-7 AM reach the crater before the trade winds build afternoon chop.

Upcountry farm tours around Kula

culture

The slopes of Haleakalā between 300m and 1,200m (1,000-4,000 ft) elevation host lavender farms, protea gardens, and the Enchanted Floral Gardens of Kula. The air smells like eucalyptus and damp soil, and the temperature runs cool enough for a light jacket.

Late spring is peak flowering season Upcountry. The Enchanted Floral Gardens are at their densest before summer drying, and Kula's lavender farms hit first bloom of the year.

Booking tipMost farms welcome walk-ins on weekday mornings. Weekend afternoons can fill up even in shoulder season.

South shore surfing

water sports

South swells generated by storms in the southern hemisphere begin reaching Maui's south-facing breaks in late May. Spots near Makena and along the Kihei coast pick up head-high sets on the best days, with warm water around 24-25°C (75-77°F).

The first reliable south swells of the year arrive in late May, offering uncrowded lineups before summer draws more surfers from the mainland and other islands.

Kayaking and paddleboarding in Makena Bay

water sports

Makena Bay's protected waters on the south shore offer flat-water conditions most May mornings before the afternoon trade winds pick up around midday. Green sea turtles surface in the shallows, and the volcanic rock shoreline drops into clear water within 20m of the beach.

May's transition period means south-shore waters are calmer than winter and less busy than summer. Morning glass-off conditions before 10 AM are frequent, and you can often paddle without another kayak in sight.

What to eat in May

In season: fruit

Hawaiian mango
Mango season begins in May, with early Hayden and Common varieties appearing at Upcountry farm stands around Kula and at the Saturday swap meet in Kahului. The fruit tends to be slightly more tart than the peak-summer harvest, but the flavor is already there.
Lilikoi (passion fruit)
Spring harvest brings peak lilikoi season on Maui. The tart yellow fruit shows up fresh in juices, cheesecakes, and chiffon pies at bakeries around Paia and Makawao. Worth trying the fruit raw if you find it at a farm stand.
Maui-grown pineapple
Pineapple fields on the slopes above Haliimaile produce the island's signature low-acid, sweet fruit. May farm tours coincide with active harvesting, and Upcountry roadside stands often sell fruit picked that morning.

On menus now

Ahi poke
Spring yellowfin tuna runs in Hawaiian waters mean poke bowls at fish counters in Kahului and Kihei feature particularly fresh ahi through May. Look for the shoyu and limu (seaweed) preparations alongside the more tourist-oriented spicy mayo versions.

Festival food

Malassadas
Portuguese doughnuts, deep-fried and rolled in sugar, peak around the late-May Holy Ghost Feast in Kula. The feast version, made in church kitchens by volunteers in massive batches, has a crispier shell and softer center than the bakery ones you will find in Kahului.
Sopas
A hearty Portuguese bread soup with beef and cabbage, served at the Holy Ghost Feast around Pentecost. Church volunteers prepare it in iron pots large enough to feed the full community. The warm broth and soft bread hit differently on a cool Upcountry evening at 600m elevation.

Regular events in May

Lei DayFree

Hawaii's statewide Lei Day celebration features lei-making competitions, hula performances, and live Hawaiian music. On Maui, events gather at community sites in Wailuku and at schools and parks across the island. The tradition dates to 1927 and remains one of the most genuine expressions of Hawaiian culture on the annual calendar.

May 1

Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day)Free

Japanese Children's Day on May 5 is widely marked across Hawaii's Japanese-American communities. Koinobori (carp-shaped wind streamers) appear at homes, temples, and schools around Kahului and Wailuku throughout early May, adding streaks of color to the Upcountry and Central Maui skyline.

May 5

Holy Ghost FeastFree

Annual Portuguese-Hawaiian celebration at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Kula, with traditional sopas, malassadas, a community parade, and family activities. The feast ties to Pentecost and has run for over a century, rooted in the Portuguese immigrant families who came to work Maui's sugar plantations.

Around Pentecost Sunday (May 24 in 2026)

Memorial DayFree

Federal holiday with observances at veterans' cemeteries and memorials across Maui, including the Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao. The long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer tourism season, bringing a noticeable uptick in visitor arrivals and flight bookings.

Last Monday in May

Best places this May

Haleakalā National Park
national park
Established in 1961, the park spans from the 3,055m summit crater to the Kipahulu coast. May's lower crowds mean you might have stretches of the Sliding Sands Trail to yourself on weekday mornings, and the summit parking lot rarely fills before 6 AM.
Upcountry / East Maui
Wai'anapanapa State Park
state park
Black volcanic sand beach, sea caves, and a coastal trail through hala trees near Hana. The park's freshwater caves are fed by the same rains that keep May's landscape green. Advance entry reservations are mandatory, and the black sand absorbs heat quickly on sunny afternoons.
Hana
Makena State Park
beach
One of Maui's largest undeveloped beaches, with a 400m (1,300 ft) stretch of golden sand. May's early south swells bring occasional bodysurf-worthy shore break, and weekday mornings are empty enough to find 50m of sand to yourself.
Makena
Kahanu Garden
botanical garden
A National Tropical Botanical Garden site founded in 1972, home to the largest collection of breadfruit cultivars in the world and the Pi'ilanihale Heiau, one of Polynesia's largest ancient temple platforms. May's residual moisture keeps the 472-acre grounds particularly lush, and the humid air smells like wet ginger and rotting jackfruit.
Hana
Enchanted Floral Gardens of Kula
botanical garden
A small botanical garden on the slopes of Haleakalā at roughly 550m (1,800 ft) elevation. Late spring brings peak bloom for protea, hibiscus, and tropical flowers growing in the cooler Upcountry microclimate.
Kula
Iao Valley State Monument
state park
The 370m (1,200 ft) Iao Needle rises from the valley floor in the West Maui Mountains. Recent rains feed the streams here and keep the valley walls emerald. Morning visits avoid the cloud buildup that typically obscures the Needle by early afternoon.
Wailuku
Paia
town
The North Shore surf town serves as the last supply stop before the Road to Hana. Boutique shops, fish taco stands, and the town's single main street fill up by mid-afternoon when Hana Highway day-trippers return westbound. May keeps the pace mellow compared to summer weekends.
North Shore
Waiola Church and Cemetery
historic site
Founded in 1823 as one of Maui's earliest Christian mission sites, the grounds in Lahaina hold centuries of Hawaiian history. The cemetery is the resting place of Hawaiian royalty including Queen Keopuolani. The broader Lahaina area continues its recovery from the August 2023 wildfire, and visiting with awareness of that context matters.
Lahaina
Holy Ghost Catholic Church
historic site
An octagonal church in Kula built by Portuguese immigrants who arrived to work Maui's sugar plantations in the 19th century. The building sits along the Upcountry driving route between Makawao and the Enchanted Floral Gardens, and the late-May Feast fills the surrounding grounds with the smell of frying dough and slow-cooked beef.
Kula

Your packing checklist

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Light rain shellMay's passing showers typically clear within 20 minutes. A packable waterproof jacket lets you keep moving through rain instead of ducking into a shop doorway in Paia. Shop
Quick-dry clothingIn Maui's warm, humid air, cotton dries slowly after a passing shower. Synthetic or merino layers are more comfortable, especially moving between air-conditioned spaces and the 29°C outdoors. Shop
Midweight fleece or hoodieUpcountry Maui around Kula runs 4-6°C below coastal temperatures, and the Haleakalā summit can approach freezing before dawn. A warm layer is non-negotiable for any elevation excursion. Shop
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)Hawaii law prohibits sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Bring compliant mineral-based formulas from home, as island availability is inconsistent and prices run significantly higher. Shop
Water shoes or closed-toe sport sandalsTrail sections on the Pipiwai Trail and around Wai'anapanapa's sea caves get muddy and slippery after rain. Closed-toe water shoes offer grip without sacrificing drainage. Shop
Dry bag (10-15L)Protects electronics and camera gear during sudden downpours on the Road to Hana or on the open deck of a snorkel boat. A roll-top dry bag weighs almost nothing and fits into any daypack. Shop
Rash guardWater temperatures off Maui sit around 24-25°C (75-77°F) in May, warm enough for extended snorkeling without a wetsuit. A rash guard prevents sunburn during 2-3 hour boat excursions to Molokini Crater. Shop
Lightweight long pantsUseful for Upcountry farm visits where tall grass and red volcanic mud stain shorts and bare legs. Also needed for evenings in Wailea, where some restaurants maintain a resort-casual dress expectation. Shop

Insider tips

The leeward coast from Kihei south to Makena gets roughly half the rainfall of the windward side. If the forecast shows heavy rain, keep your plans on the south shore and save the Road to Hana for a drier day.
Haleakalā sunset gets far less attention than sunrise but is equally dramatic in May, and it requires no reservation. Bring your fleece and arrive 30 minutes before sundown to the Pu'u 'Ula'ula overlook at the summit.
Paia's restaurants fill up by 6 PM most evenings, even in quiet May, because Road to Hana day-trippers return hungry around 4-5 PM. Eat early (before 5:30) or late (after 7:30) to skip the crunch.
The Saturday Maui Swap Meet in Kahului is the cheapest spot on the island for produce, souvenirs, and Maui-grown coffee. It runs 7 AM to 1 PM. Arrive before 8 for the best selection from Upcountry farm vendors.
Molokini snorkel trips leaving Ma'alaea Harbor at 6-7 AM reach the crater before afternoon trade winds build chop. Later departures are often cheaper but rougher, and visibility drops noticeably by early afternoon.

Avoid these mistakes

Booking the Road to Hana as a round-trip day drive. The return on the same winding road takes 3-4 hours, and most drivers are fatigued by then. After rain, the one-lane bridges slow everything further. Consider overnighting in Hana or taking the southern Piilani Highway return if your rental agreement allows unpaved roads.
Packing only beach clothes. The coast is warm at 29°C, but visitors who bring only shorts and tank tops end up shivering at the Haleakalā summit, where pre-dawn temperatures can approach freezing. A warm layer for the summit and Upcountry excursions is essential even in May.
Assuming all beaches are safe for swimming in May. Transitional swells mean some north-shore breaks still carry winter wave energy. Always check the lifeguard flag system at staffed beaches like Big Beach in Makena, where shore break can be powerful enough to cause spinal injuries.
Walking up to Wai'anapanapa State Park without a reservation. The timed-entry system means no booking, no entry, and same-day availability is rare in any season. Plan this at least a week ahead.

Practical tips for May

Book Haleakalā sunrise reservations through recreation.gov as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Slots release 60 days in advance, and May weekends fill first. Wai'anapanapa State Park's timed entry system works similarly. Rental cars remain essential on Maui, since the Maui Bus serves only routes between Kahului, Kihei, and West Maui with limited frequency, and it does not reach Hana or Upcountry. Book your rental at least a week ahead for shoulder-season rates. The Road to Hana is best started before 8 AM to clear the one-lane bridges ahead of the tour-van traffic. Pack breakfast the night before and eat at a pullout along the way. Most restaurants across Kihei, Paia, and Wailea maintain normal hours through May with no seasonal closures, though some operators in the Lahaina area may still have modified schedules related to the ongoing recovery. Tipping at 18-20% remains standard at sit-down restaurants across the island.

FAQ

Is May a good time to visit Maui?

May is a good time to visit. You get shoulder-season pricing, noticeably smaller crowds, and warm weather as the dry season takes hold. Brief afternoon showers still occur, mostly on the windward side, but the leeward beaches around Kihei and Wailea see plenty of sunshine. If you prioritize guaranteed clear skies every day, June through September is a safer bet. If you prioritize value and quieter trails, May delivers.

What is the weather like in Maui in May?

Warm and increasingly dry. Highs average around 29°C (85°F) along the coast, with lows near 21°C (70°F). Roughly 50-60mm of rain falls through the month, mostly as brief afternoon showers that clear within 20 minutes. The south and west coasts (Kihei, Wailea) stay noticeably drier than the north and east sides (Paia, Hana). Humidity sits around 73%, and mornings tend to be clear and sunny.

Is Maui crowded in May?

Not by Maui standards. May falls between the winter peak season, when mainlanders escape cold weather from December through March, and the summer family season from mid-June through August. You will still see visitors at Molokini and along the Hana Highway, but lines are shorter and accommodation availability is wider than at almost any other time of year. Memorial Day weekend at month's end brings a brief uptick.

Can you still see whales in Maui in May?

Very unlikely. The humpback whale season in Maui waters runs roughly December through mid-April. By May, the vast majority have migrated north toward Alaska. Occasional stragglers appear in the Au'au Channel between Maui and Lanai in early May, but no tour operator will guarantee sightings, and most whale-watch boats switch to snorkel or sunset cruises for the season.

Is it safe to drive the Road to Hana in May?

Yes, with caution. The road is paved all the way to Hana town, though rain can make some sections slippery and occasionally trigger temporary closures at stream crossings past Hana. Start early, drive slowly on the one-lane bridges, and check Maui County road advisories the morning of your trip. Allow a full day. Rushing the Hana Highway in the rain is how accidents happen.