Things to Do in Maui in November

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Stay in Maui in November

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Opens Trip.com on Fri 6 Nov to Sun 8 Nov 2026; change the dates there.

November on Maui opens with humpback whales arriving in the Auau Channel between the island and Lāna'i. The first pods typically appear around mid-month, and whale-watching boat tours out of Ma'alaea Harbor fill up weeks in advance for November departures. Expect daytime highs around 29°C (84°F) at the coast and lows near 21°C (70°F), though the range shifts with elevation. Upcountry Kula, sitting at roughly 900m, runs 5-7°C cooler than the beaches below. Humidity averages around 72%, and the warm air hits you the moment you step outside at Kahului, carrying the scent of plumeria and damp red soil after a rain shower.

By November, the summer dryness has given way to Maui's early wet season. Rain falls in concentrated afternoon bursts, weighted toward East Maui and the slopes of Haleakalā National Park, which has anchored the island's conservation landscape since 1961. Mornings along the Kīhei and Wailea coastline typically start clear. Crowds stay manageable through about November 20, then Thanksgiving week arrives and the island's population seems to double overnight. Flights from the mainland fill up, resort rates climb, and the Road to Hāna gets backed up at every pullout.

If you can choose your dates, the first three weeks of November offer a strong window. The North Shore surf has started to build at Ho'okipa, drawing spectators to the bluff overlook above the break. Ocean temperatures still sit around 26°C (79°F), warm enough for comfortable snorkeling at Molokini without a wetsuit. Upcountry farm stands along the Kula Highway sell fresh-harvest macadamia nuts and lilikoi through the month. That said, pack for weather that changes within an hour, especially east of Pā'ia.

Why visit in November

Humpback whale season begins in mid-November, with pods visible from shoreline vantage points near Ka'anapali and from boat tours departing Ma'alaea Harbor
Shoulder-season rates apply for the first three weeks, with wider hotel availability than peak months like December and July typically offer
November rains feed waterfalls along the Hāna Highway. Makahiku Falls in particular runs at a force you won't see in the drier summer months
North Shore surf swells arrive, and Ho'okipa Beach Park becomes a spectator draw for big-wave watching through the winter

Worth knowing

Rain falls on roughly 20 days of the month, concentrated in afternoon bursts on the windward side and at higher elevations. Full-day outdoor plans in East Maui can get disrupted.
Thanksgiving week (around November 23-26 in 2026) creates a sharp pricing and crowd spike that erases the shoulder-season advantage for those final 10 days
November's 72% average humidity combines with 29°C daytime heat to feel sticky for visitors arriving from drier climates, particularly during midday hours in sheltered areas where the trade winds don't reach as well

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 18° / 11°C 156mm rain · 20 rainy days · 91% humidity rains perceptibly ~3.4h/day · 77% of mornings dry

Crowds medium

Pack A packable rain shell handles the afternoon showers, breathable long sleeves cover Upcountry evenings, and quick-dry shorts with reef-safe sunscreen handle the beach days. Bring a warm jacket and long pants if you plan to see sunrise at the 3,055m summit, where pre-dawn temperatures hover near freezing.

November brings about 156mm of rain spread unevenly across the island, with the windward East Maui side and Haleakalā's slopes receiving most of it. The leeward South Maui coast sees fewer rainy days. Showers typically arrive in short afternoon bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Northeast trade winds keep the air moving and moderate the warmth. Mornings along the coast feel comfortable before the midday sun sets in, and the summit of Haleakalā drops below freezing before dawn.

Seasonal caution

Flash flood risk in valleys and along streams, especially on the Road to Hāna. November's concentrated rainfall can cause water levels to rise rapidly in narrow gulches. Check county flood advisories before hiking near streambeds.
High surf advisories on north-facing shores as winter swells arrive. Waves can exceed 3-4.5m (10-15 ft) at exposed breaks, creating dangerous rip currents for swimmers at beaches without lifeguards.
The Haleakalā summit drops below 0°C (32°F) before dawn. Visitors who drive from sea level to the summit in under two hours may experience mild altitude sickness from the rapid elevation gain.

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 November

Public holidays

Veterans Day(Veterans Day)11 November 2026
Thanksgiving Day(Thanksgiving Day)26 November 2026

When is Christmas season in 2026?

27 November to 26 December 2026

Christmas season is a major cultural celebration in Maui. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 26 December 2026.

Best things to do in November

Whale watching from Ma'alaea Harbor

wildlife

Boat tours depart toward the channel between Maui and Lāna'i, where the first humpback pods of the season appear. November sightings tend to be smaller groups, but the lack of peak-season boat traffic means calmer, quieter encounters on the water.

Humpback whales begin arriving in Hawaiian waters around mid-November, making this the opening weeks of whale season

Booking tipBook morning departures at least a week ahead for late November dates

Sunrise at Haleakalā summit

nature

The 3,055m (10,023 ft) summit sits above the cloud layer most mornings. November's cooler, drier air at elevation often produces clearer views than the wetter months ahead. The temperature hovers near freezing before dawn, and the sky shifts through deep purples and oranges as the sun clears the crater rim.

November mornings tend to have less cloud cover at summit elevation than December through February, when heavier moisture moves in

Booking tipSunrise viewing requires a National Park Service reservation, released on a rolling 60-day window. Set a calendar reminder.

Road to Hāna waterfall drive

scenic drive

The 84km (52-mile) winding highway passes more than 50 bridges and dozens of waterfalls. November rains charge the falls without the heavy flooding risk that peaks in March and April. The pools along the Pīpīwai Trail run with visible force.

Early wet season rains fill the waterfalls along the highway, but streams remain manageable enough for safe pool access most days

Booking tipStart before 7am on weekdays to avoid bottlenecks at the single-lane bridges past Pā'ia

Surf watching at Ho'okipa Beach Park

spectator sport

The North Shore's premier surf break starts receiving consistent overhead swells in November. The bluff overlook above Ho'okipa offers clear views of the wave action and the green sea turtles that haul out on the eastern end of the beach below.

Winter swells from the North Pacific begin arriving in November, delivering consistent wave heights to north-facing shores for the first time since spring

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater

water sports

The crescent-shaped volcanic crater sits about 4km (2.5 miles) off Maui's south coast, sheltering calm, clear water even as November seas roughen elsewhere. Visibility often reaches 30m (100 ft) or more inside the crater wall.

November sits before the heaviest winter swells reach south-facing shores, so conditions inside the crater remain favorable most mornings

Booking tipMorning tours from Kīhei or Ma'alaea offer calmer seas. Afternoon wind chop reduces visibility noticeably.

Kahanu Garden and Pi'ilanihale Heiau

culture

This tropical garden on Maui's east coast, established in 1972, surrounds the largest ancient Hawaiian temple structure in the state. November rains intensify the colors in the breadfruit groves, pandanus stands, and tropical plantings across the 121-hectare (300-acre) property.

The early wet season brings the garden to peak lushness, and visitor numbers stay well below summer levels

Booking tipSelf-guided tours available. Check road conditions past Hāna before driving out.

Beach day at Makena State Park

beach

Two broad crescent beaches separated by a lava outcrop on Maui's south coast. November's smaller south swells keep the water calmer here than on the North Shore, and the pre-holiday crowd levels leave more space than you'd find at the resort beaches to the north.

Shoulder season means less competition for space on one of South Maui's most scenic stretches of sand

What to eat in November

In season: fruit

Lilikoi (passion fruit)
Fall marks peak season for Maui-grown lilikoi, tart and fragrant with bright yellow skin. Look for it fresh at Upcountry farmers' markets and in local desserts, juices, and butter spreads across the island.

On menus now

Kalua turkey
A Thanksgiving adaptation of traditional kalua pig. The turkey is wrapped in ti leaves and slow-cooked in an imu (underground oven). It takes on a distinctive smoky-earthy flavor that tastes nothing like a mainland Thanksgiving bird.
Fresh ahi poke
Fall tuna runs bring particularly fresh yellowfin ahi to Maui fish counters. The raw cubes are dressed with soy, sesame oil, and limu (seaweed), and the quality of the catch tends to be high through November.

In markets

Fresh macadamia nuts
November falls in harvest season for Maui's macadamia orchards. Freshly cracked nuts from farm stands taste richer and oilier than the packaged versions sold in tourist shops along the Lahaina waterfront.
Okinawan sweet potato
The deep purple-fleshed uala reaches peak quality in fall harvests. Common in pies, haupia-topped desserts, and as a standalone side at plate lunch counters across Kahului and Wailuku.

Regular events in November

Maui Invitational

An annual early-season NCAA college basketball tournament featuring eight top Division I programs over three days during Thanksgiving week. The event draws fans from across the mainland and fills nearby hotels to capacity.

Typically the Monday through Wednesday of Thanksgiving week (November 23-25 in 2026)

Veterans DayFree

Federal holiday observed with ceremonies at veterans' memorials across the island. Some businesses and county offices close for the day.

November 11

ThanksgivingFree

The national holiday dominates the final week of November. Restaurants across Wailea and the west side offer special menus that blend traditional dishes with Hawaiian ingredients like kalua preparations and haupia.

Fourth Thursday of November (November 26 in 2026)

Holiday tree lighting ceremoniesFree

Several Maui communities hold tree-lighting events in the days after Thanksgiving, marking the start of the holiday season. The Shops at Wailea and Whaler's Village in Ka'anapali have historically hosted public ceremonies.

Late November, typically the Friday or Saturday after Thanksgiving

Best places this November

Haleakalā National Park
national park
The summit district and the Kīpahulu coastal section offer two distinct November experiences. The crater floor sits cold and stark at dawn, while the Kīpahulu side, reached from Hāna, delivers lush tropical trails fed by early wet season rains. The Pīpīwai Trail to Waimoku Falls passes through a dense bamboo forest and is at its most dramatic when the falls run heavy.
Upcountry and Kīpahulu
Wai'anapanapa State Park
state park
Black volcanic sand beach and sea caves along the Hāna coast take on a dramatic edge in November, when higher seas send spray over the lava formations. The coastal trail runs along rugged cliffs with views toward Hāna Bay. Reservations are required for entry.
Hāna
Pā'ia town
neighborhood
This compact North Shore surf town gains energy in November as winter swells bring surfers to the area. The main street runs a few blocks with surf shops, cafes, and fish markets within walking distance. A good staging point before the Road to Hāna.
North Shore
Lahaina Heritage Museum
museum
A record of Lahaina's history as a former Hawaiian royal capital and 19th-century whaling port. The collection covers centuries of cultural transition, from the ali'i (chiefs) through the missionary period and the rise of the sugar industry. For more on the area's historic landmarks, see https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Maui#See.
Lahaina
Enchanted Floral Gardens of Kula
garden
A botanical garden in Upcountry Kula, at an elevation that keeps November temperatures comfortable for an afternoon walk. The tropical plantings respond well to the early wet season, and the quiet setting feels a world away from the beach resort corridor.
Kula
Makena State Park
beach park
Two wide beaches on Maui's southern coast with views across the water to Molokini Crater and Kaho'olawe. November's moderate surf on south-facing shores keeps conditions swimmable most days, and the park draws less foot traffic than the resort beaches further north in Wailea.
South Maui

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Packable rain shellNovember averages 20 rainy days, with showers that arrive suddenly in the afternoon. A lightweight, packable shell takes up minimal bag space and keeps you dry during the 15-30 minute bursts typical of the early wet season. Shop
Fleece or warm mid-layerEssential for the Haleakalā summit at sunrise, where pre-dawn temperatures sit near freezing. Also useful for Upcountry Kula evenings, which cool off noticeably after sunset. Shop
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)Hawaii state law prohibits sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. Non-compliant products may be confiscated at snorkel tour check-ins. Buy a compliant brand before you arrive or pick one up at local shops. Shop
Quick-dry hiking shoes or trail runnersThe Pīpīwai Trail, Wai'anapanapa coastal path, and crater trails all get muddy in November. Regular sneakers lose traction on wet volcanic rock. Shop
Swimsuit and rash guardOcean temperatures hold around 26°C (79°F) in November, comfortable for swimming without a wetsuit. A rash guard blocks UV during extended snorkel sessions at Molokini and along the South Maui coast. Shop
BinocularsHumpback whales are visible from shore in late November, especially from elevated points along the west coast. Even a compact pair extends your effective sighting range considerably. Shop
Light long-sleeve layersMornings start around 21°C (70°F) at sea level and run cooler at elevation. A breathable long-sleeve shirt handles both the early chill and the sun exposure on boat tours. Shop
Waterproof phone pouchThe Road to Hāna involves multiple waterfall stops where spray and rain are constant. A sealed pouch protects your phone for photos without moisture damage. Shop

Insider tips

If it's raining on the North Shore or in Hāna, drive south. Kīhei and Wailea sit in Haleakalā's rain shadow, and it's common for one side of the island to be overcast while the other is clear. The drive from Pā'ia to Kīhei takes about 25 minutes.
Upcountry farmers' markets carry fresh-harvest macadamia nuts in November. The flavor difference from packaged versions is significant, and prices tend to run lower than the tourist-facing shops along the coast.
Leave for the Road to Hāna before 7am on a weekday. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings see the least traffic, and you'll have many of the waterfall pullouts to yourself for the first hour before tour vans arrive.
Whale watching from shore costs nothing. The scenic overlooks along Route 30 between Ma'alaea and Lahaina are among the most reliable land-based vantage points in Hawaii for late-November sightings.

Avoid these mistakes

Booking only Thanksgiving-week dates and expecting shoulder-season pricing. The cost difference between early November and Thanksgiving week is sharp. If November is your target month, the first two weeks deliver better value.
Hiking the Road to Hāna trails in flip-flops. November's wet conditions make paths muddy and volcanic rock slippery. The Pīpīwai Trail and Wai'anapanapa coastal path both require proper footwear with grip.
Packing only beach clothes for a trip that includes a Haleakalā sunrise. The summit sits above the cloud line and routinely reaches near-freezing temperatures before dawn. Bring a proper jacket and long pants, not a hoodie.

Practical tips for November

Book Haleakalā sunrise permits well in advance through the National Park Service, which releases them on a rolling 60-day window. November mornings fill quickly because visibility at elevation tends to be better than in the wetter months ahead. Thanksgiving week requires advance restaurant reservations across Wailea and Ka'anapali, as walk-in availability drops to near zero from Wednesday through Sunday. Rental cars for the Road to Hāna should be booked at least two weeks ahead for November dates, since inventory shrinks as the holiday approaches. A rental car is effectively required for getting around Maui beyond the resort shuttles. For transit details, Wikivoyage's Maui guide covers local options (https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Maui#Get_around). Most farmers' markets and surf schools operate on regular schedules through mid-month but may shift hours around the Thanksgiving holiday. Hawaii state law prohibits sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate, so buy compliant products before arriving.

FAQ

Is November a good time to visit Maui?

November is a good time if you choose your dates carefully. The first three weeks offer shoulder-season rates, manageable crowds, and the opening of humpback whale season. Thanksgiving week is different, with pricing and crowd levels that match the December-February peak. Weather is mixed, with rain on roughly two-thirds of the days, but the showers tend to be brief and the leeward coast from Kīhei south stays drier.

What is the weather like in Maui in November?

Expect warm days around 29°C (84°F) and comfortable nights near 21°C (70°F) at sea level, with rain that arrives in short afternoon bursts rather than all-day drizzle. East Maui and higher elevations catch most of the moisture, while the South Maui coast sits in Haleakalā's rain shadow and stays drier. Mornings are typically clear across most of the island. Detailed regional climate notes are available at https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Maui#Cope.

Is Maui crowded in November?

Through about November 20, no. The first three weeks sit in the shoulder season, with shorter waits, open restaurant tables, and available hotel rooms across Wailea, Ka'anapali, and Kīhei. That changes during Thanksgiving week, when mainland families arrive and the island fills to near peak-season capacity for about 10 days.

Can you see whales in Maui in November?

Yes, though sightings are less frequent than the January-March peak. Humpback pods begin appearing in the waters between Maui and Lāna'i as early as mid-month. Boat tours operate through whale season, and land-based watching from elevated overlooks along the west coast costs nothing. Bring binoculars for shore-based spotting.

Is Maui welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Maui rates 9/10 for LGBTQ+ friendliness (sourced from TTDI's editorial rubric). Hawaii has strong legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and the island's social climate reflects that across neighborhoods and resort areas. November's quieter shoulder-season weeks offer a particularly relaxed atmosphere. For general safety notes, see https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Maui#Stay_safe.