Things to Do in Maui in September

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Stay in Maui in September

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September on Maui is the month the island exhales. Labor Day, falling on September 7 this year, marks the final push of summer visitors. By the second week, the beaches in Kīhei and the resort pools in Wailea feel emptier, and nightly rates at mid-range south shore properties tend to drop 30-40% from July and August peak levels. Haleakalā National Park, established in 1961, opens up its sunrise reservation slots again after selling out weeks in advance all summer.

Mind you, September sits near the peak of the Central Pacific hurricane season, which runs June through November. Most years, nothing significant approaches the Hawaiian Islands, but the risk is real enough that flexible booking policies seem wise. The trade winds still blow steadily, and most rainfall comes as brief afternoon showers on the windward northeast coast. The leeward side from Wailea south to Makena stays drier. September's island-wide 122mm is less than half what April delivers.

September brings Maui's leg of the Aloha Festivals, a statewide cultural celebration dating to 1947 that fills parks and community centers with Ho'olaule'a block parties, live Hawaiian music, and hula performances running into the evening. Upcountry Kula, at roughly 900 meters elevation, enters peak harvest for lilikoi and dragon fruit, and the farm tours carry a pine-and-soil coolness at about 20°C (68°F) that feels nothing like the warm salt breeze down in coastal Pā'ia. The Maui Marathon, typically on the third or fourth Sunday, routes its 42.2-kilometer course from Kahului through Kīhei with Haleakalā framing the eastern horizon. Ocean temperatures hold near 27°C (80°F), and the green sea turtles at Ho'okipa Beach Park haul out on warm sand most afternoons with fewer onlookers than they drew all summer.

Why visit in September

Post-Labor Day accommodation rates on Maui's south shore drop to some of the year's lowest levels. Mid-range properties in Kīhei and Wailea tend to run 30-40% below July and August pricing, and last-minute availability opens up at condos and vacation rentals that were fully booked all summer.
September's rainfall concentrates on the windward northeast coast, leaving the leeward resort areas from Wailea to Makena largely dry, with most showers passing in under 30 minutes.
Wai'anapanapa State Park reservations and Haleakalā sunrise permits, which sell out 60 days ahead during summer, regularly show same-week openings after Labor Day.
Ocean water temperatures at 27°C (80°F) linger from summer, and south and west shore snorkeling visibility at spots like Molokini Crater often exceeds 30 meters (100 feet).

Worth knowing

September falls within the Central Pacific hurricane season, which runs June through November. Direct hits on Maui are rare, but tropical storms can disrupt flights and outdoor plans with short notice.
Humpback whale season does not begin until December, so the celebrated whale-watching boat tours and shoreline sightings along the Ma'alaea coast are not available.
A few restaurants and tour operators in Hāna and other remote areas may reduce hours or close briefly for maintenance between Labor Day and mid-October.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 20° / 12°C 122mm rain · 15 rainy days · 87% humidity rains perceptibly ~2.6h/day · 82% of mornings dry

Crowds low

Pack Lightweight breathable clothing for the 31°C (88°F) coast, a warm fleece mid-layer for Haleakalā's 3-5°C (37-41°F) summit and upcountry Kula evenings, and a packable rain shell for windward-side showers.

Maui's September weather varies sharply by elevation. The island-wide average high reaches 19.8°C (68°F) with lows at 12.3°C (54°F), but those figures blend the warm coast with Haleakalā's chilly upper slopes. Along the Kīhei and Wailea shoreline, expect daytime highs around 31°C (88°F) and overnight lows near 22°C (72°F). Upcountry Kula, at about 900 meters, runs closer to 20°C (68°F) by day and 12°C (54°F) at night. Ocean water temperature holds near 27°C (80°F). Rainfall totals 122mm spread across about 15 rainy days, typically arriving as quick afternoon showers on the windward northeast side. The leeward southwest coast sees roughly a third of that total. Humidity averages 87%, the kind that hits you the moment you step off the plane at Kahului Airport (OGG), though the trade winds ease it by midday.

Seasonal caution

Central Pacific hurricane season runs June through November, peaking in August and September. No hurricane has made direct landfall on Maui in modern recorded history, but tropical systems can bring heavy rain, 6-meter surf, and flight cancellations. Monitor NOAA's Central Pacific Hurricane Center forecasts if you see a named storm forming south of the islands.
Haleakalā summit temperatures can drop to 3-5°C (37-41°F) before sunrise even in September. Hypothermia is a real risk for visitors who arrive in shorts and sandals expecting tropical warmth at the top of a 3,055-meter volcano.

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 September

Public holidays

Labour Day(Labor Day)7 September 2026

Best things to do in September

Haleakalā sunrise viewing

nature

Watch the sun rise above the cloud deck from the summit of Haleakalā at 3,055 meters (10,023 feet). The crater floor turns orange and gold as light spills across the volcanic landscape. Pre-dawn temperatures at the summit drop to 3-5°C (37-41°F), so the warmth on your face when the sun finally breaks the horizon comes as genuine relief.

Post-Labor Day cancellations free up National Park Service sunrise permits that were booked solid all summer. Check recreation.gov 1-2 days before your planned date.

Booking tipReservations open 60 days in advance and sell out for summer months. In September, cancelled slots appear 24-48 hours before the date.

Road to Hāna drive

scenic drive

The 84-kilometer (52-mile) Hāna Highway winds through 59 bridges and roughly 620 curves along Maui's northeast coast. Stops include roadside waterfalls, one-lane bridges draped in bamboo, and the black sand beach at Wai'anapanapa State Park. The smell of ginger and plumeria drifts through open car windows between mile markers.

Tour bus traffic and rental car volume drop after Labor Day, and September's rainfall along the route is moderate compared to the winter deluge that can close sections of the road between mile markers 20 and 40.

Booking tipWai'anapanapa State Park requires advance entry reservations. September slots are easier to secure than summer, but still book at least a week ahead for weekend visits.

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater

water sports

A partially submerged volcanic caldera 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) off Maui's south coast, Molokini shelters over 250 species of fish in gin-clear water. Morning boat tours depart from Ma'alaea Harbor before the wind picks up. The coral walls drop steeply, and visibility on calm days can reach 45 meters (150 feet).

Late-summer ocean conditions on the leeward side produce the calmest, clearest water of the year. Fewer boats in the crater after peak season means less stirred-up sediment near the coral walls.

Booking tipMorning departures from 6-7am offer the calmest conditions and best visibility. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekday trips.

Pipiwai Trail to Makahiku Falls

hiking

A 6.4-kilometer (4-mile) round-trip hike through bamboo forest in the Kīpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park. The trail passes the 56-meter (185-foot) Makahiku Falls overlook and continues to a taller cascade at the end. The bamboo grove sways and creaks overhead, filtering light into green-gold columns.

The trail dries out compared to October through March, and September's lower humidity makes the moderate 6.4-kilometer climb more comfortable. Makahiku Falls still runs strong from residual summer rain.

Booking tipStart by 8am to avoid afternoon heat and showers. Parking at the Kīpahulu Visitor Center fills by mid-morning on weekends.

Sea turtle viewing at Ho'okipa Beach Park

wildlife

Green sea turtles (honu) haul out on the beach at Ho'okipa on Maui's north shore most afternoons. A roped-off viewing area keeps visitors at a respectful 3-meter (10-foot) distance. On a September afternoon you might count 10 or more turtles resting on warm sand while surfers ride the break in the background.

September's lower foot traffic means the beach area is less congested, and the turtles tend to haul out more reliably when disturbance levels drop. Viewing is free year-round, but the post-summer calm makes it notably more relaxed.

Booking tipNo booking needed. Arrive between 3pm and 5pm for the best turtle-viewing window.

Upcountry Kula farm tours and tastings

food and agriculture

The agricultural belt above Kīhei, centered around the town of Kula at roughly 900 meters (3,000 feet), produces lavender, coffee, goat cheese, and seasonal fruit. Farm tours let you taste straight from the field. The air at this elevation smells like eucalyptus and red volcanic soil, and temperatures sit about 10°C below the coast.

Lilikoi and dragon fruit reach peak ripeness in September, and the farms are quieter after the summer tour groups clear out. Expect a tasting room to yourself on a weekday.

Booking tipMost farms close by 3pm. Book morning slots directly through farm websites for small-group tours.

What to eat in September

In season: fruit

Lilikoi (passion fruit)
Maui-grown lilikoi reaches peak ripeness in late summer. You'll find it in everything from cheesecake to butter at farmers' markets in Kula and Kahului. The tartness cuts through the humidity.
Dragon fruit (pitaya)
Several Maui farms grow red and white dragon fruit varieties that peak in late summer. The texture is mild and slightly crunchy, and you'll see them stacked at the Upcountry Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.

On menus now

Ahi poke
Yellowfin tuna runs strengthen through fall in Hawaiian waters. September brings particularly fresh catches to fish counters across the island, with cubed raw ahi dressed in shoyu, sesame oil, and limu seaweed.

In markets

Breadfruit (ulu)
This traditional Hawaiian staple is harvested from summer through fall. September brings the tail end of the main season, when it appears roasted, fried, or mashed at plate-lunch spots across Wailuku and Kahului.

Festival food

Haupia
Coconut milk pudding that appears at every Hawaiian gathering and celebration. September's Aloha Festivals bring haupia to community tables across the island, served in cool, firm squares with a silky mouthfeel.

Regular events in September

Aloha FestivalsFree

Hawaii's largest statewide cultural celebration, running throughout September with different events on each island. On Maui, the festivities typically include a Ho'olaule'a (block party) with live Hawaiian music, hula performances, and local food vendors. The tradition dates to 1947's Aloha Week.

Throughout September, with Maui events typically in mid-to-late September

Maui Marathon

An annual race along the coastline from Kahului through Kīhei, with marathon, half-marathon, and 10K distances. The course runs through the island's central valley with Haleakalā and the West Maui Mountains framing both sides. Draws runners from across the state and mainland.

Mid-to-late September, typically the third or fourth Sunday

Maui County Fair

A multi-day community fair at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku featuring carnival rides, livestock exhibits, local food booths, and live entertainment. It has run since the early 1900s and remains one of the county's largest annual community gatherings.

Late September to early October, typically spanning the last weekend of September

Best places this September

Wai'anapanapa State Park
state park
The black volcanic sand beach here is one of Maui's most striking shorelines. September's lower visitor numbers let you explore the sea caves and blowhole along the coastal trail without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. The contrast between dark sand, white surf, and green ironwood pines is sharp under September's frequent clear skies.
Hāna
Makena State Park (Big Beach)
beach
A broad stretch of golden sand on Maui's south coast, facing due west with an unobstructed horizon. September brings calm water and fewer beachgoers than the summer months. The sunset light turns the sand a deep amber. Little Beach, a smaller cove to the north, draws a more free-spirited crowd on Sunday evenings.
Makena
Kahanu Garden
botanical garden
A National Tropical Botanical Garden on the Hāna coast, founded in 1972. The grounds surround Pi'ilanihale Heiau, one of the largest ancient Hawaiian temple platforms in the islands. September's moderate rainfall keeps the breadfruit trees and native plantings lush, and you'll likely have the self-guided trail to yourself on a weekday.
Hāna
Enchanted Floral Gardens of Kula
botanical garden
A botanical garden set on a terraced hillside in the Kula upcountry above the coast. The September growing season fills the slopes with tropical blooms, and the cooler 20°C (68°F) air at this altitude carries the scent of protea and lavender. The views stretch across the central valley toward the West Maui Mountains.
Kula
Pā'ia town
town
A small north-shore surf town that serves as the traditional starting point for the Road to Hāna. Surf shops, cafes, and a handful of galleries line the main street. By September, the town's energy shifts from packed summer tourist traffic to a slower, local rhythm. Worth arriving before 9am to beat the Hāna-bound rental car rush that still happens daily.
Pā'ia
Holy Ghost Catholic Church
historic landmark
A white octagonal church in Kula built by Portuguese immigrants who came to Maui to work the sugar plantations. The architecture stands out against the green upcountry hillside, and the interior features hand-carved woodwork from Austria. The surrounding Kula neighborhood is worth the drive in September for the cooler 20°C air and farm-stand produce alone.
Kula

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Packable rain shellSeptember showers on the windward side of Maui arrive quickly and end within 20-30 minutes. A lightweight shell that folds into its own pocket fits in a daypack without adding bulk. Shop
Fleece or warm mid-layerHaleakalā summit temperatures drop to 3-5°C (37-41°F) before dawn, even in September, and upcountry Kula evenings run around 12°C (54°F). A fleece is essential for any trip above the shoreline. Shop
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)Hawaii state law prohibits sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect coral reefs. Check the label before packing. Zinc oxide-based formulas are widely accepted. Shop
Water shoes or sturdy sandalsThe black lava rock at Wai'anapanapa and the rocky entries at south shore snorkeling spots are rough on bare feet. Grippy water shoes make a real difference on volcanic shoreline. Shop
Rash guard or UV swim shirtMaui sits at 20°N latitude with strong UV, especially reflected off the water during snorkeling at Molokini. A rash guard covers more skin than sunscreen and dries in minutes. Shop
Lightweight long pants or hiking pantsThe Pipiwai Trail's bamboo forest section has mosquitoes, and the volcanic gravel on Haleakalā crater trails is abrasive on exposed skin. Covered legs make both hikes more comfortable. Shop
Waterproof dry bag (10-15 liters)Useful for boat trips to Molokini and for protecting phones and wallets during unexpected rain on the Hāna Highway. Most snorkeling boats do not have covered storage for personal items. Shop
Reusable water bottle (1 liter minimum)Hydration matters in Maui's 87% September humidity, especially on trail hikes. Water refill stations exist at Haleakalā's visitor centers, but the Road to Hāna has very few public water sources between Pā'ia and Hāna town. Shop

Insider tips

Haleakalā sunrise reservations for September tend to appear as cancelled slots on recreation.gov 24-48 hours before the date. Check around 6pm Hawaii time, which is when most cancellations post. This trick works far less reliably in July and August when demand outstrips cancellations.
The Road to Hāna is less stressful driven east-to-west via the Piʻilani Highway (the back road through Kaupo). The road is rougher and unpaved in stretches, but you avoid the caravan of rental cars and tour vans heading the conventional direction. Check with your rental company first, as some contracts prohibit this route.
Farmers' markets in Kula and Kahului run on specific mornings. The Upcountry Farmers Market in Kula (Saturday mornings) has fresher produce and lower prices than the tourist-oriented markets near the resort areas in Wailea. Arrive by 8am for the best lilikoi and dragon fruit selection in September.
September evenings on Maui's south shore produce some of the year's most vivid sunsets. The combination of residual summer moisture in the atmosphere and the sun's September angle creates deep orange and pink skies. Makena State Park faces due west with an unobstructed horizon line.
Mama's Fish House in Pā'ia books 2-3 weeks out even in September, so reserve before your trip. For a quicker, more local meal, Tin Roof in Kahului serves Sheldon Simeon's plate-lunch menu with garlic noodles and pork belly at affordable plate-lunch prices. The line moves quickly if you arrive before the 11am rush.

Avoid these mistakes

Arriving at the Haleakalā summit for sunrise in shorts and a t-shirt. Pre-dawn temperatures at 3,055 meters drop to 3-5°C (37-41°F), a full 25°C swing from the 28°C you felt at sea level the evening before. Wind chill at the summit rim makes it feel colder still. Bring a proper warm layer, closed-toe shoes, and long pants.
Booking the first week of September expecting low-season quiet. Labor Day weekend still draws peak-level crowds to beaches and restaurants across the Kīhei and Wailea corridor. The real drop-off in visitor numbers starts after September 10.
Skipping the upcountry Kula region entirely because Maui seems like a pure beach destination. September is when lilikoi and dragon fruit peak on the farms above the coast, and the agricultural belt at 900 meters runs about 10°C cooler than the 31°C shoreline, a welcome break from the 87% humidity at sea level.

Practical tips for September

Book Wai'anapanapa State Park entry reservations at least a week in advance on the Hawaii DLNR reservation system, even in September. Rental car rates at Kahului Airport (OGG) tend to drop after Labor Day, but availability can be tight if you wait until the last minute. Most tour operators switch from summer to fall schedules in mid-September, which sometimes means fewer daily departures for boat snorkeling trips out of Ma'alaea Harbor. If you plan to visit both the Haleakalā summit and the Kīpahulu coastal district of the same national park, note that no road connects them directly inside the park boundaries, and the drive around the island takes 2-3 hours. Gas stations are scarce between Pā'ia and Hāna, so fill up before starting the 84-kilometer Hāna Highway. For dining, book Mama's Fish House in Pā'ia at least 2 weeks ahead. Leoda's Kitchen and Pie Shop in Olowalu makes a good lunch stop on the drive between Kīhei and the West Maui coast.

FAQ

Is September a good time to visit Maui?

September ranks among Maui's top 3 months for value. Mid-range resort rates along the Wailea and Kīhei corridor tend to run 30-40% below the June through August peak. Coastal temperatures hold steady around 31°C (88°F) during the day, ocean water sits near 27°C (80°F), and September's rainfall on the leeward side comes in well under what October and April deliver. The main trade-off is hurricane season, which runs through November, though direct hits on Maui remain rare. Whale watching does not begin until December. For travelers who prioritize lower prices and fewer crowds over peak-season guarantees, September is hard to beat.

What is the weather like in Maui in September?

September weather on Maui depends heavily on elevation and which side of the island you visit. The leeward coast from Kīhei down to Makena reaches about 31°C (88°F) by day and stays warm through the evening at 22°C (72°F), while the windward northeast side and the upcountry slopes above Kula sit 10-15°C cooler and see more rain. Brief afternoon showers hit about half the days in September, mostly on the windward side, but they rarely last more than 20-30 minutes. Humidity averages 87% island-wide, most noticeable in the still mornings before trade winds kick in around midday.

Is Maui crowded in September?

The first week, including Labor Day weekend on September 7, still fills Wailea and Kīhei resorts to near-summer occupancy levels. After about September 10, visitor numbers on Maui drop to some of the lowest of the year. Mid-to-late September is genuinely quiet. Haleakalā sunrise permits that sold out 60 days ahead in July start showing same-week availability, and parking at Road to Hāna stops like Twin Falls rarely fills before 10am.

Are there hurricanes in Maui in September?

September falls within the Central Pacific hurricane season, which runs June through November. The Hawaiian Islands sit far from the main Pacific storm tracks. No hurricane has made direct landfall on Maui in modern recorded history, though tropical systems have struck other islands, most notably Iniki on Kauai in 1992. That said, passing storms can still bring heavy rain, 6-meter surf, and flight disruptions to Maui even without a direct hit. Travel insurance with trip-interruption coverage is worth considering for September visits.