Hawaiian Resort Reservations at Maui Island Page.

Climate, Weather & Clothing

Maui is a tropical island with a fairly mild year-round climate tempered by the Pacific Ocean. At sea level the average afternoon winter temperature is around 75?F during the coldest months of December and January. August and September are the hottest summer months with temperatures in the low 90s.

Like most volcanic tropical islands, however, many different microclimates mean packing for a variety of conditions: swim suits and light hot-weather clothing for the beaches, a lightweight windbreaker for the occasional shower at higher elevations, and more serious protection during inclement conditions when hiking Haleakala.

          Dress is usually quite casual. Sports clothing or beachwear is appropriate for almost all daily activities. If you plan to do anything at higher elevations, like enjoying one of the 20-mile-long bicycle runs down Haleakala or hiking the crater, use layers and be prepared for rain or drizzle. Tropical weight evening attire (casual) will be OK for all but the fanciest nightspots.

          Winter and Spring (mid-December through mid-April) is high season for Maui when most travelers plan their trip to the island. This also means that fewer travel bargains are available and that room rates at this time will average 10%-15% higher than the rest of the year.

          Due to the prevailing trade winds, most rainfall hits the north- or northeast-facing shores, leaving the south and southwest sections relatively dry. As you make your way to various sections of Maui it is interesting to note the differences in terrain brought about by rainfall differentials. Besides the trade winds, elevation also plays a role in determining an area's microclimate. You will encounter everything from barren lunar-like desert with cactus bunch grass to lush tropical creepers and wild ginger to a bamboo forest to stands of eucalyptus and pines. The following average temperature ranges apply to Maui:
        :: January 65-80?F (18 to 27?C);
        :: February 65-80?F (18-27?C);
        :: March 69-81?F (21-27?C);
        :: April 69-83?F (21-28?C);
        :: May 70-85?F (21-29?C);

        :: June 72-86?F (22-30?C);
        :: July 73-87?F (23-31?C);
        :: August 74-88?F (23-31?C);
        :: September 73-88?F (23-31?C);
        :: October 72-87?F (22-31?C);
        :: November 69-84?F (21-29?C);
        :: December 67-81?F (19-27?C).

Tourist Offices

Maui Visitors Bureau (1727 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku 96793, Telephone: (808) 244-3530, FAX: (808) 244-1337, www.visitmaui.com).

Contact the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801, Honolulu, 96817, Telephone: (808) 923-1811; (800) 464-2924 for brochures. Allow plenty of time for the brochures to reach you via snail mail.

For an unofficial and easy introduction to the island with lots of information about unpublicized activities, try Aunty Aloha's Breakfast Luau (Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Kaanapali, Telephone: (808) 242-8437 or (800) 993-8338). The cost is under $15 and you can get two tickets for the price of one if you attend on your first morning on Maui. The show includes live Hawaiian music with a hula show. It runs on weekdays only.

Once on Maui try tuning your television to Channel 7 for a continuous televised guide to restaurants, activities, and sights on Maui.

Emergency Numbers

        :: Police, fire, or ambulance: 911
        :: Coast Guard Rescue Center: (800) 552-6458
        :: Hana Medical Center, Hana Highway, Hana: (808) 248-8294
        :: Kula Hospital, 204 Kula Highway, Kula: (808) 878-1221
        :: Maui Memorial Hospital, 221 Mahalani, Wailuku: (808) 244-9056

Flight & Ground Transportation

Flights from the Mainland

        :: American: (800) 433-7300) flies nonstop to Kahului from Los Angeles, and from Dallas and Chicago with one stop in Honolulu.
        :: Delta: (800) 221-1212) has daily flights from Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles.
        :: United: (800) 241-6522) flies nonstop to Kahului from Los Angeles and San Francisco
        :: Hawaiian: (800) 882-8811) has direct flights to Kahului from California and Washington.
        :: Aloha: (800) 432-7117) flights nonstop to Honolulu from Auckland and Orange County.

Flights from Honolulu

           Several airlines offer service from the mainland to Oahu, including:
        :: Continental: (800) 525-0280
        :: Hawaiian: (800) 882-8811
        :: Northwest: (800) 225-2525 and
        :: TWA: (800) 221-2000

Ground Transportation

          Renting a car remains the best way to get yourself from the airport to your accommodations. Check the airport for courtesy phones for each major car rental company. You can get driving instructions to your destination when renting your car.
          Taxis are also readily available on Maui. Fares to various parts of the island from the airport run between $15 to $50 dollars, depending on how far you have to go.