Hawaii is among the most visited states in the U.S. and it is popular with both American and overseas visitors.
Travelers choose Hawaii for its beautiful white sand beaches, tropical climate and landscape, and fascinating traditional culture.
Hawaii has been in the news lately due to the series of heartbreaking wildfires that the island of Maui experienced, which killed at least 115 people. But Maui is ready to move on from this tragedy and welcome tourists to the island again.
Here’s why Maui is a great destination for a tropical winter getaway:
Give Something Back
After the devastating wildfires, many travelers have been looking for ways to give something back to Maui and its communities.
Now, Hawaii is preparing to reopen the West Maui towns that were impacted by the fires.
Hawaii Governor Dr. Josh Green has announced that the communities of Ka’anapali, Napili, Honokowai, and Kapalua will officially reopen to visitors on October 8.
Up until this point, visitors have been urged to stay away, but now tourists are being encouraged to return to help the area rebuild. Now, shopping in retail stores and eating in restaurants in West Maui are great ways to support the tourist-driven economy here.
Only the town of Lahaina will remain closed to the public out of respect for the town’s residents. But otherwise, traveling to Maui is a great way to help the island recover economically and is being actively encouraged as one of the best ways to help the affected communities.
Beautiful Beaches
For many people, winter means cold, rain, and snow. Visiting Maui is a great way to escape the lack of sunshine and enjoy a tropical environment instead.
Average daily highs in Maui in winter are a balmy 81 degrees. You can enjoy sunshine and weather that is warm enough for a whole host of outdoor activities.
Sea temperatures remain warm enough for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing year-round. You can expect average sea temperatures of 78 degrees in Maui in December.
The coldest month in Maui is January, with temperatures increasingly warmer on the months that shoulder it.
Wildlife Encounters
Winter is the best time for whale watching in Maui. The whale watching season on the island begins on December 15. This is the very best time of year to be on the island if you hope to get up close and personal with a humpback whale.
Maui is home to a whole host of wildlife you won’t find anywhere else.
Hawaiian Monk seals, Leatherback sea turtles, Pueo owls, Kamehameha butterflies, and Hawaiian spinner dolphins are all native to the island.
Winter on Maui is a wildlife lover’s dream and a great time to visit this wonderful island.
Holidays On The Beach
Some travelers avoid taking winter vacations because they can’t imagine spending the holiday season in any place but at home.
But Christmas on the beach in Maui is an experience like no other.
The fall months of October and early November can be a good time to visit Maui as prices are much lower than during the peak season, but the peak holiday season is an incredibly popular time to visit Maui. And for good reason.
Maui has a festive atmosphere and is full of Christmas cheer. You can enjoy a Christmas Day beach luau, attend the lighting of the Banyan tree, and even see Santa arrive on his very own rigger.
Winter is full of energy on the island of Maui, and Christmas has its very own bustle and charm.
Awesome Surf
Hawaii is considered the surf capital of the world. In fact, Hawaiians love surfing so much that it is the state’s national sport.
Maui is a great island to choose for both expert surfers and beginners alike. There are great surf spots in West and South Maui and on beaches in Ka’anapali and Kihei that are perfect for beginners.
During the winter, heavy north swells create perfect conditions for catching a big wave to the north of the island. It is ideal for experienced surfers looking for their next adrenaline hit.
Maui’s most famous spot for big wave surfing is called Pe’ahi, also known as Jaws. Surfers are towed into the massive waves by jet skis during the biggest swells here.
Wintertime is considered the best time to experience surfing in Hawaii and is a great reason to choose Maui for your winter vacation.
