Travel Guides Beach Vacations
Alice Chen
Of the islands in Hawaii, the tropical destination of Maui is among the more well-known and definitely one of the most popular. After the devastating wildfires in summer 2023, Maui is slowly reopening back up to tourism. For most of the year, Maui is crowded with visitors enjoying their sunny beach vacations. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, opt to visit Maui in November. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, November is undoubtedly a hectic month to plan a vacation, but there are also major benefits to traveling at the end of the shoulder season.
With school back in session and winter peak season imminent, the beaches and restaurants will be significantly less crowded. And because demand is lower, rates on hotels, flights, and rental cars will also be lower, helping you cut down your vacation expenses. Weather-wise, you won’t have to make any major sacrifices either. With the average high at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s hot but not scorching. You’ll still get plenty of great weather for your beach vacation in November.
What to do in Maui in November
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During the slower month of November, reservations will likely be easier to snag. This is especially handy for dining at many of Maui’s top restaurants. From Maui’s first fresh fish restaurant Mama’s Fish House to the Japanese and Western fusion cuisine of Morimoto Maui, there are plenty of dining options to choose from. One of the quintessential Hawaii experiences, a luau is a must-do activity when you visit the island. Costing around $250 for adults and lasting from three to four hours, two of Maui’s most popular luaus open in November are Grand Wailea Luau and Te Au Moana Luau at the Wailea Marriott.
Take advantage of the smaller crowds to grab a coveted reservation to see the sunrise from Maui’s highest peak, Haleakala summit. A popular attraction, parking reservations are needed to view the breathtaking sunrise from 3,000 meters above sea level. The cost is only $1 per vehicle. Another not-to-miss Maui attraction is the infamous Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach. They implemented reservations back in 2021, so you’ll need to reserve a time slot to visit the state park. If you’re visiting at the beginning of the month, the island’s annual Made in Maui County Festival takes place November 3 and 4 this year. Vendors need to be based in Hawaii, so it’s a great way to support and shop local businesses.
A couple things to note
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November has the double whammy of being the start of the wet season in Maui, as well as the end of hurricane season in Hawaii. So, you might experience a short rain shower here or there, typically towards the end of the month, but it’s rare to get rain all day. In the event it does rain, there’s still plenty to do. You can take a drive and try to spot a rainbow after the rain passes, or indulge in some self-care and have a spa day. If you have kids, take them to the Maui Ocean Center, which holds the title of the largest tropical aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.
While November in Maui is generally slower and less crowded, it usually starts to get busy again during Thanksgiving weekend. There will be an influx of visitors looking to escape to warmer weather for the holiday, and winter peak season starts to kick off then. Therefore, if you’re trying to avoid crowds, head to Maui in November during the weeks before Thanksgiving.
