September is a great time to visit Maui, placing you right between peak summer crowds and the start of the more wet winter season. The weather is nice, the water is warm, and there’s still so much to do and explore on our island. If you’re traveling with family, celebrating your wedding on a honeymoon, or just coming for a relaxing getaway with friends, there’s no going wrong with a September trip to Maui.
Planning your September Maui vacation just got easier with our seasonal guide. We’ll cover weather, top activities, what to pack, and more so you can relax and simply look forward to your island getaway.
Maui Weather in September
Since September falls within Maui’s dry season, you’ll generally have warm and dry weather while you’re here. Temperatures can reach the high 80s Fahrenheit while cooler temperatures may dip to the mid-70s. If you plan on enjoying time in the water, you’ll find temperatures averaging in the low 80s, especially in the mornings before winds tend to pick up.
September Activities to Do in Maui
Enjoy a Relaxing Beach Day
Soak up the sun, enjoy the ocean, and dip your toes in the sand at our incredible beaches, perfect for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and simply relaxing. If the more crowded beaches aren’t your thing, we can point you to some fantastic secret beaches to get away from the crowds. Polo Beach, Kāʻanapali Beach, and Malu’aka Beach are just the start of our amazing beaches you can explore.
Snorkel & Explore Life Beneath the Waves
Many people that visit Maui experience the magic of our coral reefs and the sea life that call them home. The added bonus is that we have some of the most spectacular snorkeling in the world. Our beaches are a nice way to experience this from land, but if you’re more adventurous, Molokini Crater is a unique destination formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. (We at the Maui Ocean Center also have a guided snorkeling tour of Maui’s oldest reef. Check it out here!)
Drive the Road to Hāna
If you’re feeling adventurous and have access to a car, the Road to Hāna is an unbelievable experience. This stretch of highway is 64.4 miles long and takes about 2.5 hours to travel without stopping. It’s hard to not stop with some of Maui’s most incredible sights, including Twin Falls, the Garden of Eden Arboretum, Wailua Lookout, Waiʻānapanapa State Park, ‘Ohe’o Gulch, and so much more. You’ll definitely want to plan for an entire day if you choose to venture along the Road to Hāna.
Choose Your Own Outdoor Adventure
The best part about Maui is that there’s something for everyone. If snorkeling or relaxing on the beach isn’t on your agenda for the day, consider choosing your own adventure with a variety of activities our island has to offer. Surfing, horseback riding, golfing, and hiking all are popular September activities visitors and locals enjoy. One of the best things you can do is experience a sunrise or sunset at Haleakalā National Park, so be sure to check out reservations and not miss this.
Hawaiian Cuisine to Try in September
September’s Hawaiian cuisine centers around protein, either from ʻāina (the land) or from kai (the sea). You simply must try poke, fresh cubed raw fish marinated in savory soy sauce, sesame oil, and local seasonings. This refreshing staple is found everywhere on our island and is fresh every time. Another must-try is kalua pig, which is tender, smoky shredded pork traditionally slow-cooked in an underground oven called an imu. Some other delicious dishes to note are lau lau, pork wrapped in taro leaves and steamed until tender, and loco moco, a hamburger patty, fried egg, and rich brown gravy piled over a bed of rice.
Once your savory palette is satisfied, you must try some sweet treats. We recommend malasadas, Portuguese-inspired deep-fried doughnuts, or shave ice.
Maui in September Checklist
What to Pack
- Swimsuits for all that time in the water.
- Warm-weather clothing, perfect for those warm, sunny days. Fabrics like linen or cotton work well.
- Light jacket or sweater in case it gets chilly at night.
- Rain jacket to stay prepared for an occasional shower.
- Shoe options for all of your occasions. Comfortable flip flops for your beach days, casual wear for nights out, and a sturdy pair of walking shoes for exploring.
- Reef-safe sunscreen to keep you and our environment safe.
- Small backpack for daily excursions and beach trips.
What to Plan
- Accommodations, as September can be a popular time for people to visit.
- Rental car, if you plan on exploring our island at your own leisure.
- Any popular activities, like reservations, dining experiences, or excursions, including snorkeling at Molokini Crater.
- Weather conditions, especially as you get closer to your trip so you’re as prepared as possible.
When visiting Maui in September, the Maui Ocean Center is a must-visit destination. We’ve curated an amazing center full of exhibits and experiences that embrace our island’s flora and fauna, and celebrates our rich Hawaiian culture. Our award-winning restaurant and locally-curated gift shop are also available to experience, no aquarium ticket required.
When traveling to Maui there will never be a shortage of things and places to see. Make sure you’re always abiding by local and cultural laws when exploring the natural beauty of Maui and most importantly, relax! That’s what you came to do after all.
