Considered a shoulder season, October tends to be a great month to visit Maui. What this means is that October brings desirable weather and fewer crowds, optimizing your time here on the island. While some of the more traditional year-round activities are always fun, October brings some unique seasonal events, like Kula Country Farms Pumpkin Patch (more on this below).
Simplify your planning with our seasonal guide to visiting Maui in October. We’ve put together all of the essential details about weather, top activities, what to pack and more, so you can relax before traveling to visit us.
Maui Weather in October
October brings very nice weather to Maui as the transition from a hotter summer to a more mild fall takes effect. Expect comfortable daytime temperatures of around 75°F and 85°F, perfect for the beach, snorkeling trips, and other outdoor adventures. The temperature may drop slightly at night into the high 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, so you may want to pack a light jacket for more comfortable evenings.
October Activities to Do in Maui
Snorkeling With Our Unique Sea Life
With the summer rush subsiding, popular snorkeling spots will likely be less crowded. Many of our beaches have excellent snorkeling close to the shore, but for a unique snorkeling experience, visit Molokini Crater. This partially submerged volcanic crater stands as a must-visit destination for snorkelers and is only accessible by boat. With ocean temperatures ranging from the high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, this activity is one you will definitely enjoy.
Experience a Lūʻau
Maui’s lūʻaus offer a unique and culturally rich experience for all visitors. With the summer crowds starting to thin, lūʻaus become more accessible and enjoyable. You can immerse yourself in Hawaiian traditions, from indulging in the island cuisine to attending hula performances. Many lūʻaus feature special October-themed festivities incorporating local folklore and storytelling, providing guests with a deeper understanding of Hawaiian history and culture.
Spend the Day at a Pumpkin Patch
The Kula Farms Pumpkin Patch is open from September 29 and runs through the month of October until the 30th. They’re open every day from 9 am to 4 pm with a five dollar entry fee. The farm grows a wide variety of pumpkins, including green, pink, yellow, flat, round, and bumpy varieties, as well as decorative gourds and squashes for cooking. Wagons are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Explore Nature With a Hike
Even if hiking isn’t normally your thing, you can’t go wrong with any of our trails. A go-to hiking destination for many visitors and locals alike is Haleakalā National Park. Home to the only active volcano on Maui, called Haleakalā, or the East Maui Volcano, there’s so much to see in this national park. Other great places to hike include Waihe’e Ridge Trail, ʻĪao Valley State Park, and the Kapalua Coastal Trail.
Hawaiian Cuisine to Try in October
October falls within the tail end of mango season and the start of harvest for a variety of other tropical fruits and vegetables. Fresh seafood, particularly poke, is always on the menu and might include mahi-mahi, opakapaka, or ono. A traditional Hawaiian dish in kālua pig is a must-try, typically slow-cooked in an underground oven. Don’t be shy about trying Maui Gold pineapples, delicious baked goods like passionfruit desserts, and malasadas, a Portuguese-inspired doughnut.
Maui in October Checklist
What to Pack
- Swimsuits for beach days and snorkeling excursions.
- Casual wear, like shorts, shirts, and maybe a polo.
- Evening wear, like a light dress or skirt, khakis, and a light sweater.
- Rain jacket, in case of the occasional shower.
- Variety of shoes, including flip flops, casual wear, and sturdy shoes if you plan on hiking.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, especially if you go into the water to help protect you and our fragile coral reefs.
What to Plan
- All accommodations, whether that be where to stay, where to eat, or any other reservations you may need.
- Rental car, if you’d like to have your own way around the island.
- Any popular activities, like tee time and excursion reservations, including snorkeling at Molokini Crater.
- Weather conditions, so you know what you’ll need to bring for layers or extra clothes.
Make sure to include the Maui Ocean Center on your October Maui itinerary! We’ve created an incredible destination with our exhibits and experiences, offering you the chance to learn about and celebrate our island’s unique flora and fauna. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at our award-winning restaurant or find a special souvenir in our gift shop, both accessible without an aquarium ticket.
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.
