Weather forecast

Question

We are arriving in Maui on September 20th - forecast showing rain for the entire week now. Were there last year and the rain was only for a short time, then sun most of the day.

Can someone please put my mind at ease that we will see the sun?

Answer

It's understandable to feel a little worried when you see a forecast predicting rain for your entire trip. However, it’s important to keep in mind that weather forecasts, especially for tropical destinations like Maui, can be quite variable and not always accurate over a long period. Here are some things to consider:

Maui, like much of Hawaii, experiences brief showers that often last only a short time, especially in the mornings or evenings. The rain is usually isolated to specific regions, and in between, the sun tends to break through. The weather on Maui can change rapidly, so even if the forecast shows rain, you may find that the weather improves throughout the day.

Rain on Maui is often brief: Showers in Maui tend to be short, even during the wettest months. It's not uncommon for it to rain for a few minutes, followed by sunshine for the rest of the day.
Microclimates: Maui has a variety of microclimates, which means the weather can be different depending on where you are on the island. For example, the West Side (Wailea, Lahaina) is usually drier, while the Hana and Upcountry areas are more likely to experience rain. You can often find a sunny spot somewhere on the island, even if it’s raining in other areas.
September weather: In September, Maui generally experiences warm, pleasant weather. While there’s always the possibility of rain, this is also one of the months where the island experiences some of its best weather, with sunny stretches in between showers.

If you experienced rain last year, it was likely one of those brief, passing showers that is so typical for the island. Many visitors to Maui report having wonderful weather despite forecasts predicting rain. It’s best to take a "wait and see" approach while you're there – and remember, even when it's cloudy, the temperatures are often still very pleasant.

In short, while the forecast may show rain, don't be discouraged! Pack your sunscreen and your spirit of adventure. There will almost certainly be plenty of sunshine to enjoy, and even if it does rain, it’s often just a passing shower that doesn't last long.

Enjoy your trip to Maui – you’ll likely find plenty of sun mixed in with those tropical showers!