You've probably heard the rumors. People say November is the start of the "rainy season" on Maui. They make it sound like you’ll be trapped in your hotel room watching Netflix while the island sinks under a deluge.
Honestly? That’s mostly nonsense.
Maui is a complex beast. It’s an island of microclimates where you can be standing in a literal desert while looking at a rainforest just five miles away. If you’re planning a trip, the maui hawaii weather november vibe is actually one of the best-kept secrets for travelers who hate crowds but love 80-degree days. But there are a few things that can absolutely ruin your trip if you don't plan for the specific quirks of this month.
The Temperature Reality Check
Forget what you know about "autumn." In November, Maui is still very much in a tropical groove. We’re talking average highs of around 82°F ($28^\circ\text{C}$) to 84°F ($29^\circ\text{C}$) in the lowlands. It’s warm. It's balmy. It's exactly why you’re leaving the mainland in the first place.
But here is the thing: the humidity starts to shift.
Earlier in the summer, the humidity can feel like a wet blanket. By November, the "muggy" factor starts to drop. Data from the National Weather Service and local trackers like WeatherSpark show the chance of a "muggy" day falling from 73% at the start of the month to about 50% by the end. You’ll feel it in the breeze. The air starts to crisp up just a tiny bit, especially once the sun goes down.
Nighttime temperatures usually hover around 67°F ($19^\circ\text{C}$) to 70°F ($21^\circ\text{C}$).
If you’re staying in a resort in Wailea or Ka’anapali, that’s "shorts and a T-shirt" weather all night long. But if you head Upcountry to Kula or Makawao? You’ll want a hoodie. It gets chilly fast when you gain elevation.
And if you’re planning to do the Haleakala sunrise? God help you if you only bring a swimsuit. It can be 30°F ($-1^\circ\text{C}$) at the summit with the wind chill. I’ve seen tourists huddled together like penguins at the top because they didn't believe the forecast. Don't be that person.
The Rainy Season Myth vs. Reality
Let's address the "rainy season" label. Yes, November marks the transition. Statistically, the island gets more rain than it does in July. But "more" is relative.
On the leeward side—that’s the south and west coasts where most people stay—rain usually comes in the form of a 10-minute shower that clears up before you can even finish your Mai Tai. You might see a "cloudy" forecast on your iPhone and panic. Don't. Most of those clouds get hung up on the West Maui Mountains or the slopes of Haleakala.
Why Location Is Everything
If you want sun, stay in Kihei, Wailea, or Lahaina/Ka’anapali. These areas are in a rain shadow.
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- South Maui (Kihei/Wailea): This is basically a desert. It gets maybe 10-15 inches of rain a year. In November, your odds of a washout are incredibly low.
- West Maui (Ka’anapali/Kapalua): A bit more lush than the south, but still very reliable. Kapalua gets more "passing" showers because it’s further north, but they rarely last.
- The North Shore and Hana: This is where the rain lives. If you’re staying in Paia or driving the Road to Hana in November, expect rain. It’s why it’s so green. It’s beautiful, but it's wet.
The real risk in November isn't a drizzle; it's a Kona Storm. These are infrequent, but they happen. A Kona storm flips the wind direction. Instead of the cool trade winds coming from the northeast, you get winds from the south. This can bring heavy rain to the entire island for a day or two. It’s rare, but it’s the one thing that can actually put a dampener on your beach plans.
The Ocean: November’s Secret Weapon
The water is still incredibly warm.
While the air temperature drops a few degrees, the Pacific Ocean is a slow mover. It holds onto the summer heat. In November, the water temperature in Maui averages around 78°F ($25^\circ\text{C}$) to 79°F ($26^\circ\text{C}$). It is perfect.
However, the "North Shore Swell" starts to wake up.
If you’re a professional surfer, you’re heading to Ho’okipa or Jaws. If you’re a casual snorkeler, you need to be careful. The big winter swells start hitting the northern and western exposures. This can kick up the sand and ruin visibility for snorkeling.
Best Snorkeling Spots in November
- Molokini Crater: Still the gold standard. It’s sheltered and usually has 100+ feet of visibility.
- Turtle Town (Makena): The south shore stays much calmer than the north shore this month.
- Honolua Bay: Be careful here. It’s world-class, but if a big swell is coming in, the surf can get dangerous for swimmers.
The Whale Factor
This is the big one. November is the official "maybe" month for whales.
The Humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to breed and give birth. While the "peak" season is February, the first scouts usually start showing up in late October and early November.
If you go on a boat tour in mid-to-late November, there is a very decent chance you’ll see a breach or a tail slap. It’s not a guarantee like it is in January, but the excitement of being among the first to see them is pretty cool. Plus, the whale watching boats aren't nearly as packed as they will be in six weeks.
What to Actually Pack
Keep it simple, but be smart.
- Lightweight layers: Linen and cotton are your best friends.
- A "real" jacket: Only if you're going to the volcano.
- Rain shell: A super-thin, packable poncho or rain jacket for the Road to Hana.
- Reef-safe sunscreen: It’s the law in Hawaii, and the November sun is still strong enough to fry you in 20 minutes.
- Polarized sunglasses: Essential for spotting whales and seeing through the water's surface glare.
Real Talk: The "Discovery" Experience
The best thing about maui hawaii weather november isn't actually the weather—it's the vibe.
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Early November is the "shoulder season." The kids are in school, and the Christmas crowds haven't arrived. You can actually get a reservation at Mama’s Fish House (if you book a few months out, obviously). The beaches aren't a sea of umbrellas.
Everything changes the week of Thanksgiving. The island hits 100% capacity, prices spike, and the weather becomes a secondary concern to the traffic in Paia. If you can, aim for the first two weeks of the month. It's the "sweet spot" of the entire year.
Actionable Next Steps for Your November Trip
- Book Your South Maui Stay: If you are worried about rain, prioritize hotels or Airbnbs in Wailea or Kihei. These are your safest bets for 24/7 sun.
- Monitor the Surf Forecast: Check sites like Surfline before heading to the beach. A "calm" day in Wailea doesn't mean the North Shore isn't seeing 20-foot waves.
- Layer Up for Haleakala: If you're doing a sunrise tour, bring more than you think you need. A light windbreaker over a hoodie is the bare minimum.
- Schedule Your Road to Hana Early: Start your drive at 6:00 AM. In November, the sun sets around 5:45 PM. You don't want to be driving those 600+ curves in the dark during a tropical downpour.
- Download a Rain Radar App: Use an app like Windy or the HFO (Honolulu Forecast Office) site to see where the clouds are moving in real-time. Often, moving just 10 minutes down the road will get you back into the sun.
The weather is rarely "bad" on Maui. It’s just different depending on which side of the street you’re standing on. Embrace the passing showers, watch for the rainbows (November has amazing ones), and enjoy the fact that you're in paradise while everyone else is raking leaves.