Visiting Maui In May: Everything You Need To Know

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Visiting Maui In May: Everything You Need To Know

You’re in the right spot. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Maui in May — from the weather and prices to how busy it gets and the best things to do.


Maui Weather In May

Visiting Maui in May means warm, mostly sunny days and the island shifting toward its drier season — nice setup.

  • Daytime highs typically climb from around 83 °F (≈28 °C) to 85 °F (≈29 °C) over the course of the month.
  • Nighttime lows move from about 68 °F up to 70 °F (≈20–21 °C).
  • Rain chance decreases: at the start of May there’s about a 13% chance of a “wet day” and by month’s end it drops closer to 8%.
  • Ocean temperatures hover around 76–77 °F (≈24–25 °C) — very comfortable for swimming, snorkeling and just hanging at the beach.
  • Cloud cover is also decreasing: clear or mostly clear skies become more common as May goes on.

So in short: very strong weather conditions, fewer rain interruptions and pleasant sea temps.


Maui Sunrise & Sunset In May

Knowing daylight hours helps you plan early walks, long beach days or sunset dinners.

  • Early in May the day length is about 12 hours 55 minutes, and by the end of the month it rises to roughly 13 hours 19 minutes.
  • Sunrise around the beginning of May is approximately 5:54 a.m., moving slightly earlier to about 5:43 a.m. by month’s end.
  • Sunset is around 6:49 p.m. at the start of May, and roughly 7:02 p.m. by late May.
  • All of this means you’ve got lots of daylight — great for squeezing in beach time, scenic drives or a late‑evening stroll by the water.

May Is Shoulder Season On Maui

Here’s how tourism demand, pricing and crowds tend to behave in May — and what that means for your trip.

  • May is generally a shoulder season: it falls between the winter/holiday peak and the summer high season.
  • Demand is moderate: you’ll still find plenty of visitors, but fewer than peak times. This means less crowd pressure.
  • Pricing: Since you’re not at the absolute peak, you may find better travel deals — on flights, hotels, car rentals — than in summer or holiday windows.
  • Crowds: Beaches, tours and popular spots will still have people, but you’ll often enjoy a more relaxed pace than during high season.
  • Booking tip: To get the best value, plan for early‑to‑mid May before potential summer demand begins to pick up.

Best Things To Do In Maui In May

May on Maui allows for a lovely mix of beach days, outdoor adventures and relaxed resort vibes — all while the island is moving toward its sunnier side.

Here are some of the top activities and why May works well:

  • Beach & snorkeling time – With the sea warm and weather stabilizing, it’s a great moment for swimming, snorkeling (especially on calmer south/west shores) and sunning.
  • Scenic drives & nature exploration – The island landscape is lush from the wetter months, and with fewer rain interruptions you’ll likely have clearer roads and trails.
  • Sunrise at Haleakalā National Park or sunset along the coast – Early morning or evening light is beautiful and more comfortable thanks to mild temps.
  • Resort & relaxation days – Because it’s not full summer yet, wandering resort pools, spa time or beachfront cocktails feel more leisurely.
  • Cultural events & local flavor – May offers special local events. For instance, Lei Day (May 1) celebrates Hawaiian culture and traditions.
  • Couples or calmer travel – If you’re looking for a less crowded, warmer‑weather getaway before summer rush hits — May is a strong choice.

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