Straddling the island’s dry and wet seasons, November is a month of transitions on Maui. Humpback whales – Maui’s most famous residents – begin filtering down from Alaskan summering grounds, while the first large ocean swells of winter begin lighting up surf spots on the North and West shores. Though rain is more common on Maui in November than in the “dry season” (April through October), rain showers are usually passing and largely confined to windward shorelines (north and east). Temperatures by the coast remain in the lower-80’s, and water temperatures are in the upper-70’s – still warm enough to enjoy all of Maui’s ocean activities. Travelers can still find deals on hotels and activities up until about Thanksgiving, when the winter season really kicks off.
November’s Top Picks of Things to Do
Featured: Paddle an Outrigger Canoe
Combine culture with an unbeatable ocean adventure aboard an Outrigger Canoe Tour. Outrigger Canoes (or wa’a) were a lifestyle staple in Hawaii, and used by Native Hawaiians for fishing, voyaging, and sport. Today, Hawaiian Paddle Sports offers guests the chance to explore Maui’s coastline from the unique vantage point of an Outrigger Canoe. Tours are small and intimate (maximum of 6 people), and include snorkeling at some of Maui’s best underwater locations. All of Hawaiian Paddle Sports’ guides are certified marine naturalists and tours perfectly blend culture, education, and fun.
For Couples
Tucked into the slopes of Haleakala, MauiWine has been serving up specialty pineapple wines for the past 40 years. The winery is located at Ulupalakakua Vineyards, an expansive Upcountry landscape that offers stunning views of the Pacific and South Maui shoreline. Complementary wine tastings are held daily between 10am – 5:30pm and guided tours are available at 10:30am and 1:30pm. Those looking for the true romantic experience can also schedule private tours and tastings. After wine tasting, head across the street to the Ulupalakua Ranch Store & Grill (10am – 5pm) for a bite to eat.
For Families
A powerful and mesmerizing production, ‘Ulalena is an award-winning theatrical journey that explores Hawaii’s culture. Adults and kids alike will enjoy the performance, complete with Hawaiian music, dance, and a stunning show of over 100 instruments. With legends and stories, ‘Ulalena guides guests through Hawaii’s rich history – from the establishment of Hawaiian civilization, through the changes brought on by contact with Europeans. Performances are held Monday through Thursday evenings at 5pm at the Maui Theater in Lahaina.
Thanksgiving on Maui
Paddle For Hunger
Date: Thursday, November 23rd
Time: 7am – 11am
Location: Kihei Canoe Club
Cost: Free
Highlights: Join Maui’s paddling community in this “anything that floats” fun race on Thanksgiving morning. Everyone is a winner and door prize tickets will be given to everyone who registers, so stick around after the race for your chance to walk away with something from the event sponsors. Participants are encouraged to bring a non perishable food item and/or donation for Maui Food Bank. Visit event website >
Thanksgiving Luau
It doesn’t get much more Hawaiian than celebrating Thanksgiving with a traditional luau feast. Most luaus on Maui host a special Thanksgiving buffet, complete with island cuisine and specialty roasted turkey. Old Lahaina Luau is a top-ranked island favorite, but sells out quick and can be pricey. Other options include the Feast at Lele Luau and the Te Au Moana Luau at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort.
Thanksgiving Dining Out
There’s no shortage of restaurants and resorts hosting Thanksgiving dinner on Maui. Choose from luxury dining options at Maui’s top-rated resorts, including the Sheraton, Fairmont Kea Lani, and Montage Kapalua Bay. More budget-minded diners can opt for less pricey (but still delicious) dinner menus at Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop, Mulligan’s Thanksgiving Buffet, and Charley’s Restaurant and Saloon.
Thanksgiving Beach Picnic
With some of the best beaches and coastlines in Hawaii, what better way to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal than at the beach. Kamaole 3 Beach Park in Kihei and Puamana Beach Park in Lahaina offer shaded picnic tables and an ocean-front view. Many condos and hotels have pool- or ocean-side grills. Some restaurants (like CJ’s Deli in Lahaina) also offer pre-prepped Thanksgiving meals to-go.
Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
Get in gear to feast with the annual Turkey Trot held at Kula’s Rice Park. Choose from 8 mile or 16 mile races. Winners aren’t based on who crosses the finish line first, but rather on how accurately runners are able to guess their time. Awards are given to the top 3 males and females who come closest to guessing their time (no timing devices allowed!). Join in the fun and burn some calories before chowing down on your Thanksgiving meal.
Festivals
Made in Maui County Festival
Date: Saturday, November 3
Time: 8am-4:30pm
Location: Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Cost: $5 at the door
Highlights: The Made in Maui County Festival is one of Maui’s top annual events, and the island’s largest product show. Over 140 local vendors will be displaying art, produce, fashion, gifts and food. The event also includes food trucks, a fashion show, and product demonstrations. A “Special Shoppers Preview” is available via pre-sale tickets ($35) on Friday afternoon for those wanting early dibs on festival shopping. Don’t miss this wonderful chance to stock up on holiday gift buying, while supporting our Maui community. Visit event website >
Sun Yat-Sen Festival
Date: Friday, November 10
Time: 1pm-9pm
Location: Wo Hing Museum (Lahaina)
Cost: Free
Highlights: Join the Lahaina community in celebrating Dr Sun Yat-Sen, the father of modern China. This annual event includes exhibits, film tributes and displays that journey through the life of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. Enjoy cultural activities and demonstrations (like calligraphy and knot tying), learn Chinese martial arts, and sample traditional Cantonese dishes. This year’s festivities also include a street festival along Front Street to celebrate fond memories of West Maui’s plantation life! Visit event website >
Community Events
Restaurant Week Wailea
Date: November 5 – November 11
Time: Varies
Location: Wailea
Cost: Varies
Highlights: Foodies won’t want to miss the annual “Restaurant Week Wailea” event, featuring 20 of Wailea’s top culinary venues. Celebrity chefs and award winning restaurants come together to serve up three-course, pre-fixe menus ranging from $29-$59 per person (depending on restaurant). Participating restaurants include DUO Steak & Seafood, Gannon’s, and Ka’ana Kitchen. No tickets are required – simple make a reservation and enjoy! Visit event website >
Paddle for Hunger
Date: Thursday, November 23rd
Time: 7am – 11am
Location: Kihei Canoe Club
Cost: Free
Highlights: Join Maui’s paddling community in this “anything that floats” fun race on Thanksgiving morning. Everyone is a winner and door prize tickets will be given to everyone who registers, so stick around after the race for your chance to walk away with something from the event sponsors. Participants are encouraged to bring a non perishable food item and/or donation for Maui Food Bank. Visit event website >
Weather on Maui in November
November on Maui ushers in the transition between Hawaii’s dry and rainy seasons. Though the weather is often clear and sunny, occasional cold fronts begin sweeping across the island, bringing rain showers and the first sizeable swells of the winter season. Passing rain is most common on the windward north and east shores, while south and west shores remain relatively sunny and warm. North swells also begin kicking up the surf at north and west shores, with surfers flocking to Ho’okipa (just past the town of Paia). Evening temperatures begin to dip into the high 70’s, though light jackets are suggested if you’ll be spending time in Maui’s Upcountry towns of Makawao and Kula.
- Location
- Haleakala
- Kahului
- Kapalua
- Lahaina
- Makena
- Hana
- Avg. High °F
- 63
- 84
- 81
- 86
- 76
- 80
- Avg. Low °F
- 47
- 68
- 70
- 70
- 68
- 70
Recipe of the Month
Leoda’s Loaded Baked Potato Salad
This delicious side dish is sure to be a big hit around the Thanksgiving dinner table. Recipe courtesy of Chef Marcus Whisenant, Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop.
1 Pound Red Potatoes
¼ Cup Green Onions, chopped
¼ Cup Bacon, chopped and cooked
1 Cup Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
½ Cup Mayonnaise
½ Cup Sour Cream
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes until tender.
- Drain and let cool.
- Chop potatoes into ¼ inch cubes.
- Combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and mix well.
- Place into a container with a lid and refriegerate.
Ongoing Events In November
| Event | When | Where | Why You Should Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maui Friday Town Parties | Every Friday 6pm-9pm | Nov. 3 Wailuku Nov. 10 Lahaina Nov. 17 Makawao Nov. 24 Kihei | FREE Family-friendly community block parties with live music, food, and fun |
| Maui Made Festival | First Sunday of every month 10am-5pm | Queen Kaahumanu Center, Kahului | Local vendors showcase their Hawaii wares and crafts. Includes live music. |
| Friday Night is Art Night | Every Friday 6pm-9pm | Lahaina | Gallery shows, artists demonstrations, music, food |
Volunteer Events in November
| Event | When | Where | Why You Should Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly Environmental Volunteer Days (Hawaiian Islands Land Trust) | Every Friday 8am – Noon | Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge Halewaiu Road Wailuku, HI 96793 | Habitat restoration of native coastal wetlands |
| Malama Honokowai Restoration (Maui Cultural Lands) | Every Saturday 9am-5pm | Meet at the Pu’ukoli’i “Sugar Cane Train” Station Lahaina | Restoration and maintenance of historic Honokowai Valley |
| O‘o Farm Volunteer Days | Every Wednesday 8:45am-11:30am | O’o Farm 651 Waipoli Rd, Kula | Support sustainable farming practices |
| Community Garden Work Day | Every Wednesday 9am-11:30am | The Maui Farm 100 Ike Drive, Makawao | Learn sustainable farm practices and work in the garden |
Maui Kayak Adventures
61 Halekuai St., Unit 2
61 Halekuai St., Unit 2
Kihei, HI 96753
United States
