October (along with the rest of the fall season) is one of the best times to visit Maui. Expect warm weather, beautiful beaches and a bucket list of places to explore – minus (of course) the crowds. Part of Hawaii’s “shoulder season”, Maui in October caters to budget-minded travelers. Look for deals on airfare, hotels, rental cars and a wide range of activities. If you’re really missing fall festivities, head Upcountry to Maui’s quaint towns of Makawao and Kula – both great stopovers when traveling to/from Haleakala National Park. Check out the hiking trails in Makawao Forest Preserve and Polipoli State Park, and don’t forget to stop at the Kula Country Farms pumpkin patch. Boasting bi-coastal views (along with hundreds of ripe pumpkins), Kula Country Farms is one of the most scenic pumpkin patches you’ll ever visit!
October’s Top Picks of Things to Do
Featured: Hiking
With near perfect weather, October is the perfect time to hit Maui’s miles of hiking trails. Cool off Upcountry on the Makawao Forest Reserve’s 5.7 mile Kahakapao Loop Trail or one of the many trails that traverse the Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. Hiking in Haleakala National Park offers the challenging Sliding Sands and Switchbacks trails that lead into the heart of the dormant volcano. Located in the Kipahulu section of Haleakala National Park (near Hana) is the Pipiwai Trail – one of the best hikes on the island that ends in the 400 foot Waimoku Falls. For a truly memorable experience, book a hike with Hike Maui – the experts when it comes to Maui hiking.
For Couples
Dinner at Mama’s Fish House checks all the boxes – romance, ambiance and delicious food – and should be on any couple’s list when on Maui. A Maui landmark, this restaurant is top-rated and prides itself on serving only the freshest (and local!) seafood. The pricey entrees are worth it, and the seaside setting is one of the most picturesque on the island. Consistently ranked as one of the top dining experiences in Hawaii, a dinner at Mama’s Fish House is like a step back in time. Loose yourself in old Hawaii while sipping on a refreshing cocktail or melt-in-your-mouth mahi mahi (dolphin fish). Reservations are almost always a must, so call a few days in advance to reserve your table.
For Families
For families, a trip to the Kula Country Farms pumpkin patch is an absolute must! Nestled on the slopes of Haleakala, Kula Country Farms boasts stunning bi-coastal views and more pumpkins than you can count. In addition to pumpkins, kids will enjoy Halloween crafts, farm animals and exploring the corn maze. Don’t leave without stopping by the farm’s produce stand and purchasing a jar of homemade strawberry jam. Kula Country Farms is located on Kula Highway across from Rice Park. Pumpkin Patch hours are daily from 9 AM – 4 PM. The pumpkin patch officially opens on October 1st.
October Special Events
96th Annual Maui Fair
Dates:
Thursday, October 4
5 PM – 11 PM
Friday, October 5
5 PM – midnight
Saturday, October 6
10 AM – midnight
Sunday, October 7
10 AM – 11 PM
Location: War Memorial Complex (Wailuku)
Cost: Adults $10; Kids (5-11) $5, 4 years old and under are free.
Presale discounted tickets are available at various locations. Check out the website for more details.
Highlights: The Maui Fair is an annual island highlight, including live entertainment, food, games, and rides. The event kicks off with the annual Maui Fair Parade on October 4th (4:30 PM), followed by a weekend of family fun. Enjoy the 14th annual Maui Fire Department’s Chili Cook-off, crafts, Livestock and Poultry Exhibit, Pie Contest and more! Rides include Ferris Wheel, merry go round, swings, and bumper cars. Visit event website >
Halloween on Maui
“Halloween in Lahaina” is one of Maui’s biggest events of the year. The street festival-style party garners a crowd of over 20,000 that takes over the bars, shops and restaurants of Front Street. Front Street itself shuts down to vehicular traffic for the evening. Live entertainment and food at both Campbell Park and Banyan Tree Park. Adult costume contest from 7-9 PM in Banyan Tree Park ($1,000 prize money). Traffic in and out of Lahaina on Halloween can be a serious nightmare. Arrive in Lahaina early, and expect to stay late. For those staying in Kihei or Central Maui, avoid the traffic by opt for a boat trip that shuttles passengers to and from Lahaina (leaving from Ma’alaea). The Lahaina Halloween Express will have shuttle buses departing from War Memorial Parking Lot and Kihei Aquatic Center Parking Lot. If planning to stay overnight in Lahaina, book accommodations early!
Kula Country Farms
Date: Ongoing throughout October
Time: Daily from 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: Kula Hwy (across from Rice Park)
Cost: Pumpkin Patch Admission is $3, children 2 and under are free.
Highlights: Maui’s go-to pumpkin patch set on a picturesque hillside that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The farm includes animals, a corn maze, and a local market. Visit event website >
Halloween Keiki Parade
Date: Halloween (October 31st)
Time: 4 PM
Location: Front Street (Lahaina)
Cost: FREE
Highlights: The annual Keiki Halloween Costume Parade kicks off the Lahaina Halloween Festivities. All keiki (kids) are welcome! The parade ends at Banyan Tree Park, followed by family-friendly activities and photo ops. Live music from 5-9 PM.
Festivals
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
Date: October 19th – 21st
Time: Varies
Location: Varies
Cost: Varies
Highlights: The 8th annual Hawaii Food and Wine Festival is one of the premier culinary events in the Pacific. The event itself spans the month of October on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, and Maui. Maui events are held on the weekend of October 19th-21st, leading off with Roy’s 21st Annual Golf Classic. For more on Maui events, visit the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival webpage >
Community Events
Maui Marathon
Date: Sunday, October 15th
Time: 5 AM
Finish Location: Ka’anapali Beach Resort
Cost: Visit event webpage >
Named “Best Run in Paradise,” by Runner’s World magazine, the Maui Marathon features a point-to-point course that starts in Kahului and hugs the spectacular Pacific coastline for over 17 miles. Feast on magical views of the cobalt blue ocean water, its rolling surf, and neighboring islands. The final miles will take you through historic Lahaina before finishing in the world-famous Ka’anapali Beach Resort near The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, race headquarters. Relay, half-marathon, 10K and 5K races also available.
Hawaiian Music Concert Series
Date: Thursday, October 25th
Time: 6-7:30 PM
Location: Baldwin Home Museum Lawn (Lahaina)
Cost: FREE
Highlights: FREE outdoor concert series featuring local musicians! Sit back and unwind after a day spent exploring Lahaina Town. Beach towels and lawn chairs are welcome. Visit event website >
Arts & Cultural Events
Hana Festival of Aloha
Date: October 6th – 13th
Time: Varies, see the official website.
Location: Varies
Cost: FREE
Highlights: Hana’s annual Festival of Aloha is a week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture, including hula and Hawaiian music. The Saturday event kicks off with a parade through quaint Hana town, followed by a full day of live entertainment, storytelling, craft booths, and ono food! The following week is jam-packed with events, including a lei and floral show, the Hana talent show and Ulu cookoff.
Molokai Festival of Aloha
Date: October 5th – 6th
Time: Varies
Location: Mitchell Pauole Center, Kaunakakai town
Cost: FREE
Highlights: This year’s Royal Court will receive their Royal symbols in a traditional ceremony on Friday. The evening will also include Poke Contest and Ulu-Uala-Kalo Contest, Youth Talent Contest and more. On Saturday, catch a one of a kind parade featuring pa’u riders on horseback, with ho‘olaule‘a following the parade showcasing artisans, traditional and cultural displays and hands-on practitioners.
Weather on Maui in October
October marks the last month of Maui’s “dry season” – the period from mid-April through October that generally equates to reliably perfect weather. Most days, especially along South and West Maui, are bright and sunny. Maui’s infamous trade winds (the island’s natural air conditioner) also tend to ease. Temperatures start to dip, but at a balmy 85 degrees, remain much warmer than most of the Mainland. Though the weather on Maui in October is generally mild, it’s not uncommon for the first of winter’s big storms and large waves to begin arriving this month. While these storms can bring rain and unstable weather, their impacts are generally confined to the island’s north and east shores.
- Location
- Haleakala
- Kahului
- Kapalua
- Lahaina
- Makena
- Hana
- Avg. High °F
- 64
- 87
- 84
- 87
- 77
- 82
- Avg. Low °F
- 47
- 70
- 71
- 71
- 69
- 70
Recipe of the Month
Aloha Mixed Plate’s Poke Ahi
Ahi poke is a staple in Hawaii, made from raw ahi (yellow fin tuna) and mixed with soy sauce. Easy to make, and a pleasure to enjoy! Recipe courtesy of Chef Brandon Fujiwara, Aloha Mixed Plate.
1 Pound Cubed Ahi
½ Cup Aloha Shoyu
1/8 Cup Oyster Sauce
1/8 Cup Sugar
½ Tsp Sesame Oil
1/8 Cup Green Onion, finely chopped
¼ Cup White Onion, sliced
½ Tsp Dried Chili Flakes
½ Tsp Black Pepper
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl until combined.
- Chill for 30 minutes or more, then serve.
Ongoing Events In October
| Event | When | Where | Why You Should Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maui Friday Town Parties | Every Friday 6pm-9pm | Oct. 5 Wailuku Oct. 12 Lahaina Oct. 19 Makawao Oct. 26 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 October
| 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
