Looking to beat the crowds, score discount hotel rooms, and still enjoy all the offerings of a tropical island? Then Maui in September is your answer! Especially after Labor Day, Maui settles comfortably into fall “shoulder season” – the 3 month period between summer and winter crowds. September visitors enjoy shorter lines, less crowded tours and excursions, and too many white sandy beaches to count. And although tourism may relax, the island stays buzzing with activity – from the colorful Festivals of Aloha celebrations to thousands of runners hitting the pavement in the Maui Marathon.
Weather on Maui in September
September on Maui typically means fewer crowds and discounted hotel specials. One thing that doesn’t drop, though, is the temperature. In fact, some of the island’s warmest temperatures are often recorded in September. Central and West Maui can top 88+ degrees (F), while cooler Upcountry towns hover in the mid-70’s to low 80’s. For the most part, trade winds tend to keep the humidity at bay. Strong offshore storms and hurricanes, however, can sometimes lead to muggy conditions. As with every month, water sports and beaches are best enjoyed in the morning before winds begin blowing hard. Oceans remain warm and inviting, with water temperatures averaging in the low 80’s.
- Location
- Haleakala
- Kahului
- Kapalua
- Lahaina
- Makena
- Hana
- Avg. High °F
- 65
- 88
- 86
- 89
- 78
- 83
- Avg. Low °F
- 47
- 70
- 72
- 72
- 69
- 70
September’s Top Picks of Things to Do
Featured: Beach Cleanup
On Saturday, September 16th from 8:30am to 11am, don’t miss the chance to join fellow ocean lovers at South Maui’s Po’olenalena Beach Park for a morning of beach cleaning and camaraderie. This annual event is FREE thanks to hosts Hawaiian Paddle Sports and Hawaii Mermaid Adventures and lunch will be provided for the first 50 volunteers. Please bring a reusable water bottle and sun protection. Details can be found on the event webpage.
For Couples
Nestled between the laid-back, surfer’s paradise of Paia and the cowboy town of Makawao, Lumeria Maui offers couples a relaxing getaway complete with spa treatments and gourmet dining. The 24 room retreat is the definition of relaxation, and the perfect escape from Maui’s mega-resorts. Enjoy easy access to both beaches and hiking trails, sign up for nearby adventures, or simply unwind on Lumeria’s 6 lush acres. Choose from garden, courtyard, or ocean-view guests rooms. Kama’aina rates are available for Hawaii residents.
For Families
Explore Maui’s lush central valley with a hike in the famed Iao Valley State Monument (pronounced EE-ow). Easily accessible from Kahului and Wailuku, Iao Valley is the site of Battle of Kapeniwai and home to the 1,200 foot Iao Needle (Kukaemoku). Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing day hiking the easy footpaths. Cool off afterwards with a dip in Iao Stream. Kids will love the Interactive Nature Museum and rainforest walks hosted by The Hawaii Nature Center, open daily from 10am-4pm.
Recipe of the Month
Aloha Mixed Plate’s Ahi Poke
An island staple, ahi poke is the perfect addition to any meal – from beach side BBQ’s to dinner parties, or even as a quick lunch time snack. Recipe courtesy of Chef Brandon Fujiwara of 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.
September Special Events
Festivals of Aloha
Date(s): Varies (throughout the month of September)
Location: Varies
Event Webpage: Festivals of Aloha
Highlights: Festivals of Aloha are a series of annual, statewide cultural celebrations that take place every fall. Individual celebrations, known locally as ho’olaule’a, include Hawaiian food, music, hula, and local artisans. Begun on Oahu in 1945, the festivals are reminiscent of Makahiki – the four month period from October through February where work ceased, war was prohibited, and homage was paid to Lono (god of fertility, agriculture, and rain). On Maui, Festivals of Aloha encompass two months of celebrations, beginning in September. The 2017 theme is “Aloha ka Ho‘i a ka Holokahiki” – Beloved is the sailors return home – a celebration of the homecoming of the Polynesian voyaging canoes Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia that have sailed across Earth’s oceans.
September 1st
Date: Friday, September 1st
Time: 6 – 9pm
Location: Market Street (Wailuku)
Cost: FREE
Highlights: The kickoff event for Maui’s annual Festivals of Aloha celebrations begins in the heart of Central Maui at the Wailuku First Friday Town Party. Featuring live entertainment with Hawaiian musicians, crafters, and food booths.
September 16th
Date: Saturday, September 16th
Time: 6:30pm
Location: King Kamehameha Club House (Wailuku)
Cost: $5 Festivals of Aloha ribbon/$10 at the door
Highlights: The 16th Annual Richard Ho‘opi‘i Leo Ki‘eki‘e Falsetto competition features Maui’s most talented male falsetto performers. A MUST for Hawaiian music aficionados!
September 16-17
Date: Saturday – Sunday, September 16-17
Time: 9am – 5pm
Location: Banyan Tree Park (Lahaina)
Cost: FREE
Highlights: This weekend celebration opens with live Hawaiian hula, musicians, and entertainment that lasts through sunset. Set in Historic Banyan Tree Park, enjoy a truly authentic Hawaiian cultural experience.
September 22nd
Date: Friday, September 22nd
Time: 6 – 8pm
Location: Queen Ka’ahumanu Center (Kahului)
Cost: FREE
Highlights: Teaming up with local radio station KPOA’s “Kamaaina Night”, this Friday evening event features Hawaiian cultural practitioners who will share their art through traditional music and hula.
Community Events
Augie T’s “laugh Da Island Way” Comedy Tour
Date: Friday, September 15th
Time: 8pm
Location: Historic Iao Theatre (Wailuku)
Cost: $20
Highlights: The Maui show of the statewide tour by popular local comedian Augie T will be on September 15 at the historic Iao Theatre in Wailuku. Opening for Augie T will be Shawn Garnett. All shows in the “Laugh Da Island Way” tour are benefits for B.R.A.V.E Hawaii in an effort to bring an anti-bullying message to school-aged youth.
Hawaiian Music Concert
Date: Thursday, September 28th
Time: 6 – 7:30pm
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 webpage >
Festivals
Maui Blues & Jazz Festival
Date: September 8th
Time: 6pm – 10pm
Location: Four Season Resort Maui
Tickets: General admission $150
Highlights: Jazz & blues lovers won’t want to miss the 7th annual Maui Jazz and Blues Festival, 4 days of the best jazz and blues music on Maui. The weekend is jammed packed with kick off parties, artists sneak peaks, free concerts and dinner parties. Featured musicians, including Jimmy D. Lane, Bobby Watson, Fareed Haque and Javon Jackson, take the main stage over looking the Pacific Ocean on Friday, September 8th at theFour Seasons Resort Maui from 6-10pm. Learn more at the event website.
Chinese Moon Festival
Date: Saturday, September 30th
Time: 5pm – 9pm
Location: Wo Hing Museum (858 Front St., Lahaina)
Cost: FREE
Highlights: Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, moon festivals celebrate and give thanks for yearly harvests. Festival-goers to Lahaina’s annual Chinese Moon Festival will enjoy presentations about the history of moon festivals, traditional displays, Chinese cultural activities, cooking demonstrations, music and food. Treat yourself to tasty moon cakes and tea, try your hand at making paper lanterns and sure to check out the Farmers’ Corner Market.
Arts & Cultural Events
Malama Wao Akua
Date: Friday, September 15th
Time: 5 – 8pm
Location: Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center
Tickets: Free Admission
Highlights: Mālama Wao Akua (Realm of the Gods) is a juried art exhibition celebrating the native species of Maui Nui (Maui, Lana‘i, Moloka‘i, Kaho‘olawe). Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center is thrilled to collaborate with East Maui Watershed Partnership to raise awareness about the importance of protecting native species and the forested upper regions of our islands’ watersheds. This exhibition is sure to provide powerful visuals that celebrate Maui’s native plant and animal life. Event website
Ku Mai Ka Hula Competition
Date: September 8th – 9th
Time: 6pm Friday, 1pm Saturday
Location: Maui Arts and Cultural Center
Tickets: Purchase Tickets
Highlights: Hawaiian music and hula lovers won’t want to miss this special event, featuring award-winning hālau from Hawai‘i and California. Competitions include both solo and group performances, in addition to kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) hula stylings. Judges included renowned kumu hulas Keali’i Reichel, Ulalia Woodside, Maka Herrod, and Kekuhi Keali’ikanaka’ole.
Ongoing Events In September
| Event | When | Where | Why You Should Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maui Friday Town Parties | Every Friday 6pm-9pm | Sep. 1 Wailuku Sep. 8 Lahaina Sep. 15 Makawao Sep. 22 Kihei Sep. 29 Lana’i | 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 September
| 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
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