<p>Ugh. Going to Maui for Spring Break, and the forecast calls for rain, clouds, thunderstorms, and not very much sun, if any. Been planning this for a long time, and never really thought we wouldn’t at least have some really nice sunny days.</p>
<p>So, what is Maui weather really like right now? Are the showers usually pretty scattered? Will we likely see any sun? How should we pack? Wondering if there is much to do when it rains.</p>
<p>Sigh, we had lots of fun plans for beach and surf, and gorgeous sunsets, so we are trying to regroup and plan for what may be different than what we expected.</p>
<p>Any of you familiar enough with Maui to give some advice?</p>
<p>What side of the island will you be on? Kaanapali and Lahaina are usually drier than the Hana side. It’s warm rain, so you can still swim. Hopefully it’ll just blow over.</p>
<p>We are staying on the Leeward West part of Maui. I found a website for hawaii weather, which forecasts weather for each different part of the island. The weather looks much more encouraging there, although we are surely in for some rain, it also looks like there will be some sunshine. Yay!</p>
<p>Whale watching!! Whales have to breathe even when it’s raining, so I would imagine you’d see the same number in sun or rain. That’s about a 2-3 hour trip, and it leaves from Lahaina.</p>
<p>I’d also to up Haleakala. It’s a beautiful, awe-inspiring site, even if you don’t go for a sunrise / sunset. When there’s not much of a view due to clouds, you still get to see the volcano itself, which is like walking on Mars. Incredible.</p>
<p>You’ll have a good time. Just buy a big umbrella, and enjoy the beach anyway.</p>
<p>In Hawaii, rain doesn’t automatically mean no sun. Very often we have sun and rain at the same time and therefore many rainbows. It also doesn’t necessarily mean rain all day. It may rain in the morning but be perfectly sunny by noon.</p>
<p>A friend of mine lives on another island in Hawaii and just did a long weekend in Maui. She just sent me pictures. OMG! Whale watching, definitely, but the waterfalls, too! </p>
<p>Agree with whale watching, Haleakala and waterfalls. It will likely be plenty warm for you to swim. Often our rain is while the sun shines and makes gorgeous rainbows. I’d try to stay flexible and check Fodors.com for more suggestions. The road to Hana should be fine too.</p>
<p>Don’t do sunrise/sunset if it rains in the park. It will be very cold and misearble there - I’m speaking from my personal experience. Instead of camping overnight to get the best sunrise watching spot, do a day trip and hike down the crater. Come prepared for all sorts of weather changes, because the weather inside the crater changes rapidly! Bring convertible hiking pants, sturdy shoes, a windproof jacket, and plenty of water (and some energy sources). You will not be disappointed!</p>
<p>We had a similar situation a couple of weeks ago in Kauai. It was only our second vacation without kids, in 22 years…for only 3 1/2 days. We stayed on the North side, which apparently is the wet side in the winter. Shoulda read up on that one! We have a picture of us standing in front of a sign that says, “One of the wettest places on earth,” doing a hike to a swamp, in the rainy season! Think crawling hands and knees in the mud, in the rain, for much of the hike. Good Lord!</p>
<p>So I guess that doesn’t help you much. But you are staying on the sunny side of Maui, maybe not all is lost. I would make sure and bring rain jackets, and consider going on some hikes instead of beach time if it gets rainy. Certainly, look closely at the weather and grab those beach days when it looks good. Besides, it’s probably better than anywhere here in the US, you’re in Hawaii!</p>
<p>Actually, snorkeling when it’s raining can be MUCH better than when it’s sunny. Some of the fish that are normally only out at dusk venture out when it’s cloudy.</p>
<p>You will have so much fun. The rain will not stop you from having a great time. Some things to do.</p>
<ol>
<li>Lavender Farm in upcountry </li>
<li>ziplining around Kaanapali</li>
<li>snorkling with sea turtles</li>
<li>surf lessons in Lahaina</li>
<li>take ferry to Lanai for the day and golf or check out the great resorts there</li>
<li>Check out all the different beaches</li>
</ol>
<p>Actually hit submit accidentally. I assume you are flying into Kahalui, check out Haliimaile General Store not far from the airport on your way upcountry. A great restaurant open at lunch and dinner. It’s not a bad place to stop for lunch on the way to the lavender farm. Paragliding near the Lavender Farm is great as well. There is also a winery in the upcountry as well. I got some great wine glasses there once. Also, if you want a fun vehicle that you don’t have to worry about, check out Maui Jeeps in Kahalui Have Fun!</p>
Instead of camping overnight to get the best sunrise watching spot, do a day trip and hike down the crater. Come prepared for all sorts of weather changes, because the weather inside the crater changes rapidly! Bring convertible hiking pants, sturdy shoes, a windproof jacket, and plenty of water (and some energy sources). You will not be disappointed!</p>