Visiting Maui in November

Maui in November: What to See and Expect

November is one of our favorite months on the island here at Dive Maui, the weather is mild, there are tons of activities to do, and whale watching season is normally just kicking off. Below, we’ve highlighted what you can expect to see and experience when visiting Maui in November.

Maui Weather in November

• The weather: Maui’s weather in November is typically mild, with temps ranging from average highs in the mid-70s to lows reaching 58-degrees Fahrenheit. It rains approximately 3 days a month in November, with long stretches of pleasant weather often occurring between storms. Of course, Maui’s many microclimates can have a great impact on the weather one might experience while traveling around the island, so it pays to be prepared!

   

Diving conditions on Maui in November

• Diving conditions: November can be a great time to dive some of Maui’s more inaccessible routes, especially in between inclement weather and storms, this is due to changes in wind patterns from the summer to winter months which makes areas such as the southern end of Maui much more amenable to diving. Water temps should be in the low 70s, so a 4-6 mm wetsuit is recommended for those that get cold. Visibility can range from 50 to 150 feet, depending on one’s location and the prevailing weather.

Whale Watching on Maui in November

• Whale watching season has begun: While whale watching really kicks into gear from January to April, the first sightings of humpbacks off Maui typically occurs in early November. This means that divers might be lucky enough to see one on the way to an offshore dive site. Of course, dedicated whale watching tours are a great way to enjoy the thrill of the season as well.

Great deals on Maui vacations in November

• November can be an economical time to visit: When it comes to saving money on your Hawaiian vacation, November can be a great time to plan a trip to Maui, especially earlier in the month. November is still considered Maui’s “shoulder season” in terms of peak tourism, which means that the island will be less crowded and good deals on food and lodging can be found for those that know where to look. 

Best Things to do on Maui in November

There is almost always something fun and unique going on around Maui, and now that Hawaii has welcomed back visitors, you won’t have to wait to get to any of the fun stuff! Below is a brief calendar of events happening around the island that are not to be missed, and the best part, many are free!

• Malama Wao Akua 2021 (Tue November 2nd – Fri November 5th)

Malama Wao Akua translates from Hawaiian as “Caring for the Realm of the Gods” and is the name for this juried art exhibition taking place at Maui’s Hui No’eau Arts Center. The artwork shown will feature some of Maui’s best local artists’ depictions of native plant and animal life, hoping to increase awareness of the importance of protecting these endemic species at the same time. And a trip to Hui No’eau is worth it alone for the art center’s unique mansion setting which dates to 1917.

• ARISE Maui (Thu November 4th – Sat November 6th)

ARISE Maui is a faith-based conference that focuses on helping women everywhere escape abuse, shelter living, and human trafficking. The conference runs from Thursday evening to Saturday afternoon and will feature workshops, talks from various female leaders, and partnership-building mealtimes. More information can be found here.

• Maui Sunday Market (Every Sunday 4:00 – 8:00 PM)

Local craft makers and artisans pack booths each Sunday from 4-8 PM as a part of the popular Maui Sunday Market. Food trucks and live music add to the carnival atmosphere and make this Kahului staple well-worth checking out. The best part? Admission is completely free.

• Lei Poo Making (Every Wednesday 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM)

Few things are more associated with Hawaiian culture than the lei, and you can have a chance to enjoy making one yourself, for free, at The Shops at Wailea. Classes are open to both adults and children and will allow participants to make a traditional Ti leaf lei while learning more about the importance of the lei dating back to its historical use during special occasions by Hawaiian royalty.

• Art Festivals at Lahaina Cannery Mall (Sat November 6th – Sun December 26th, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

Want to support local Maui artists and easily shop local at the same time? Well, be sure to stop by the Lahaina Cannery Mall each weekend from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for a chance to do just that. You’ll be able to talk to members of the Lahaina Arts Society and to survey the stunning displays of jewelry, ceramics, paintings, photography, and prints that are on offer. The festival is held in tents on the lawn in front of the Starbucks.

• The Slack Key Show – Masters of Hawaiian Music (Every Wednesday and Saturday evening, doors open 6:00 PM) 

Hankering for some authentic Hawaiian music played by living legends such as George Kahumoku, Jr., Led Kaapana, and Kevin Brown? Well, be sure to stop by The Napili Kai Beach Resort’s Aloha Pavilion for an experience that is sure to delight. Tickets range from $40 for general admission to $60 for reserved seats. Tickets for the Slack Key Show can be purchased here.

• Ebb & Flow Ensemble (Wed November 17th, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM)

This free performance features compositions by artists from around the world being performed by the three-piece Ebb & Flow Ensemble: Ignace Jang, Sung Chan Chang, and Robert Pollock. The show will feature rarely performed works such as Shinhee Park’s “Polyphonic Songs” for violin which is a piece that was commissioned exclusively by Ebb & Flow Arts.

• Hui Holidays (Fri November 19th – Fri December 24th Shop Open Tues-Sat 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

Looking for something special this holiday season that you won’t be able to find anywhere else? Be sure to stop by the Hui Holidays event at the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center’s gift shop for some one-of-a-kind Hawaiian treasures. Local artists offer up a wealth of paintings, ornaments, skin-care products, ceramics, and more!

• WATERMAN @ Waimea Theater (Sun November 21st, 7:00 PM)

Narrated by Jason Momoa, WATERMAN tells the surprising story of Hawaiian Duke Paoa Kahanamoku who broke barriers and brought surfing to the world’s attention while overcoming personal challenges. The inspiring story of Duke’s life is a great way to learn more about the importance of diversity and incorporating the spirit of Aloha into our daily lives.

• Turkey Trot (Thurs November 25th, 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM)

This local Turkey Trot is held annually by VIRR (Valley Isle Road Runners) a great way to get active on a Thanksgiving morning, and it’ll lessen guilt when gorging on holiday favorites later in the day. With both 8 mile and 5K options, runners can choose whatever distance suits them best. And, in a fun twist, the winner isn’t whoever comes in first, but the runners who guess their finishing times correctly. Be sure to bring along a non-perishable food donation for the Maui Food Bank as well. The race takes place in Kula at Rice Park, registration info can be found here.

We’re Always Here to Help!

There you have it, just some of what one can expect to see and do in Maui during the month of November. Of course, we hope you take some time out for an exhilarating undersea adventure, and if you do, we hope you consider using us at Dive Maui for all of your SCUBA and snorkeling needs. 

Think we missed a November event people should know about? Have more questions about diving Maui in the fall? Feel free to reach out today to one of our helpful certified dive instructors. As always, thank you for reading and, until next time, Aloha!