Just kidding about the marriage bit, but....my husband and I are at odds about when to travel to Maui. We were there two years ago in August and I LOVED it!!! Never a rainy day, skies blue and sunny and the ocean was like bathwater!! Of the two of us I spend more time in the water and I really loved snorkeling there.
This time he wants to go back in January (actually we already have our airline tickets, though one was free and the other purchased at a fairly good price). He is so set on seeing the whales, which I do agree would be fantastic! BUT after doing some homework, albeit a little late in the game, I am hearing a lot about rainy and/or overcast days (which to me would be a real downer). Also I understand that the ocean water may be ( at least for me) uncomfortably cold. I realize it won't be "unswimmable", but I prefer warmer waters.
So, I really need the lowdown on what you fellow Fodorites think (especially those of you who have travelled there both in summer and winter). Am I over-reacting about the weather and water, or is there a good chance that we will spend a lot of money and end up disappointed?? I guess if I didn't have the experience I had two years ago, I wouldn't know the difference and would love it just the same. But I have an image of what Maui offered then, and worry that we should postpone this trip till late spring or summer 2007.
PLEASE HELP ME!!! My husband and I are usually so in sync with each other on things and this time we're far apart!! One of us has to be convinced to have a change of heart...should it be him or me???

Hey, don't knock it. I've lived in Hawaii all my life and have NEVER seen a whale! so do it!

Also, the rain you read about recently was a total freak of nature. Was Hurricane Katrina indicative of New Orleans weather? Do people stop going to Florida because of Andrew or Wilma? Most of the time, Hawaii has consistent weather. If you enjoyed it in August, that is great because I usually think of that as one of the most humid times of the year!

January is a wonderful time to go to Maui. I think you would have a great time.

Been all seasons, never noticed the water being colder (but that's swimming and snorkeling, not surfing rough water of scuba). If there's rain, you can always go south to the dry beaches.

How about: the Sooner the Better!

Buy a rashguard and wear it in the water. I get cold easily and it made a huge difference.

Hi Joan: I know this is probably a "dumb" question, but what is a "rashguard"? I am assuming that it is similar to a wetsuit and wondered if you rent them, as you would the snorkel equipment, or do you have to buy them? I would prefer to rent, if possible, because I don't think I would get much use out of it other than this one trip. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks, too, to everyone for your advice. I have to admit I was looking forward to leaving the east coast in January just to escape the cold and possible snow!! I just want to be sure that we won't be disappointed having had the last trip to Maui be so "perfect".

rashguard( usually shirt) protects the skin from chafing (from rubbing on surface of boogie board, etc.). I find a tee shirt works for me--if I plan to be out snorkeling (not swimming or bodysurfing, I expend more energy for that) for a longish time, I always wear one and it keeps me warm and unsunburned. Poly, cotton, poly-cotton, whatever!

You can find nice "rashguards" or actually sun protective tops at Coolibar.com and other site that sell sun protective clothing.

Here's another plug for getting a rashguard. I bought it originally to protect my back from the sun when I snorkel, but have found that it does a great job of keeping me warmer.

Have a great trip.

-Bill

The water temperature in the winter averages in the mid to high 70s. The water temperature in the summer is around the low 80s.

Many people come to Hawaii and say the water is colder than they expected. It is not like Florida or the Caribbean.

dmpalena, where do you all live?

Reason I ask is because if I lived in a cold climate, I'd vote January for a warm winter break to thaw out.

We live right outside of Philadelphia and not far from the Jersey shore. We vacationed many summers in Myrtle Beach, SC and there the water temperature is around 84-85 degrees in the summer. I like it because with air temperatures in the mid to upper 90's, it still is refreshing to jump in the waves without having to get "numb" first!!!

Unfortunately here at the Jersey shore you have to "ease" your way into the water, slowly allowing your feet first, then your legs and eventually your body to get numb before you can just go under! I found when I was in Maui last time that I was able to go right in, without getting adjusted to the water temperature. I guess I'm showing my age, but I don't like feeling numb or cold when I swim.

Of course, I would love to escape the winter temperatures we get here in New Jersey in January, but at the same time would like to go where the sun is shining and the water is warm. But I will certainly look into these rashguards, although from the sounds of it they wouldn't seem to make much of a difference keeping you warm if they are just a shirt, but I'll defer to your expertise in this one!!

Thanks all for sharing your ideas and thoughts with me.

Hey I'm from the same 'hood, dmpalena! I know exactly what you mean by s-l-o-w-l-y entering that icy Jersey water. When I was a kid I used to run right in, but no more!

The rashguards can be bought at a discount store (Marshalls or TJMaxx etc in summer season), pay under $20. Look in boys swimwear. They are made out of a tight stretchy polyester and are amazing at keeping you toasty. I now live in Florida and sometimes wear mine kayaking - what a difference it makes. I would disagree that cotton/polycotton makes no difference, because it kept me much warmer than a t-shirt.

Have a great adventure, no matter when you go!

We were in Oahu and Maui for 2004 Christmas/New Year's and the weather wasn't that great. We had several days of rain and/or very cloudy, even in the sunny part of Maui (Wailea). We have been to Maui other years during the month of November and once in May and had perfect sunny weather. Although we had a wonderful time, I won't go back during December or January. I, too, want the sun shining during my vacation!

We spent a week on Kona coast in July 2004, and it rained several of the days, though not all day. The West side of the island was actually green, which is very unusual.

We spent Christmas 2001 on Maui and the BI and never saw a cloud. Point being, you never know.

We have been to Hawaii eight times in 24 years, and have only had one trip where the rain was a bother, and we have been there every season of the year.

Point being, you never know.

I think it comes down to how you would feel if the water WAS too chilly for you, or you got rained on for significant periods of time. Water temperatures are at least 5 degrees lower than summer, and it IS the rainy season. There is a decent chance that you'll get the rain, and 100% that the water will be cool. As I posted before, I'd go bonkers if I got rained off the beach or an outdoor restaurant after spending time and money to be in a tropical paradise. People who go to Hawaii for golf or just to escape northern winters will have a different take from beach-lovers.