Maui or Honolulu in March?
On climate data, Honolulu comes out ahead overall in March. See the per-criterion details below.
MauiPhoto: John P Salvatore · CC BY-SA 4.0
HonoluluPhoto: Robert Linsdell from St. Andrews, Canada · CC BY 2.0Key figures in March
| Criterion | Maui | Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 23 °C | 25 °C |
| Average daily low | 21 °C | 22 °C |
| Sea | 24 °C | 24 °C |
| Rainy days | 14 rainy days (est.) | 12 rainy days (est.) ★ |
| Sun | 7 h/day | 7 h/day |
| Humidity | 78 % | 74 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Honolulu is about 2 °C warmer by day.
Maui or Honolulu in March: the short answer
In March, Honolulu comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Maui 77/100 vs Honolulu 81/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on March as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Maui averages a climate score of 84/100, Honolulu 83/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in March, side by side
The average daily high is about 23 °C in Maui and 25 °C in Honolulu — warmer in Honolulu. Average daily lows are around 21 °C versus 22 °C.
On rain, Maui sees about 14 rainy days in March and Honolulu about 12 — drier in Honolulu. Sunshine is comparable (7 vs 7 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In March the water is about 24 °C at Maui and 24 °C at Honolulu. Over the year, Maui is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, Honolulu in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Peak sea warmth is September for Maui and September for Honolulu.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Maui records roughly 121 rainy days and Honolulu about 123 — the drier of the two overall is Maui. At their sunniest, Maui reaches about 9 hours of sun a day (June) and Honolulu about 9 (June). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Maui is at its best in May, June, July and August, while Honolulu peaks in April, May, June and July. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the March scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Honolulu scores higher in March (Maui 79 vs Honolulu 85).
City breaks: Honolulu scores higher in March (Maui 82 vs Honolulu 83).
Active & hiking: both are close (Maui 70 vs Honolulu 70).
Family: Honolulu scores higher in March (Maui 76 vs Honolulu 84).
Verdict: which should you pick?
In March, Honolulu leads overall and for beach, city breaks and family trips, while the active trips score is effectively tied. Over the year, Maui carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority still matters, and the month-by-month pages give you the full picture before you book.