Places / Maui
UV index at Maui, Hawaiʻi
Check another placeLoading today’s UV…
- Low 0 to 2
- Moderate 3 to 5
- High 6 to 7
- Very high 8 to 10
- Extreme 11+
Hour-by-hour numbers
| Time | UV index | Level |
|---|
The next few days
Each day’s UV curve and peak, drawn on the same scale so you can compare. The forecast reaches roughly four days ahead.
What to do today
About Maui
Maui’s resort beaches, from Kaanapali to Wailea, sit at about 21° north in the middle of the Pacific with little atmospheric haze to filter the sun. UV here runs high to very high on most clear days, separate from Haleakalā’s summit sun discussed on its own page.
Sand, water and your real UV
The forecast above is UV from the sky. Add reflection from light sand and from the ocean and a morning of snorkeling or paddleboarding delivers more dose than the number alone suggests, particularly on the backs of the shoulders and legs.
When UV is strongest here
UV is high to very high nearly year-round given Maui’s latitude, with the clearest, driest conditions typically April through October. Even in winter, clear-sky days at the beach reach the high category.
On the beach and water
Snorkeling trips to Molokini, whale-watching cruises and beach days all mean hours in open sun with the ocean reflecting light from below. Trade-wind breezes keep the air feeling mild, which makes it easy to underestimate how much sun you’re getting.
Sun protection tips for Maui
- Use reef-safe (mineral) sunscreen — required by Hawaii law in some areas and better for coral.
- Wear a UPF rash guard for snorkeling and paddleboarding rather than relying on sunscreen alone.
- Seek real shade at midday; a beach umbrella cuts direct sun but not light reflected off sand and water.
- Reapply after every swim, and don’t skip the tops of the feet — a common miss on the beach.
Similar places
Related guides
- What Is the UV Index? A Plain-English Guide to the Scale
- What to Wear Hiking for Sun Protection: A Practical Guide
UV forecasts are model estimates for the area and can differ from what you experience on the ground. This is general information about sun safety and isn’t medical advice. Last updated September 22, 2026.