Although often breathtaking, Maui weather can be very unpredictable. RELATED LINKS Back to Maui City Guide

"Chicken skin" is the Hawaiian pidgin term for "goose bumps," and it's what many visitors get when they learn the hard way that shorts and T-shirts are not always a good match for Maui's extremely variable climate.

While sea-level temperatures average in the 70s and 80s year-round, there are times when an alfresco lunch or a post-meal stroll can get downright chilly, particularly during the winter months when cool, gusty winds sometimes blow unpredictably out of the south. These so-called kona winds are most noticeable if you're staying on the leeward coast, which is normally sheltered from the prevailing northeasterly trades.

Make room in your luggage for a windbreaker and a lightweight sweater, and perhaps a warm, water-proof jacket if you plan to spend time exploring Haleakala National Park and other high-altitude destinations, where conditions can be seriously cold and damp at any time of year.

A word about sun protection: Frequent and liberal use of sunscreen is always a good idea in Hawaii, even on overcast days and even if you spend most of your time in the shade. At higher elevations the rays are even more intense, so if you go hiking or horseback riding on Haleakala, wear a hat and use sunscreen with a high SPF rating.