Best Time to Visit Hawaii

Planning a trip to Hawaii takes more than picking an island. Timing matters.

The best time to visit Hawaii depends on what you want – sunny beaches, good surf, lower prices, or quiet resorts. Hawaii has pleasant weather year-round, but some months offer better deals and fewer crowds.

If you plan smartly, you’ll enjoy the islands at their best without overpaying or fighting for space on the beach.

This guide lists the best time to visit Hawaii based on weather, costs, crowds, and activities.

You’ll know what to expect each season, when to book your trip, and how to avoid the busiest months.

What Is the Cheapest Month to Go to Hawaii?

You save money in September or October. Flights drop after summer, and hotels offer deals. You pay 20 to 30 per cent less. November works before Thanksgiving. April and May follow Easter, and you avoid peak rates.

Book 2 to 3 months ahead. Look for midweek flights. Use apps for alerts. You find round-trip flights under $500 from the West Coast.

Estimated average costs:

1. Round-trip flight from the U.S. mainland: $350–$600.
2. Mid-range hotel: $150–$250 per night.
3. Rental car: $40–$60 per day.

Tip: Avoid Christmas, New Year, and spring break. Prices nearly double during these times.

Hawaii’s Weather Overview

Hawaii has two main seasons:

• Dry season (April to October)
• Wet season (November to March)

Temperatures stay between 24°C and 31°C all year. The difference between “summer” and “winter” is small, but rain and surf conditions shift by season.

Season	Temperature	Rainfall	Notes
April – October	26–31°C	Low	Best for beaches and hiking
November – March	24–27°C	Moderate	Best for whale watching and surfing

Trade winds keep the islands cool, so even in warm months, it’s comfortable outdoors. Each island’s west and south sides are drier, while the north and east sides get more rain.

What Months Are Hurricane Season in Hawaii?

Hurricane season runs from June to November. Storms form in the Pacific.

You see a few direct hits. Most pass by. September peaks for activity. Check forecasts before travel.

Buy insurance. Pick resorts with storm plans. You stay safe. Rain increases but clears fast.

What Is the Rainiest Month in Hawaii?

December brings the most rain statewide, an average of 4.5 inches. March and November follow. Windward sides soak more, while Leeward areas stay dry.

Pack rain gear. Plan indoor options. You visit museums or spas on wet days.

What Is the Hottest Month in Hawaii?

August hits the highest temperatures. You feel 88 degrees on average. July comes close. Humidity rises. You cool off in the ocean.

Drink water. Use sunscreen. You hike early mornings.

Is Hawaii Nice in the Winter?

You enjoy Hawaii in winter. Temperatures stay in the 80s. You escape the cold elsewhere. Whales arrive. Surf grows big. Rain falls but passes.

Crowds peak at holidays. Prices rise. You book early. Visit in January after the New Year for deals.

Best Time to Visit Hawaii for Whale Watching

You spot whales from November to April. Peak happens in February and March. Thousands migrate. You take boat tours from Maui or the Big Island.

Choose calm days. Bring binoculars. You see breaches from shore, too.

Best Time for Surfing

Hawaii’s surf varies by island and season.

• Winter (Nov–Feb): Big waves on north shores (Oahu’s North Shore, Maui’s Honuulua Bay).
• Summer (May–Sep): Smaller waves on south shores (Waikiki, Lahaina).

Beginners should surf in summer when the waters are calmer. Professionals favour winter for stronger swells.

Best Time to Avoid Crowds

If you prefer quiet beaches and less traffic:

1. Visit during mid-April to early June or September to mid-November.
2. Avoid U.S. school holidays, Thanksgiving week, and late December.
3. Choose smaller islands or stay outside main resort areas.

Best Time to Visit Hawaii by Season

You pick seasons for your needs. Each offers pros.

Spring in Hawaii

Spring spans March to May. You get warming weather. Rain decreases. Temperatures hit 80 degrees.

• Hike trails. Flowers bloom.
• Snorkel calm waters.
• Attend the Merrie Monarch Festival on the Big Island in April.

Crowds thin after Easter. Rates drop. You avoid the summer heat.

Summer in Hawaii

Summer lasts from June to August. There are dry days, highs reaching 88 degrees, and warm water to 80.

• Swim at beaches. Waikiki suits families.
• Surf the south shores.
• Join the July 4th events.

Crowds grow. Prices rise. You book ahead.

Fall in Hawaii

Fall runs from September to November. You enjoy warm air. The rain starts late.

• Dive clear waters.
• Visit Aloha Festivals.
• Watch Iron Man in October on the Big Island.

Fewer tourists. Low costs. You relax.

Winter in Hawaii

Winter lasts from December to February. You see rain. Highs stay 80 degrees.

• Watch big waves on the north shore.
• See holiday lights.
• Spot whales.

Holidays busy. Deals in mid-January.

Best Time to Visit Hawaii by Island

Islands differ. You choose based on the spot.

Oahu

Best time: April to early June, or September to November.

1. Mild weather and less congestion in Waikiki.
2. Surf season peaks in winter on the North Shore.
3. Summer has calmer water for swimming.
4. Explore Honolulu.
5. Hike Diamond Head.
6. Attend Duke’s OceanFest in August.

Weather steady. Crowds are low.

Maui

You go to Maui in April, May, September, and October. Whales in winter.

1. Drive Road to Hana.
2. Snorkel Molokini.
3. Join the Maui Film Festival in June.
4. Ideal mix of weather and price.
5. Whale watching from December to April.

Rain more on the east side.

Big Island (Hawaii Island)

Best time: April to October

1. See volcanoes.
2. Stargaze Mauna Kea.
3. Attend the Kona Coffee Festival in November.
4. Kona stays dry most of the year.

Wet in the east. Check eruptions.

Kauai

You travel to Kauai from April to June or from September to October. Drier then.

1. Hike Na Pali Coast.
2. Kayak rivers.
3. Visit May Day events.
4. The “Garden Island” stays green and less crowded.
5. Rain showers keep waterfalls strong.
6. Avoid mid-winter if you prefer dry hikes.

Rainiest island. Pack layers.

Lanai and Molokai

Best time: May to October

1. Quieter atmosphere and warm temperatures.
2. Good for hiking, golf, and beach walks.

Weather in Hawaii by Month

You check the weather data. Plan outfits.

Month	Average High (F)	Average Low (F)	Rain (inches)
January	80	65	4.5
February	80	65	3.5
March	80	66	4.2
April	81	68	3.7
May	83	69	2.6
June	85	71	2.0
July	85	72	2.9
August	86	72	2.7
September	86	72	2.7
October	85	71	3.5
November	83	69	4.4
December	81	67	4.5

Data statewide. Varies by side.

Events and Festivals in Hawaii

You join events for culture.

1. January: Whale festivals.
2. April: Merrie Monarch hula.
3. June: King Kamehameha parades.
4. July: Prince Lot Hula.
5. September: Aloha Festivals.
6. October: Food and Wine Festival.
7. November: Coffee festival.
8. December: Honolulu Marathon.

Check dates. Book if attending.

Tips for Your Hawaii Trip

Book inter-island flights early; schedules are limited.

1. Rent a car to explore beaches and local spots.
2. Reserve popular tours in advance during whale season.
3. Carry reef-safe sunscreen. Regular ones harm marine life.
4. Avoid touching coral or feeding fish while snorkelling.
5. Learn etiquette. Remove shoes indoors. Say aloha.
6. Stay hydrated. Hike with water.
7. Eat local. Try poke. Visit markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The best time to visit Hawaii depends on what matters to you-weather, price, or activities.

Travel in April, May, September, or October for balanced conditions and value. Summer brings perfect beach days but higher costs.

Winter offers whales and waves, but more rain and tourists. Choose your month based on your travel goals, and you’ll enjoy Hawaii at its best.

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