Best time to visit Hawaii (2024)

Travel Info

It's always a good time to visit, but we can help you select the best time.

Best time to visit Hawaii (1)

Above: Seasonal rainfall differences have an effect on waterfalls such as Rainbow Falls on Hawaii Island, shown here in the summer.

It's always a good time to visit Hawaii, but here's some information to help you decide.

At a glance

Hawaii is blessed with sunshine virtually all year-round, so any time would be a great time for a visit. Temperature changes are minor: During the summer, the average daytime temperature is 85°; in the winter, it’s 78°. Even near-shore ocean temperatures don’t vary that much, averaging 74° throughout the year.

December (except for the first week), January and February are the busiest months, when prices for airfare and accommodations are at their highest. In particular, the last two weeks of December and the first week of January are prime times for travel, and hotels and flights are often booked to capacity. Summer and mid-spring—during breaks from school—are also peak periods. In general, you’ll find cheaper rates and fewer visitors in late spring and fall (before Thanksgiving).


Best time to visit Hawaii (2)

Above: Visitors flock to Hawaii's warm, sunny beaches year round.

Although Hawaii’s rainy season is November through March, showers can fall anytime, mostly on the windward (northeastern) side of the Islands. Those sprinkles shouldn’t spoil your vacation fun because they usually don’t last long and they’re often localized, meaning even if it’s raining where you are, there likely will be clear skies elsewhere on the same island.

Hurricane season runs from June through November (since 1950, when accurate data collection began, only a handful of hurricanes have caused significant damage). Nature also demonstrates her might during the winter when storms in the Pacific drive ocean swells toward north-facing shores of the Islands. Only experienced surfers should get into the water and try riding those monster waves. Everyone else, grab a front-row seat on the beach and marvel at their courage and athleticism.

For some people, the best time to visit is when their favorite Hawaii event is happening. Following is a list of popular annual events; please note dates are subject to change.

January

Average high: 80°
Average low: 66°

Oahu:
Ohana Festival, Sony Open

Maui:
Sentry Tournament of Champions

Hawaii Island:
Iolani Luahine Hula Festival, Mitsubishi Electric Golf Championship, Waimea Ocean Film Festival

Kauai:
E Kanikapila Kakou (through March)

Molokai:
Ka Molokai Makahiki

February

Average high: 81°
Average low: 65°

Oahu:
Great Aloha Run, Pow! Wow! Hawaii, Ukulele Picnic in Hawaii

Maui:
Maui Open Studios, Maui Whale Festival

Hawaii Island:
Avocado Festival, Panaewa Stampede Rodeo, Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, Wiliwili Festival

Kauai:
Kauai Quilt Show, Waimea Town Celebration

March

Average high: 82°
Average low: 67°

Oahu:
Honolulu Festival

Maui:
Celebration of the Arts (Easter weekend; could be in April)

Hawaii Island:
Kona Brewers Festival, Merrie Monarch Festival (the week after Easter; could be in April)

Kauai:
Prince Kuhio Day celebrations

April

Average high: 83°
Average low: 68°

Oahu:
I Love Kailua Town Party, Spring Hawaii International Film Festival, Waikiki Spam Jam

Maui:
East Maui Taro Festival, Kite Festival, Haiku Hoolaulea and Flower Festival

Hawaii Island:
Big Island Chocolate Festival, Kau Coffee Festival, Laupahoehoe Music Festival

Kauai:
Spring Fantasy Orchid Show


Best time to visit Hawaii (3)

Above: Held annually on Memorial Day on Oahu's south shore, Lantern Floating Hawaii brings together over 50,000 people on the beach in a moment of remembrance.


May

Average high: 85°
Average low: 70°

Oahu:
Filipino Festival, Hawaii Book and Music Festival, Lei Day Celebration, Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii

Maui:
Maui Matsuri, Maui Brewers Festival

Hawaii Island:
Honokaa Western Week

Kauai:
Banana Poka Round Up

Molokai:
Molokai Ka Hula Piko

June

Average high: 87°
Average low: 72°

Oahu:
King Kamehameha Celebration, Mango Jam, Pan-Pacific Festival

Maui:
Kapalua Wine and Food Festival, Maui Agricultural Festival, Maui Film Festival

Hawaii Island:
Hilo Orchid Show, King Kamehameha Celebration, Puuhonua O Honaunau Cultural Festival

Kauai:
Taste of Hawaii

July

Average high: 88°
Average low: 74°

Oahu:
Ala Moana Center Fireworks Show, Hawaii State Farm Fair, Joy of Sake, Prince Lot Hula Festival, Ukulele Festival Hawaii

Maui:
Makawao Rodeo and Paniolo Parade

Hawaii Island:
Mango Festival, Parker Ranch Horse Races and Rodeo

Kauai:
Concert in the Sky, Koloa Plantation Days

Lanai:
Pineapple Festival

August

Average high: 89°
Average low: 75°

Oahu:
Duke’s OceanFest, Korean Festival, Made in Hawaii Festival, Na Hula Festival

Maui:
Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival, Hana Cultural Center and Museum Hoolaulea

Hawaii Island:
Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, Mai Tai Festival, Puukohola Heiau Establishment Day Cultural Festival

Kauai:
Heiva I Kauai, Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair, Lawai International Center Pilgrimage of Compassion


Best time to visit Hawaii (4)

Above: The peak of whale watching season is January through March.


September

Average high: 89°
Average low: 74°

Oahu:
Aloha Festivals, Okinawan Festival, Rice Fest

Maui:
Chinese Moon Festival, Festivals of Aloha, Hawaii’s Woodshow, Honolulu Century Ride

Hawaii Island:
A Taste of the Hawaiian Range, Hawaii Island Festival, Hawaii Island Festival of Birds, Hawaii Kupuna Hula Festival

Kauai:
Kauai Marathon, Kauai Mokihana Festival

Molokai:
Kulaia Hoolaulea, Na Wahine O Ke Kai Molokai to Oahu

October

Average high: 87°
Average low: 73°

Oahu:
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival

Maui:
Halloween in Lahaina, Maui Fair, XTERRA World Championship Off-Road Triathlon

Hawaii Island:
Ironman World Championship

Kauai:
Eo e Emalani i Alakai, Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival

Molokai:
Hawaiian Airlines Molokai Hoe Canoe Race

November

Average high: 84°
Average low: 71°

Each year, humpbacks make the 3,000-mile trek from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed, calve and nurse their young. Whale season runs from November through May. Maui, Molokai and Lanai offer the best whale-watching opportunities. The peak of the season is January through March.

Oahu:
Fall Hawaii International Film Festival, Vans World Cup of Surfing

Maui:
Chinese Heritage Festival, Hula O Na Keiki, Made in Maui County Festival

Hawaii Island:
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, Volcano Village Artists Hui Studio Tour and Sale

Kauai:
Poipu Food and Wine Festival

December

Average high: 82°
Average low: 68°

Oahu:
Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, Hawaii Bowl, Honolulu City Lights, Honolulu Marathon, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Maui:
Na Mele O Maui

Hawaii Island:
Wailea Village Mochi Pounding, Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade

Kauai:
Festival of Lights, Lights on Rice Parade

Molokai:
Merry Molokai Christmas

Story ByHawaiian Airlines Editorial Staff

Picks From Our Island Guide


Hanauma Bay Nature PreserveEast Honolulu, OahuMatsumoto Shave IceNorth Shore, OahuAkaka FallsHonomu, Hawaii IslandMaui Ocean CenterWailuku, Maui

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Best time to visit Hawaii (2024)

FAQs

Best time to visit Hawaii? ›

The best time to visit Hawaii is between March and September. This is when the islands see the highest temperatures and the lowest amount of rain. It's the perfect time to enjoy the beach or the water.

What month is the best month to go to Hawaii? ›

Best Time for Good Weather? While Hawaii is a great destination year-round, the best opportunity for good weather exists during April, May, September, and October. As the tradewinds pick up over the winter months, so do the showers, and surf swells, particularly on the north/northeast (windward) shores of each island.

What is the cheapest time of year to visit Hawaii? ›

Cheapest Times to Fly to Hawaii

Airfare peaks during January, and it's higher than typical all winter long. Summer airfare is also on the expensive side. If you want to pinch your pennies, the best times to buy a ticket are in late November and early March—right in line with the islands' “low” seasons for tourists.

What are the best and worst months to visit Hawaii? ›

There is not a bad time to visit or take a travel nursing assignment in Hawaii. If you value smaller crowds and lower prices, you may enjoy the shoulder season. If you want to see the whales, January or February would be good fits. If you want to avoid the rainy season, try May through September.

What is the rainy season in Hawaii? ›

Although Hawaii's rainy season is November through March, showers can fall anytime, mostly on the windward (northeastern) side of the Islands.

What month is hurricane season in Hawaii? ›

When is Hurricane Season in Hawaii? Hawaii's official hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with August being the peak month. During hurricane season, the islands are more susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, although severe weather events are relatively rare compared to other regions.

What is the hottest month in Hawaii? ›

Additionally, August and September are Hawaii's warmest months, with August being the hottest month overall. You can expect the average high temperature to reach around 87 degrees daily, while the average low temperature tends to stay around 76 degrees in August.

What is the most expensive month to go to Hawaii? ›

The cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is during February and March. The most expensive month to fly is December when the holiday period falls, with January being very expensive as well. The peak travel months of June and July are surprisingly not the most expensive months for flights, with middle figure prices.

What's the cheapest month to fly to Hawaii? ›

What is the cheapest month to fly to Hawaii? When planning your trip, it's good to keep your travel dates flexible. Traveling to Hawaii during the Islands' “shoulder” months of April, May, September and October means you may find more affordable deals and less crowded beaches and roads.

What is the best island to visit in Hawaii for the first time? ›

Hawaii is a beautiful state with six main islands to explore. Each island has beautiful beaches and natural beauty, but if you're a first-time visitor, Oʻahu is the best island to visit. The Hawaiian island that is home to the state capital (Honolulu) has something for everyone.

How much does a trip to Hawaii cost? ›

Generally speaking, a one week trip to Hawaii will cost you about $4000. However, prices vary considerably depending on the time of year, the number of people you travel with, and where you stay.

How far in advance should I book a Hawaii trip? ›

It is recommended to book at least 6 to 12 months in advance, depending on how many people you're booking for. For families, for example, you might want to accommodate pre-booking and push it even further in advance, like a year and a half, to be safe.

What are the sunniest months in Hawaii? ›

Hawaii, USA Weather Averages

August is the hottest month in Hawaii with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F) and the coldest is January at 23°C (73°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 11 in July.

How many days do I need in Hawaii? ›

Try and spend a minimum of five nights on any one Island and visit at least two Islands per trip. This timeframe allows travellers to explore multiple regions with ample time to engage in some of the many land, sea and air tours and activities available.

What month is the best to go to Hawaii? ›

The best time to visit Hawaii is between March and September. This is when the islands see the highest temperatures and the lowest amount of rain. It's the perfect time to enjoy the beach or the water.

What is the best month to go to Maui? ›

The best times to visit Maui are April through May and September through November. The spring and fall shoulder seasons provide the pleasant weather Hawaii vacationers seek without the high rates and heavy crowds that accompany the summer and winter.

How many days is ideal for Hawaii? ›

While many vacations are five to seven days long, we recommend staying for at least 10 days to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation. The time change is difficult to adjust to at first and takes about 3 days to get fully acclimated. So, allowing a couple days to get over the jet lag is important.

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