Best Time to Visit Hawaii: A Seasonal Guide

Hawaii is one of the best destinations you can choose for a trip. This archipelago in the Pacific Ocean is a dream come true, and it offers its visitors a one-of-a-kind environment.

But don’t think that all its islands are the same, oh no. Even though they share a volcanic origin, their environments range from deserts and rainforests to alpine and temperate regions. This translates to an incredible variety of terrains and landscapes to explore.

Keep reading if you want to know when it’s the best time to visit Hawaii and all the activities that you can do in Hawaii’s different seasons.

Picture by Filipp Nekhaev and Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

When to Visit Hawaii?

Let’s start our trip to Hawaii’s best and worst seasons with winter, which goes from December to February. The weather changes might be subtle, but the air is different from summer, a bit cooler, and there’s more rain. Many travelers avoid visiting during these months, especially December, which they consider the worst time to visit Hawaii, but there are some advantages.

What to expect during winter in Hawaii?

• Mild temperatures: Not as hot as summer, ranging from 20°C to 27°C during the day and around 12°C at night.

• More frequent rain: Winter tends to be the wetter season in most areas in Hawaii, although areas like Waikiki Beach in Oahu tend to be drier.

• Stronger winds: The main factor in the drop in temperatures is the stronger winds during these months, which also cause the high humidity.

• Fewer crowds: Winter is the low season, and except December with the Holidays, the rest of the months see fewer visitors, so you can get better prices for flights, accommodations, and excursions!

Top Activities and Events During Hawaii’s Winter Season

Even during the low season, Hawaii is an incredible destination that offers visitors plenty of activities to enjoy. No matter the kind of traveler that you are, you’ll find some activities and events to enjoy in Hawaii during the winter:

• Whale watching: Winter is the magic season when the humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters to mate and give birth. So you can see a lot of them, and even mothers with playful young calves!

• Surf contests: The north shore of Oahu hosts major surfing competitions, such as the Vans Triple Crown and the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, in which some of the best surfers in the world participate. Even if you don’t practice surfing, it’s an excellent opportunity to see experts taming the waves.

• Helicopter Tours: Although not for all budgets, this is a magical experience nonetheless. Discover the beauty of Hawaii from above on a helicopter tour, with breathtaking views of waterfalls, coastlines, and vibrant landscapes.

• Mele Kalikimaka Festival: Celebrate Hawaii’s version of Christmas with festive parades, illuminated displays, and a warm community atmosphere. It’s the perfect occasion to get closer to the island’s culture and traditions.

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Spring in Hawaii

Now, one of the best seasons to visit Hawaii is spring. From March to May, the temperatures are incredibly pleasant, and it’s perfect for long walks and exploring nature.
What to expect during spring in Hawaii?

• Mild weather: With maximum temperatures between 25 °C and 27 °C during the day, and as low as 16 °C at night.

• Less rain: Although March can be a wetter month, rainfall tends to decrease later in spring.

• Great water temperatures: Really pleasant if you don’t like cold water, around 24°C in March and rising to 25.5°C in May, ideal for water activities.

Must-Do Spring Activities and Events in Hawaii

As we said, spring has quite a lot of activities that you can do, with plenty of outdoor and cultural options to choose from.

• Luau at Paradise Cove: Nothing better to enjoy the local culture than an authentic Hawaiian experience with a luau, including traditional food, live music, and Polynesian dancing.

• Hiking at Diamond Head: One of the most popular hikes on all the islands. Try it and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Waikīkī and the ocean. It’s a great time to get your exercise and a good meal.

• Merrie Monarch Festival (April 1-7): This is the most prestigious festival dedicated to hula dance. It includes competitions, exhibitions, and workshops, and attracts the best hula dancers in the world. It’s an incredibly beautiful event to see.

• Hapalua - Hawaii Half Marathon (April 14): If you’re into sports, you can participate in and run along Waikīkī’s beautiful coastline.

Photo by Patrick Nguyen on Unsplash

Summer in Hawaii

This is the season when Hawaii sees more visitors! Summer is always a great choice, with the tropical climate at its best. From June to August, many people fly in to enjoy the beaches and other outdoor activities.

Summer in Hawaii takes place during June, July, and August. The Hawaiian Islands are known for their tropical climate and for being a popular destination during the summer season. If you want to enjoy the beaches and other outdoor activities, summer is the ideal time to visit Hawaii, with pleasant temperatures and low rain probability. Here’s what to expect during summer in Hawaii:

• Warm climate: These are Hawaii’s hottest months, with temperatures around 31°C during July and rarely going lower than 24°C.

• High humidity, few rains: While July is one of the most humid months, it is quite rare to see rain, with only 17mm on average.

Fun Summer Activities and Events Across Hawaii

Hawaii offers many activities and events during the summer, perfect for enjoying the warm weather and local culture. Here are some of the best options for exploring the islands:

• Volcano Exploration: Don’t forget that the islands have a volcanic origin in common, and summer is a great time to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see the Kilauea volcano. You can also travel the Crater Rim Drive for breathtaking views.

• Duke’s OceanFest: This event is held August 22-30 in Honolulu to celebrate surfing and other water activities in honor of Duke Kahanamoku, an incredible swimmer and lifesaver who was part of the popularization of surfing across the whole world.

• Hula Classes: Seeing a hula dance is a beautiful experience, but you can also participate! Learn more about this traditional dance in hula classes to appreciate an integral part of Hawaiian culture.

• Tropical Gardens: Visit the National Tropical Botanical Gardens and learn about local vegetation and its importance. It’s a great way to escape the harsh sun for a bit and enjoy Hawaii’s nature.

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Fall in Hawaii

The last season we’ll be discussing, but not the worst by any means. Fall in Hawaii offers warm and pleasant weather, ideal for enjoying the islands and the fascinating attractions, and cultural activities. If you’re not too comfortable with the typical summer crowds, fall might be the best time to visit Hawaii for you. What to expect during fall in Hawaii?

• Mild temperatures: The temperatures go down a bit after the intense heat of the summer. Ranging from 26°C to 28°C during the day and dropping to around 21°C at night.

• More rain: October is the start of the rainy season in Hawaii. If you’re thinking of packing an umbrella, don’t worry, it tends to be light and occurs mainly at night.

• Less windy: The cooling breeze that you met in other seasons is now gone, so the temperature might feel a little warmer.

Best Fall Events and Activities in Hawaii

Fall in Hawaii brings a lot of incredible activities and a great opportunity to enjoy local culture with the whole family. Here are some of the best options this season in the islands:

• Honolulu Halloween Bar Crawl: Halloween is not exactly a Hawaiian holiday, but you can go to this exciting bar crawl experience and enjoy Halloween-themed cocktails while dressed in costume.

• Waikiki Fall Festival: This free festival with more than 140 local vendors offering arts, crafts, street food, and live entertainment, is great for the whole family. The best time of the year to get some unique Hawaiian souvenirs is.

• Kona Coffee & Art Festival: A whole festival celebrating coffee culture with tastings, workshops and art exhibits. A paradise for all coffee lovers out there.

• South Kona Art Walk: It’s a great place to visit if you want to learn more about Hawaii’s modern art. Just stroll through the local galleries to meet artists and enjoy art demonstrations.

Photo by Wen Zhu on Unsplash

FAQs about Hawaii Seasons

What is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii?

Depends on the traveler. Summer is the high season, so you know people love going then, but most travelers will recommend either spring or autumn. October and November are great months to visit, as there are fewer tourists and lower prices on flights and accommodations. In addition, temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities, as they range from 21°C to 27°C.

How to Get Around Hawaii?

Depending on your budget and preferences, you have several ways to move across Hawaii.

• Car Rental: Renting a car is a good way to explore individual islands at your own pace, but if you’re hopping from one to the next, you’d better have a rental in each.

• Public Transportation: There are also options like Uber and Lyft. On Oahu, use The Bus to get around the islands; it might not be the fastest option, but it’s budget-friendly and a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Keep in mind that in some islands, like the Big Island, the routes can be sparse and subject to schedules, so do careful research before deciding.

• Biking and Walking: In areas like Waikiki or Lahaina, biking or walking can be a fun and eco-friendly way to explore, with bike rentals readily available in tourist hotspots.

How Can You Save Money During Your Hawaiian Trip?

• Opt For Affordable Lodging: Look for lodging in less crowded areas or book in advance for better prices. A great way to enjoy the local hospitality is to stay in a family-run hostel or a guesthouse. They are usually cheaper, and you can even get breakfast!

• Choose Free Activities: Many beaches have free access, allowing you to enjoy the sun and sea without spending. For example, Waikiki Beach always has free admission. This way, you can stay longer in Hawaii or prioritize other aspects that matter more to you.

• Stay Connected with Yoho Mobile: A trip to Hawaii is the perfect moment to try Yoho Mobile’s free eSIMs! Or, if you already did, use the promo code YOHO12 for 12% off your next purchase!

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