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.

What is the best month 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.

What's the cheapest time to go to Hawaii? ›

In general, you'll find cheaper rates and fewer visitors in late spring and fall (before Thanksgiving). 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.

How many days is enough for a Hawaii trip? ›

For a fulfilling Hawaiian vacation, it is recommended to allocate a minimum of 10 days. Dedicate around 3 days to acclimate to the time change and allow 2 days for travel, leaving you with 8 full days to fully immerse yourself in the island you choose to stay on.

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 month is rainy in Hawaii? ›

Hawaii's rainy season lasts from October to March, with Hawaii's rainiest month being December.

What month is hurricane season in Hawaii? ›

Hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June to November, though the Aloha State sees the most hurricanes in July, August, and September. Kara McGinley. As a journalist and as an insurance expert, her work and insights have been featured in Forbes Advisor, Kiplinger, Lifehacker, MSN, WRAL.com, and elsewhere.

Which Hawaiian island is most affordable to visit? ›

As far as pricing, Hawaii is expensive! Yeah, but you already knew that, right?! Oahu and the Big Island are the most affordable. Maui and Kauai are the least affordable.

How much does the average 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.

What is the best airline to fly to Hawaii? ›

If you're ready to find your way to the Hawaiian Islands, here are the six best airlines to nab your next ticket to paradise.
  1. Hawaiian Airlines. Hawaii's flagship airline is the obvious choice for getting to the Aloha State. ...
  2. Delta Air Lines. ...
  3. Alaska Airlines. ...
  4. Southwest Airlines. ...
  5. United Airlines. ...
  6. American Airlines.

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

Oahu is a perfect choice for your first time in Hawaii as it offers a blend of everything. First and foremost, Oahu boasts some of the most iconic and easily accessible Hawaiian attractions. Honolulu, the capital city, is located on Oahu, making it a hub for flights.

Is it worth island hopping in Hawaii? ›

And is it worth the trip? Hawaii island hopping is absolutely worth it. The islands are all incredibly different and it's easy to get from island to island. But it's important to know that island hopping can be time-consuming so you want to make sure your trip is long enough for these extra travel days.

What is the nicest month in Hawaii? ›

Generally, the best time to visit Hawaii for the most ideal overall weather, lowest statewide rates, and the fewest visitors on-island is April and May during the spring and September and October during the fall.

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

We recommend booking six months to one year in advance. Moreover, we even have clients that book two or more years in advance! One of the perks of booking so early is that it gives you time to comfortably pay off your vacation, before you get to Hawaii.

What month is the cheapest 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 warmest months in Hawaii? ›

Hawaii's warmest months are not June and July, but August and September. Its coolest months, are not December and January, but February and March, reflecting the seasonal lag in the oceans's temperature.

What is the weather like in Hawaii in months? ›

There are really only two seasons in Hawaiʻi: summer (kau) from May to October and winter (hoʻoilo) from November to April. The average daytime summer temperature at sea level is 85° F (29.4° C), while the average daytime winter temperature is 78° (25.6° C).

What is the cheapest Hawaiian island to visit? ›

As far as pricing, Hawaii is expensive! Yeah, but you already knew that, right?! Oahu and the Big Island are the most affordable. Maui and Kauai are the least affordable.

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