Best Time to Visit Hawaii | A Complete Travel Guide

“Hawaii is the island of big dreams for both islanders and guests. Those dreams born in paradise can indeed come true.” – Sharon Linnéa

This definition by Sharon Linnéa implies that Hawaii, with its breathtaking natural scenery and laid-back environment, encourages individuals – both residents (“islanders”) and tourists (“guests”) – to dream big and that the good vibes of the location can make those dreams come true; in short, the concept that the scenery and serenity of Hawaii can encourage individuals to pursue their targets and ambitions.

If you are looking to explore stunning beaches or want to discover any unique culture, Hawaii is an amazing destination for any vacation. If you are also wondering what is the best time to visit Hawaii then this travel guide is for you. On this page, you can explore every month and season of Hawaii. So let’s start with the best time to visit Hawaii.

What is The Best Time To Visit Hawaii?

The best time to visit Hawaii is from March to September when it experiences the lowest rainfall and warmest temperatures. This is ideal for going to the beach or water. However, Hawaii’s perennial warm weather makes it a great destination at any time of year, with pleasant temperatures between 23°C and 30°C. It’s more humid and slightly cooler at the other time of year, particularly at high altitudes. But you might have the opportunity to visit a tropical beach with a snowy volcano as a backdrop. October to November is the best time to visit Hawaii, for tourists who love a peaceful atmosphere, while January to March’s ocean swells attract professional surfers in pursuit of gigantic waves.

What is the best month to go to Hawaii? A Month by Month Guide

1. JANUARY 

Temperature: Average high: 27°C, Average low: 19°C

f you are visiting Hawaii in January then you should do activities like hiking, visiting Volcanoes National Park, surfing, swimming, exploring Pearl Harbor, taking helicopter tours, stargazing at Mauna Kea, and more. With plenty of Sushi and Udon dishes, you can enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival. 

It does not take long to find evidence of the Japanese presence in Hawaii. Therefore, it should not be surprising that Hawaii incorporates some of the Japanese traditions. The island celebration lasts seven days and includes Hawaiian fishing tournaments, sports, games, music, and dancing! On the other side of the western end of Waikiki Beach, the park at Kapiolani has an art show presenting Hawaii’s best artists and handicraft craftsmen.

2. FEBRUARY

Temperature: Average high: 27°C, Average low: 18°C

February is a great month to visit Hawaii, you can enjoy activities at this time of the year in the Volcano Islands, such as whale watching (peak season), hiking, visiting cultural festivals, exploring Volcanoes National Park, attending the Maui Whale Festival, and experiencing the Big Island’s cherry blossom season.

Oahu celebrates Chinese New Year, Celebration for the Lunar New Year, you will get to see a lion dance, pageants, food trucks,  and a festive bazaar. The marine life of Haqai is one of the biggest attractions, you will celebrate with magnificent creatures. The small town of Garden Isle attracts around ten thousand for a five-week-long festival of activities and events.

3. MARCH

Temperature: Average high: 28°C, Average low: 20°C

Since it’s happening everywhere on all of the islands, you may well want to book some island-hopping while in residence. The largest March activity is the completion of humpback whale breeding season. Up close and intimate with these benevolent giants around Maui, Big Island Hawaii, Lanai, and Molokai.

State Capitol honours Hawaii and the Pacific Rim’s melange of peoples. Educational activities give a glimpse of the state’s diversity.

In line with the name, the festival takes place on the Big Island and offers you a chance to sample sixty varieties of beer from thirty breweries. The festival commemorates the beloved Prince Kuhio – the first Hawaiian delegate in the US Congress and the individual who brought the islands together.

4. APRIL

Temperature: Average high: 28°C, Average low: 20°C

As a traveller, if you are travelling to Hawaii in April you can enjoy activities like visiting Haleakalā National Park, exploring the beaches of Waikiki, witnessing the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, and swimming in the calm ocean. 

The Merrie Monarch Festival begins with a Ho‘olaulea on Moku Ola on Easter Sunday. This week-long celebration features a Miss Aloha competition (solo), Kahiko (ancient) and Auana (modern) hula competitions, all held at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium on the Big Island. The festival culminates with a grand parade in the town of Hilo.

5. JUNE

Temperature: Average high: 29°C, Average low: 21°C

June is the best time to visit hawaii, as a tourist, you can engage in snorkelling activities at lovely beaches such as Hanauma Bay, hike Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, surf on Oahu, discover varied marine life through scuba diving, experience beach tours, and overall basking in the warm weather through a range of outdoor activities throughout the islands; June is the best time to visit Hawaii because of the fine weather and varied options for exploration. Kamehameha Day Celebration – A day started in the Monarchy period, the celebration is to honour King Kamehameha.

Kapalua Wine and Food Festival – A four-day gastronomic spectacular honoring world-renowned cuisine with industry-respected guests. Maui Film Festival – In Wailea, Celestial Cinema, SandDance Theater. Moloka’i Ka Hula Pika – Thought to be Hula’s birthday, the island welcomes Hawaiian cultural demonstrations. Pu’uhonua O Honaunau Cultural Festival – The Big Island’s National Historical Park provides the venue for everything from hula dancing to seine net fishing. 

6. JULY

Temperature: Average high: 31°C, Average low: 23°C

If you are planning to visit Hawaii in July, you can experience a variety of activities, including swimming in Hanauma Bay, hiking through various trails, exploring volcanic landscapes like the Chain of Craters Road, and visiting black sand beaches. Also, you must take a boat tour to observe marine life. 

Hale’iwa Arts Festival – Beyond Waikiki, the North Shore hosts a festival of the arts, from the telling of tales to singing, in the Historic Hae’iwa. Makawao Rodeo – An opportunity to celebrate Independence Day with three hundred and fifty cowboys from around the globe on the island of Maui. Prince Lot Hula Festival – An opportunity exists at any time to watch the traditional Hawaiian dance. Ukulele Festival – One of Trailfinder’s favourite locations, Waikiki Beach also puts on a festival for the native instrument. 

7. AUGUST

Temperature: Average high: 31°C, Average low: 24°C

In August, as a traveller, you can primarily focus on enjoying the warm weather of Hawaii with activities like sunbathing on the beach, snorkelling at protected bays like Hanauma Bay, surfing, exploring the vibrant marine life, hiking, visiting historical sites like Iolani Palace, and experiencing the local culture with luaus, all while being aware that August is considered peak tourist season and hurricane season in Hawaii. 

Korean Festival – A celebration of Asian culture, the festival offers dance performances, martial arts demonstrations and mouth-watering Korean cuisine. Associated with the floral hibiscus pattern of a lot of their attire, Hawaii has several local independent manufacturers, who take centre stage in August.

8. SEPTEMBER

Temperature: Average high: 31°C, Average low: 23°C

Immerse yourself in the vibrant Hawaiian culture through the Aloha Festivals, enjoy various cultural events like the Okinawan Festival and Maui Ukulele Festival, experience beautiful scenery with activities like swimming in warm waters, exploring the Napali Coast, and visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, from September to October. At the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival you can enjoy the abundance of seafood and find many tasty dishes. 

9. OCTOBER

Temperature:  Average high: 30°C, Average low: 23°C

Visiting Hawaii in October means swimming, snorkelling, and experiencing various festivals which include the Hawaii International Film Festival, lower crowds and potentially better deals, and visiting Waimea Canyon on Kauai.  Ironman World Championship – If you want to watch over or participate in, the Ironman is certainly not for the faint of heart. Maui Fair – During the three-day duration, the Maui Fair provides rides, games and entertainment at the Wailuku War Memorial Complex.

10. NOVEMBER

Temperature: Average high: 29°C, Average low: 22°C

As a tourist, you can enjoy activities like beach relaxation, snorkelling, whale watching, hiking, exploring historic sites like Pearl Harbor, visiting local farmers markets, attending cultural events, surfing, and taking scenic drives in November in Hawaii. 

Kona Coffee Festival – The longest product fair in Hawaii and the sole coffee festival in the USA, is a hallowed celebration of the multi-ethnic pioneers of Kona Coffee.

11. DECEMBER

Temperature: Average high: 28°C, Average low: 20°C

If you visit Hawaii in December, you can enjoy activities like whale watching, visiting Pearl Harbor, exploring the beauty of Haleakalā National Park, attending festive luaus with Christmas themes, experiencing unique holiday events at malls and hotels, and taking a Christmas Eve dinner cruise on the ocean. 

Honolulu City Lights – Starting the festive period is lighting a fifty-foot Christmas tree – an oxymoronic sight within a tropical destination. Honolulu Marathon – A five-o’clock start for spectators and athletes, the blast of the starter pistol rings at five in the morning on Queen Street and Ala Moana Street. Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade – End your unmissable experience in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum with a parade to commemorate those lost in the attack by the Japanese.

When Is The Best Season To Visit Hawaii? 

1. Spring Season In Hawaii

Temperature: Average high: 28°C, Average low: 20°C

• As a traveller, if you are travelling to Hawaii in April, you can enjoy activities like visiting Haleakalā National Park, exploring the beaches of Waikiki, witnessing the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, and swimming in the calm ocean. 

• The Merrie Monarch Festival begins with a Ho‘olaulea on Moku Ola on Easter Sunday. This week-long celebration features a Miss Aloha competition (solo), Kahiko (ancient) and Auana (modern) hula competitions, all held at the Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium on the Big Island. The festival culminates with a grand parade in the town of Hilo.

Things to do in Maui, Hawaii, in Spring 

• Since it’s happening everywhere on all of the islands, you may want to book some island-hopping while in residence. 
• The largest March activity is the completion of the humpback whale breeding season. Up close and intimate with these benevolent giants around Maui.

Things to do in Big Island, Hawaii, in Spring 

The festival commemorates the beloved Prince Kuhio – the first Hawaiian delegate in the US Congress and the individual who brought the islands together.

In line with the name, the festival takes place on the Big Island and offers you a chance to sample sixty varieties of beer from thirty breweries. 

2. Summer Season In Hawaii

Temperature: Average high: 31°C, Average low: 23°C

1. Few Exciting Summer Festivals in Summer:

• Kapalua Wine and Food Festival – A four-day gastronomic spectacular honoring world-renowned cuisine with industry-respected guests. 
• Moloka’i Ka Hula Pika – Thought to be Hula’s birthday, the island welcomes Hawaiian cultural demonstrations. 
• Pu’uhonua O Honaunau Cultural Festival – The Big Island’s National Historical Park provides the venue for everything from hula dancing to seine net fishing.

2. Things to do in Hanauma Bay, Hawaii, in Summer

• In August, as a traveller, you can primarily focus on enjoying the warm weather of Hawaii with activities like sunbathing on the beach, snorkelling at protected bays like Hanauma Bay, surfing, exploring the vibrant marine life, hiking, visiting historical sites like Iolani Palace 
• Experiencing the local culture with luaus, all while being aware that August is considered peak tourist season and hurricane season in Hawaii. 
• Korean Festival – A celebration of Asian culture, the festival offers dance performances, martial arts demonstrations and mouth-watering Korean cuisine. Associated with the floral hibiscus pattern of a lot of their attire, Hawaii has several local independent manufacturers who take centre stage in August.

3. Things to do in Ohau, Hawaii, in Summer: 

• Hale’iwa Arts Festival – Beyond Waikiki, the North Shore hosts a festival of the arts, from the telling of tales to singing, in the Historic Hae’iwa. 
• Makawao Rodeo – An opportunity to celebrate Independence Day with three hundred and fifty cowboys from around the globe. 
• Prince Lot Hula Festival – An opportunity exists at any time to watch traditional Hawaiian dance. 
• Ukulele Festival – One of Trailfinder’s favourite locations, Waikiki Beach, also puts on a festival for the native instrument. 

Summer in Hawaii is typically classified as part of the ‘low season,’ with lower visitor demand than during the peak winter holidays. 

Because June through August is so peak with tourists overall, rather than to Hawaii, Airline fares will tend to rise into late May through July because demand is greater for seats overall across the country. So if you are traveling from the East Coast or the Midwest, the most costly flight you could get, ironically, will be the continental flight to the West Coast.

Water temperatures typically go above the 80°F (26°C) level in the Summer months. The tradewinds are also less active at this time of year and thus have less surf on the northern coasts (an advantage for snorkelling, swimming, etc.) on each island.

3. Fall/Autumn Season In Hawaii 

Temperature: Average high: 29°C, Average low: 22°C

Things to do in Kauai, Hawaii, in Fall/Autumn: 

• In Kauai, during the spring season, you can enjoy activities like hiking the Na Pali Coast and visiting Wailua Falls.
• Exploring Hanalei Bay, kayaking the Wailua River, attending the Kauai Chocolate & Coffee Festival
• You can also be experiencing the Prince Kuhio Celebration.
• Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, experience milder temperatures, and potentially see migrating humpback whales. 
• Visiting Hawaii in October means swimming, snorkeling, and experiencing various festivals, which include the Hawaii International Film Festival, lower crowds and potentially better deals, and visiting Waimea Canyon on Kauai

Things to do in Kona, Hawaii, in Fall/Autumn: 

Kona Coffee Festival – The longest product fair in Hawaii and the sole coffee festival in the USA, is a hallowed celebration of the multi-ethnic pioneers of Kona Coffee.

Ironman World Championship – If you want to watch over or participate in, the Ironman is certainly not for the faint of heart. 

Things to do in Maui, Hawaii, in Fall/Autumn: 

Maui Fair – During the three-day duration, the Maui Fair provides rides, games and entertainment at the Wailuku War Memorial Complex.

4. Winter Season In Hawaii

Temperature: Average high: 28°C, Average low: 20°C

Things to do in Oahu, Hawaii, in Winter 

• Oahu in January is a great way to explore the Pearl Harbor National Memorial
• During winter in Ohau, thousands of visitors enjoy surfing. During these months, storms hit the region and produce waves.
• The Chinese New Year falls between January 21 and February 18. “Feed the Lion” dances, heart music, and delicious food are some of the main reasons you should visit Oahu. 
• Humpback Whales are of incalculable significance in Hawaiian culture. They are depicted on petroglyphs at various sites throughout the island. 

Things to do in Maui, Hawaii, in Winter 

• Maui is the top destination in Hawaii for Whale watching, You can see a lot of whales from land and hear them singing underwater. 
• You can experience the heart of adventure when you drive on the Road to Hana. 

Things to do in Big Island, Hawaii, in Winter 

• The Big Island is an ideal location for visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. 
• During January, the Islands enjoy pleasant weather and experience fewer crowds, making it a perfect time for sightseeing and outdoor activities such as hiking and snorkeling. 

Things to do in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in Winter 

1. Honolulu Marathon

A five o’clock start for spectators and athletes, the blast of the starter pistol rings at five in the morning on Queen Street and Ala Moana Street. 

The most important memorial is Pearl Harbor, which honours the sailors who died on the USS Arizona during the attack. 

Located on Fords Island, the museum is housed in the historic seaplane hangars that survived the attack, showcasing the aviation aspect of the event.

2. Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade

End your unmissable experience in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Museum with a parade to commemorate those lost in the attack by the Japanese.

 Attending festive luaus with Christmas themes, experiencing unique holiday events at malls and hotels, and taking a Christmas Eve dinner cruise on the ocean.

3. Honolulu City Lights

Starting the festive period is lighting a fifty-foot Christmas tree – an oxymoronic sight within a tropical destination. 

Also Read: Best Places To Visit in Canada | Best Places to Visit in Norway

What You Should Pack For Your Hawaii Trip? 

• When you are visiting Hawaii, you need to carry comfortable clothing, sunscreens, beach gear, and appropriate footwear for various activities. There are so many activities in Hawaii to cater to every kind of visitor that whatever you carry will be as per your schedule.
• If beach activity is what you seek, swimsuits or swim shorts, cover-ups or sarongs, sunglasses, sun hats, and plenty of sunscreen will be your requirements. Recommended footwear is beachwear sandals, as they are ideal for beach and island-hopping boat trips.
• Hawaii also offers a lot of land activities to enjoy. If you’re hiking to the island’s beautiful waterfalls, waterproof hiking shoes and comfortable attire would be excellent to bring along.
• If you are hiking up into the mountains or venturing to erupting volcanoes, you should wear warm attire. The temperature is considerably cooler up in the mountains, so a light jacket and longs would be advisable.
• Daytime temperatures usually range from the mid- 21°C to 26°C throughout the year, so opt for breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. Cotton T-shirts and shorts are perfect for embracing Hawaii’s relaxed island vibe.
• If you’re visiting Hawaii during the rainy season, it’s a good idea to pack rain gear or an umbrella. During this season, so having a cardigan or light jacket on hand is recommended.

How Much Does a Trip To Hawaii Cost?

A Hawaii trip will cost between 1,30,000 to 5,00,000 INR per person for seven days, based on your hotel options, dates of travel, activities, and eating out, with a budget trip towards the lower figure and a luxury one towards the upper figure; a mid-range one with a rental car and blend of activities would cost around 2,60,000 INR per person.

Major cost-affecting factors:

• Low-budget choices such as hostels or budget hotels are more affordable, and beachfront luxury resorts can make things much more expensive.
• Busy periods such as summer and holidays are more costly.
• Travelling between a lot of islands will be more expensive because there are extra flights involved.
• Using costly tours such as helicopter trips or exclusive snorkelling sessions will drive up the cost.
• Dining at upscale restaurants is more expensive than at local food markets.

FAQs

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