For a variety of reasons, Hawaii remains a popular tourist destination. If you’re looking for the best time to visit Hawaii, look no further. The islands are beautiful at any time of year, but personal preferences can influence when to book your tropical vacation. For example, if you want to save some money, plan your trip for the off-season. If you want to see a humpback whale, travel during the winter or early spring vacation. Regardless, this article will help you make the best decision regarding the best time to visit Hawaii, which includes other vital information you should be aware of before picking up your bags.
Tips and Information for Each Top Month:
- April is a great month, but avoid holidays when possible.
- May is, in our opinion, the best overall month for visitors. Excellent weather and reasonable prices
- September is an excellent month with great weather and is ideal for those looking for fewer visitors.
- October is a fantastic month with a wide range of local festivals and events.
- January is wetter than usual, but it is an excellent month for whale watching.
Best Season to Visit Hawaii for the Best Prices
Hawaiian Airlines, which operates nonstop flights to Hawaii from the United States, Asia, and the South Pacific, as well as inter-island flights within Hawaii, reports that visiting the islands is generally less expensive in the late spring and early fall shoulder seasons of April, May, September, and October. To save even more money, book your flights so that you arrive and depart on weekdays rather than weekends.
In general, hotel rates skyrocket during the last two weeks of December and the first week of January — over Christmas and New Year’s. According to Hawaiian Airlines, other peak periods include when children are out of school for spring break and summer vacation. So, if you want to save money on both lodging and airfare, avoid those times of the year.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii for Good Weather?
Hawaii has consistently warm weather, with temperatures slightly lower in the winter (November to April) than in the summer (May to October). According to the Hawaiian Tourism Authority, the average daily winter temperature at the beach in Hawaii is 78 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average daily summer temperature is 85 degrees.
Rainfall in Hawaii is at its lowest from April to October, making this the best time to visit. The central Pacific hurricane season, according to the Hawaii Department of Health, lasts from June to November, though massive tropical storms can occur at any time.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii?
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hawaii received over 10 million visitors in 2019, with the most visitors arriving in July (997,872), June (950,931), and December (942,969), according to Hawaiian Tourism Authority data.
However, when the pandemic struck, tourism came to a halt. For incoming visitors, Hawaii enacted strict self-quarantine rules. Later, under the Safe Travels Program, which ended on March 25, 2022, the state required all incoming domestic travelers to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of full COVID-19 vaccination before entry.
All of this is to say that Hawaii is working hard to restore tourism to pre-pandemic levels. In total, 6.8 million visitors visited the islands in 2021, with the busiest months being July (879,551), June (791,053), and December (753,670) — similar to 2019.
Prior to the pandemic, Japanese tourists flocked to Hawaii in droves during the last week of April and the first week of May, known as Golden Week when four Japanese holidays are observed over seven days. Now that pre-departure testing requirements for international air travelers to the United States have been lifted (as of June 12, 2022), Hawaii may see tourism numbers surge during this popular period for Japanese visitors — a time to avoid if you want to avoid the crowds.
There are also numerous annual events to keep in mind. The PGA Tour in January, the Aloha Festivals in September, and the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival in October are all popular yearly events that draw visitors to Hawaii.
When Is the Best Time to Surf in Hawaii?
Visitors and locals alike can surf Hawaii’s famous waves all year, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you plan to hang ten. According to the Hawaiian Tourism Authority, waves are typically larger during the winter months, particularly on the islands’ north-facing shores, making conditions unsuitable for beginners learning to surf. However, if you want to see the pros tackle some big waves, this is a great time to go.
When Is the Best Time to Go Whale Watching in Hawaii?
Visitors to Hawaii who want to go whale watching will find humpback whales off the islands’ coasts from December to May. Many consider January, February, and March to be the peak of the season because this is when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calls on the public to help monitor whales and contribute to the annual Sanctuary Ocean Count.
Those looking for the ideal combination of fewer visitors, lower prices, and good weather will most likely find it during the shoulder season in May or September.
When Is the Best Time to Avoid Crowds?
Hawaii has visitors throughout the year, but if you want to avoid the crowds, go in November (excluding Thanksgiving) or May for the quietest scene on the islands. Furthermore, the first week of June, the majority of April (except ‘Golden Week’ and Easter), and much of September or October are excellent times to avoid the majority of visitors. Find out more about When to Visit Hawaii.
When Is the Best Time to Book Hawaii Hotels?
As a general rule, book early – no later than 2-3 months before your trip! It’s not uncommon for the Best Accommodations in Hawaii to fill up quickly, especially during the summer and holiday seasons. If you plan to visit in July or August, especially around the Christmas/New Year’s holiday in late December, we recommend booking 4-6 months in advance to ensure you can reserve the room(s) you want. Check out our Hotel Rates to find the best deals and to compare all of the top travel sites in one quick search.
When Is the Best Time to Buy Hawaii Airline Tickets?
As with accommodations, it is usually better to book sooner rather than later. The best Hawaii flight prices can vary dramatically throughout the year, depending on a number of factors. To find the best rates, we recommend that visitors start looking for flights four months before their trip and book no later than one month before their scheduled departure. Taking this approach should give you the best chance of finding a good deal. If you plan to visit during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another holiday, we recommend booking as early as possible to ensure the best price for what will undoubtedly be in high demand during those peak periods.
When Is the Best Time to Look for Deals and Discounts?
If you’re looking for the best deals on flights to Hawaii, we recommend starting your search for flights that arrive/depart in the middle of the week. Flying during the middle of the week will save you a lot of money, especially if you are flying from a distant location. In general, the most affordable rates for both flights and hotels in Hawaii will be in the fall and, to a lesser extent, in the spring.
In terms of lodging, the months of September through November (and occasionally into early December) offer the best hotel deals, excluding Thanksgiving. The best accommodation rates in the spring can be found from late March to early June (excluding the Easter holiday and Japan’s ‘Golden Week,’ in April).
While many deals and specials for tours and activities are ‘last-minute,’ the best discounts and specials are available during the summer months (late May to July). Sign up for our Hawaii eNewsletter, a bi-weekly email with travel tips, and you’ll also get access to exclusive Hawaii discounts, deals, specials, and other promotional offers.
When Is the Best Time to Go Snorkeling, Swimming, or Diving?
For most of the year, Hawaii provides excellent snorkeling, diving, and swimming opportunities, but the summer months are the best. The surf will be less intense than in the winter, the water will be warmer, and the weather will be more cooperative, creating ideal conditions for exploring the water around the islands.
Maui snorkeling, in our opinion, is the best in the state, followed by snorkeling on the Big Island. Both islands provide excellent snorkeling opportunities that are largely protected from surf and tradewinds on the leeward side of each island.
When Is the Best Time to Ski or Snowboard?
This is not a typo; you can ski and snowboard in Hawaii if the conditions are just right. Mauna Kea on the Big Island means “white mountain” in Hawaiian, and its peaks are frequently covered in snow. Visit during February or March to give yourself the best chance of participating in this winter sport. Prepare accordingly, as there are limited facilities, and a 4×4 vehicle is required to reach the summit.
When Is the Best Time to Take a Cruise To/Around Hawaii?
Late November through mid-December is the best time to find a good deal on cruises, including inter-island cruises. The best times to buy a boat are in the spring (April/May) and fall (late August-October). Winter months are typically more expensive (due to increased visitation) and wetter, but they do provide the opportunity for whale watching (late November through early April).
When Is the Best Time to Get Married or Have a Destination Wedding?
To avoid the wettest weather, try to plan your wedding for the summer months; anytime between late April and late October is usually a pretty safe bet. The middle of summer will be warmer, but it will also be the driest. Hurricane season lasts from June to November, but storms are historically uncommon. Finally, all factors considered, May is the best month for a destination wedding in Hawaii.
When Is the Best Time to Go Hiking?
If we may say so, Hawaii has some of the best hiking in the world; a hiker could probably spend years alone traversing Kauai’s trails and never get bored. Hiking is excellent year-round in Hawaii, but the best months for hitting the trails are late spring and early fall (April, May, September, and October). The weather will be drier during these months, as it will be throughout the summer, but unlike the summer, it will also be cooler. Take plenty of water and sunscreen with you before you go, as the UV index in Hawaii is very high all year. If you hike during the winter, be prepared for showers and trail conditions that are potentially less maintained.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Kilauea Volcano or Gaze at the Stars on Mauna Kea?
Kilauea volcano on the Big Island has erupted almost continuously since 1983, sometimes more spectacularly than others. While there is no ‘best time’ to witness something controlled by geologic forces, especially given the unpredictable nature of the volcano, if you’re planning to hike around the volcano or within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, we’d recommend the same thing we did in our hiking question – visit during the spring or fall when it’s not too hot, and the weather will be cooperative. Summers are frequently too hot to hike anywhere near the older black lava flows.
If you’re going to the summit of Mauna Kea for some stargazing, the summer months are ideal due to the same warmer temperatures. Mauna Kea’s peaks can become dangerously cold at night, especially during the winter months. Remember that a full moon provides the best opportunities for clear stargazing, so plan accordingly before heading to the summit.
When Is the Best Time to Go Fishing?
Fishing is another year-round activity, as different species of fish bite at different times of the year and off the coast of each unique island. Summer is one of the most popular seasons for fishing, with marlin (blue and yellowfin), skipjack, and ono available. Both fall and spring provide excellent marlin and mahi-mahi fishing. Winter is the best time to catch snapper, skipjack, tuna, and striped marlin. If you’re planning a trip to Maui, we recommend Fish Maui.
When Is the Best Time for Local Festivals and Events?
The best time to visit for island festivals and events depends on your objectives for your trip. Every April, the ‘Merry Monarch,’ also known as the Olympics of Hula, is held in Hilo, Hawaii. On Oahu, you can attend the ‘Waikiki Spam Jam,’ which is also held in April. Every year in late September, the ‘Aloha Festivals’ are held on all of the islands.
On both the Big Island and Oahu, King Kamehameha Day (June 11) and Lei Day (May 1), there are numerous festivities, including impressive lei draping ceremonies of the King Kamehameha Statutes. Check out our Hawaii events page for more information on what’s going on during your visit.
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Best Time to Visit Hawaii: References
