Best Time to Visit Hawaii: Month-by-Month Weather, Prices and Crowds
Hawaii is warm all year, so the real question is what you want: humpback whales, big surf, calm snorkeling, cheaper flights or fewer people. Our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Hawaii, with island differences, rain patterns and the reservations you now need.
The best time to visit Hawaii is from mid-April to early June and from September to mid-December, excluding holidays. These shoulder months bring warm, mostly dry weather, calmer crowds and lower prices for flights and hotels. Visit from December to April for humpback whale season and big winter surf on north shores, or June to August for the calmest snorkeling on north shores, though summer is busy and expensive. Hawaii is warm all year, with sea-level highs in the upper 70s to upper 80s°F, so timing is mostly about price, crowds and what you want to do.
Hawaii has only two traditional seasons. Kau, the warm season, runs from about May to October, with slightly hotter, drier weather. Hoʻoilo, the cooler season, runs from about November to April and brings more rain and bigger swells on north-facing shores. The difference is small by mainland standards. Honolulu’s average high ranges from about 80°F in January to about 89°F in August, and the ocean stays between about 75 and 81°F year-round.
What varies far more than the calendar is location. Each island has a wet windward side, facing the northeast trade winds, and a drier leeward side in the rain shadow of its mountains. On Kauaʻi, Mount Waiʻaleʻale is one of the rainiest places on Earth, while the island’s southwest coast is sunny and dry. On the Big Island, Hilo gets well over 100 inches of rain a year, while the Kona coast is mostly sunny. So even in the “rainy” season, you can usually find sun by driving to the other side of the island.
- Apr–May, Sep–OctBest mix of weather, price and crowds
- Dec–AprHumpback whale season, peaking Jan–Mar
- 75–81°FOcean temperature range all year
- Jun–NovCentral Pacific hurricane season
Hawaii month by month
| Month | Weather | Crowds and prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Coolest, rainier on windward sides | High | Whales, big north shore surf |
| February | Mild, some rain | High, especially Presidents’ Day | Peak whale watching |
| March | Warming, showers | High during spring break | Whales, Prince Kūhiō Day |
| April | Warm, drier | Moderate after Easter | Merrie Monarch hula festival in Hilo |
| May | Warm and dry | Low to moderate | Lei Day on May 1, quieter beaches |
| June | Hot, dry, trade winds | Rising from mid-June | Calm north shores, King Kamehameha Day |
| July | Hot and dry | High | Summer snorkeling, Nā Pali boat tours |
| August | Hottest month | High early, dropping late | Calm seas, long days |
| September | Hot, mostly dry | Low | Aloha Festivals, warmest ocean |
| October | Warm, first winter swells | Low | Good deals, uncrowded beaches |
| November | Rain increasing | Low until Thanksgiving | Surf contests start on Oʻahu’s North Shore |
| December | Cooler, rainier | Low early, highest late in the month | Whales arrive, Honolulu Marathon |
The cheapest time to visit Hawaii
Flights and hotels are generally cheapest from late April through early June, outside Memorial Day weekend, and from September through mid-December, outside Thanksgiving week. September and October often have the lowest hotel rates of the year, along with some of the best weather. Airfares from the mainland vary by city and airline, so set price alerts and watch for sales; our cheap flights guide explains how.
The most expensive periods are Christmas through New Year’s, when many hotels require minimum stays and sell out months ahead, Presidents’ Day and spring break in February and March, and summer from mid-June to mid-August, when families travel. Japanese and Asian travelers also fill Waikīkī during holidays like Golden Week in early May.
Whale season: December to April
Every winter, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm, shallow waters to breed, give birth and nurse their calves. They arrive around November and December and leave by April, with the most sightings from January through March. The shallow channel between Maui, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi is one of the best whale-watching areas in the world, and you can often see spouts and breaches from shore in West Maui and South Maui. Whale-watching boat tours leave from Māʻalaea Harbor, Kāʻanapali beach and harbors on every island. Federal rules require boats and swimmers to stay at least 100 yards from humpbacks.
Surf seasons
From about November to March, powerful winter swells from storms in the North Pacific hit north- and west-facing shores. On Oʻahu’s North Shore, waves at famous breaks like Pipeline, Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay can exceed 30 feet on big days, attracting the world’s best surfers. Professional contests like the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing take place in November and December. Watching from the beach is spectacular, but the water is extremely dangerous for swimmers. Lifeguards close beaches during high surf; obey warning signs and flags.
In summer, those same north shores often turn calm and clear, ideal for snorkeling at spots like Shark’s Cove on Oʻahu and Tunnels Beach on Kauaʻi. South-facing shores, like Waikīkī and South Maui, get smaller summer swells, good for learning to surf.
Rain and the wet season
Rain in Hawaii usually comes as short passing showers, often in the morning or late afternoon, followed by sun and rainbows. Windward areas like Hilo, Hāna, the North Shore of Kauaʻi and Oʻahu’s windward coast are green because they get rain year-round. Leeward areas like Kona, Kohala, Lahaina, Kāʻanapali, Wailea, Poʻipū and Ko Olina are the sunniest.
From November through March, occasional winter storms called Kona lows can bring heavy rain, flash flooding and high winds, sometimes for several days. Flash floods can close roads and trails, including the Road to Hāna and Kauaʻi’s north shore highway. Never cross flooded streams; they rise quickly and can be deadly. Our Road to Hāna guide explains how to drive it safely.
Hurricane season
The Central Pacific hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with most activity from August to October. Direct hurricane hits on the islands are rare; the last major one was Hurricane Iniki, which struck Kauaʻi in 1992. More often, passing storms bring heavy rain, high surf and wind. Watch forecasts and consider flexible bookings in late summer. Our hurricane season guide covers how to plan.
In August 2023, a wildfire devastated the historic town of Lahaina on Maui, killing about 100 people. West Maui has reopened to visitors, and tourism is important to the local economy, but the burn zone itself remains closed to the public. If you visit, travel respectfully, support local businesses and follow guidance from Maui officials.
Island-by-island timing
| Island | Driest areas | Wettest areas | Best timing tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oʻahu | Waikīkī, Ko Olina, Waiʻanae Coast | Windward coast, Mānoa Valley | Winter for North Shore surf watching; summer for North Shore snorkeling |
| Maui | Kāʻanapali, Kīhei, Wailea | Hāna, upcountry slopes | January to March for whales; spring and fall for value |
| Kauaʻi | Poʻipū, Waimea, Kekaha | North Shore, Hanalei, Mount Waiʻaleʻale | Summer for calm Nā Pali boat tours and north shore beaches |
| Big Island | Kona and Kohala coasts | Hilo, Puna, Hāmākua Coast | Any time; winter brings snow to Mauna Kea’s summit |
On the Big Island, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park can be visited year-round, but conditions depend on volcanic activity. When Kīlauea is erupting, the glow is best seen at night. Volcanic smog, called vog, can affect air quality, especially on the Kona side. For Oʻahu, see our Oʻahu itinerary.
Reservations you need, whatever the month
Many of Hawaii’s most popular sights now require advance reservations to manage crowds and protect fragile places. Book these as soon as you know your dates:
- Haleakalā sunrise (Maui): Vehicle reservations are required to enter the summit area for sunrise, through Recreation.gov, released up to 60 days ahead, with a smaller batch two days before.
- Diamond Head State Monument (Oʻahu): Out-of-state visitors need timed entry reservations.
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (Oʻahu): Reservations are required, and the preserve closes on certain days of the week.
- Hāʻena State Park and Kalalau Trail (Kauaʻi): Day visitors need reservations for entry, parking or the shuttle.
- Waiʻānapanapa State Park (Maui): Reservations are required for the black sand beach on the Road to Hāna.
- Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona Memorial (Oʻahu): Free timed tickets are available online and go quickly.
Rules change often, so check official sites before your trip. An America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at Haleakalā and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes national parks.
Festivals worth planning around
The Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, held the week after Easter, is the world’s most prestigious hula competition; tickets are hard to get, but many events around town are open to everyone. Lei Day on May 1 brings celebrations and lei-making contests. King Kamehameha Day on June 11 includes parades and statues draped in giant lei. The Aloha Festivals in September celebrate Hawaiian music, dance and culture with parades and block parties in Waikīkī. The Honolulu Marathon in December is one of the largest in the US. In November, the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival and surf contests draw crowds.
Jet lag and flights
Hawaii is two hours behind the West Coast and five or six hours behind the East Coast, depending on daylight saving time, which Hawaii does not observe. Flights from the West Coast take about five to six hours, and from the East Coast about 10 to 12 hours, often with a connection. Traveling west is usually easier for the body clock, but returning east on a red-eye can be tiring. Our jet lag guide has tips for both directions.
What to pack by season
Pack light clothes year-round, plus a few things that change with the season. In winter, bring a light rain jacket for windward showers and a warm layer for evenings upcountry. If you plan to watch sunrise at Haleakalā or stargaze on Mauna Kea, pack serious warm clothing, including a hat and gloves; summits above 10,000 feet often sit near or below freezing before dawn, even when the beaches below are 80°F. In summer, focus on sun protection: a wide-brimmed hat, a rash guard for snorkeling and mineral, reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii bans the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect coral reefs. Water shoes help on rocky beaches in any season. Our beach vacation packing list covers the rest.
Visiting respectfully
Whenever you go, remember that Hawaii is home to about 1.4 million people, and the islands face real pressure from tourism, including high housing costs and crowded roads, trails and beaches. Stay on marked trails and respect closures, which often protect sacred sites, private land or fragile ecosystems. Keep at least 10 feet from resting Hawaiian monk seals and sea turtles on beaches, as wildlife rules require. Don’t take lava rocks, sand or coral home. Learning a little about Hawaiian history and culture, and supporting locally owned businesses, makes any trip richer.
How long to stay
One island deserves at least five to seven days. Two islands work well in 10 to 14 days. Inter-island flights are short, about 30 to 50 minutes, but moving between islands takes most of a day once you factor in checkout, the airport and car rental. Rental cars sell out and can be expensive during peak periods, so book them early, especially on Maui and Kauaʻi.
Common mistakes
Assuming “rainy season” means bad weather. Showers are usually brief, and the dry sides of each island stay sunny.
Swimming at winter north shore beaches. Big surf is deadly. Watch from the sand.
Not booking reservations. Haleakalā sunrise, Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay can sell out weeks ahead.
Visiting at Christmas without booking early. It is the most expensive and crowded time of year.
Trying to see too many islands. Hawaii is best slowly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to go to Hawaii?
May, September and October offer great weather, lower prices and fewer crowds. February is best for whale watching.
What is the cheapest time to fly to Hawaii?
Late April to early June and September to mid-December, avoiding holidays, usually have the lowest fares.
When is whale season in Hawaii?
December through April, with the most sightings from January to March.
Is it bad to visit Hawaii during hurricane season?
Not usually. Direct hits are rare, but watch forecasts and consider flexible bookings from August to October.
Which Hawaiian island has the best weather?
All islands have sunny, dry leeward coasts. The Kona and Kohala coasts on the Big Island and West Maui are among the sunniest.
Plan your trip
- Decide what matters most: whales, surf, snorkeling, price or quiet.
- Pick your island and base yourself on its drier leeward side if sun is a priority.
- Set fare alerts for shoulder-season dates.
- Book required reservations for Haleakalā, Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay.
- Reserve a rental car as soon as you book flights.
Eric Gamble
Eric Gamble is the founder of Travon Inc. and editor-in-chief of Travon Blog, based in New Orleans. He plans every guide around the questions travelers actually ask before they book: when to go, what it really costs, how to get around and what is worth skipping. Eric oversees research, fact-checking and the regular updates that keep each guide accurate.
