When to visit the Big Island of Hawaii

Knowing when to visit the Big Island of Hawaii is important when planning your Big Island trip or vacation. Honestly, there's really not a bad time to visit the island - it has an incredibly wide diversity and geography that suites almost any taste. But some months are better when considering things like weather and your budget. Let's take a look.

Ideally we think most visitors should travel to the island between April and June, as visitation is down and demand for rooms has decreased resulting in lower prices. The fall months are an equally good time to visit, usually between August and early November. The busiest time on the island is around the Christmas holidays, New Years, and Independence Day in the US. Many families also come during the summer months while their children are out of school. These busy months all mean increased demand and higher prices island-wide. Two other events that increase visitation are the Merrie Monarch festival and the Ironman competition. The Merrie Monarch festival is held annually starting on Easter Sunday on the Hilo side of the island. The Ironman Triathlon event is held on the Kona side of the Big Island of Hawaii, typically in October.

For more information about the Big Island's weather and the best locations to say on the island, be sure to check out our Big Island of Hawaii weather article. Our Where to stay on the Big Island of Hawaii article may also be useful for narrowing down where to stay during your trip or vacation.