Best Time to Go to Hawaii
Picking When to Visit in 2019
What’s the best time to visit Hawaii? Wondering when to go - in 2019, or soon thereafter? Honestly, in our opinion - there really isn't an inopportune time to go to Hawaii. Visiting Hawaii is a dream come true for many visitors, and who can blame them? The weather is fantastic nearly year-round, there's literally something to do for everyone, the food is phenomenal (try laulau, trust us!), and 2019 is looking like a great year to visit. If you're considering visiting Hawaii in the coming months, then we've got you covered with the latest on each island's conditions, general weather expectations, our expected visitor demand, visitor trends, and much more.
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How to Beat the Hawaii Crowds
When are periods of High and Low Demand?
To assist visitors with visualizing the periods of high and low demand in Hawaii, we've created the following 2019 Hawaii Demand Forecast. This is an approximate overview of when we expect Hawaii to see increased travel in 2019, based on travel trends in Hawaii over the last three years.
Airline Costs & Flight Rates for 2019
There's good news emerging for visitors looking to travel by air in 2019. Due to increased competition amongst air carriers and new direct flights into Hawaii (i.e.; Southwest Airlines) - 2019 is shaping up to be one of the most affordable years to fly to Hawaii in recent memory. Visitors should definitely take advantage of the low fares and, as always, definitely consider visiting multiple islands if time permits while on your trip.
Hawaii Weather
What to Expect - Rain & Temperatures
Hawaii weather can often be about as sporadic as it gets, and as such, forecasting the weather on Hawaii can be both daunting and confusing to first-time visitors. The tropical climate makes you quickly realize, 'this isn't the mainland,' and the climate takes some getting used to. We encourage all visitors to check out our Hawaii Weather page, but here are a few quick pointers on Hawaii's weather to summarize:
- Read up on the forecasts at the University of Hawaii Weather before you visit and during your stay, as they have the best and most accurate forecast in the islands.
- Don't listen to the Weather Channel or watch the NOAA forecast graphs, of course, they'll predict rain - it technically rains almost every day in Hawaii... for about 10 minutes at a time.
- The only time it's really wet in Hawaii for a prolonged time is during the winter months, usually from November until March. But it's not a wash by any means.
- Temperatures at sea level usually run about 76-85 F all year-round. Temperatures at night are typically 12-18 degrees F cooler, but this can change dramatically depending on your altitude.
- Speaking of altitude, if you're planning to go up to higher elevations on either Maui or the Big Island, bring a small coat and long convertible pants. It can get very cold at the summit of the larger volcanoes!
- Hurricanes in Hawaii are historically rare events, but the last few seasons have seen increased tropical activity and several tropical storms come close to the islands. If you're visiting during Hurricane Season (June 1 - November 30th in the Central Pacific), then we advise you keep an eye on the tropics prior to your visit. Visitors may want to bookmark the Central Pacific Hurricane Center website for future reference.
Ultimately, don't fret about the weather, it's Hawaii! Showers are typically short-lived and sporadic, and the temperature is almost always just right.
Hawaii Hotel Rates
Average Accommodation Prices
As is to be expected, when more people are 'on-island' visiting the Hawaiian Islands - accommodation, rental, and flight costs will increase as well. To avoid the crowds and keep rates lower, you can always try visiting during non-peak visitation periods (i.e.; holidays and summer months are high-demand time periods). When preparing for your trip, the following graphic should help provide a general idea of the average rates during different times of the year. These rates fluctuate by island, but these figures still allow you to prepare accordingly.
Hawaii Statewide Average Hotel Rates
Hawaiian Island Updates
Things to know for each island
When planning your trip, there are a few things to keep in mind for each Hawaiian island. Below we've made note of the most significant events and/or dates that may affect each island during 2019.
Visiting Kauai
The weather on Kauai is consistently warm (highs in the mid-70's to mid-80's F) year-round and visitors will enjoy the driest weather on the south shore and western portions of the island. Annual events include the May Day Festival (May) and Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival (October) and the Chocolate & Coffee Festival (October). For more information, be sure to read our When to Visit Kauai article.
Kauai 2019 Closures
The most important thing to make note of on Kauai is that as of January 1, 2019 - much of the north shore remains closed due to the flooding that occurred in the Spring of 2018. Haena Beach Park, including the Kalalau Trail, remains closed to visitors at this time. The county is working to re-open these areas as quickly as possible and hopes to complete work in early 2019. Visitors are encouraged to visit the communities on the north shore that are open - including Princeville and Hanalei. For the latest updates, visitors can check the Kauai County Conditions page.
Visiting Oahu
Oahu is a great island to visit any time of the year, but if you especially want to dodge the crowds (on this most populous Hawaiian Island) - then we'd suggest traveling in May or later in the Fall. Both times offer better rates on the island but still have fantastic weather conditions. Also be sure to note that the last week of April is also 'Golden Week' in Japan - which can generate a large influx of Japanese visitors during that period. Other annual events on Oahu that draw international crowds include the Honolulu Marathon (December) and the Hawaii International Film Festival (October). For more information, be sure to read our When to Visit Oahu article.
Oahu 2019 Closures
On Oahu, the USS Arizona Memorial remains closed for structural repairs. Visitor access does continue to the Memorial, however; you simply cannot disembark at the memorial at this time. USS Arizona Memorial programs will continue as scheduled and tickets are still required. For more information, including updates on when the USS Arizona Memorial may re-open, can be found on the National Park Service website.
The Shangri La is under renovation at the Honolulu Museum of Art. The museum itself is open, but views of the property may remain obstructed at this time. There may also be heavy machinery and additional noise until renovations are completed.
Visiting Maui
Travelers looking for the best deals on Maui accommodations should seek out travel periods in the spring and fall, as they will be the cheapest months to visit due to decreased demand. As far as events, Whale watching increases visitation starting in November and continues until the spring. Weatherwise, Maui temperatures remain consistently warm with daytime highs in the mid-80's to mid-'70s F during the summer and winter, respectively. If you're heading to the summit of Haleakala, be sure to bundle up accordingly as it gets quite cold atop the volcano.
For more information, be sure to read our When to Visit Maui article.
Visiting Big Island
Many of you may have seen the news over the Spring & Summer of 2018, about Kilauea volcano on the island of Hawaii and we've included an update on the eruption below. Weather on the Big Island, like the other islands, stays consistently warm year-round. The main thing to note weather-wise is the differences between the Hilo (wetter and cooler eastern windward side) and Kailua-Kona (drier and warmer western leeward side). Annual events that generate an influx of visitors are the Merrie Monarch festival (around Easter Sunday) and the Ironman competition (Kona side, typically in October). For more information, be sure to read our When to Visit the Big Island of Hawaii article.
Big Island 2019 Updates
On September 22, 2018 - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park officially reopened to the public and welcomed guests. The Park has resumed its normal business hours and is open 24 hours a day. Parts of the Park remain closed for further assessments and repairs. Information on the current status of Kilauea Volcano can be viewed on the NPS Hawaii Volcanoes website.
Monthly Visitors by Hawaii Island for 2018
In summary, as you prepare for your trip - remember to check local calendars for events, review the status of the parks and locations you'd like to visit, prepare and pack the proper travel supplies for the island(s) you're visiting, and make sure not to worry too much about the weather; Hawaii is known as "paradise" for good reason.
Ultimately, the Best Time to visit Hawaii is when you choose to visit - we hope you have a great trip! Aloha!
