Best Time to Go to Hawaii
Picking When & Where to Visit
What’s the best time to visit Hawaii? Wondering when to go - in 2019, 2020, or soon after? Honestly, in our opinion - there 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 something to do for everyone, the food is phenomenal (try laulau, trust us!), and recent increases in daily flights to the islands makes this a great time 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.
We believe all visitors would benefit from reading over this entire article, but if you want to find out quickly (TL;DR) - you can skip directly to our Best Month to Visit Hawaii Quiz →
Click to Enlarge
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 chart is an approximate overview of when we expect Hawaii to see increased visitation on-island, based on travel trends in Hawaii over the last four years. You can also now take a look at our 2020 Hawaii Demand Forecast as well.
Airline Costs & Flight Rates for 2019 & 2020
Good news emerged in early 2019 for visitors looking to travel by air. Due to increased competition amongst air carriers and new direct flights into Hawaii (i.e., Southwest Airlines) - 2019, 2020 and beyond are shaping up to be some of the most affordable years to fly to Hawaii in recent memory. Visitors should 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 environment 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 estimates on 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 (24-29 °C) all year-round. Temperatures at night are typically 12-18 °F (3-4 °C) 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 before your visit. Visitors may want to bookmark the Central Pacific Hurricane Center website for future reference.
Hawaii Statewide Weather (click to enlarge)
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
'Best Time to...' Hawaii FAQ
Seasonal Events, When to Book, Finding the Best Rates, & more...
Best Time for Good Weather?
While Hawaii is a great destination year-round, the best opportunity for good weather exists during April, May, September, and October. As the tradewinds pick up over the winter months, so do the showers, and surf swells, particularly on the north/northeast (windward) shores of each island. The weather is warm year-round, with average highs in the winter of 78-82ºF (26-28ºC) and 83-88ºF (29-31ºC) in the summer months. Learn more about Hawaii weather.
Best Time to avoid crowds?
Hawaii has visitors during all months of the year, but typically, if you want to avoid the crowds, visit in either November (excluding Thanksgiving) or May for the quietest scene on the islands. Additionally, the first week of June, most of April (excluding ‘Golden Week’ and Easter), and much of September or October are great times to avoid the majority of visitors. Learn more about When to Travel to Hawaii.
Best Time to Book Hawaii Hotels?
As a rule of thumb, book early - no later than 2-3 months before you go! It's not uncommon for the Best Accommodations in Hawaii to get booked quickly, especially during the summer months over holidays. If you are planning to visit in either July or August and especially if you’re planning a visit around the Christmas/New Year’s holiday in late December, then we’d advise booking 4-6 months in advance to ensure you can reserve the room(s) you want. Be sure to check our Hotel Rates for the best prices and to compare all the top travel sites in one quick search.
Best Time to purchase Hawaii Airline Tickets?
As with accommodations, it’s best to typically book earlier than later. The best prices for Hawaii flights can vary dramatically throughout the year, depending on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, to find the best rates, we advise visitors to start searching for flights four months before your trip and to book no later than one month before your planned departure. Using this approach should provide you the best opportunity to find a good deal. If you are planning a visit during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another holiday, we’d advise you book much earlier, as far in advance as possible to ensure the best price for what will undoubtedly be high-demand tickets during those peak periods.
Best Time to Find Deals & Discounts?
If you’re searching for the best rates when visiting Hawaii, we’d advise you to start 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 when flying from geographically further away. Generally, the most affordable rates for both flights and hotels in Hawaii will be primarily during the fall and somewhat so during the spring.
For accommodations, the months of September through November (sometimes into early December) offer the best hotel deals, again excluding Thanksgiving. In the spring, the best accommodation rates can be found from late March until early June (excluding the Easter holiday and Japan’s ‘Golden Week,’ in April).
For tours and activities, while many deals and specials will be ‘last minute’ - the best discounts and specials run during the summer months (late May - July). Sign up for our Hawaii eNewsletter, a bi-weekly email containing travel tips, to also receive exclusive Hawaii discounts, deals, specials, and other promotional offers.
Best Time for Snorkeling, Swimming, and Diving?
Hawaii offers fantastic snorkeling, diving, and swimming opportunities for much of the year, but the best times are the summer months. During this period the surf will be less intense than during the winter, the water will be warmer, and the weather more cooperative - creating the perfect conditions for exploring in the water around the islands.
In our opinion, Maui snorkeling is the best you'll find in the entire state, followed by snorkeling on the Big Island. Both islands offer great snorkeling locations largely protected from surf and tradewinds on the leeward side of each island.
Best Time to ski or snowboard?
This isn’t a typo; you can ski and snowboard in Hawaii - though conditions will have to be just right. Mauna Kea, on the Big Island, means ‘white mountain’ in Hawaiian and its peaks are frequently found blanketed with a layer of snow. To provide yourself the best opportunity to partake in this winter sport, visit during February or March. Be sure to prepare accordingly, as there are limited facilities and you will need a 4x4 vehicle to reach the summit.
Best Time to take a cruise to/around Hawaii?
The best time to find a good bargain on cruises, including inter-island cruises, will be late November through mid-December. The best time for selection of boats will be in the spring (April/May) and fall (late August-October). Winter months are often more expensive (due to increased visitation), and typically wetter - but do offer the opportunity for whale watching (late November through early April).
Best Time to go Whale Watching?
Each winter, Humpback Whales migrate from Alaska to the warm waters surrounding Hawaii to mate and give birth to their calves. The best opportunities for whale watching will be from late November through mid-April; February and March often provide the best opportunities for sightings.
Best Time to get married/have a destination wedding?
As noted in the weather question, to avoid the wettest weather, try and plan your wedding for the summer months; anytime from late April until late October is usually a pretty safe bet. The middle of the summer will be warmer but is also typically the driest. Hurricane season runs from June through November as well, but storms are historically rare events. Ultimately, all factors considered - the best month for a destination wedding in Hawaii is in May.
Best Time for Hiking?
Hawaii offers some of the best hiking in the world if we may say so ourselves; a hiker could probably traverse Kauai’s trails alone for years and never get bored. As with most things in Hawaii, the hiking is excellent year-round, but the best months for hitting the trails are during the late spring and early fall (April, May, September, and October). The weather will be drier during these months, as well as through the entire summer, but unlike the summer, these spring/fall months will also be cooler. Be sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen before you head out, as the UV is very high in Hawaii year-round. If you hike during the winter months, be prepared for showers and trail conditions to potentially be messier / less maintained.
Best Time to visit Kilauea Volcano or go stargazing on Mauna Kea?
The Big Island’s Kilauea volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983, some times more spectacularly than at other times. While there isn’t a ‘best time’ to witness something controlled by geologic forces, if you’re planning to hike around the volcano or within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, we’d advise the same as we did in our hiking question - visit during the spring or fall when it’s not at hot, and the weather will be cooperative. The summer will often be too warm to hike anywhere near the older black lava flows.
On the other hand, if you’re heading to the summit of Mauna Kea for some stargazing, then the summer months are best due to the same warmer temperatures. The peaks of Mauna Kea can become downright frigid at night, especially during the winter months. Remember, a full moon will offer the best opportunities for clear stargazing and be sure to prepare accordingly before heading to the summit. In our opinion, a guided tour is the best way to experience the stars atop Mauna Kea, and Hawaii Forest & Trail's Summit & Stars Adventure is fantastic, and we highly recommend it.
Best Time to go Fishing?
Fishing is another activity that can be partaken year-round, as different species of fish will bite at different times of the year and off the coast of each unique island. Summer tends to be one of the most popular periods for fishing - offering marlin (blue and yellowfin), skipjack, and ono. Fall and spring both offer good marlin and mahi-mahi fishing. Winter months are best for catching snapper, skipjack, tuna, and striped marlin. If you're visiting Maui, we recommend Fish Maui.
Best Time to Surf, Bodyboard, or Paddleboard(SUP)?
The best time for water activities like surfing and bodyboarding will be during the winter months. The biggest waves, for professionals, will be on the north shore. For the rest of us non-pros, the south coast is best during the winter. During the summer and fall (May - September), the waves will be calmer on the north shore of each island - so all skill levels can partake.
For other water sports like paddleboarding, we like the spring and fall the best, but this again can be a year-round activity if you select the right location(s) based on the time of year you visit. If you're visiting Oahu, we highly recommend Mahina Hawaii.
Best Time for local festivals and events?
The best time to visit for island festivals and events depends on what you're looking for during your visit. 'Merrie Monarch,' also known as the Olympics of Hula, is held in Hilo on the Big Island every April. Over on Oahu, you can catch the 'Waikiki Spam Jam,' also usually held in April. The 'Aloha Festivals' takes place on all the islands each year in late September.
King Kamehameha Day (June 11) and Lei Day (May 1) also both offer various festivities, including impressive lei draping ceremonies of the King Kamehameha Statutes on both the Big Island and Oahu. Check our Hawaii events page for more information on what might be taking place during your visit.
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.
Best time to Visit Kauai
The weather on Kauai is consistently warm (highs in the mid-70's to mid-80's °F [24-29 °C]) 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 Closure Updates
Kuhio Highway, Kalalau Trail, and Haʻena State Park Reopen
Haena Beach Park, including the Kalalau Trail, which had been closed due to the torrential flooding that occurred in the Spring of 2018 re-opened on Monday, June 17, 2019. Visitors planning to make the Kalalau trail hike must now make online reservations; which will currently be limited to 900 a day, according to the state DLNR. This number is down from previous estimates of up to 3,000 visitors per day and eventually may be increased as part of a larger project plan. At this time, all visitors are also encouraged to ride a shuttle to the park due to limited parking for private vehicles. For the latest updates, visitors can check the Kauai County Conditions page.
Best time to Visit 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 2019-2020 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.
Best time to Visit 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 75-85 °F [24-29 °C] range 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.
Best time to Visit 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
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 go! If you still can't decide exactly when to go, no problem - try our quiz below, and we'll suggest four months we think are best for you. We hope you have a great trip! Aloha!
Which Month to Visit?
To assist visitors further, we've broken each month out in detail. If you want to find out quickly (TL;DR) which months are best for you - skip down to our Best Month to Visit Hawaii Quiz below.
Hawaii Quiz: Best Month to go visit Hawaii
Choosing the best time of year to visit Hawaii is no easy task for most visitors. It can be a confusing and even frustrating job, and that's probably the last thing anyone wants when planning a trip to Hawaii. That’s why we’ve created this quick quiz- to help determine which month(s) of the year are best for you. Based on your personal feedback, we'll suggest the four months we believe would be your best time to visit Hawaii.
Quiz Instructions
Read and answer the quick questions below- each of your answers will earn a set number of points which will be tallied at the end. Some questions may seem similar, but try to answer as many of the questions as possible to ensure the most accurate results.
Please answer each Question with a "Yes", "No", or "Somewhat" response.
