Visiting Hawaii in September

Hawaii Weather in September

Although September brings an end to summer, Hawaiian temperatures continue to soar with average daytime temperatures in the mid to high 80s. Your evenings are just as “summery,” staying well within the comfortable 70s range.  

You will find cooler temperatures during the day and night when visiting mountainous areas and volcanoes. The higher you travel, the lower the temperatures, so grab a jacket before you head for the hills.

If you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach, September and October have bragging rights for the warmest ocean temperatures of the year.

Fall means Hawaii will be heading into rainy season soon, but September is still one of the drier months. That means there will be very few rainy days to dampen your spirits. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to rain. Drier weather is always a good thing when traveling, but the drier climate of the summer can tend to impact the glorious waterfalls of the area. You can still visit these popular sites, but keep in mind, less rain tends to slow the cascades.

Despite the drier weather, August and September are at the peak of hurricane season in the Pacific. Hawaii has a low risk for hurricanes, but it is still something to think about when booking your vacation.

Hawaii Crowds in September

The Labor Day weekend tends to be quite busy in Hawaii as it’s the last holiday of the summer. However, once everyone goes home, September sees the lowest flow of travelers. Summer has wound down, and the kids are back in school. Although Hawaii is rarely “crowded,” September is one of the most appealing months to travel if you want to avoid crowds.

Hawaii Costs in September

As crowds decline in September, so do hotel rates. September is one of the least expensive times to stay in Hawaii with hotel rates falling by below the average yearly rate to around $340 per night. That becomes even more appealing when compared to the peak season in December, which reaches above $450.

September is also a good time for airfares that tend to drop after summer demand. You can see deals for September air travel to Hawaii as early as July. If you are willing to wait a little longer to book your trip, airfares will drop even further by mid-August. Of course, with the unpredictability of airfares, there is no way of guaranteeing lower fares. You'll have to do your research to find the best deals.

Hawaii Events & Highlights in September

There is never a shortage of things to do in Hawaii. However, some annual events might catch your eye, including:

• Aloha Festival: This Oahu festival runs throughout the month of September with a unique calendar of events, including parades, Hawaii’s largest street party, and plenty of cultural food, music, and fun.
• Hawaii Island Festival: This Big Island festival also runs all month long, offering a colorful look at the heritage, history, and culture of Hawaii. You can expect to enjoy food, dance, music, contests, arts, and more every day of the month.
• Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agricultural Festival: Big Island’s premier agricultural festival originated in the Big Island ranching town of Waimea and celebrated the food producers and processors, chefs, and consumers who honor the bounty of the Big Island.
• Mokihana Festival: This week-long celebration takes place on the island of Kauai and celebrates the culture of Hawaii with educational lectures, music, and hula competitions.

Despite a slight risk for hurricanes, September still offers an excellent time to travel to the Hawaiian Islands. Two major month-long festivals on Oahu and Big Island provide a unique opportunity for an intimate cultural experience. Lower hotel rates and a slowdown in visitors makes September an affordable, relaxed time of year for a Hawaiian escape.