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What is the best time to go to Hawaii?

The best time to go to Hawaii is during the in-between months: April, May, September, and October. You get warm weather, lower hotel rates, and fewer crowds than in summer or over the holidays.

The busiest and most expensive times are June, July, Thanksgiving week, and the weeks around Christmas and New Year’s.

Hawaii is warm year-round, so there isn’t a bad time to go for the weather. What changes by season is the price, the crowds, the rain, and the ocean. Rest assured that there really is no bad time to go to Hawaii, but some months are better than others. 

If you’d like help picking the right time and island for your trip, contact me today to help plan and book your Hawaii vacation. 

Best time to go to Hawaii at a glance

• Best months overall: April, May, September, and October.
• Most expensive and crowded: June, July, the first half of August, Thanksgiving week, and mid-December through early January.
• Whale season: December through April. January through March is the peak.
• Rainy season: about October through April. Most of the rain falls on the north and east sides of each island.
• Big waves: winter on north shores, like Oahu’s North Shore.
• Hurricane season: June 1 through November 30. Direct hits are rare.
• Temperatures: Honolulu averages highs of about 81°F (27°C) in January and about 89°F (32°C) in August.

When is the best time to visit Hawaii?

The best time to visit Hawaii is when the weather is good, and the crowds are low. That’s usually April, May, September, and October. March is also good, but spring break makes it busier.

The weather in Hawaii is warm all year. What changes from season to season is the price of hotels and flights, how many people are there, and how much it rains.

In this post, winter means November through February, and summer means June through August. The in-between months are March through May, plus September and October.

Is winter a good time to go to Hawaii?

Winter can be the best time to go to Hawaii or the worst, depending on what you want. It’s whale season, and the weather is still warm. It’s also the rainiest time of year and the most expensive time to book around the holidays.

Christmas and New Year’s are Hawaii’s busiest weeks of the year. Hotel rates can be up to twice as much as in the fall, and many resorts sell out. If you want to go over the holidays, book as early as you can. I recommend at least six months out, but the closer you can get to a year out, the better the availability. 

For better rates and smaller crowds, go in early November before Thanksgiving or in late February.

Humpback whales are in Hawaii from about December through April, and January through March is the peak. Maui is the best island for whale watching. Read my guide to the best time for whale watching in Hawaii for more. If you’re traveling in December, here’s the best island to visit in Hawaii in December.

Does it rain a lot in Hawaii in the winter?

Yes, winter is the rainy season in Hawaii, but it doesn’t rain everywhere. Each island has a wet side and a dry side. The north and east sides get the most rain. The south and west sides are the driest, and that’s where most of the big resorts are.

The dry areas are Waikiki and Ko Olina on Oahu, Kaanapali and Wailea on Maui, Poipu on Kauai, and Kona and the Kohala Coast on the Big Island. The wettest areas include Hilo, Hana, and Kauai’s north shore.

That’s why where you stay matters more than when you go. On the Big Island, it can be raining in Hilo and snowing on Mauna Kea while it’s dry and sunny in Kona.

Winter also brings big surf to north-facing shores, like Oahu’s North Shore and Kauai’s North Shore. Some of those beaches aren’t safe for swimming in the winter, so check conditions before you get in the water.

Is summer a good time to go to Hawaii?

Summer is a good time to go to Hawaii with kids, but it’s the busiest season. Families travel when school is out, so June and July are the most expensive months to visit.

The upside is that many resorts run kids’ clubs, and some attractions stay open later. The weather is hot and dry, and the north shores are usually calm enough for snorkeling.

If you need to travel in the summer, look at August. Prices start to drop in mid-August after schools go back. You can still find something quiet and relaxing on every island, even in the summer.

What is the best month to go to Hawaii?

In my opinion, the best time to visit Hawaii is during the in-between months. That means March, April, May, September, and October. Resort rates, flight prices, and crowds are all better than in the summer or over the holidays.

There are a few exceptions. Kona hotels fill up in October for the IRONMAN World Championship, so check the race date if you’re staying on the Big Island. May, September, and October are also popular wedding months, so book early if you’re planning a destination wedding or a honeymoon.

If your kids get a fall break or a spring break, these are good times for a family trip. You’ll find fewer crowds than in the summer.

Is Hawaii crowded during spring break?

Hawaii gets busier in March, but it doesn’t get as crowded as spring break spots in Mexico, the Caribbean, or Florida. March is still one of the slower months overall.

If you have questions about the best time to go, contact me. Tell me your dates, who’s traveling, and what you want to do, and I can start making suggestions right away.

Best time to go to Hawaii FAQ

What is the cheapest time to go to Hawaii?

The cheapest times to go to Hawaii are usually April, May, September, and October, plus early November before Thanksgiving. Fewer people travel then, so hotel rates and flights are lower.

What is the worst time to go to Hawaii?

The worst time to go to Hawaii for crowds and prices is the week of Christmas through New Year’s. June, July, and Thanksgiving week are also expensive. Read more in my post on the worst time to go to Hawaii.

When is the rainy season in Hawaii?

The rainy season in Hawaii runs from about October through April. Most of the rain falls on the north and east sides of each island, so staying on the south or west side helps.

When is whale season in Hawaii?

Whale season in Hawaii runs from about December through April. January through March is the best time to see humpback whales, especially off Maui.

When is hurricane season in Hawaii?

Hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June 1 through November 30. Hurricanes rarely make landfall in Hawaii, but storms can bring heavy rain and high surf.

What is the weather like in Hawaii in December?

December in Hawaii is warm, with highs around 82°F (28°C) in Honolulu. It’s one of the rainier months, so expect some showers, especially on the north and east sides.

When is the best time to go to Hawaii?

For most people, the best time to go to Hawaii is April, May, September, or October. You’ll get warm weather, better rates, and fewer crowds. If you’re traveling over the holidays or in the summer, book as early as you can and make sure you don’t miss reservations you need to make before going to Hawaii.

Contact me today to help plan and book your Hawaii vacation. I only work with a select number of clients per month, so contact me early for the best availability!

More Hawaii planning posts:

• Maui vs. Big Island: Which Hawaiian Island Is Better?
• What to pack for Hawaii (Ultimate Hawaii packing list)
• The best island in Hawaii to visit
• Four Seasons Preferred Partner: Why to book Four Seasons Hawaii with a travel agent
• The ultimate guide to Upcountry Maui

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