Beautiful beaches, seriously indulgent food, and a rainbow of cultures. Hawaii is a dream destination, no matter what type of traveler you are. Summer vacationer, weekend jet-setter, or intrepid explorer, this island chain has something for everyone.
But what is the best month to go to Hawaii, and are there any times to avoid? Here we give you the lowdown on when to travel to help you plan your trip.
Table of Contents
- The Weather in Hawaii
- Hawaii’s Most Popular Annual Events
- The Best Tourist Attractions in Hawaii (And When to Visit Them)
- Hawaii Public Holidays and Occasions
The Weather in Hawaii
Unlike much of the mainland US, most of Hawaii experiences just two seasons: summer and winter.
Summer (May to October)
Summer is a great time to enjoy the beaches and experience the local surf culture. July and August are the peak travel months, with average highs of 87°F across Hawaii.
Winter (October to April)
The coldest winter month is January when lows drop to 68°F and highs only reach 79°F. From November, the rainy season begins, with December typically being the wettest time.
The Best Time to Visit Hawaii
For most travelers, a good time to visit is during the drier months (March to September). However, visitors may not see that much rain even during the wet season, as many parts of Hawaii experience drought conditions. The winter season is also extremely mild, with the islands being a popular beach destination for the Christmas holidays.
Hawaii’s Most Popular Annual Events
With a vibrant mix of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and indigenous cultures, Hawaii is one of the most culturally intriguing destinations to visit. Here are some of the best events to add to your itinerary.
Cherry Blossom Festival (January)
Influenced by its Japanese history, the Cherry Blossom Festival is a must for anyone coming to Hawaii for the first time. The next festival in 2023 will appoint the 70th ‘Cherry Blossom Festival Queen and Court,’ and there will be endless sushi and udon dishes for visitors to sample.
Maui Whale Festival (February/March)
Held on the island of Maui, this annual event celebrates the coast’s winter guests: the Humpback whales. It’s the perfect time to go whale watching (with two-hour sailing tours starting at $79 for adults and $58 for children). Or you can enjoy the festival atmosphere, with a parade, live music, and street food.
Lei Day (May)
The most famous Hawaiian custom, Lei Day, celebrates life on the islands with iconic flower necklaces! It’s free and open to the public, and The Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki even offers free lei-making classes.
Aloha Festival 2022 (September to October)
The Aloha Festival is the perfect time to learn more about the islands and their unique rainbow history in a showcase of local culture. This year, ceremony dates are yet to be announced, but visitors can expect a Royal Court appearance, musical performances, and the annual floral parade.
Kona Coffee Festival 2022 (November)
This event celebrates over 50 years of quality brews for coffee enthusiasts. Festivities are set to take place from November 4th to 13th this year, but live events may be modified due to COVID. Past events have included hula dancing, lei contests, parades, Hawaiian nose flute performances, live concerts, recipe contests, and Miss Kona Coffee pageants.
The Best Tourist Attractions in Hawaii (And When to Visit Them)
With so much to see and experience on the islands of Hawaii, you’ll undoubtedly have some trouble choosing your favorite activities. But here are some of the most popular sights and attractions to get you started.
Waikiki Beach
Perhaps Hawaii’s number one attraction, Waikiki Beach on Oahu is the ultimate surf, swim, and sunbathing destination. Kalakaua Avenue is the main strip, where you can go shopping by day and enjoy food and drink at the waterside restaurants and cocktail bars at night.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: The best time to visit Hawaii for the beaches is from March to September when the weather is warm and dry.
Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial
One for the history and movie buffs, Pearl Harbor in Honolulu is an incredibly moving site to visit. You can get free entry into the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Tours of the memorial are also free (but booking is advised).
Next Vacay Travel Tip: For popular attractions, travel during the shoulder season (mid-April to early June or between September and mid-December) to avoid the crowds.
Volcanoes National Park
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, this spectacular national park lets visitors get up close to an active volcano system and watch lava seep from the earth. Tours from the islands are available, but you can also hire a car to get there. Entry into the park costs $30 per vehicle.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: The park is busy year-round, but avoid peak travel season (July and August) if you want a less crowded experience.
Waimea Canyon State Park
Known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific,’ this canyon on the island of Kauai runs over ten miles long, with depths of 3,600 feet. Two main lookout points, Pu’u ka Pele and Pu’u Hinahina, offer must-see views, and entry is just $5 per person.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Head to Hawaii in the winter months for lush greenery and stronger flowing waterfalls.
Hawaiian Public Holidays and Occasions
If you’re trying to decide on the best time to visit Hawaii, it’s essential to know the public holidays and busy periods. Of course, some travelers love to be in the thick of it. But if you prefer to avoid the crowds, it could be worth skipping holidays and occasions such as Christmas and Obon.
Obon is observed during the summer months and can make the islands extremely busy in August. It’s a fantastic time to experience Hawaiian culture, but if you prefer to have a little more peace and quiet, try not to travel in the peak of summer.
Christmas brings a lot of exciting luaus, and each of the islands offers something unique to experience. However, as it’s a popular time for families to vacation, accommodations and car rentals will need to be booked in advance.
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