The ultimate city for surfers, a utopia for tourists, and a gateway to the Hawaiian paradise, Honolulu is a capital like no other. Located on Oahu’s south shore and boasting vibrant neighborhoods for fine dining, nightlife, and more, there’s always something to do in this city.
But what are the best months to visit Honolulu? When should you go to avoid the rainy season? Here we provide you with everything you need to plan your trip, including weather, annual events, the best time to visit attractions, and more.
Table of Contents
- The Weather in Honolulu
- Honolulu’s Most Popular Annual Events
- The Best Tourist Attractions in Honolulu (And When to Visit Them)
- Hawaiian Public Holidays and Occasions
The Weather in Honolulu
There are two main seasons (summer and winter) to consider when visiting Honolulu. Knowing what to expect means you can get your packing off to the right start.
Summer (May to October)
Enjoy hot weather and dry days in the summer. The hottest months of July and August are also peak travel months. Temperatures average at 84°F in May, 87°F in June, 88°F in July, 89°F in August, 87°F in September, and 86°F in October.
Winter (October to April)
From October to April is the Hawaiian winter. January is the coldest month (although average highs are still very warm at around 80°F). The rainy season begins in November, with December seeing the most rainfall.
The Best Time to Visit Hawaii
The driest months (March to September) are extremely popular with vacationers. Still, the warm winter is also a fantastic time to travel, with sunny skies and amazing waves for surf enthusiasts. Although November to March is the wet season, travel plans are rarely affected due to drought conditions in Honolulu and other parts of Hawaii.
If you want to enjoy sightseeing in comfortable temperatures, avoid the peak months of July and August when the city gets hot and sticky.
Honolulu’s Most Popular Annual Events
People flock to Honolulu for sun, sea, and surf, but it’s also bursting with exciting cultural experiences. Here are some of the best events to add to your calendar!
Cherry Blossom Festival (January)
Less than 20 minutes away from the capital is Aiea, where the annual Cherry Blossom Festival is held. Next year’s celebrations in 2023 will appoint the 70th ‘Cherry Blossom Festival Queen and Court,’ and visitors will get to sample delicious sushi and udon to celebrate Hawaii’s rich Japanese history.
Honolulu Festival (March)
Oahu is the best island to visit in Hawaii for first-time travelers because it has a little bit of everything. It’s also home to the state’s premier cultural event, designed to promote harmony between the rainbow cultures across the wider state. There are multiple events, many of which offer free entry for visitors.
Lei Day (May)
Lei Day celebrates island life with iconic flower necklaces and is enjoyed statewide. The event is free and open to the public, and The Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki even offers free lei-making classes if you want to create your own.
Ukulele Festival (July)
Honolulu’s Ukulele Festival takes place at Kapiolani Park each year. Performers come to jam in the park, and the event usually attracts a large number of tourists as the music calls to everyone passing by. The event is free of charge and ideal for families looking to experience something different.
Waikiki Holiday Parade 2022 (September)
This annual event was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID but is set to return for 2022. Watch the parade commemorating Pearl Harbor and featuring local Hawaiian bands, marching bands from the mainland, military units, and local officials and dignitaries.
Aloha Festival 2022 (September to October)
The only statewide cultural festival in Hawaii, this celebration showcases local traditions and customs. The floral parade for 2022 is scheduled for September 29th at Ala Moana National Park. It’s located conveniently close to the Waikiki neighborhood and free to watch.
The Best Tourist Attractions in Honolulu (And When to Visit Them)
Hawaii’s bustling capital is a fantastic place for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top attractions you won’t want to miss.
Waikiki Beach
Known to many as the ultimate surf, swim, and sunbathing destination, Waikiki Beach is popular with every kind of traveler—families, couples, and wave chasers alike. The waves are perfect for beginners and those still working their way up to the monster swells.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: If you’re new to surfing, hit the beach in the summer months when the waves are at their most consistent!
Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial
Don’t miss the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center while you’re in the city—it’s free! You can also enjoy a tour of the memorial free of charge, but booking is advised as slots get taken up quickly throughout the year.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: For popular tourist attractions in Honolulu, the best time to visit is in the shoulder season (mid-April to early June or between September and mid-December).
Diamond Head State Monument
It’s one of Hawaii’s most recognizable natural landmarks, with picture-perfect views. Take a short hike up the steep trail that rises 560 feet from the floor of the crater and see the enormous lighthouse at the summit. Entry is $5 per person.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Avoid the peak tourist season in July and August to dodge the crowds and summer heat.
Manoa Falls and Lyon Arboretum
Explore the Manoa Falls Trail in Manoa Valley and stop by the Lyon Arboretum, featuring over 5,000 tropical plants from Hawaii and Polynesia. It has one of the largest collections of palms found in any botanical garden. In addition, the path at the entrance takes you on a gorgeous trail to the spectacular waterfall. While there’s no admission fee, donations are welcomed.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Stick to hiking the trail from June to November when Honolulu is dry as the area is prone to landslides!
Hawaiian Public Holidays and Occasions
You can avoid getting caught up in the crowds by traveling outside peak travel season and the city’s Obon festivities. Obon is observed during the summer months, with big celebrations in mid-August.
This also applies to Christmas, as many families bring their kids to Waikiki for the holidays, so accommodations and car rentals may be scarce. But the best time to visit Honolulu depends on what you want from your travel experience. The city is a fantastic place to be when it’s bustling with tourists and locals if you don’t mind lots of people, and with a number of islands and amazing beaches, you’ll find plenty of spots for escapism.
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