When to Visit Hawaii: Best Months for Weather, Festivals, and More

Living in paradise has its own perks, and one of the biggest is being constantly surrounded by travelers asking, “When’s the best time to visit Hawaii?” We gotta be honest — that question always stumps us a bit. With year-round sunshine, lush greenery, and the welcoming Aloha spirit, is there truly a bad time to be in Hawaii?

The truth is, there isn’t! But like any good friend, we want you to have the most incredible Hawaiian adventure possible. So, while there’s no wrong time to visit, there is a perfect time to visit for you.

This insider guide will unveil the secrets to crafting your perfect Hawaiian vacation. We will spill everything that Hawaii has to offer, from weather across the islands to crowds and seasonal events.

So ditch the question of ‘when’ and get ready to discover the ‘why’. Mahalo, thank you for joining us, and let the island hopping commence!

Near-to-perfect weather

Hawaii’s weather is known to be “a warm, eternal spring,” and I couldn’t agree more. Hawaiian weather has remarkable consistency that makes it a year-round paradise; days hover around 82°F with minimal fluctuation, making it a perfect place to rent a camper in Kauai, and go off-roading through the island at your own pace. Summer nudges the average high to a delightful 85°F, while winter months dip slightly to a comfortable 78°. Even nights are a dream, with an average low of 67°F throughout the year.

However, there are subtle variations that can influence your decision :

• Dry Season (May – September): This period offers the least rainfall, making it ideal for beach bums and outdoor adventurers. The trade winds pick up, keeping things cool and refreshing. In our opinion, this is the ideal season for camping.
  
• Shoulder Seasons (April – May & September – November): These sweet spots offer a delightful balance between good weather and fewer crowds. You might encounter occasional showers, but they’re usually brief and often clear up quickly, leaving behind stunning rainbows.
• Wet Season (November – March): While rain is more frequent during these months, it rarely disrupts your entire day. Plus, the lush greenery flourishes, and waterfalls become even more spectacular.

When is the best time to travel to Hawaii to get good deals?

Hawaii travel deals can be found year-round, but generally, the best time to visit Hawaii is during the off-season.

Hawaii’s off-season:

• Mid-January: Prices usually drop during this period due to reduced traveling after the festive seasons.
• May: As we transition to the dry season, May is one of the best months to visit Hawaii. In May, you can find some good offers before the summer season fully starts.
• Mid to Late September: Like May, late September may allow one to travel before the rates go up for the holidays.
• October: Although October is a good time to negotiate, remember that the Ironman Triathlon is held on the Big Island. This popular event has the potential to trigger an increase in prices.
• November: Like October, November can also be good for discounts, but be ready for the possible Thanksgiving travel rush.
• The First Half of December: Flight bookings are still relatively cheaper in the first half of December, but it is a good time to look for some last-minute offers if you have no fixed time in mind.

If you are traveling on a budget, you should avoid Hawaii during major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving. 

Best Time for Seasonal Activities, Events & Holidays in Hawaii

Hawaii isn’t just about stunning scenery and endless sunshine; it is also a cultural hub that comes alive with exciting festivals and events throughout the year. If any of these are on your “must-do” list, plan your visit around these dates.

Festival

• Hawaii’s Spam Jam: While Hawaii is a place to be if you are looking for cultural experiences, a celebration caters to the less conventional adventurer – Hawaii’s Spam Jam! It happens in the last week of April on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, where you can enjoy live music, street vendors, and a wide variety of Spam-based dishes from local restaurants. It’s a festival for those seeking unconventional adventures.
• Merrie Monarch Festival: Springtime in Hawaii isn’t just about beautiful flowers and good weather; it is also the time for the well-respected Merrie Monarch Festival, held annually in Hilo on the Big Island. The festival’s main attraction is a three-day hula competition showcasing the best hula dancers in the world.
• Aloha Festival: Every September, the Aloha Festivals light up Hawaii with parades, cultural events, and vibrant processions. The standout event is the Waikiki Ho‘olaule‘a, a lively street party along Waikiki’s main strip. Enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, unique crafts, and endless people-watching. 

Events

• Vans Triple Crown of Surfing: Experience the adrenaline of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, held annually on Oahu’s North Shore since 1983. With venues at Haleiwa, Sunset Beach, and Pipeline, winter brings massive waves up to 50 feet, drawing global spectators to witness surfers challenge nature’s might. For surf enthusiasts, winter months are prime for a Hawaiian adventure!
• Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii Ceremony: If you’re seeking a serene experience, you have to attend the Shinnyo Lantern Floating Ceremony on Oahu, held annually at Ala Moana Beach Park on Memorial Day. This moving event invites visitors to reflect on, and honor loved ones with lanterns set adrift on the ocean, creating such a beautiful scene.
• Halloween: Halloween in Hawaii is a night to remember! Thousands flock to Waikiki’s Kalakaua Avenue in extravagant costumes, making the streets lively. Some shops hand out candy, the night is all about festivity. 

Holidays

• St Patrick’s Day: While Hawaii might not be the first place that comes to mind for St. Patrick’s Day, it is very celebrated here! The day starts with a parade in Waikiki and then moves to Honolulu’s Chinatown. Murphy’s Irish Pub and Bar hosts the Pacific’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Block Party.
• Lunar New Year: Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Honolulu’s historic Chinatown with vibrant festivities. Enjoy a lively lion dance, cultural demonstrations, entertainment, and range of delicious food from local vendors. It’s a unique cultural experience that showcases Hawaii’s diversity. 

Overall

This is just a starting point. The beauty of Hawaii lies in its ability to cater to every travel style. Whether you crave relaxation on pristine beaches, adventure in the lush rainforests, or cultural immersion, a perfect Hawaiian escape awaits you. By planning ahead and considering the weather, festivals, and crowds, you can ensure you plan your vacation during the best time to visit Hawaii. And don’t forget, a camper car rental in Big Island or in Kauai, Hawaii can add a unique twist to your island adventure, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. So pack your bags, embrace the Aloha spirit, and get ready to experience the magic of the islands!