To determine the best time of year to visit Hawaii for you, it helps to answer some questions first…
What makes a vacation the best for you?
Am I getting a good deal on hotels?
Are you able to do a lot of outdoor activities?
Do you want to avoid crowds?
Depending on your answers, you’ll likely get different responses on the best time to visit Hawaii.
If you have a specific want or need for your Hawaiian vacation, keep reading to see when you should schedule your perfect trip.
For the Best Weather
Weather is a big one, especially since some of the best things to do around the islands are outdoors and in the turquoise waters of Hawaii.
The first thing you should know about Hawaii and its weather are that it still has seasons even though it is a tropical island. And these seasons make a significant difference on when you want to visit.
Hawaii’s first season is the dry season, stretching from about April to September or October.
Then, the rainy season starts. The rainy season can be as mild as several showers or as crazy as a hurricane.
If you’re going to Hawaii to enjoy the best weather, you don’t want to go from November to March.
Here’s where it gets a little bit tricky. It’s easy to say that the best weather in Hawaii is between April and September, so plan the trip then.
Related: Is September a Good Time to Visit Hawaii?
But the dry season has variations, too. For example, June through August is when Hawaii gets the hottest.
Anyone who lives in the tropics knows that heat means humidity. If you’re looking for the perfect weather, you probably don’t want to go during the summer months.
Most locals and frequent visitors agree that the best weather in Hawaii is in April and May or in September and October. They’re not too hot, but don’t have vast amounts of rain.
During these months, you will be able to enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities on each Hawaiian Island.
When is the Cheapest Time to Visit Hawaii?
For those traveling with kids or on a budget, one of the most critical aspects of vacationing in Hawaii is when they can get the best deal.
Ticket prices are never cheap, so most people are at least looking for special rates.
Vacations to Hawaii can be expensive, with the cost of flying, accommodations, activities, and transportation all adding up. But, if you know when to look, you can get some fantastic deals.
The two big seasons to fly to Hawaii are the mainland’s winter months and when the kids are out of school during summer vacation.
Spring Break is another time to avoid when hundreds of college-aged adults descend on the island. Prices skyrocket and you will be hard pressed to find any bargains.
Most people agree that the best time to fly to Hawaii is just when the school year starts (mid-August) to just before Thanksgiving break.
Another option would be to plan your visit right after Spring Break (March) in April or May and before the summer months begin.
The best part about these dates?
They happen to be when Hawaii has its best weather!
Make sure to read about… Botanical Gardens in Hawaii
I Like to Avoid Crowds – When is the High Season in Hawaii?
While it can be fun to be surrounded by other people experiencing Hawaii for the first time, some people want to have a more secluded vacation experience.
If you prefer to have a little more personal space, there are certain months you’ll want to avoid.
According to multiple travel agencies and the Hawaii Department of Tourism, the busiest months in Hawaii are December and July.
As mentioned earlier, the winter months in Hawaii are always active because many vacationers try to get away from the winter chill on the mainland.
The week of Christmas is an incredibly hectic time since many families come out to enjoy the holiday in the sun.
July is a busy month because this is around when most families can get away. It’s just after school is let out and not too late in the summer, perfect for a family vacation.
The best time to come is before or just after one of these crazier months to avoid these crowds. Not only will there be fewer people on the islands, but there are usually significant price drops after the busy season.
Don’t Miss: Why Visit Hawaii
I’m an Active Person, When is the Best Time for Various Activities?
Hawaii is gorgeous and has amazing beaches, so there will always be something to do on the islands.
However, if you want to ensure that you’ll get the most variety and the best quality out of your Hawaiian experience, you might want to come between October and December.
If you’re a runner or triathlete, October is the perfect time to visit Hawaii. Every year, the Ironman Triathlon World Championships take place on the Big Island.
If you’ve never participated in one of these events, there is no more beautiful a place than Kona, Hawaii. But of course, you have to qualify for this specific one, so get training!
For the surfers, winter is also the best time of year. While the water might be too rough for casual swimmers, it’s a surfers’ dream.
Several competitions and events are held during the winter to celebrate the incredible waves and the close-knit surfer community.
Finally, winter is also a great time of year as it’s prime whale watching season in Hawaii.
Seeing the humpback whales come in and birth their young in the shallows is an experience you’ll never forget.
We can attest to that, and it’s one of our fondest memories during our time on Kauai!
What is the Overall Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaii?
Most locals will agree that the best time to visit Hawaii is in the spring after the rainy season, so everything is a bit cooler than it will be in summer.
There are fewer people on the island, and the prices are lower than during the high season. Your most challenging question will be which island do I choose like – Maui or Kauai – oh the choices we have to make!
Another plus is that while the waters aren’t as rough as in the winter, they aren’t as low as they are in the summer.
So, you’ll be able to surf, snorkel, and scuba to your heart’s content.
