Looking for the best time to visit Hawaii? Look no further!
Did you know that there are differences in the best times to visit Hawaii for different people? For example – if you love people watching – you will love visiting Maui or Oahu in peak summer and during the last two weeks of Dec. On the other hand, if you want solitude and quietness you might love visiting Big Island or Lanai in May.
No matter what you’re looking for — here’s your guide to make the best of your trip and decide the right time to visit Hawaii based on what you’re after. This guide takes a deep-dive into acing visits to Hawaii at any time of the year.
What to Consider for the Best Visiting Times to Hawaii
Budget
Your budget determines how well (or how badly) your visit to any destination will be. A small budget may restrict holiday-goers to less-than-modest travel plans, accommodation, and other add-ons.
If you’re keen to visit Hawaii on a budget, these spending hacks could be helpful:
- Book your flights a month or two in advance. Early bookings could save you something extra
- Your scheduled flights (back and forth) should be during the weekdays. Weekend flights are historically more expensive.
- Scout for budget accommodation. If you’re not sold on an AirBnB, cheap hotels are usually far from beaches.
- Select flights scheduled to land in alternate airports. Consider flying into Hawaii through cheap destinations like Kona.
- Compare charges for baggage, seat selection, carry-on, etc. Some airlines will hide charges from passengers until the last moment.
- Visit Hawaii during months that see reduced patronage of beachside destinations. Accommodation and other expenses could be cheaper within a period of low visits.
- Whenever you can locate a good flight or lodging deal, seal it immediately. Waiting too long could be costly.
There are other tips to consider to help you visit Hawaii on a budget. With these tips, it becomes easier to maximize your holiday and get more bang for buck every time.
Accommodation
When it comes to getting a place to stay, Hawaiian accommodation could be expensive. Most beaches around this coastal destination have a backdrop of top-class hotels, beach houses, and lodges. However, some months see fewer visits to Hawaii. In the less-populated months at any beach in Hawaii, you could get a steal.
But if you’re keen to see Hawaii when visits are much higher, you’ll need to lodge far from beaches or pay a premium. Most hotels, resorts and airbnbs close to the beachhead are quite expensive.
Average Weather Conditions
Hawaii has the perfect climate for any kind of beach lover. However, some months could be a lot hotter than others, and not everyone does well under scorching heat. If you don’t have an idea what time is best for your visit to Hawaii, the next section will help.
When is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii by Season?
Summertime
Summer visitors to Hawaii will surely get a swell time from late March to mid-October. There’s a lower chance of torrential rains during this period, but don’t expect total ‘dryness’ across all islands.
Top summertime attractions
- Snorkeling
- Hiking
- Boating tours
- Kayaking
- Surf training
- Jet skiing
Wintertime
Rains are common in Hawaii from late October through to early or mid-March. But not all parts of Hawaii will experience torrential rains for days at a time. There’s still a high chance of spotting areas with enough sun to get that perfect tan.
Top wintertime attractions
- Whale watching
- Hiking
- Boating
- Native dance troupes
- Surfing
- Fishing
- Cultural museums
Which Season Is Better For You?
When it comes to weather conditions, visitors usually have preferences. If you’re a lover of balmy beaches, visiting Hawaii from March to October will be a great idea. Most sunbathers love the Hawaiian weather and its resulting elegant tan. But not everyone wants to bathe under the Hawaiian sun.
Visitors keen on mild weather will get a better beach experience within November to March. During these months, there’s a high chance of getting a great spot on the beach without bothering about harsh sunrays.
Monthly Climate/Budget Expectations for Hawaiian Visitors
January
- Cloudy weather with moderate rain expectations
- Expensive to visit at several areas
February
- Lesser winds and rain with much cooler temperatures
- Expensive to visit
March
- Cloudy weather with an elevated chance of sustained rainstorms
- Expensive at several fishing locations
April
- Lower expectations of rain and the start of relatively dry months
- Less expensive to visit at several locations
May
- Sunny weather and lesser crowds overall, especially in the first two weeks
- Could be less expensive to visit
June
- Increased number of sunny days attracts more visitors to the beach
- Prices could be much higher
July
- Similar weather conditions to June along with an increase in the number of tourist visitors
- Prices could be much higher
August
- Increased temperatures trigger an upsurge in visitors to beachside destinations
- Prices of accommodation, travel, etc. could be high
September
- Temperatures begin to recede below 80°F
- Budget deals on hotels and air fares are easier to come by
October
- Increased chance of rains and drop in temperatures ushering in the winter season
- Fewer tourists increase the chances of great deals on hotels and air fares
November
- Winter weather with a lesser chance of sunny skies across Hawaiian destinations
- Lesser tourists visits provide an opportunity for budget visits
December
- Rains juxtaposed with several days of sunny weather
- Cheaper to visit before the third week to avoid upsurge in prices due to holidays
Takeaways
Hawaii is a fantastic destination to visit, no matter what time of year it is. Visiting Hawaii could be expensive, as it’s one of the world’s most expensive beach destinations. But that doesn’t mean you can’t visit Hawaii beaches on a budget.
Consider when to travel, ticketing, accommodation, and keep an eye out for steals on all expenses. When you can check for great deals, it becomes easy to visit Hawaii and avoid boring holes in your pocket.
Apart from picking the best times to visit Hawaii based on money, consider weather conditions too. If you’re intolerant to scorching hot beach weather, use the monthly guide to great effect. Ensuring everything is right before getting on the plane guarantees 100% fun in your choice destination. Nothing beats total satisfaction at your favorite beach spot.