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Best time to visit Hawaii

Plan ahead to enjoy your piece of paradise.

Gabrielle Pastorek
Gabrielle Pastorek

Updated

Fact checked
Waikiki beach resort in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii.

Hawaii always has plenty of beaches and sunshine to offer, but it gets flooded with tourists during certain times of the year. Escape the crowds, sky-high prices and hurricane season to guarantee a blissful getaway.

Best time of year to visit Hawaii

Peak season

Winter and summer are the two busiest times of year in Hawaii. Destinations like Waikiki Beach, Honolulu and Volcanoes National Park become crowded, and you’ll likely pay a premium for flights, hotel rooms and souvenirs. On the plus side, humpback whales make their way to Hawaiian waters from November to March, making this prime time for whale-watching.

Spring and fall are considered off-seasons in Hawaii, with some of the best rates in May through mid-June and September through mid-December. To avoid a flock of tourists and spend less money, plan your trip during these times. You might still be able to catch the tail end of whale-watching season in late April and early May.

Typical weather in Hawaii

Hawaii has two seasons: the dry summer season from April to October and the wet winter season from November to March. Average temperatures are between 70ºF and 85ºF during the summer and drop off in the 68ºF to 78ºF range in the winter. Still, the wet season can be relatively dry, depending on where you are in the state.

While it rarely ever gets warmer than 90ºF or cooler than 65ºF, the Aloha State does experience microclimates that fluctuate based on which island you’re on. In fact, the Aloha State has 10 of the earth’s 14 climate zones packed into its islands. You can hike through both tropical rainforests and arid deserts, and even see polar tundra landscapes if you venture to the summit of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa.

When is hurricane season in Hawaii?

Despite being made up of a series of islands, Hawaii doesn’t often experience hurricane landfalls. The last hurricane to hit the state was in 1992 when Hurricane Iniki struck the island of Kauai. But just like in the Atlantic Ocean, storms are more likely from June to November.

Events and attractions

The weeklong Aloha Festivals takes place in September every year and is one of the biggest events in the state. Plan a fall trip for a splash of authentic music, dancing and culture.

The first of May is Lei Day in Hawaii, and the biggest celebration is held in Waikiki on Oahu. Soak in traditional Hawaiian lei contests, judged by the Lei Day Queen, live music, singing, dancing and a parade.

There are plenty of events to attend all year long on the islands — from world-famous surfing championships to an ode to the ukulele. Check out our Hawaii events and attractions guide to find a celebration that speaks to you.

Bottom line

With a little research and planning, your trip to Hawaii can be everything you dreamed it would be — whether that’s a remote getaway or to sun-soaked adventure.

Now that you’ve nailed down the dates for your trip, research some of the top airlines and flight options to beautiful Hawaii.

Frequently asked questions

Deals on travel to Hawaii

Travelocity Travelocity

Vacation packages now under $400

Flight and hotel included for getaways to: Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas, NYC, Honolulu, Los Cabos, and more. T&Cs apply

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Choice Hotels Choice Hotels

Up to 15% off advance bookings

Book and pay for your stay at least 7 days in advance and save. Available at select hotels in the US, including New Yoek, Florida, Hawaii, California and more. T&Cs apply

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Travelocity Travelocity

Over 75% off bookings with top cruise lines

Book cheap Royal Caribbean cruises from just $156 to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii, South Pacific and more. T&Cs apply.

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Expedia.com Expedia.com

Cheap Fiji flights from $784 return

Book flights to Nadi, Fiji with American Airlines, Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia, Hawaiian Airlines, Qantas and more.

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Kayak Kayak

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Available select dates in cities like San Diego, Chicago, Seattle, Toronto, Washington, Miami, Boston, Honolulu, San Antonio, Cancun, Las Vegas and San Juan. T&Cs apply.

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Orbitz Orbitz

Cheap flights to Los Angeles from $101 return

Book flights to Los Angeles, Burbank, and Long Beach with Spirit, United Airlines, American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and more.

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Hilton Hotels & Resorts Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Stay 4 nights and get the 5th night free in Hawaii

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