The Best Times to Visit Hawaii
There’s No Bad Time to Visit Hawaii… So How to Decide?
The best time to visit Hawaii is a delightful conundrum. Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, this tropical paradise offers stunning beaches and vibrant culture all year round. Discover its breathtaking landscapes, warm aloha spirit, and unique natural beauty. Hawaii beckons with endless allure.
Enjoy island life with vibrant festivals and historical celebrations. Delicious local cuisine and beachside activities await you between explorations of lush rainforests and volcanic marvels. Feel the thrill of surfing world-famous waves or leisurely hiking trails. Hawaii’s enchanting charm is irresistible, promising an unforgettable adventure.
1. January to February
Whale watching and cultural celebrations
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Unusual
During January and February, Hawaii becomes a hotspot for witnessing natural wonders and enjoying cultural festivities. Humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters, offering a spectacular sight for tourists. Eco-certified tours from Lahaina or Maalaea Harbor provide an educational experience with guides sharing insights into whale behavior. The season is wonderful for couples and families.
In addition to whale watching, immerse yourself in local culture with Honolulu’s Chinese New Year celebrations, which features lion dances, lantern parades, and tasty street food. For those seeking adventure, witness the exhilarating big wave surfing competitions at Waimea Bay. If you’re on a budget, travel costs dip post-holidays, so take the opportunity to explore quieter beaches like Waikiki or Poipu.
January to February
2. Spring
Festivals, gardens, and adventure
Good for: Families, Food, Shoppers
Spring in Hawaii is a vibrant time with a blend of cultural festivities and natural beauty. The Honolulu Festival showcases multicultural performances, making it a must-see for families and culture enthusiasts. The Merrie Monarch Festival honors traditional hula, attracting history buffs and couples alike.
Explore botanical gardens like Maui’s Kula and Kauai’s Limahuli, where spring blooms create picturesque landscapes. At this time of year the shoulder season savings on hotel rates and fewer crowds are incredible for budget travelers. Bring your kids to delight in family-friendly hikes to Manoa Falls or Wailua River State Park as the mild weather makes it ideal for nature walks and exploring Hawaii’s breathtaking scenery. Don’t forget your camera to capture the vibrant spring colors.
Spring
3. July
Summer festivals and ocean adventures
Good for: Adventure, Families, Food
Celebration and ocean exploration are top of the itinerary in July in Hawaii. The Prince Lot Hula Festival in Moanalua Gardens offers a non-competitive showcase of hula, great for families and culture lovers, while the King Kamehameha Day celebrations honor Hawaii’s first monarch, offering parades and lei draping ceremonies.
Take advantage of calm ocean waters for family-friendly snorkeling at Hanauma Bay or Molokini Crater. Between adventures, fuel up at summer night markets and food festivals like Oahu’s Eat the Street; they’re a budget-friendly way to enjoy Hawaiian cuisine. Meanwhile, couples should take advantage of the extended daylight to plan romantic evenings at Sunset Beach or Haleakalā summit. Enjoy the warm summer nights and the vibrant Hawaiian atmosphere.
July
4. Aloha Festivals
Cultural showcases and family fun
Good for: Food, History, Nightlife
The Aloha Festivals are a celebration of Hawaiian culture and history that kicks off with the investiture of the Royal Court. Take in the vibrant parade on Kalākaua Avenue that’s a spectacle for families and history enthusiasts as well as free concerts, hula performances, and craft fairs. These are held across the islands, providing couples with both intimate and lively experiences.
You can participate in hands-on workshops to learn lei-making or ukulele playing and savor local flavors at farmers’ markets and food festivals without breaking the bank. Designed to be inclusive, these events are fantastic for travelers of all ages with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Browse local sellers’ stalls for unique mementoes of your trip.
Aloha Festivals
5. October
Tranquil beaches and cultural insights
Good for: Budget, Shoppers
Fewer tourists and incredible weather mean that October in Hawaii offers a peaceful vibe. Take advantage of the quieter beaches like Lanikai or Makena for a serene escape. The cooler temperatures and clear skies make it ideal for hiking and stargazing at Mauna Kea or Haleakalā. You can also take advantage of the smaller crowds to explore cultural sites like Iolani Palace or Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau at a leisurely pace.
Elsewhere, music lovers will adore the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival, featuring intimate performances by renowned musicians. Fall discounts on travel make it a budget-friendly time to visit. Book early to snag deals on flights and accommodations and enjoy Hawaii’s rich cultural and natural offerings.
October
6. King Kamehameha Day
Historic celebrations and cultural parades
Good for: Photo, Food
King Kamehameha Day is a tribute to the ruler who unified the Hawaiian Islands. A state holiday featuring floral parades with traditional pāʻū riders and stunning floats, it’s a visual feast that history lovers shouldn’t miss. There are also ceremonies across the islands where lei are draped on statues to honor King Kamehameha’s legacy.
The day is marked by cultural festivals and hula competitions, offering a rich cultural experience. There are different celebrations across different islands, too, providing a chance to explore local traditions in diverse settings. It’s a day filled with community spirit and a celebration of Hawaiian heritage. Participate in ho‘olaule‘a (block parties) and immerse yourself in the music, crafts, and food.
King Kamehameha Day
7. Obon Season
A unique blend of tradition and community
Good for: Families, Food
Japanese Buddhist traditions are combined with Hawaiian hospitality during Obon Season in Hawaii. Take your opportunity to participate in Bon Odori dances, where locals and visitors join in joyful circle dances accompanied by taiko drumming. The atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive, making it a delightful experience for all. Everyone is invited to participate, regardless of background, making it a communal event that fosters a sense of unity and reflection.
Festivities calm down as you witness the serene lantern floating ceremonies, where toro nagashi (floating lanterns) are released to guide ancestral spirits. Take the time to explore temple festivals with food stalls and games and gain a glimpse into spiritual and culinary traditions.
Obon Season
8. Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
Culinary delights and sustainable experiences
Good for: Food, Families
The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival is a multi-island culinary journey that showcases regional flavors and landscapes. With over 150 Michelin-starred chefs, winemakers, and mixologists involved, it’s a treat for foodies. Events also emphasize sustainability, highlighting local agriculture and ocean stewardship.
From beachfront tastings to the FEAST Summit, the festival offers high-end, purpose-driven experiences for a wide variety of audiences. Family-friendly events like “Keiki in the Kitchen” are accessible for all ages while cooking demos and culinary workshops blend fun with food education. Don’t miss this delicious opportunity to experience Hawaii’s rich culinary heritage and support local producers.
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
9. Prince Kuhio Day
Honoring legacy and community engagement
Good for: Families, History
Prince Kuhio Day celebrates Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole, a Hawaiian royal and congressman known for advocating for Native Hawaiian rights. His legacy includes the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, which preserves land for Native Hawaiians and this is reflected in the island-wide celebrations that feature parades, hula performances, and ceremonies.
Witness the Kūhiō’s values of mālama ‘āina (care for the land) in action and participate in protecting the islands and the community through beach cleanups and sustainability workshops. Or engage in cultural workshops like lei-making and ukulele classes.
Prince Kuhio Day
10. Makahiki Season
Celebrating peace and renewal
Good for: Adventure, History
Hawaiian New Year, or Makahiki Season, isn’t a short celebration. It lasts for months, starting as early as October and sometimes finishing as late as March. The traditional festivities honor Lono, the god of agriculture, creating a time of peace, harvest, and renewal. You can get a rare glimpse into pre-contact Hawaiian life with traditional sports like foot races and boxing revived in community festivals.
It’s a time for Hawaiians to reflect, rest, and strengthen ties with family and land while visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions and enjoy the spirit of renewal and community. Join in the cultural reconnection with offerings, chants, and processions.
Makahiki Season
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.