Best Time To Travel To Hawaii: January To December

One of the best time to travel to Hawaii is January when the weather is warm. Unlike the mainland, the start of the year is generally favorable on this island.

The month of January is one of the most popular times for tourists to visit Hawaii. Unlike in the mainland, Hawaii has a warm weather at the start of the year.

Hotels and Resorts are most likely to sell out. Thus, making advance bookings and planning your trip ahead is an ideal choice to enjoy a vacation in Hawaii.

Even though January falls in the middle of the rainy season, you can still experience sunny days and beautiful weather.

Annual PGA golf tournaments are also held in January on several islands in January. Popular events that take place during this time are listed below:

• Chinese New Year celebration
• Humpback whale watching
• Surfing events on Oahu's North Shore
• Hawaii Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition Parade and Rally
• Waimea Ocean Film Festival

The first month of the year provides ideal conditions for plenty of outdoor activities including:

• Surfing (suitable conditions for beginners)
• Hiking in the tropical rainforests
• Taking a helicopter tour

The ocean temperatures are favorable enough for you to swim. The waves are choppier during this time compared to the summer months.

The month of February is generally dryer than December and January. However, you might still experience some occasional downpours.

Most of the time, rain occurs at night in this month. Therefore, the occasional showers won't get in the way of your vacation plan.

The biggest upside of the winter vacation in Hawaii is that it is very cost-effective. This is because of the low demand for hotels and car rentals.

So, a vacation in Hawaii in February won't strain your bank balance. You can find lodging at a great price and spend more on fun-filled activities.

Valentine's Day sees some spikes in the prices of hotels and rentals in Hawaii. You can make an advance booking to ensure a cost-effective romantic getaway.

The best time to travel Hawaii February has many festivals such as:

• Waimea Cherry Blossom Feritage Festivals
• Laupahoehoe Music Festival
• Waimea Town Celebration

The popular time for Whale watching in Hawaii is between February and March. This is the time when calves are born.

Maui's western shore is a perfect spot to watch humpback whales.

March is a busy time in Hawaii since Spring break starts around this month.  The hotel rates and car rentals cost are higher during this time of the year.

There are plenty of events happening in March including the annual Honolulu Festival and the Kona Brewers Festival. These are certain to draw a huge crowd.

The best time of the year to visit Hawaii March offers exciting activities. Some popular events include:

• Honolulu Festival
• The Lavaman Triathlon Marathon
• Kona Brewers Festival
• Ukulele Festival at Waikoloa
• Anahola Price Kuhio Day Celebration

Popular water-based activities to try in March are listed below:

• Snorkeling in Big Island, Oahu, Maui, Molokai and Lanai
• Deep-Sea Fishing at Kona Coast

April has warm and favorable weather in Hawaii for tourists. The amount of rain decreases and the advent of summer can be experienced all over the island.

The flow of tourists is surprisingly low in the month of April. This will elevate your vacation experience on this paradise island.

If you want to experience the perfect Hawaiian weather, then schedule an April visit to Maui, The Big Island, or Oahu. Enjoy sunny days on the Kohala coast and explore the Kilauea Volcano.

Notable events are:

• The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival
• The Laupahoehoe Music Festival on Big Island
• Honolulu Museum of Arts School's Contract Exhibition
• Kau Coffee Festival

The peak season in Hawaii starts in mid-December and continues till mid-April. So, the cost of travel can be a little high during the first two weeks of the month.

Luxury hotels are the most expensive option for accommodation at this time. Renting a car is a good way to explore the island.

If you want a good combination of good weather and lower costs, then the latter half of April is a better choice for you.

Things to do:

• Swimming and Snorkeling
• Surfing
• Exploring the coastline on a boat
• Hiking on the Island trails
• Whale Watching
• A trip to Pearl Harbor

May is the cheapest time to visit the Hawaiian island. It is the perfect time to enjoy and experience the tranquility of the island.

The peak season of tourism in Hawaii ends in Mid-April. This makes May a very reasonably priced time to visit the island. 

Nonetheless, the prices are likely to see a temporary spike during Golden Week or Memorial Day. An advance reservation of three months will save you extra expenses.

The weather is pleasant and warm and the temperature gradually starts to rise. The rainy season ends in March so rainfall is the least of things to worry about.

The water temperature during this time supports vibrant marine life. It is perfect for water activities including snorkeling, and swimming.

Things to do:

• Sightseeing tour around the island
• Hitting the hiking trails
• Playing golf and tennis
• Surfing at Oahu's south shore

Notable Events:

• Lei Day on May 1 in Waikiki
• Samoa Festival and World Fire-Knife Dance Championships
• Lantern Floating on Magic Island
• Memorial Day at the National Memorial Cemetery

June is the peak time of sunny and dry weather in Hawaii. It is an opportunity to learn about local culture and enjoy some Hawaiian celebrations.

Tourist season starts ramping up in the month of June. Families taking advantage of summer break flock to the island in significant numbers.

The hotel rates including that of luxury hotels are usually low in early summer. The vacation season generally peaks around the 4th of July.

Popular Events and Festivals:

• Kapalua Wine and Food Festival in Maui
• King Kamehameha Celebration
• The Pan Pacific Festival on Oahu
• Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships
• The Annual Maui Film Festival
• The Soto Zen Bon Festival

July is the beginning of the rainy season on the Hawaiian islands. However, this month experiences the least rain than other months.

The temperature is not too hot which means you don't have to worry about scorching sun. Put on some sunscreen, and sunglasses and relax on the beach.

The popular event that takes place on this island during this time includes the Prince Lot Hula Competition. This yearly event takes place on the third weekend of July.

Other popular events:

• Lahania Entertainment and Fireworks Show
• Kailua Night Market
• Prince Lot Hula Festival

Activities:

• Visiting the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• A visit to Ka'anapali Beach in Maui
• Visiting Waimea Bay on the north shore of Oahu

The first part of August is the peak season of tourist inflow in Hawaii. The Big Island tends to be less crowded during the mid-August.

This month sees a drastic rise in temperatures and rain is almost non-existent. The waves are high on the South, East, and West shores.

The most famous event that takes place in Hawaii in August is the Na Hula Festival. This cultural event is the longest-running non-competitive hula festival.

Lightweight, moisture-wicking shorts, T-shirts, and tank tops are the best picks to wear during this time. 

Places to Visit :

• Mauna Kea Summit on the Big Island
• Akaka Falls State Park
• Pololu Valley Lookout
• Mountains and Cascading waterfalls in Kauai
• Waikiki Beach in Oahu
• Haleakala National Park in Maui

Things to do:

• Go Hiking in the lush rainforest and majestic volcanoes
• Take a Helicopter Tour
• Taste fresh fruits and Seafood
• Enjoy Stand-up Paddling
• Visit Luau and experience the food and culture

In September, the ocean waves are medium to large on all shores. If you want to practice surfing, this is the best time to visit Hawaii.

The weather in September is beautiful and the island itself is less crowded. Tourism often decreases after Labor Day weekend.

Festivals and Cultural Celebrations:

• Aloha Festival on Oahu: the largest cultural celebration in Hawaii
• The Okinawan Festival
• Mokihana Festival on Kauai
• Queen Liliuokalani's birthday celebration

Places to visit:

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Haouna Beach on Big Island
• Molokini Crater in Maui
• Diamond Head State Monument in Oahu
• Napali Coast State Wilderness Park in Kauai

Things to do:

• Surfing 
• Swimming
• Paddleboarding
• Snorkeling
• Scuba Diving
• Horseback Riding

October is one of the least crowded times on the island of Hawaii. The summer holidays end in the mainland and children head back to their schools.

Rainy seasons in Hawaii begin in October and last till March. It is wise for travelers to pre-plan their trip and pack the right clothes.

This is the time that falls in between winter and summer. You can feel the temperature leaning more towards the summer's hot and humid.

Notable Events:

• Big Island Chocolate Festival
• Hawaii Food and Wine Festival
• Honolulu Pride Festival
• Big Island Lilikoi Festival
• Kauai's Coconut Festival
• Halloween in Hawaii

November is the time when you can enjoy a peaceful and affordable vacation. The winter begins but the temperatures are still favorable.

The island is less crowded with only a few people around. This means the lodging rates are cheaper and an opportunity to purchase snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking tours.

Hawaii's Kona Coffee Cultural Festival takes place in early November. You will get the opportunity to enjoy delicious local coffee during this time.

Things to do:

• Hula O Na Keiki hula competition
• Basketball at Maui Invitational
• Visiting Pearl Harbor
• Whale watching along any coast
• Tasting the ethnic cuisine of Hawaii
• Stargazing atop Hawaii's Highest Peaks

December is the wettest month of the year in Hawaii. The temperature cools off and the sky is often clouded.

The hotel rates are generally lower in the winter and higher in the summer. The last two weeks of the month see a great number of tourists inflow on the island.

Best activities:

• Swimming at Maui
• Surfing at Oahu
• Solitude at Lanai
• Fishing at Kailua-Kona
• Whale watching at Maui