Most tend to travel to Hawaii between March to September. The reason is, there’s less rain during that time (almost none during June, July and September), it’s warm and the beaches are perfect for swimming and surfing. It’s a beach paradise.
Fascinatingly, December to February also experiences a lot of travellers. This is obviously because of the Christmas season. Some travellers look forward to enjoying their holiday away from the snowy winter. It is absolute beach holiday madness!
But what can you expect from other seasons? Is summer the best time to travel? We are looking for answers.
Related article: Does it Snow in Hawaii?
Hawaii Seasons
Hawaii experiences 2 seasons. That’s summer and winter.
Whether you spend your vacation in Hawaii during summer (May to October) or during winter (November to March), each season comes with its own unique package and its own set of pros and cons. We will let you decide which package suits your holiday plans the most.
Pros And Cons Of Visiting Hawaii During Summer
Pros
Picture perfect weather
Summer is all about sunny weather. These are perfect conditions for swimming and even easy surfing, hiking and enjoying all things that belong to the glorious Summer.
Surfing
Hawaii has an abundance of waves. Whether you head to the north coast or the south, there are ample waves to keep you and your surfboard busy throughout your vacation. The perfect playground for novice surfers!
Go Bon dancing
Bon dance events are a star attraction on all the key islands. It was introduced by the Japanese plantation workers that were brought to Hawaii. Dancers rotate around a specific structure as a group of taiko instrumentalists provide the ancient melodies.
Go Hiking
This crisp summer weather takes hiking in Hawaii to a whole other level. The nature reserves are just full of lushness, you can chase waterfalls, and enjoy the incredible mountainscapes and landscapes. It brings a completely different element to captivating nature lovers and photographers.
Cons
It’s hot and humid
Sometimes it’s just too hot and too humid. If your heat tolerance is low, this can sometimes turn into a bit of an issue. If you are hiking on an unshaded landscape, you’ll have to watch out for a heat stroke.
It gets crowded
Summer vacation invites massive crowds, so you’ll be sharing a lot of the public beach places and touring places with the masses. This also means heavy traffic and long waiting time for some restaurants.
High prices
Flight rates, hotel bookings, tours – literally the price of everything will reach the same high levels as your excitement about going on vacation.
Fewer waves
Despite Waikiki being the go-to beach when in Hawaii, the waves can be a little slow and lazy, which makes the waters perfect for swimming though.
Best Places To Visit During Summer
1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Big Island
Home to one of the most powerful volcanoes in Hawaii. It’s otherworldly and a must-see!
2. Kailua-Kona – Hawaii Islands
It’s a bustling tourist area. Thanks to its incredible beach coast and historic structures and volcanoes.
3. Hanalei Pier – Kauai
It’s surrounded by cinematic-looking mountains and breathtaking ocean views. Ideal place for fishing, picnicking, swimming and having the time of your life.
4. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – Oahu
It is open for visitors, it’s also vigilantly protected and maintained.
5. Waikiki Beach – Oahu
When you think of surfing and enthralling beach outings, Waikiki should pop right into your head.
6. Haleakala National Park – Maui
Enjoy a hiking and camping trip of a lifetime! Get ready to camp under the starry skies, unbelievable sunsets and sunrises and enjoy jaw-dropping sceneries.
7. Kona Coffee Living History Farm – Big Island
A one-of-a-kind coffee tour experience awaits! Indulge in tasting some of the best coffee in the world while taking a walk through history!
8. Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park – Kailua Kona
This coastal region has light-shaded crystal clear beaches, freshwater rivers, cascading waterfalls and almost terrestrial-looking mountainscapes.
9. Hana Road – Maui
From the coastal beauty on one side and the Hawaiian verdant mountainscapes on the other. It’s like taking a drive through paradise.
10. Moloka’i’s Kalaupapa National Historical Park – Maui
Witness and experience the beauty of an almost untouched part of Hawaii. It still embodies the true spirit and beauty of ancient Hawaii. A nature lovers haven!
Recommended reading: The Islands of Hawaii at a Glace
Pros And Cons Of Visiting Hawaii During Winter
Pros
It doesn’t rain throughout the season
Yes, winter is more of a rainy season, BUT! That doesn’t mean that it will be raining throughout the winter. Winter experiences many travellers thanks to Christmas because the weather can be quite pleasant. Sometimes it’s only a quick drizzle.
The weather is cool
If you enjoy cooler temperatures, this is the perfect time to come.
Surf’s up!
Winter means the waves are more pumped and perfect for surfing. It’s the season for surfing competitions too!
Cheaper rates
Because it’s not the peak season, the rates come down, which obviously makes the holiday even better.
More rainbows and fewer crowds!
If you hate crowds, could you ask for a better combination? We think not. An abundance of rainbows to enjoy without being disturbed by the masses.
Peak whale watching season
Whales tend to be more common in the Hawaiian waters during the months of November, Jan, Feb and March. It’s the perfect time to go whale watching.
Cons
It rains
You can’t expect every day to have the sunny weather you see on Instagram during the winter season, unfortunately.
Hiking is risky
Some nature trails can be risky because some areas tend to experience flash floods(especially near small streams or waterfalls and rivers).
It’s Cold
Wet weather means cold weather. So bring your jumpers and coats.
No swimming
Swimming won’t be permitted if the rainy weather conditions get worse. It can get quite rough and dangerous.
Best Places To Visit During Winter
These are a few of the best places to visit during the winter season in Hawaii if you do want to experience a little bit of snow and immerse in the best of the winter season!
- Maui – Haleakala (ideal island to visit for whale watching)
- Hawaiʻi Island – Mauna Loa
- Hawaiʻi Island – Mauna Kea
You might be interested in Weird Laws in Hawaii
The Challenging Hurricane Season
This falls between the summer and winter. While the storms can get pretty intense, it doesn’t necessarily turn into massive hurricanes every time.
This cyclonic period falls between June end and early November.
Related: Hurricane Season in Hawaii
Conclusion
It’s true. Hawaii is an all-year-round beach destination. But there is much to enjoy and some things you’d wish you can avoid in each season. But each is worth experiencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it rain during the summer season?
Yes, it does rain sometimes.
What are the best islands for year-round surfing?
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island.
Which season brings more mosquitos?
The summer
On which islands can we do helicopter tours?
Oahu, Maui, Kauai or the Big Island.
Are there seasonal festivals in Hawaii?
Yes, the Lantern Floating Festival and the Honolulu Festival take place in Spring time. The Aloha Festival falls in September.