There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click on any of these links, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you (which I really appreciate, thank you!) The full disclosure policy can be found here.

What is the best time to go to Hawaii?

Hawaii is one of the most popular destinations in the world. It’s no wonder with pristine beaches, year-round warm weather, and some of the best water and adventure activities in the world. Many ask “Is there a best time to go to Hawaii?” or possibly, “Is there a worst time to go to Hawaii?”

Either way, this handy guide will help you figure out the best time to go to Hawaii. If you’re considering a Hawaii vacation, considering working with a Hawaii travel agent! If you want to know more reasons to work with a travel agent, check out why to work with a travel agent in 2021..

When is the best time to visit Hawaii

So, when is the best time to go to Hawaii? Truly, there is no bad time to visit Hawaii. The weather is always warm and you’ll always find a beautiful beach. That being said, prices do fluctuate depending on the season, the weather can change depending on the island, and there may be more or fewer crowds depending on the time of year.

Let’s break it up by season. For the purpose of this post, we’ll use winter (November-February), summer (June-August), and in between (March-May, September-October.)

Winter in Hawaii

The winter can be the best time to go to Hawaii or the worst, depending on how you look at it. The colder weather brings lots of tourists to Hawaii in search of some sunshine. We will define the winter as November-February, but remember that Hawaii doesn’t really have “seasons” and the weather does vary on every island. Generally, winter is the rainy season, but that doesn’t mean it rains everywhere.

No matter which island you’re visiting, Christmas and New Year is a very busy time. I recommend that my clients book their winter holiday vacations as far in advance as possible. Accommodations can cost up to twice as much around the holidays and many resorts sell out.

If you can avoid the winter break around the holidays, winter is a great time to visit Hawaii. During the winter months, you might even get to see humpback whales! Try visiting earlier in November (before Thanksgiving) or later in February for the best rates and lowest crowd levels.

The downside to Hawaii in the winter

Rain. In Hawaii, the winter is the rainier part of the year. However, rain can be avoided by knowing where to stay. In general, the leeward side of the islands is the dryest, and the windward side is the wettest. All islands also have microclimates.

In fact, Hawaii island has 10 out of the world’s 13 climate zones! That means it might be raining in Hilo, snowing on Mauna Kea but dry and sunny in Kona and the Kohala Coast.

Related: Trying to figure out which island is best for you? Read this post on the best island in Hawaii to visit.

Summer in Hawaii

Summer brings lots of families to the islands. This means that the cost in summer tends to be higher, as many families travel together when the kids are out of school.

Hawaii doesn’t have many adults-only resorts, so I recommend that honeymooners either choose a resort that is adults-only or try to travel outside of the summer months if they don’t want to be surrounded by children.

On another note, don’t think that expensive resorts won’t have children present. Many of Hawaii’s finest resorts have excellent children’s clubs and are a great place for families to visit. Looking for honeymoon recommendations? Check out the best honeymoon resorts in Hawaii.

June and July tend to be the most expensive months, although this can fluctuate for a variety of seasons. Many of the resorts offer kids clubs during the summer months, and many attractions have extended hours to accommodate more visitors.

Related: The questions about Hawaii that you’re afraid to ask.

If you want to visit Hawaii in the summer, I recommend trying to visit in August. Many schools are back in session around mid-August, and you’ll see prices start to go back down for many resorts and flights. Even if June or July are the only options, that’s okay! You’ll be able to find something quiet and relaxing on every island – even in the summer – if that is the kind of vacation you’re looking for.

The best time to visit Hawaii

In my opinion, the best time to visit Hawaii is during the “in-between” months. September, October, March, April, and May are relatively quieter than the other months in Hawaii. Of course, Hawaii is a year-round destination, but you’ll find better rates on resorts, better flights, and overall fewer crowds during these months.

One notable exception is the Iron Man triathlon that is held in Kona (on the island of Hawaii/The Big Island) in October. If you plan to visit the Big Island around that time, expect to pay much higher prices!

Related: My best Hawaii travel tips by a Hawaii Travel Agent.

Coincidently, May, October, and September happen to be very busy months for weddings, making these in-between months a great time for couples on honeymoons.

Families who choose to visit Hawaii during spring or fall breaks will find fewer crowds and better pricing than families who visit during summer or winter breaks.

Spring Break in Hawaii

If you’re wondering if March is a crazy month for spring break like some parts of Mexico, the Caribbean, or Florida, not really. There may be more visitors in March due to spring break, but I still find that it is a much slower month overall.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on the best time to visit Hawaii. Have any questions? I’d love to answer them! Feel free to contact me. Ready to book your travel now? Fill out a custom travel request. This will give me an idea of what you’re looking for and I can start making suggestions right away.

Hawaii Travel Tips

Dreaming of Hawaii, but not ready to travel just yet? Sign up for my newsletter! You will receive a weekly email with travel tips, Hawaii deals, and more. I’ll be there whenever you’re ready to plan your vacation. Sign up below.