When is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii? A Guide to Popular Islands and Regions
Hawaii is a year-round paradise, but knowing the best times to visit each region can help you make the most of your trip, whether you’re after fewer crowds, ideal weather, or seasonal activities.
Competitours brings you this amazing list of Hawaii’s most popular destinations and the best (and worst) times to visit each.
12 Most Popular Destinations in Hawaii
1. Oahu (Honolulu and Waikiki)
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November. During these shoulder seasons, you’ll find mild weather, fewer tourists, and lower hotel prices, making it ideal for beach days and exploring Oahu’s cultural sites.
- Worst Time to Visit: December to February. Winter sees higher prices and crowds, especially in Waikiki, and can bring larger waves to North Shore beaches, great for surfers but not ideal for casual swimming.
- More Information: Visit Oahu
2. Maui (Lahaina, Hana, and Haleakalā National Park)
- Best Time to Visit: April to early June and September to November. Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower rates make these months perfect for the Road to Hana, hiking Haleakalā, and enjoying Maui’s beaches. A great place for a surprise vacation!
- Worst Time to Visit: July and August, when tourism peaks, causing higher prices and crowded beaches. December to February can also be crowded, though it’s a good season for whale-watching if that’s your interest.
3. Big Island (Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Kona)
- Best Time to Visit: November to March for lower humidity and the chance to see lava flows in cooler weather. Winter is also great for whale-watching along the Kona Coast.
- Worst Time to Visit: June to August, when temperatures rise, and tourism peaks around Kona’s beaches. Crowds can make popular attractions like Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park busier.
- More Information: Explore the Big Island
4. Kauai (Waimea Canyon and Napali Coast)
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November. These months offer fewer tourists, milder weather, and good conditions for exploring Kauai’s lush landscapes and iconic cliffs of the Napali Coast.
- Worst Time to Visit: December to February, when heavy rains can lead to trail closures and muddy conditions, especially along the Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon.
5. Molokai (Kalaupapa National Historical Park)
- Best Time to Visit: May to October. The warm, dry weather is perfect for exploring Molokai’s serene beaches and Kalaupapa National Historical Park, where mule rides and hikes are popular.
- Worst Time to Visit: November to March. Winter storms can bring rain and rougher seas, making it harder to access some of the more remote areas of Molokai.
6. Lanai (Hulopoe Bay and Shipwreck Beach)
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November. Pleasant weather, less humidity, and fewer tourists make these months ideal for Lanai’s outdoor activities, including snorkeling at Hulopoe Bay.
- Worst Time to Visit: December to February, when Lanai can see more rain and cooler temperatures, affecting visibility for snorkeling and scuba diving.
7. Waikoloa (Big Island)
- Best Time to Visit: November to March. Cooler temperatures and drier conditions make it pleasant for golfing, beachgoing, and visiting local attractions like Anaeho’omalu Bay and the Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve. Waikoloa can be a very cool place for amazing race games!!!
- Worst Time to Visit: July and August, when peak tourism season brings higher hotel rates and crowded beaches, although weather is reliably warm.
- More Information: Waikoloa Beach Resort
8. Hilo (Big Island’s East Side)
- Best Time to Visit: April to September. These months bring slightly drier weather to the typically rainy Hilo area, making it easier to explore waterfalls, botanical gardens, and nearby Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.
- Worst Time to Visit: November to March, when rain is heaviest, which can make outdoor activities challenging and impact visibility at some of the scenic spots.
9. North Shore, Oahu
- Best Time to Visit: May to September. These months bring calmer waves, ideal for snorkeling and swimming at beaches like Waimea Bay and Shark’s Cove.
- Worst Time to Visit: December to February, when massive waves attract surfers from around the world, making it dangerous for swimming. However, surf enthusiasts will enjoy competitions during this period.
- More Information: North Shore Surfing Events
10. Poipu (South Shore, Kauai)
- Best Time to Visit: April to September. Poipu has sunnier and drier weather compared to other parts of Kauai, with pleasant conditions for beach time and snorkeling.
- Worst Time to Visit: November to February, when rain is more frequent, though Poipu generally remains sunnier than Kauai’s North Shore.
11. Haleakalā (Maui)
- Best Time to Visit: September to November. Clear skies and fewer tourists make this a great time to experience the sunrise or sunset from Haleakalā Crater, a must-do in Maui.
- Worst Time to Visit: December to February, when holiday crowds gather, making it necessary to reserve sunrise tours far in advance.
12. Waikiki Beach (Oahu)
- Best Time to Visit: April to June. Enjoy Waikiki Beach with fewer tourists, mild weather, and good surfing conditions for beginners.
- Worst Time to Visit: December to February, as holiday crowds and higher hotel rates make this peak tourist season, which can make it harder to find a good spot on the beach.
No matter what time you visit, Hawaii offers amazing and memorable experiences across its islands!
