When to Go to Hawaii
Hawaii by seasons
Hawaii is blessed with a tropical climate, bringing year-round warm weather to the islands. The state can be thought of as having two seasons, summer and winter, known in Hawaiian as Kau and Hoolio respectively. To help you plan, here’s what you need to know about the two seasons.
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May – October
Summer in Hawaii is hot and sunny, with low levels of rainfall and gentle seas. As Hawaii has a fairly humid climate, flowers bloom and forests are lush at all times of year, but if you’re planning a spot of hiking, it’s more likely to be dry in summer. Down on the coast, temperatures hit highs of around 30°C in July and August, attracting families and couples on romantic beach breaks.
Go for:
Aloha Festival: a celebration of Hawaiian culture, this is Hawaii’s largest festival, and features music and dancing throughout August, September and October.
Kamehameha Day: held in downtown Honolulu on June 11th, this floral parade of horses, floats and ‘princesses’, all decorated with flowers, is a colourful sight to behold.
November – April
The season between November and April may be called winter but don’t be fooled – the average temperature still hovers around 26°C in the daytime. It is however the wettest time of year, with most rain falling in the mountainous interior, creating Hawaii’s lush forests. Out on the ocean, waves are higher at this time, creating ideal surfing conditions and stronger currents.
Go for:
Whale watching: between November and May, humpbacks are frequently spotted in Hawaii’s waters. Head to Maui for your best chances of spotting one.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival: held on the Big Island in November, this celebration of Kona’s coffee heritage includes pageants, coffee-making contests and lively parades.
