Aerial view of a sunny Hawaiian beach

Hawaii · When to Go

Best Time to Visit Hawaii

Quick answer: April to June and September to early November. But whales, surf and sunshine make every season special. Here’s how to choose yours.

  • 75–85°F daytime temps
  • Dec–Apr whale season
  • Free consultation

Hassle-Free Dream Travel!

Google ★★★★★ 5.0 · 601 reviews
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.
Stewart Logan
★★★★★
Mikaila from The Travel Byrds put together a fantastic trip for us to Vancouver. Everything was arranged to fit our preferences including experiences I would never have known how to navigate myself. What a great way to travel, no stress, all fun — because a professional does the hard part for you.
Karen Terry
★★★★★
Amazing family vacation to Italy * can't wait to go back!
Brandie Penrose
★★★★★
We used CeCe as our travel advisor for our European trip, and she was amazing! She was able to work with a very tight deadline, listened to all of the things we asked for, and executed the trip perfectly. It was exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend her services for anyone looking to plan a trip!
Loida Martinez
★★★★★
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience with Christina Gaspari and The Travel Byrds! She made sure to ask plenty of questions at the beginning, kept in touch while planning to make sure the things she was going to book for us were what we wanted, and made sure we had all info we might need and more before our trip. The trip itself was incredible thanks to her! Not having to worry about anything and having a full itinerary ready full of amazing experiences and even relax time accounted for was wonderful! She really put in so much work for our trip which was to multiple countries! Thanks Christina! <3
Steven Alsip
★★★★★
We have traveled with Travel Byrds 5 times and we love their service, last trip to Costa Rica was amazing. Our every concern was addressed/ all needs were met. Our agent's advice and expertise are much appreciated and we will not travel again without them!
Stephanie Fitzgerald
★★★★★
Paige planned my week-long trip to Greece. From my very first call with her to discuss my vacation “must-haves”, I was impressed with both her knowledge and her enthusiasm. She listened to my wants, made suggestions based on our discussion and then perfectly planned my trip… from the islands we visited to the hotels to the excursions. As my trip got closer, she brought in another team member to do any final bookings and modifications. It was so reassuring to know that she and her team had everything covered. I worried about NOTHING. I cannot recommend her enough.
Alexa johnson
★★★★★
If I could give Sylvie more than 5 stars, I would! Planning our honeymoon to Paros, Greece and Rome and Florence, Italy felt a little overwhelming at first, but Sylvie made the entire process so easy and stress-free. She truly thought of every single detail, and I honestly couldn’t have dreamed up a better trip or a more perfect way to start our marriage. Every hotel, transfer, flight, and excursion was seamless. On top of that, the travel app she created for us was incredible. It had every piece of information we could possibly need all in one place, so even traveling somewhere completely new felt easy and organized. We never had to wonder what was next or worry about missing anything because she had already thought of it. Not only is Sylvie incredibly organized and knowledgeable, but she genuinely cares about creating an unforgettable experience for her clients. Our honeymoon exceeded every expectation, and we made memories we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. I cannot recommend Sylvie enough. If you’re thinking about booking a trip, do yourself a favor and let her handle it. It was hands down one of the best decisions we made, and we’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure with her!
Todd Brydges
★★★★★
Our trip to the Rockies and National Parks was the second adventure Sylvie planned for us, and once again she knocked it out of the PARK! 🙂 Her recommendations and family excursions were spot-on and perfectly matched our interests and family dynamic. She handled all the details, taking the stress and anxiety out of the planning process. We highly recommend reaching out to Sylvie for your next trip—she’ll make sure you have an amazing experience.

The quick answer

When Is the Best Time to Visit Hawaii?

April to June and September to early November offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds and better value. But Hawaii is a year-round destination, with tropical temperatures whenever you go.

Sunrise above the clouds at Haleakalā

Warming up, drying out

A transition from the wetter winter to drier summer, with average temperatures of 69°F to 81°F. Rainfall drops, especially on leeward coasts, making it excellent for hiking, snorkeling and beach days.

  • Drier, sunnier days
  • Great for hiking and snorkeling
  • Shoulder-season value from April
A sea turtle over a sunny reef

Peak season sunshine

Warm and dry, averaging 73°F to 85°F with gentle trade winds and calm seas, ideal for snorkeling and diving. It’s also busy with family travel, so book resorts early.

  • Calmest ocean conditions
  • Family-friendly school breaks
  • Book 6+ months ahead
Sunset over the ocean in Maui

Our favorite secret season

Still warm, at 73°F to 84°F, with the ocean at its warmest and far fewer crowds. Showers become more likely toward November, especially on windward coasts.

  • Warm water, fewer crowds
  • Better resort availability
  • Great for couples
The Maui coastline in winter light

Whales and big waves

Humpback whales arrive to mate and give birth, with peak sightings from mid-January to March. It’s the wetter season and the North Shore’s big-wave season, with festive holiday travel.

  • Whale watching from shore and sea
  • North Shore surf contests
  • Holidays book up early

Tailored to you

Best Time to Visit Hawaii by Traveler Type

Traveler typeBest time to visitWhy
Beach loversApril – OctoberWarm water, sunny skies and the best swimming and surfing conditions.
Couples & honeymoonersMay – June, September – OctoberRomantic sunsets, fewer crowds, ideal for scenic drives and relaxation.
FamiliesJune – August, December holidaysSchool breaks and family-friendly resorts and activities.
VIP travelersApril – June, SeptemberHigh-end resorts, private tours and less tourist traffic.
Adventure seekersMarch – May, SeptemberIdeal for hiking, volcano tours, snorkeling and water sports.
Surf enthusiastsNovember – February (North Shore)Big-wave season on O‘ahu and world-class surf competitions.

Your dates, your perfect plan

Tell us when you’re free and we’ll recommend the best island, resort and experiences for that season.

Plan for My Dates

Good to know

Hawaii Weather at a Glance

Temperatures

Warm all year

Daytime averages of 75°F to 85°F, cooling to 65°F to 75°F at night, so any month is comfortable.

Seasons

Dry April – October

Less rain, especially on south and west coasts. November to March brings more showers, often brief.

Trade winds

Nature’s air conditioning

Northeasterly breezes blow about 80% of the year, cooling the air and keeping humidity comfortable.

Work with One of Our Travel Experts

The average person takes over 11 hours researching their vacation. Take that time back and let us handle the nitty gritty of reading reviews, asking questions, comparing hotels and more.

Turquoise bays and green ridges of the Nā Pali Coast, Kaua‘i

After a true deep dive into your requests, your travel agent will come back with a variety of suggested hotels, activities, and surprise experiences. You tell us which ones fit you best and we'll work through the logistics!

Makena Beach on Maui

You'll be equipped with an itinerary complete with the details of your trip. If anything happens along the way, you can relax knowing your travel agent will take care of everything!

Turquoise surf along Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head, Hawaii

Your Hawaii journey

Keep Exploring Hawaii

Your Dream Hawaii Vacation

Imagine waking to the sound of waves, hiking through lush rainforest and getting lost in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Tell us about your dream Hawaii trip, and one of our certified Hawaii Specialists will start designing it with you.

  • The right island and resort for your style
  • Sunrise permits, tours and tables secured
  • Upgrades and perks with our resort partners
  • Support before, during and after your trip

Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Trip by Contacting One of Our Hawaii Specialists

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