What is the best time to visit Hawaii?

Knowing the best time to visit Hawaii will help you avoid setbacks and enjoy your trip to the fullest. To do this, you must take into account some fundamental aspects such as the climate in the archipelago and the unmissable festivities in Hawaii.

Climate in Hawaii

Although the climate in Hawaii is subtropical throughout the year, with pleasant temperatures in all seasons, it has two clearly defined periods: the dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March).

• Dry season (from April to October): for many, it is the best time to visit Hawaii because the low probability of precipitation allows you to visit the main attractions without any difficulty. These are the months with the highest tourist influx and the ones you should choose if you are looking to spend a lot of time on the beach and/or practice outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking or diving.
• Rainy season (November to March): Although it is the season when it rains the most, showers tend to be isolated and short-lived. This is not a recommended time to travel if you have little time to visit because some of your plans could be affected. On the plus side, it should be noted that there are usually fewer visitors, so if you are looking for peace and quiet, it is a good time to visit Hawaii. In addition, it is the season with the highest availability of accommodation and the best prices.

Main Hawaiian events and festivals

Hawaii is a tourist destination full of important attractions throughout the year. When planning your trip, it is important to consider the events and festivals it offers to choose a date that is in tune with your interests.

Events such as the Aloha Festivals or the Honolulu Festival, among others, are a good opportunity to learn about Hawaii’s history and culture. If you like sports, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Ironman World Championship or the Honolulu Marathon. Film lovers can go to the Hawaii International Film Festival. Hawaii has great offerings for all tastes all year round!

• Aloha Festivals: Throughout the month of September you will find different festivals that celebrate the spirit of aloha and Hawaiian customs. They are free and you will be able to see dances such as hula dancing, food fairs, Hawaiian music and local crafts.
• Honolulu Festival: This is the most important artistic and cultural event in Hawaii. It is held for three days in March (from Friday to Sunday) in what is a weekend full of color and fun. You will find traditional music and dances, parades of floats, food stands, workshops, crafts and, on some occasions, fireworks shows.
• Ironman World Championship: This is the most important Ironman triathlon competition in the world. It has been held since 1978, where high-performance athletes must overcome demanding open-water swimming, cycling and marathon tests. It is organized in Kailua-Kona between the months of September and October.
• Honolulu Marathon: This marathon has been held in Hawaii since 1973 and has become one of the most important in the world, reaching more than 30 thousand participants. It is held annually on the second weekend of December. The beautiful panoramic views that marathoners have along the route stand out, where they can enjoy the beaches of Waikiki and the Koko crater.
• Oahu’s Prince Lot Hula Competition: This is a celebration that takes place annually in the month of July, where different styles of hula dancing are exhibited, with traditional music and typical clothing. This ancient Hawaiian dance has been transmitted from generation to generation and this meeting is essential to contribute to its dissemination and preservation. It is a good plan to learn about the culture of the place in a very pleasant environment.
• Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival: This festival is another hula competition where Queen Emma is honored, whose story is told through artistic representations. It takes place in October in Kauai.
• King Kamehameha Celebration: This traditional parade takes place every June 11. It starts at Iolani Palace and goes to Kapiolani Park. Its purpose is to pay tribute to the monarch Kamehameha I, who is a key personality in the history of the archipelago and was responsible for the unification of the islands. On the imposing parade floats you can see typical dances, majestic floral decorations and musical groups.
• Hawaii International Film Festival: With its first edition in 1981, the HIFF has positioned itself as one of the most recognized film festivals in the Asia-Pacific region. Its objectives are to introduce new talents, Contribute to regional products and collaborate with educational programs. It takes place annually in October and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Choose the best time to visit Hawaii based on the options offered by the wide variety of events, weather conditions and your own preferences. Make your visit to Hawaii an unforgettable experience! If you want, you can consult our We Travel USA experts who will help you in a personalized way to organize all the details of your trip.