The best time to visit Hawaii: weather, whales, & wallet-friendly deals

I often get asked, “When’s the best time to visit Hawaii?” Of course, you’ll get the waves, the beaches, the food, and the sunsets year-round, so in that sense, you absolutely can’t go wrong. But the best time to visit Hawaii for YOU depends on your priorities—whether it's weather, crowds, prices, or specific activities. Here’s what I mean, based on matching your travel dates with your travel dreams:

If You Want the Best Weather: March–September

This is Hawaii’s version of a golden hour that lasts half the year. Think sunny skies, barely-there rain, and temps hanging out in the comfy 73–86°F range. June, in particular, is a weather rockstar—reliable, dry, and not too sweaty. Basically, it's having your pineapple cake and eating it too!

Waikiki Beach

Fewer crowds & lower prices: April–June, September–October

This is the sweet spot—schools are in session, the weather is still solid, and prices aren’t inflated by the tourist stampede. You’ll save cash and get a little breathing room on the beach

If Whale Watching Is Your Jam: December–March

Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii to do a little R&R (romance and reproduction), and they put on quite the show—tail slaps, breaches, and baby whales galore. January through March is peak season.

If Surfing Is Life (or You Just Want to Watch the Pros):     

Are you itching to catch some gnarly waves, or are you all about the leisurely ones?

• Winter (Nov–Feb): North Shore Oahu is the big leagues. Waves are huge, pros are everywhere, and spectators are stunned. Truly amazing.

• Summer (May–July): The ocean chills out—perfect for learning to surf or just floating with a snorkel and a noodle.

Photo courtesy of Suites and Lobbies

If You Love Holiday Vibes & Don't Mind the Crowds: December and Summer (June–August)

Hawaii gets busy during the holidays and summer breaks. Prices shoot up, beaches fill up, and everything books fast. On the flip side, the festive spirit is strong—think Honolulu City Lights, parades, fireworks, and shave ice in Santa hats.

If You Want the Best of Everything (Weather, Prices, Crowds): May or September–October

These months are like the secret menu of Hawaii travel. Great weather? Check. Lower prices? Check. Fewer people? Check. Plus, you can still snorkel, hike, eat your weight in poke, and not need a second mortgage for a beachfront view.

Bonus: What’s Going On When?

Summer Highlights (June–September):

• Surfing for beginners

• Snorkeling, night manta ray dives, beach hopping

• Luaus, hula lessons, and art walks

• Obon festivals and ziplining through Jurassic Park-looking valleys

Winter Highlights (December–March):

• Whale watching, big-wave surfing

• Waterfalls in full glory

• Holiday parades, stargazing from snow-capped Mauna Kea

• Birdwatching and cozy lava hikes

Here’s a recap based on priorities:

Priority	Best Time to Visit
Weather	March–September (esp. June)
Fewer Crowds + Better Prices	April–June, Sept–Oct
Whale Watching	Jan–March
Surfing	Pros: Nov–Feb, Beginners: May–July
Budget-Friendly + Good Weather	May, Sept–Oct
Holiday Spirit	Mid-Dec–Early Jan (book early!)

Hawaii’s basically paradise year-round, but a little timing magic can make it your paradise. Of course, it may not matter, and your priority is whenever you can get all of your people together to travel. That’s perfectly great!

Whether you’re chasing swells, sunsets, serenity or solidarity, Hawaii can be the prefect place to find what you’re looking for. And if you want help crafting the perfect trip around your priorities, that’s my jam. Let’s plan something unforgettable!