Hawaii is the 50th and most recent state to join the United States, situated in the central Pacific Ocean. An archipelago of 137 islands and atolls, Hawaii is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rich Polynesian culture. The eight main islands — Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe — each offer a distinct personality and experience.
Hawaii enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, moderated by the trade winds that blow reliably from the northeast. Average temperatures range from 75°F (24°C) in winter to 85°F (29°C) in summer at sea level. Rain falls primarily on the windward (northeast) sides of each island and in the mountains. The leeward (southwest) coasts are dry and sunny — this is where most resorts are built. Haleakala summit (10,023 ft) and Mauna Kea (13,796 ft) experience completely different climates — temperatures below freezing and even snow in winter.
Best time to visit
Best: Year-round
Avoid: None
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
19–26 °C
February
18–26 °C
March
19–26 °C
April
20–27 °C
May
21–28 °C
June
22–29 °C
July
23–30 °C
August
24–31 °C
September
23–30 °C
October
22–29 °C
November
21–27 °C
December
19–26 °C
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Dry Season (Summer)
Months: April through October
Wet Season (Winter)
Months: November through March
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- Peak
- Months
- December 15 – January 5, July – August
- Description
- Highest prices and most crowded. Book 4-6 months ahead. Waikiki Beach very busy.
- Relative cost
- High
- Shoulder
- Months
- February – March, June, November
- Description
- Good weather, moderate crowds. 2-4 weeks booking lead time. Reasonable prices.
- Relative cost
- Medium
- Low
- Months
- April – May, September – October
- Description
- Best value months. Excellent weather, thin crowds, competitive rates. Ideal for most travelers.
- Relative cost
- Low
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing
The world's most prestigious surfing series, drawing the world's top surfers to Oahu's North Shore for up to 8 weeks of competition. Free to watch from the beach.
Honolulu Marathon
One of the world's largest marathons with 30,000+ runners from 60+ countries. The course runs from Aloha Tower to Diamond Head. Spectators line Kalakaua Avenue.
Merrie Monarch Festival
Hawaii's most prestigious hula competition, attracting the best hula halau from across the state and world. Tickets sell out months in advance. Free parade on Thursday.
Aloha Festivals
Hawaii's largest cultural festival celebrating Hawaiian heritage with floral parades, concerts, hoolaulea street parties, and cultural performances across all islands.
Kapalua Wine and Food Festival
A premier culinary event featuring James Beard Award-winning chefs, rare wine tastings, and food demonstrations at the luxury Kapalua resort complex.
Lantern Floating Hawaii
Hawaii's most beautiful cultural ceremony — thousands of paper lanterns carrying prayers and remembrances are released onto the ocean at sunset. Free to attend; arrives early for viewing space.
Maui Film Festival
A star-studded outdoor film festival at Wailea Beach featuring screenings under the stars, celebrity tributes, and film industry events at Maui's luxury resort corridor.