Best time to travel to Hawaii
The best time to travel to Hawaii is anytime you have the chance! However, there are some times of the year where detailed planning is required. For instance, some months can be much colder than others. During these months, outdoor events, such as the Pearl Harbor Exhibit, might be less spectacular than indoor or underwater activities.
Other times, of course, require warmer weather while other activities require calm waters. Although your trip to paradise probably will not last forever, the memories you make should. To ensure they do, it is necessary to coordinate your itinerary with the times and the weather. That said, it is also important to remember that Hawaii is made of several different islands, each of which offers different experiences depending on the time of year.
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is a time-honored must-see for history buffs. The sacred site honors servicemen and women who lost their lives in the surprise attack that launched the United States into World War II.
If you want to avoid crowds, you should visit sometime other than during the summer. Winter holidays also reflect increased traffic. That said, water visibility is best three or four days following any rain, which can make the water silty. April to October is the best time to go, as this represents Hawaii's dry season.
Waikiki Beach
When it is time to get away, you can enjoy Waikiki Beach from April to June and again from September to December. Doing so will allow you to escape other tourists. Additionally, April and May offer relatively cooler temperatures with a broad mix of gem-quality blue skies.
In terms of temperatures, April's lowest temperatures dip into the sixties while rarely exceeding the mid-eighties. Compare this to August's temperatures that can hover in the nineties. You will be able to see how an early spring visit can be a much more enjoyable visit.
Maui
Maui offers rows of resorts along the beaches and a quaint little town center. These spots attract a lot of tourists looking for photo opportunities with local artisans and the opportunity to dine in paradise on the water. April and May offer cooler temperatures and cheaper hotel rates. Additionally, April and May are not as blustery due to the trade winds that pick up in March.
Additionally, the flowers bloom across the island in May, making this one of the best times to take in some road trips to see the famous Jacaranda trees.
A steam plume rises as lava (C) enters the Pacific Ocean, after flowing to the water from a Kilauea volcano fissure, on Hawaii's Big Island (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Volcano tours
One of the most popular attractions on Hawaii Island, otherwise known as The Big Island, is the volcanoes. Excursions to Volcanoes National Park are available throughout the year because the weather is mild and the volcanoes, themselves, active year-round. However, although they are active and able to provide a fantastic experience, the main thing to consider when booking trips is the wind.
Wind speed and direction, for instance, can direct volcano smog, otherwise known as VOG, either away from you or right into your face. Although VOG is a health hazard for everyone, it is especially dangerous for people with known respiratory problems, such as emphysema or asthma.
It is important to note that VOG is not merely pollution. Instead, it is comprised of volcanic gases. Specifically, it is an aerosol of "tiny particles and acidic droplets" that stem from sulfur and other chemicals set against high heat and pressure. Simply put, you do not want to breathe this stuff.
For calm, breathable months, avoid March, as the trade winds pick up during these times. During winter months or during March, the tour guides attempt to book tours when the trade winds are blowing northward, but winds do what winds do--they shift. As such, if you intend to travel to this amazing park and it is windy, you should also bring a filter mask capable of filtering particulates and aerosol.
Oahu
Although Oahu offers much of the same type of beautiful sights, it also offers the Waimea Waterfall. If you want to escape civilization altogether, this is a must-do activity. The best months are May and June as you will not have to endure the tourists or the muggy heat of July and August. June offers very little, if any, rain. Additionally, the cooler month of October is an excellent time to visit, as it is still relatively rain-free.
Average temperatures dip into the sixties and rarely exceed the eighties. Although hurricanes do not reach these islands, the effects of distant storms are felt. However, by the time October rolls around, the storm seasons have passed, and you can enjoy the calm island weather.
For diving, July and August are great months to go as you can enjoy the underwater ecosystem without having to endure the heat. July and August experience little rainfall. Waters are typically clear, with visibility ranging from thirty to a hundred feet.
Photo by Zetong Li
Honolulu
Of course, you have to visit the capital of Oahu. During your trip to Honolulu, you want to go in June. The beaches offer the best white-sand experience anywhere on the island, and the horizon goes on forever. Additionally, June offers the lowest amount of rain during any other time of year.
In terms of the best temperatures, April and May offer the best months for you to get away and wake up to some Kona coffee while enjoying relatively mild, early sunlight.
North Shore
Sunset Beach on the North Shore is a popular relaxation haven--with a twist. With the high waves and crystal waters, surfing contests are the norm. This can be one of the most exciting places to visit. You can jump in and brave the waves yourself. You can also sit back and watch in utter amazement as some of the best surfers in the world achieve superhuman balance along picture-perfect, white-capped waves.
If you are interested in sunlight, the best time to go is in June as it offers just over 2.5 extra hours of daylight than December. Additionally, it offers much less precipitation. In terms of cloud coverage, you will experience some varied clouds, but it is rare for a completely overcast day.
Coffee tours
As you might have noticed, most often, the best time for a trip to paradise is in early spring or halfway through fall. If you are a coffee lover, the best possible travel experience is along the Kona coast -- home to world-famous Kona coffee. You'll want to plan your trip in February or March.
During February and March, the coffee flowers are in full bloom. This blossoming is known as Kona snow, and it is available at no other time of the year. Weather can be wetter than average, for these islands, so bring an umbrella.
The coffee cherries are available for viewing from January to August, allowing you a little bit of leeway. If you want to get your hands dirty, you can help pick a few coffee beans between August and January.
In terms of sunlight, the Kona coast experiences a lot of cloud coverage. You will want to be an early riser and enjoy some sunshine between 8 am and 10 am--which is why you will need coffee to get a jump on the day. Cloud coverage increases in the afternoon and can become overcast often.
In terms of weather conditions, you can expect more-than-average chances of rain during March through October. Drier months along the Kona coast include February, November, and December.
Report a Typo
