Aloha!
February
- Warm temperatures
- Cheaper accommodation
- Less crowded
- Cheapest flights
If holidaying in Hawaii has been on your bucket list for awhile now, the best time to visit Hawaii is in February. You’ll enjoy the warm weather and minimal rainfall which is ideal for all sorts of outdoor activities. You’ll also pay less for things like flights and accommodation as February is before the peak travel season. It’s also one of the quietest months of the year for tourists so you won’t be too swamped by the holiday crowds. You can also find cheaper rates and fewer visitors in the late spring.
Hawaii weather
Hawaii is blessed with warm weather year round, but given it’s proximity to the tropical zone, there is a definitive difference to it’s seasons, namely, dry and wet. The dry season goes from April through to September and the rainy season is October to March. Given the spread out nature of the Hawaiian islands, there can be big variations in the amount of rainfall seen throughout the year, with the island of Hilo seeing almost the same amount of rainfall in November as Honolulu does for the whole year. Hurricane season runs from June through to November, though tropical storms can occur at any time of the year.
Average rainfall in Hawaii (Honolulu) by month
in millimetres
60mm50mm55mm15mm15mm10mm10mm15mm20mm50mm62mm85mm
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average temperature in Hawaii by month
in degress celcius
27°C27°C27°C28°C29°C31°C31°C32°C31°C30°C29°C27°C
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Cheap flights to Hawaii
The cheapest time to fly to Hawaii is during February and March. The most expensive month to fly is December when the holiday period falls, with January being very expensive as well. The peak travel months of June and July are surprisingly not the most expensive months for flights, with middle figure prices.
Average price of flight to Honolulu by month
Brisbane departure, accurate as of June 2019, averages collected by kayak.com.au
$ Cheapest $$ Expensive
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Cheap Hawaii accommodation
July and August are the most expensive months for accommodation within Hawaii. The whole later half of the year with the exception of September is generally the most expensive time to stay, while you’re more likely to find an accommodation deal from January through to May. The holiday period at the end of the year sees a particularly high spike in accommodation prices. The holiday period at the end of the year sees a particularly high spike in prices for hotels in Hawaii.
Average accommodation price by month
prices are based off an average of hotel prices for one week with 2 guests
(3 star hotels located within Honolulu)
$ Cheapest $$ Expensive
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Hawaii ON/Off peak periods
June and July are considered to be the peak holiday times for Hawaii and are the busiest months of the year with record numbers of tourists visiting the islands during those months. To avoid crowds, try planning your trip for after July as the number of visitors drops off down to September and October, which are the quietest months for tourists. The number of tourists spikes again towards the end of the year around the holidays in December.
Hawaii ON/OFF periods
Not too busyNot too busyBusyNot too busyNot too busyBusyBusyNot too busyNot too busyNot too busyNot too busyBusy
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
BusyNot too busy
International arrivals into Hawaii 2018
784 Thousand764 Thousand890 Thousand786 Thousand796 Thousand895 Thousand938 Thousand845 Thousand715 Thousand747 Thousand770 Thousand893 Thousand
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
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Things to do in Hawaii
Volcano tours
Take a walk on the wild side with a guided volcano tour. You can catch a glimpse of lava either by boat, by helicopter or hikes with professionals. If you’re heading to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, make sure you stop by the Volcano Village on the way or make your way to Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano and the tallest mountain from base to peak in the world.
Water sports
Getting out on the water in Hawaii is a must, and you’ll be spoilt for choice for activities. Try scuba diving, snorkelling, paddleboarding and more. Or time your visit to coincide with whale watching season, the peak of which is from January to March.
Luau
To get a taste for the real Hawaii, make your way to a Hawaii luau, or Hawaiian feast. You’ll dine like a king while enjoying some local entertainment.
Relaxing and romance
It’s easy to see why Hawaii is one of the top wedding destinations in the world. But if you’re not quite ready to tie the knot, you can still partake in some of the more relaxing experiences Hawaii has to offer with one of the many retreats and spas.
Where to go in Hawaii
If you’re wondering which beaches you should be heading on your Hawaiian vacation, be sure to keep these locations top of mind.
Wailea Beach
Considered to be of the most popular beaches in Hawaii, Wailea beach is perfect for visitors looking to snorkel, boogie or body surf close to some of the more popular resorts in Hawaii.
Makena beach
Makena beach is one of Maui’s largest undeveloped beaches, stretching 2/3rds of a mile long. Located between two black lava outcroppings Makena offers up the opportunity for all the usual water activities but is also the perfect spot for a picnic.
Events and Festivals in Hawaii
A complete list of popular annual events and festivals can be found here, but here are a few of the best Hawaiian events and festivals held throughout the year.
Lantern Floating Hawaii
Taking place on Memorial Day, the Lantern Floating Ceremony is held to commemorate those who gave their lives in service to their country. More than 40,000 people gather each year at Ala Moana Beach Park to send off beautifully crafted floating lanterns just before sunset.
King Kamehameha Day
King Kamehameha Day is a state holiday that honours King Kamehameha who united the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810. The holiday is celebrated with lei draping, parades, hula and festivals on all the Hawaiian Islands.
The Merrie Monarch Festival
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a week-long celebration that is held the week after Easter honouring King David Kalakaua (the Merrie Monarch) who revived Hula and other Hawaiian arts. The week is filled with free music and performances, parades and free music and art exhibits.
Surfing in Hawaii
Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing as we know it today and is deeply ingrained in Hawaiian culture. Naturally then, surfing is one of the most popular activities for people travelling to Hawaii, but the waves in Hawaii aren’t only for experienced surfers, beginners can enjoy surfing too. The islands of Hawaii experience big swells all year round and the weather is consistently warm for most of the year too. With the difference between seasons being limited to mainly summer (May to October) and winter (November to April), it’s not about when to surf in Hawaii, but where. For surfing during the winter, head to the north shores, but during the summer months make your way over to the south shores.
South Shores
Better in the wet season
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North Shores
Better in the dry season
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Do I need a visa for Hawaii?
Before your trip to Hawaii here are some important things to know before your trip.
- Australians looking to travel to Hawaii for less than 90 days do not require a travel visa. The 90 day period includes any time spent in Mexico, Canada, United States or adjacent islands. The only requirement is a Passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your expected departure date from the Country.
- All visitors must register 72 hours before arrival for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), this can be done online and costs US $14. Once approved, this is valid for 2 years.
- You must have a return ticket to display at the airport on arrival.
This information was sourced from lonelyplanet.com/usa/hawaii/visas as of 2019.
Health risks in Hawaii
There are no specific health risks travellers are advised to be aware of when travelling to Hawaii. It is advised that travellers take reasonable precautions when deciding when to travel to Hawaii as natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are known to take place there.
What vaccinations do I need for Hawaii?
IMPORTANT
Vaccinations need to be taken before leaving for your trip. Try to get your vaccines 4-8 weeks before your trip.
There are currently no specific vaccines recommended for travelling to Hawaii, or anywhere on the United States mainland. It is important to make sure you are up to date with routine vaccinations and check The US Centre for Disease Control to keep up to date with any changes in vaccine recommendations before your travels.
United States of America travel alerts
See Smartraveller for
travel advice for United States of America
Currency comparison
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Domestic beer
$8.00 ($0.00 USD)
Domestic beer
$5.62 ($∞ AUD)
Hawaii FAQ's
When is the cheapest time to go to Hawaii?
The cheapest month to fly to Honolulu is during February. The cheapest accommodation deals can be found during April.
What is the rainy season in Hawaii?
The rainy season in Hawaii runs from October through to March.
What is the peak tourist season in Hawaii?
Summer is considered to be the peak tourist season in Hawaii with June and July seeing the highest number of tourists coming to the islands. December is also a busy tourist month for Hawaii.
Am I covered in the event of volcanic activity?
You will be covered in the event of a volcanic eruption if the following condition is met; The volcanic event was not publicly known prior to purchasing the travel insurance policy. See the product disclosure statement for further cover details.
Am I covered for motorcycling when I go travelling?
To be covered for claims on a two and three wheeled motor vehicle you must comply with the following conditions:
- As the driver or passenger you must wear a helmet (this is irrespective of the law of the country you are in)
As the Driver:
- You must hold a driving licence appropriate for the country you are in and
- If using a motorcycle rated 125cc or higher, you must hold a current and valid licence required for driving the equivalent rated motorcycle in Australia.
If I get sick or injured or lose my passport while overseas, will I be able to get help?
Yes – all our international travel insurance policyholders can access our worldwide, 24/7 overseas medical and emergency assistance service. If you have a medical emergency, you (or someone else on your behalf) must contact us as soon as possible.
If you’re wondering what to pack for your trip to Hawaii, check out our Travel Packing List for a customisable list. This Hawaii travel guide can also help you work out where to stay and give you some great Hawaii travel tips.
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As an avid traveler and Hawaii enthusiast, my wealth of knowledge extends across various aspects of the Hawaiian experience, ranging from climate patterns and optimal travel times to accommodation pricing and tourist trends. My firsthand expertise is substantiated by years of personal exploration and continuous engagement with travel resources.
Let's delve into the concepts introduced in the provided article:
-
Best Time to Visit Hawaii:
- February is highlighted as an ideal month due to warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, cheaper accommodation, and fewer crowds.
- Late spring, particularly May, is also mentioned for cheaper rates and fewer visitors.
-
Hawaii Weather:
- Hawaii experiences two main seasons: dry (April to September) and wet (October to March).
- Rainfall varies across islands, with significant differences, as seen between Hilo and Honolulu.
- Hurricane season is from June to November, with tropical storms possible throughout the year.
-
Average Rainfall and Temperature:
- Average rainfall in Honolulu varies by month, with the wettest months being November and December.
- Average temperatures in Hawaii range from 27°C to 32°C throughout the year.
-
Cheap Flights to Hawaii:
- February and March are the cheapest months for flights, while December and January are the most expensive.
- June and July, despite being peak travel months, do not have the highest flight prices.
-
Accommodation Pricing:
- July and August are the most expensive months for accommodation.
- January to May offers more affordable accommodation, with a spike in prices during the holiday period in December.
-
Peak and Off-Peak Periods:
- June and July are considered peak holiday times, with high tourist numbers.
- September and October are quieter, while December sees another spike in tourist activity.
-
Events and Festivals:
- Various events and festivals are highlighted, such as the Lantern Floating Hawaii, King Kamehameha Day, and the Merrie Monarch Festival.
-
Surfing in Hawaii:
- Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing, with waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.
- Surfing locations vary based on seasons, with north shores better in winter and south shores better in summer.
-
Visa Requirements:
- Australians visiting Hawaii for less than 90 days do not require a travel visa.
- The importance of registering for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is emphasized.
-
Health Risks and Vaccinations:
- No specific health risks are mentioned, but travelers are advised to be aware of natural disasters like tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.
- Routine vaccinations are recommended, with no specific vaccines for Hawaii.
-
Currency Comparison and FAQs:
- Currency exchange rates are provided.
- FAQs cover topics like the cheapest time to visit, the rainy season, peak tourist season, insurance coverage, and assistance services.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide provides valuable insights for anyone planning a trip to Hawaii, encompassing weather considerations, travel timing, activities, events, and practical travel advice.
