The Best Time to Visit the Big Island, Hawaii

See Also

• Where to Reside on the Big Island

When is the Best Time to Visit Big Island?

The optimum time to visit Big Island is from May through October, when sunshine prevails and rain is scarce. Temperatures vary between 68°F and 87°F. As an island, hurricanes are possible but rare. Summer vacation is a very popular time in Hawaii, so airfares and room rates will be at a maximum.

• Optimum Occasion to Go to the Volcano: While situations could vary anytime, the lava season has ended. There is no molten rock flowing anywhere on the island but that does not signify there is nothing to behold at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It is thrilling merely to stand at the edge of the newly-expanded crater and contemplate what is happening below the earth`s crust. Visiting the park depends fully on what you plan to do there. Robust hikers will discover the climate to be most clement in winter when days aren`t too warm. The volcano can be cool and misty year-round. Transparent skies for stargazers are more likely to arise in winter months and since the park is open continuously, it is an excellent place from which to view the heavens.
• Best Time to Visit Waipi`o Valley: Accessing this village can be done one of two ways, either via a 4-wheel drive vehicle equipped to handle the terrain, typically on a guided tour or in a rental that`s suitable, though experience is recommended given the conditions. The steep section of road less than a mile long presents the major challenge with a 45% grade. What descends must eventually ascend again. Under no circumstances should a standard 2-wheel drive rental be taken down into the valley. Booked alternatives like tours or walking are safer options. For seeing Waipi`o Valley, aim for the drier months between May through September in the locale`s climate. Note: If going independently, get guidance from locals about river conditions to avoid floods during rains. Walking out involves starting early with ample water and taking refuge at the beach in the heat of midday due to the arduous climb back up.
• Best Time to Experience Authentic Hawaiian Hula: The annual Merrie Monarch Festival takes place in Hilo every April. It’s considered the cornerstone event for Hawaiian hula and while yes, you can observe hula throughout the islands, this occasion elevates this Hawaiian art form to the level of Olympic competition. Make your reservations and accommodations well ahead of time.
• Best Time to Get Hopped up on Caffeine: Kona coffee is globally respected as some of the finest in the world, and each November, the island transforms into a festival grounds of events dedicated to the bean. The Kona Coffee Festival includes a pageant, farm tours, art shows, live music, and several tastings. The crop is available year-round, but if you live for the bean, visit in November, when coffee takes center stage.
• Best Time to Visit Farmers’ Markets: The Hilo Farmer’s Market is at its busiest on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You’ll always find something tasty and new to try here. But for many visitors to Hawaii, farmers’ markets are about 2 popular items: avocados and mangoes. Peak mango season is from July to October, while avocados appear from August to November. Go in August if you want both. And while the Hilo Farmers’ Market might be the most famous on the island, don’t miss smaller local markets like the one in Honoka’a, or the Waimea Farmers’ Markets. They’re less crowded with tourists and the chances of getting truly locally grown produce are higher. If you’re seriously going to shop, try to get to the markets before 10 am to find more variety.
• Optimal Time for a Visit to Mauna Kea: While there are a few operators willing to transport visitors past the Onizuka Center, about halfway up Mauna Kea, some reflection on whether a summit trip is truly necessary seems wise. Mauna Kea is profoundly significant to native Hawaiians, and many would prefer it not serve primarily as another tourist attraction. Guests are warmly welcomed at the Space Center, and clear evenings usually provide astronomers from the University of Hawaii leading viewing events and telescope access. The skies tend to be clearest and most conducive for stargazing during the dry season from November through May.
• Best Time to Visit ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center: It is always a good idea to have a rainy day activity planned, and ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is one such option. This center has hands-on science and nature displays and a planetarium with multimedia shows. Any rainy day provides a good opportunity to go here, though they are closed on Mondays
• Best Time for a Visit to the City of Refuge: Pu’uhonua o Honaunau is a must-see location on Hawaii`s Big Island. This historic park functions as both a nature reserve and cultural center, and it’s also one of the most beautiful places on the island. The park is accessible from 7 am until just after sunset throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. Temperatures can become rather high in the exposed areas; plan to explore early in the morning or towards dusk if you wish to avoid the heat.
• Best Period for Family Beach Time: The ocean reaches its maximum warmth while the surf is at its gentlest during summer break for children. Introduce your little ones to the ocean from June to August. Be aware though, hurricane season begins in June as well, and extreme weather can occur.
• Best Time to Go for a Serious Workout: October hosts the famous Ironman World Championship on the Big Island, so if you’d like to go for a very long run (and swim and bike ride) with around 2,500 of your most dedicated exercise companions, October is the ideal time to do so. The renowned race does impact availability so if you’re planning to travel to Hawaii in October, check this year’s race dates and book well in advance.
• Optimal Time for Cowhands: Farming cattle is a significant piece of Big Island culture and riding horses is a well-liked activity here. There are roughly a dozen places that provide structured rides through an assortment of terrains – opt from beaches, waterfalls, and Waimea’s grasslands. If you’re at ease riding, consider a sunset journey for remarkable panoramas down the Island’s windward side. To see the vibrant traditional attire Hawaiian women adopted allowing them to ride just like the men, intend to be on the tropical island on June 11th for King Kamehameha Day and witness the Pa’u Riders parade.
• Best Time to Spot Manta Rays: The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa on the rocky promontory at Keauhou has long served as a popular viewing spot for manta rays – the hotel turns spotlights onto the water every evening and off-shore excursion boats do the same. Spring, summer, and fall present the best viewing conditions; in winter, powerful surf can make seeing mantas less likely.
• Best Period to Visit Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens: With its lush overhead canopy, exploring these gorgeous gardens can be a rainy day activity in all but the most persistent of downpours. The garden tends to feel humid and buggy throughout the day; you’ll want mosquito repellent, water, and sturdy shoes no matter the time of day you go. The Garden is accessible from 9 am to 5 pm daily, except on Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day; admissions close at 4 pm. It rains here year-round, with the least rainfall in June, July, and August, so you might want to bring an umbrella.
• Optimal Time for a Helicopter Tour over the Big Island: Now that volcanic activity has waned, demand for airborne views of lava has lessened. This relaxing of demand provides opportunities. Setting out flights as early in the day as possible capitalizes on superior visibility conditions before clouds potentially obscure perspectives later on.
• Best Time to Vacation on the Kona side of Hawaii Island: The sheltered side of the island, like the Kona and Kohala Coasts, has some of the nicest swimming beaches and resorts, and it’s drier through the year than the opposite side. However the climate is at its best here from November to May, making it an ideal winter vacation destination.
• Prime Time for Whale Watching: The whale watching season runs from November through March, but the ideal time to spot these marine giants is from January until March. Traveling north up the Kohala Coast from Kona during the peak whale period, one need not even leave the shore to see humpbacks; they can often be observed when standing on the beach. Embarking on a whale watching excursion provides significantly more flexibility and allows getting much closer to the whales, but it is still remarkable to view whales breaching and emerging from the water high into the sky from land.
• Best Period to Observe Hawaii’s Massive Sea Turtles: It’s certainly thrilling to unexpectedly come across these magnificent greenish giants, either basking in the sun on the beach or munching on ocean plants in the water. Initially, keep in mind that these attractive creatures are safeguarded so provide them ample space and avoid touching or feeding them. You’ll locate them up and down the Kona and Kohala coasts and at the windblown black sand beach, Punulu’u, on the southern end of the island. The turtles reside on their own schedules, but there’s a slightly higher chance of encountering them in the afternoon as evidently, they prefer relaxing in the sun on the sand. Low tide – examine your chart – tends to be good too. The peak nesting season is summer so you might get fortunate and see hatchlings making their way to the water from June to August.

Big Island Weather by Month

• Weather on the Big Island in January and February: Winter months can bring rain to the Big Island, but most precipitation falls at night so it shouldn`t interfere with plans. Daytime highs can reach 81°F, while nighttime lows may drop to 68°F or lower inland or on the wetter eastern side. Pack rain gear and extra layers for early and late outdoor activities, such as visiting Volcanoes National Park or summiting Mauna Kea. Cloud cover can occur during these months but don`t neglect sun protection. Surf levels peak now too, plus it`s the prime whale watching season when the cetaceans don`t care about showers. (Average Maximum Temperature: 81°F, Average Rainfall: 2.4 inches.)
• Weather Trends in March and April for the Big Island of Hawaii: The trade winds strengthen in March and rainfall can increase as well. In April, daytime highs on the dry leeward side often reach 79°F, explaining the concentration of resorts along the Kona and Kohala Coasts. Evening lows drop close to 70°F though, and the winds make it feel colder. Always bring extra layers if visiting the Volcanoes National Park as conditions there can be wet and cold. Average maximum temperature is 83°F with average precipitation of 1.6 inches.)
• May Weather on the Big Island: Summer begins in May on the Big Island; temperatures can reach 85°F. The trade winds start to blow regularly, but the sky contains fewer clouds and less rain. Nighttime lows rarely drop below 68°F by May, but if you’re staying on the windward side, particularly farther south, the winds can add a chill at night. The Pacific Ocean starts to warm up in May, averaging a refreshing 71°F. You’ll always get more rain on the Hamakua Coast and heading south, but at this time of year, odds of sunny skies increase. (Average Max Temperature: 83°F, Average Precipitation: 2.0 inches.)
• Big Island Weather in June and July: The months of June and July mark the peak travel period to Hawaii`s largest island, known as the Big Island. Throughout this time, consistent trade winds provide excellent viewing conditions for stargazers while also taking some of the edge off the heat. Daytime highs typically reach around 87°F, though the breezes help make it feel less intense. Nights remain warm as well, hovering near 73°F on average. (Average Max Temperature: 86°F, Average Precipitation 0.80 inches.)
• Weather in August and September on the Big Island: August and September represent the hottest months of the year on the island, with high temperatures averaging around 89°F while ocean temperatures reach approximately 80°F. Crowd numbers on the Big Island tend to decrease towards the end of August and early September as the climate starts to cool on the windward side of the island. Humidity levels can feel quite oppressive during this period; you may want to confirm any vacation accommodations have air conditioning. Evenings remain warm, dipping to around 75°F after dark. Though hurricane season is ongoing, it typically should not disrupt travel plans, but keeping an eye on forecasts is prudent, especially on excursion days. (Average Maximum Temperature: 87°F, Average Precipitation 1.2 inches.)
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• Big Island Weather in December: The island`s winter arrives during this month, but temperatures remain mild by most standards. Fewer windy days allow clouds to linger overhead more often while precipitation chances rise slightly. Nightly lows stay comfortable near 70°F although extra layers are prudent for early morning and evening outdoors. Typical weather finds highs averaging 83°F with around 2.8 inches of rain overall.

Big Island Events and Festivals

Big Island Year-Round

Of all the excursions available, I recommend this tour, which will give you the chance to view the most spectacular ice formations. As you enter the blue ice cave, your guide will explain how the glaciers form and how they’re being impacted by climate change.

Big Island in January

• New Year’s Day: As it`s a public holiday, finalize banking and shopping on the 31st before establishments close for the New Year celebrations.
• Waimea Ocean Film Festival: A program consisting of films, exhibits, speakers, cultural events, and more all centered around the theme of the ocean. Held across different venues along the Kohala Coast.

Big Island in February

• Valentine’s Day: February fourteenth, which is Valentine`s Day, is an extremely popular day for getting engaged among Hawaii vacationers. If you want to ask the special question in a uniquely memorable location, make plans far in advance, though it is hard to argue against a proposal happening as the sun sets on the beach.
• SOKO Open Art Studios: The artists of South Kona unveil their studios and their homes to interested art lovers. Meet the artists and see what they’re creating, where they’re creating it.

Big Island in March

• Big Island Ukulele Festival: World renowned ukulele musician and teacher Roy Sakuma is the host of this annual event highlighting this most Hawaiian instrument and its artists.

Big Island in April

• Ka`u Coffee Festival: A week-long series of occasions running from the end of April into early May, all focused on the coffee produced in the southern island region. Tastings, craft exhibitions, live performances, and large quantities of coffee.
• Big Island Chocolate Festival: Socialize with cocoa`s companion, chocolate, meet Hawaii’s cacao growers, and feast on chocolate-inspired and infused dishes.
• Taste of Jazz – In mid-July annually, the Dr. Phillips Center hosts nationally recognized jazz artists for a week-long jazz workshop which incorporates a one-of-a-kind jam session and concert.

Big Island in May

• Hawaii Food and Wine Festival: Taste the culinary innovations of over 100 international chefs, culinary personalities, and wine and spirit producers.
• Hawaii Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival: Nutriments, outfits, and tradition all converge at this festival celebrating the Asian and Pacific cultures that make Hawaii such a diverse and intriguing place.

Big Island in June

• Annual Celebration Honoring King Kamehameha: This event commemorating King Kamehameha’s unification of the Hawaiian Islands includes women adorned with elaborate costumes and flower decorations riding in the parade. Music and art are showcased at Hulihe`e Palace following the procession. A quintessential Hawaiian experience.

Big Island in July

• Independence Day: There is a parade in Kona-Kailua accompanied by music, floats, and color guards, then fireworks over Kona Bay beginning around 8 pm. It captures the spirit of a small town Fourth of July celebration but with more aloha.

Big Island in August

• Seasonal Commemorative Ceremonies: During successive weekends in August, each of four Buddhist temples on the island hosts a Bon dance to honor ancestors with music and culturally significant performances. The costumes worn are visually stunning.
• Queen Liliuokalani Long Distance Canoe Races: Named after Hawaii’s last queen, this race highlights the strength and collaboration of a wide range of paddlers. It takes place over Labor Day weekend and involves a parade and an awards luau.

Big Island in October

• Ironman Triathlon World Championship: The renowned race takes place in Hawaii annually. If you’re participating, you presumably already have your reservations arranged. If not, you’d best make them if you want to visit during race time. It’s a busy moment during this quieter part of the year, bringing thousands of people to the Island.
• Hawaii Island Festival of Birds: Hawaii is a temporary home to migratory fowls and a permanent home to birds seen in no other place. Join guided bird walks, attend informative talks, and cross off some feathered sightings from your bird register.

Big Island in November

• The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival: The Kona coast hosts many activities during the coffee celebration, an event honoring Hawaii’s most famous bean. There are farm tours, demonstrations, tastings, arts and crafts, entertainment, and more.

Big Island in December

• New Year’s Eve: December 31st, New Year’s Eve. There are fireworks displays, but they’re typically connected to hotel happenings and gatherings. There’s a show over Hilo Bay now and is easily accessible by the public.