"When one thinks of Hawaii, they picture a lush, tropical paradise with palm tree-lined beaches, lush mountains, hiking trails lined with huge ferns and fragrant flowers, and tribal customs that continue to be practiced through exciting hula and fire knife dancing.
Hawaii is one of our favorite U.S. travel destinations because it is stunning and biodiverse. Depending on how you spend your time and when you visit, the islands can feel rugged and adventurous, lively and vibrant, or romantic and secluded.
Hawai'i is a fantastic place for any vacation, whether your goal is to explore the breathtaking beaches or learn more about the distinctive local way of life.
In general, April and May in the spring and September and October in the fall are the greatest times to visit Hawai‘i because of the nicest weather, the lowest statewide rates, and the fewest guests on-island.
These periods are sometimes referred to as the ""shoulder months"" or the ""off-season period"" in Hawai'i. However, most people find that these are the finest months to visit.
Hawai'i experiences its busiest summer tourism season in July, when tourists from the mainland flock to the island. Well-known locations like Waikīkī Beach are bustling with activity, attracting a vibrant mix of surfers, sun worshippers, and families taking in the island vibe. There are still many ways to avoid the crowds, though, such as visiting less-traveled beaches on nearby islands or secret hiking trails.
Generally speaking, April through June or September through October are the ideal times to visit Hawaii. Compared to popular seasons like the summer and winter holidays, these months provide milder weather, less precipitation, and less tourists.
June through August is the ideal time of year to visit Hawaii. During these months, there are plenty of exciting festivals and activities to check out while you're in paradise, mild crowds, and warm, dry weather that's ideal for hiking trails and beaches.
You may skip the busiest months of January through March, which are also some of the wettest months of the year, by traveling between June and August. From June through August, warm, dry weather is ideal.
"Swaying palm trees in the wind. The air smelled of mango. Keiki splashing in the warm Pacific waters with their ʻohana. Someone is enjoying a shave ice somewhere. That's summer in the Islands, which is one of, if not the best, seasons on Hawaiʻi. Here are some reasons why you might prefer to schedule your trip around the summer months of June, July, and August, even if there isn't a season that isn't a good time to visit Hawaiʻi.
Hawai'i experiences its busiest summer tourism season in July, when tourists from the mainland flock to the island. Well-known locations like Waikīkī Beach are bustling with activity, attracting a vibrant mix of surfers, sun worshippers, and families taking in the island vibe.
Summer is the ideal time of year to visit Hawaiʻi because of the long days, pleasant weather, and abundance of mangoes. Swaying palm trees in the wind. The air smelled of mango. Keiki splashing in the warm Pacific waters with their ʻohana. Someone is enjoying a shave ice somewhere.
The weather in the summer
It may sound unattractive, but summers in Hawaiʻi can get very hot. However, when you consider it, you are on vacation in an area with a lot of beaches. That means you just have more of an excuse to jump in the ocean, which will be a much more bearable temperature thanks to the Islands’ hot summer weather. Additionally, you will experience the warmth of the Hawaiian sun if you have traveled from a colder climate.
The Year's Longest Days
Hawaiʻi has the longest days in June and July, so if you want to make the most of your Hawaiian vacation, schedule it around those months. In contrast to winter months like November and December, when the sun may set before 6 p.m., summertime sees the sun rise past 7 p.m. As a result, both tourists and residents have an additional hour and a half to hike, go to the beach, take a block stroll, or go snorkeling before nightfall.
A leisurely hike can quickly become a more dangerous version of a Slip 'N Slide when it starts to rain. Thankfully, there is a far lower chance of bad weather ruining your trek if you choose to go during the summer. It's terrible that you might not be able to see a waterfall, but you know what's worse? falling from a peak.
If Crowds Are Your Thing
It is nearly hard to avoid crowds here in Hawaiʻi during the summer, even though many of us travel specifically to do so. However, that doesn't mean it's horrible just because it's crammed! There is a certain kind of pleasure to be enjoyed when surrounded by a large number of people, whether it is in the busy streets of Lahaina or the lively crowds of Waikīkī.
You may almost certainly find a festival for you, as many annual festivals have made summer their time to shine, from the Duke's OceanFest in Waikīkī to the Kōloa Plantation Days on the sunny southern shores of Kauaʻi. Admire euphonium music? In June, the renowned educator and entertainer Roy Sakuma hosts the ʻUkulele Festival Hawaiʻi. Do you want to eat and drink? During the summer, the world-famous Kapalua Resort hosts the Kapalua Food and Wine Festival, which honors epicurean cuisine with the best in wine and food.
It's difficult to avoid being outside in the summertime, with everything from blooming flowers to brighter skies and less rain. Since many plants and flowers, including plumerias, bloom in the summer, botanical gardens are worth visiting. Additionally, outdoor picnics are a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones without worrying about inclement weather spoiling the fun. If you recently got engaged and want to have an outdoor wedding, you might want to schedule it for the summer as well, as the rain is less likely to ruin your special day.
"Hawaii's winters have a certain allure that no other season can equal. It's the perfect winter getaway because of the balmy temperatures, festive celebrations, beautiful scenery, and thrilling outdoor activities.
Hawaii's winters have a certain allure that no other season can equal. It's the perfect winter getaway because of the balmy temperatures, festive celebrations, beautiful scenery, and thrilling outdoor activities. All of these enchanted components come together in Prince Waikiki, guaranteeing an unforgettable Hawaiian getaway filled with leisure, exploration, and the unmatched friendliness of the islands. Let's explore why winter is the best time of year to enjoy everything that stunning O'ahu has to offer.
Hawaii experiences winter temperatures in the mid-70s to low-80s (°F), while the majority of the United States is blanketed in layers of snow and cold. You can easily explore O‘ahu or unwind poolside at Prince Waikiki thanks to this ideal balance of warmth without the intense summer heat. After a day of activity, our oceanfront pool deck is the perfect place to rest because it offers stunning views and a stylish yet laid-back vibe. The pleasant winter weather makes it simple to take use of all the facilities our hotel has to offer, whether you're lounging in the sun, cooling down in the pool, or sipping cocktails at twilight.
With famous waves pouring into the North Shore, winter is O'ahu's busiest time of year for surfers. The North Shore, which is only a picturesque drive from Prince Waikiki and is home to well-known surf locations like Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, and the Banzai Pipeline, gives visitors a close-up look at the breathtaking force of Hawaii's winter surf. Is it on your bucket list to see a surfing competition? Check out this comprehensive guide to North Shore surf competitions for the winter of 2024–2025. These famed waves create an exciting atmosphere, regardless of whether you're an experienced surfer or just like to watch from the shore.
Hawaii's winters provide for a tropical take on holiday celebrations. Events like the Honolulu Marathon, Waikiki Holiday Parade, and Honolulu City Lights bring the island together to celebrate the season and light up O‘ahu. Many of these celebrations are conveniently close to Prince Waikiki, making it easy for visitors to join in and experience Hawaii's distinctive holiday customs. As you travel to the Honolulu City Lights, take in the sights of the holiday lights while unwinding on the Holly Jolly Waikiki Trolley.
Hawaii's winters are known for being rainy, but don't let that stop you; the island's natural beauty is enhanced by the typically short showers. O'ahu becomes a verdant paradise with vivid green valleys and breathtaking waterfalls when it rains, producing scenes straight out of a dream. You can wonder at the revitalized intensity of these famous places, which are even more compelling after winter rains, by taking a quick journey to neighboring hiking locations like Manoa Falls or Maunawili Falls. Reserve a seat on a local helicopter tour for an even better perspective of some of O‘ahu’s most breathtaking waterfalls!
Winter is the ideal season for whale viewing since humpback whales travel to the warm waters of Hawaii from November to May. Seeing these amazing animals up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and O‘ahu has a number of boat tours and lookouts to witness them in their native environment. Prince Waikiki is near the harbor and only a short drive from some of Honolulu's top whale-watching excursions. Imagine beginning your day with a whale-watching excursion and then coming back to our hotel's comforts for a sunset meal or an afternoon by the pool.
The winter months are ideal for exchanging snow for sand, experiencing Hawaii's distinct culture, and taking advantage of all that O'ahu has to offer. With everything you need to unwind, explore, and take advantage of this wonderful time of year, Prince Waikiki is a great starting point for this seasonal getaway. Your winter vacation will be full of treasured memories, whether you choose to hike to waterfalls, surf the North Shore, observe whales, or just relax by our infinity pool.
"The cost of a five-day trip to Hawaii can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per person, depending on your preferences for lodging, dining, and entertainment.
On average, previous visitors have spent one day:
$128 for meals
$37 for local transit
$429 for lodging
The average cost of a two-person, one-week trip to Hawaii is $5,502. This covers lodging, meals, local transit, and sightseeing.
Budget tourists in Hawaii typically spend $149 per day, mid-range tourists pay $393 per day, and luxury tourists spend about $1,096 per day.
A visa is not required for Hawaii for travelers from some countries, including those qualified for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which enables access for up to 90 days without a visa. All foreign tourists must, however, enter with a valid passport or other safe document. Verifying the specific requirements prior to travel is crucial because they may differ depending on your country of citizenship.
Depending on your nationality, the cost of a tourist visa to Hawaii varies. You might have to pay a set amount as a processing fee for your visa application if you are traveling abroad. Depending on your citizenship and the length of your stay, the cost of a tourist visa might vary from $160 to $240+. To find out the precise cost that applies to your case, it is best to visit the U.S. Department of State's official website or speak with a reliable travel agent.
Food is a celebration of life, family, friends, and loved ones in Hawaii. At the end of a long workweek, you'll frequently see huge families gathered over a buffet-style meal, and you'll also see employees having a box lunch by the ocean. However, in the world's most remote chain of islands, food functions rather differently.
Hawaii, fortunately, is lush, green, and constantly expanding. Mango, guava, avocado, star fruit, coffee, noni, coconut, lemons, limes, longans, rambutans, and more grow wild. Additionally, the tropical heat helps farmed foods thrive. These foods are plentiful, inexpensive, and healthful because they are grown on the islands themselves.
This one may sound a little lackluster, but trust us when we say that Hawaiian fruit is superior to mainland fruit in terms of freshness, sweetness, and flavor. In Hawaii, visiting a farmer's market is the finest way to sample fresh fruit. Throughout the week, each island hosts several farmer's markets where you may purchase inexpensive fresh vegetables.
We suggest attempting some of the more difficult-to-find fruits. The Asian fruit known as longans looks like a round grape. The white, translucent flesh beneath the shell of this fruit is surprisingly sweet.
You'll have no trouble locating some delectable Mexican food while on vacation in Hawaii because of its unique cultural fusion. Fish tacos, one of Hawaii's specialties, are also not to be missed. Since it's a straightforward dish, it must be prepared flawlessly to be noticed. Additionally, these delicious tacos are made by local chefs using fresh Hawaiian fish and fruit.
Perhaps the most tender meat you'll ever taste is huli huli chicken. Whole chickens are slow-roasted over hot coals which creates for a smokey rotisserie chicken that slips off the bone. Additionally, the skin is spiced with a little salty and spicy rub and citrus, typically pineapple.
The plate meal derives from the American Deep South. It's similar to a meat-and-three, but the plate lunch is uniquely Hawaiian due to the foreign influences present on the islands.
This is a flavor-filled, traditional Hawaiian dish. Cubed pork, typically the fatty pork belly, is wrapped in taro leaves and steam-cooked in traditional Lau lau. As the oily fish melts during the steaming process, a piece of dried butterfish is occasionally added to the pork to enhance its flavor. Additionally, the soft flesh is seasoned with a generous amount of salt.
Manapua could be mistaken for Chinese boa, and you wouldn't be incorrect. Hawaiian cuisine has been greatly influenced by Chinese cooking. A lot of Hawaii's supply of manapua, a delicious steamed bun stuffed with flavorful pork, comes from takeout restaurants.
"Hawaii is typically reached by air. It is the most well-liked and quickest route to the islands. All four of Hawaii's major islands are reachable by air on direct and connecting flights from North America and other nations.
Hawaii is an island chain in the midst of the Pacific Ocean, so it is not possible to go there by car. However, many people choose to rent a car to get around after arriving in Hawaii via plane or boat. The tourist and more populated regions of the islands have well-maintained roadways, although the quality of the roads in the rural areas varies. Rough country roads might be washed out by heavy storms.
Drives around Hawaii's islands, such as the Big Island's Chain of Craters Road and Maui's Road to Hana, are especially picturesque. If you want to see and see as much of the Big Island as you can, you will need to rent a car.
Rail travel to Hawaii is not feasible. Tourist trains in Kauai and Oahu are the only trains that run within the Hawaiian islands. These trains transport passengers to former sugar cane plantation locations with coastal vistas using ancient rail lines.
A lot of tourists decide to take a cruise ship to Hawaii. From North America to Asia and Australia, cruise lines all around the world offer the wildly famous Hawaiian cruise. Hawaiian cruises are usually multi-night water excursions that visit two or more Hawaiian islands, departing from ports such as Vancouver, Los Angeles, Miami, and Tokyo.
Although they take longer than flying, cruises give an all-inclusive experience that includes meals, beverages, snacks, and entertainment for the course of a five to fourteen-night or longer trip.
