The great state of Hawaii out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is close enough to the equator to be subjected to tropical climates, making the year-round temperature rather constant. In the winter, rainfall increases and the nights become chilly, but that is the only notable difference.
Therefore, tourist seasons in Hawaii are more closely related to the times of year that people want to escape the cold of the mainland. Consequently, the area basically has two tourist seasons: the quiet period from spring through early fall, and the busy season during the late autumn and throughout the winter.
The holiday tourist season in Hawaii officially begins around Thanksgiving and lasts through Easter. If you want to visit during these peak travel times, it is wise to make your reservations well in advance to take advantage of package deals and early bird rates.
Since hotels charge premium rates during the height of the season, it is wise to look into available "ohanas" for private accommodations provided in neighborhoods and out in the countryside. These are traditionally much cheaper and come with amenities such as breakfast, fresh fruit and tips on low-cost --- or free --- local attractions.
After the onslaught of the winter holiday and Easter crowds, many of the tourist-related businesses significantly drop their rates. Of course, this often means that they dismiss their extra holiday staff, begin renovations and close down seasonal activities, so the accommodations and services might be slightly compromised, but this is part of the reason that discounts are offered.
Restaurants and lounges also began to host more happy hours, early-bird specials and other incentives to increase patronage. Local tour companies promote their off-season rates and the attractions they visit are much less crowded and more accessible.
June through September is traditionally the quietest for Hawaii travel and is when the airfares, accommodations and attractions on the Hawaiian Islands are at their cheapest. The waves are usually very calm, so the surfers are not around to stimulate local economies, and back-to-school activities keep many families from taking extended vacations, making it an ideal time for couples and solitary travelers to experience the islands.
Camping holidays are a good idea during late summer since there is very little rainfall and the few official campgrounds are not full to capacity. Summer also presents a great opportunity for souvenir shopping because stores use the down time to clear out merchandise in preparation for the upcoming holiday tourist season.
