Hawaii only has two seasons: summer and winter. For those looking for a warmer vacation, then summer in Hawaii, which lasts from May to October, is for you. Temperatures during this time range from average highs of 83 degrees to average lows of 66 degrees, with an overall average temperature of 75 degrees. There are some drawbacks with traveling at this time. First, with children being out of school for part of this time, many area attractions and beaches will be congested with local families. In addition, the summer is prime wedding season, adding even more to the crowds that flock to the Pacific islands. This increase in tourists spells an increase in price, which may sour a vacation for those looking to travel on a budget. In addition, June through November is peak hurricane season, meaning a chunk of your vacation during the summer months may get you soaked by a tropical storm, though Hawaii is often spared such natural disasters.
Winter in Hawaii is a bit of a misnomer, as the temperatures tend to be much warmer than what many attribute to the frigid season. More of a rainy season than a true winter, temperatures still can reach the 80s and really don't dip below 60, with the average still floating in a comfortable range of 70 to 75 degrees. Oddly, the peak season for travel to Hawaii is during this time, specifically around the end of December to April. This is largely due to the cold weather in the upper-continental states, which creates an influx of travel to tropical Hawaii. During this time, hotel prices are more expensive and are harder to come by. But it's one of the best destinations to temporarily chase those winter blues away. Water temperatures during these months are tepid, staying about the mid-70s. If you are planning to travel to Hawaii during this peak time, it is recommended that you book your airfare and lodging reservations well in advance.
There is a small, unofficial transitional season between the dry season and the rainy season that occurs from about September to November. It is during this time that travelers are likely to find some of the best hotel and airfare deals to the Aloha State. This season is marked by excellent and consistent weather, though it does fall on the tail end of the hurricane season. Temperatures tend to be slightly cooler, reaching the high 70s during the day and dipping about 10 degrees more than usual at night. The reason travel is significantly cheaper during this time is because local children are back in school, wedding season has come to an end and most vacationers are anticipating their trips for the dead of winter. And there are still plenty of activities to partake in during this off time, including the annual Aloha Festivals, which last for six weeks and honor Hawaiian culture.