Best time to visit
Honolulu, as the entire state of Hawaii, boasts perennial temperatures, making it a perfect destination any time of the year. The summer is undoubtedly the peak tourist season for Honolulu, with thousands of tourists enjoying their beach vacations. The best time to visit Honolulu for surfing is during the summer because of the higher waves and frequent swells at the south shore.
However, if you'd like to enjoy Hawaii with fewer crowds, consider coming during the shoulder seasons of fall, from late September through early November, and spring, from late March through May. During fall, the cultural scene of Honolulu revives with numerous events, including Aloha Festivals and Okinawan Festival. You can also spot humpback whales returning to their wintering grounds in October and November. Beware that the rainy season can start as early as November, so your best bet is to visit during early or mid-fall.
From late November through March, you can expect frequent rains and lower temperatures. This is also a time for the surfing season on the north shore. The weather is still warm but muddy conditions might affect your experience. During spring, you can again spot humpback whales during their annual migration, as well as enjoy the beaches with fewer crowds.
48 things to do in Honolulu, HI
Spring and Autumn Surf Season
Spring season in Hawaii is a good time to enjoy waves and master your surfing skills
Whale Watching in Hawaii
A spectacular and moving show of whales with their calves cresting and breaching around your boat
Lahaina Noon
An interesting solar position can be observed in various locations
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing
Hawaii is one of the few places in the world where you can still catch a 50 kg yellowfin tuna
Avocado
Even though avocado is not native to Hawaii, it's widely used in modern Hawaiian cuisine
Apple Bananas
Forget your supermarket bananas. Taste Hawaiian apple bananas for the first time
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
If you've ever longed for a tropical paradise, Hanauma Bay is the place of your dreams
Surinam Cherry
It doesn't look like a cherry at all, but the sour taste is somewhat close to one
Pearl Harbor Day
The historical site of Pearl Harbor on Oahu Island, where the US was attacked by Japanese forces in 1941, has a lot to offer visitors
Great Pumpkin Festival
Don't miss this event if you want to feel the real American Halloween atmosphere
Soursop
This strange looking fruit is great for smoothies
Birdwatching
Hawaii is home to a number of rare birds and a great number of seabirds
Luau Party
A trip to Hawaii isn't complete without a traditional Hawaiian party
Laniakea or Turtle Beach
A day on the beach with turtles—this is a perfect retreat Hawaiian style
Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii
A touching Buddhist custom attracts thousands of participants in Honolulu
Diving with Sharks
An extreme Hawaii experience and a great photo opportunity
Winter Surf Season
Hawaii is a surfer's paradise, especially in winter when it becomes a dynamic global surfing hot spot
Kamehameha Day
Time to commemorate the birth of the legendary king who united the Hawaiian islands
Vans Triple Crown of Surfing
Hawaii's top surfing competition for the best surfers in the world. A spectacular show for visitors!
Moloka'i Hoe
A popular and authentic Polynesian sport of canoe racing with hundreds of teams participating
Snorkeling
Hawaii is one of the best destinations on Earth for snorkeling. The underwater life here is simply fantastic
Plumeria Blossom
Plumeria flowers have become a symbol of Hawaii. Don't miss their beautiful bloom season
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Explore picturesque lagoons, tunnels, reefs, and underwater canyons of the Hawaiian Islands
Ohi'a'ai or Mountain Apples
Try these exotic Hawaiian fruits which are absolutely delicious
Aloha Festivals
A dynamic celebration of Hawaiian culture and Aloha spirit
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival
Wash the scrumptious Hawaiian dishes down with some fine vibrant wine
Moanalua Valley Trail to Haiku Stairs
This staircase has nothing in common with a Japanese poetry genre
Billabong Pro Pipeline
One of the most stunning and dangerous surfing competitions
Cherry Blossom
Japanese brought the cherry trees to Hawaii along with hanami tradition
May Day (Lei Day)
Lei is not just an accessory. This element of Hawaiian culture even has its own holiday
Memorial Day Weekend
Flower shower, floating lanterns, and other events to commemorate fallen heroes
Hawaii 4th of July Fireworks & Events
Fireworks and celebrations all over Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
A real Mecca for kitesurfers and windsurfers where surfing is a way of life
New Year's Eve in Honolulu
An exclusive opportunity to be among the last people on Earth to welcome a New Year
Chinese New Year
Join in the vibrant celebration at one of the oldest Chinatowns across the nation
Honolulu Christmas Lights
Christmas Lights is a beloved annual tradition in Honolulu
