When Should You Visit the Big Island?
Understanding seasons, weather, and the perfect timing for your island adventure
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerChapter 1: When Should You Visit the Big Island?
Forget the weather app on your phone. It can't handle this island. I can be surfing in board shorts in Kona while my friends are wearing jackets in Volcano. The best time to visit depends entirely on what you want to do and experience.
Hawaiian Seasons and Microclimates
First things first, we don't really have four distinct seasons here. We have two: kau, our summer or dry season, runs from about May to October. Hoʻoilo, our winter or wet season, runs from November to April.
But don't let the word "winter" fool you. The average daytime temperature at sea level in winter is a beautiful 78°F. That's only a few degrees cooler than our summer average of 85°F.
The most important thing to understand is that weather on the Big Island is less about the time of year and more about where you are standing. The massive volcanoes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa act as a colossal wall, blocking the trade winds. This creates two completely different climate worlds.
The Leeward Side (Kona and Kohala)
This is the dry, sunny side. The Kohala Coast can get as little as 10 inches of rain per year. Kailua-Kona is a bit wetter but still averages only 20-40 inches annually. This is your reliable destination for sunshine.
The Windward Side (Hilo and Hāmākua)
This side faces the trade winds and gets all their moisture. Hilo is the wettest city in the United States, receiving over 120 inches of rain a year. This constant rain creates the stunningly lush rainforests, deep green valleys, and countless waterfalls. Most of the rain falls at night or in short, intense daytime showers that pass quickly.
☀️ Kona Side Weather
Annual Rainfall: 10-40 inches
Temperature: 78-85°F year-round
Best For: Beach days, sunshine, water sports
🌧️ Hilo Side Weather
Annual Rainfall: 120+ inches
Temperature: 75-82°F year-round
Best For: Waterfalls, rainforests, lush landscapes
Crowds and Price: The Real Deciding Factors
For many visitors, the best time to come has less to do with temperature and more to do with crowds and cost.
Peak Seasons
The island is busiest and most expensive during two main periods. The winter rush from mid-December through March, and the summer family vacation season from June through August. During these times, especially the last two weeks of December, flights and hotels can be booked to capacity. Prices for everything are at their highest.
Shoulder Seasons
As someone who lives here, this is my secret. The sweet spots are the shoulder seasons: April through May and September through early November. The weather is fantastic. The summer and winter crowds have vanished. You can find significantly better deals on flights and accommodations—sometimes up to 20-60% lower than peak season rates.
📅 Best Times
- Shoulder: Apr-May
- Shoulder: Sep-Nov
- Whales: Dec-Apr
- Summer: Jun-Aug
- Peak: Dec-Mar
🌡️ Average Temps
- Summer (Sea Level) 85°F
- Winter (Sea Level) 78°F
- Volcano (4,000 ft) 60-70°F
- Mauna Kea Summit 32°F
🗺️ Travel Guide
Planning Around "Only on the Big Island" Events
Beyond weather and prices, some of the island's most incredible experiences are seasonal. Planning your trip around one of these can create memories that last a lifetime.
Whale Season (December - April)
This is one of the most magical times on the island. Thousands of koholā, or humpback whales, migrate from the frigid waters of Alaska to our warm, sheltered waters to breed and nurse their young.
Peak Viewing: January, February, and March. You can take a boat tour for an up-close look. But one of the best things about the Big Island is that you can often spot them right from the shore, especially along the Kohala Coast.
Merrie Monarch Festival (Hilo, Week After Easter)
This is not just a festival. It is the Olympics of hula. The most prestigious hula competition in the world, this week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture completely takes over Hilo.
Pro Tip: If you want to experience the vibrant heart of modern Hawaiian culture, this is it. But be warned: accommodations in and around Hilo book up a year or more in advance.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (Kona, November)
For nearly 200 years, Kona coffee has been grown on the fertile volcanic slopes of Hualālai. This 10-day festival celebrates that legacy with farm tours, cupping competitions, and cultural events.
It's a fantastic time for coffee lovers and anyone interested in the island's agricultural history.
Ironman World Championship (Kona, October)
For sports enthusiasts, this is a thrilling time to be in Kona. For everyone else, be aware that this world-famous triathlon brings in huge crowds and causes a major spike in accommodation prices on the west side of the island.
Note: Book well in advance if visiting during this event.
My recommendation?
Visit during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-November) for the best combination of weather, pricing, and crowd levels. But if witnessing humpback whales or experiencing the Merrie Monarch Festival is on your bucket list, plan around those special times.