Planning by the Seasons
Weather, whales, and wallets - find your perfect wedding window
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerFinding Your Perfect Window
People from the mainland think Hawaii has one season: perfect. But we locals know the subtle shifts that make all the difference. Choosing your date is about balancing sun, crowds, and cost. Let's find your perfect window.
A Tale of Two Sides
Understanding Microclimates
The Big Island's massive volcanoes create distinct climate zones. Where you get married has a huge impact on the weather you can expect.
Kona & Kohala Coast (West)
This is the "dry side" or leeward side. It sits in the rain shadow of the mountains and is known for its endless sunshine and arid landscape. The major resorts are located here for a reason. It's the safest bet for an outdoor ceremony year-round, receiving as little as 10 inches of rain annually.
Best For: Year-round outdoor weddings
Hilo & Hāmākua Coast (East)
This is the "wet side" or windward side. It's a lush, tropical paradise of rainforests, streams, and waterfalls. This is thanks to the more than 120 inches of rain it receives each year. While stunningly beautiful, an outdoor wedding here absolutely requires a solid indoor backup plan, especially during the winter months.
Best For: Indoor venues with views
Seasonal Breakdown: Finding Your Perfect Time
Hawaii really only has two seasons: kau (summer) from May to October, and hoʻoilo (winter) from November to April.
Winter (November - April)
This is technically the "rainy season," though showers are often brief and localized, especially on the Kona side. Average daytime temperatures are wonderfully pleasant, around 78°F (25.6°C). The true magic of winter is that it's Humpback Whale Season. From December through March, thousands of these majestic creatures migrate from Alaska to our warm waters to mate and give birth. A whale-watching tour is an unforgettable activity for your wedding guests. You may even spot them breaching from the shore during your ceremony.
Temperature
~78°F
Rain
Brief showers
Crowds
Peak season
Highlight
🐋 Whales!
Summer (May - October)
This season is warmer and drier across the island, with average daytime temperatures around 85°F (29.4°C). This is also the official Pacific Hurricane Season (June through November). While direct hits on the Big Island are historically rare, it's always wise to be aware.
Temperature
~85°F
Rain
Drier
Crowds
Moderate
Note
🌀 Hurricane season
Tourist Seasons & Your Budget
Aligning your wedding date with tourist seasons can have the single biggest impact on your budget and the overall experience for your guests.
📈 Peak Seasons (Highest Cost & Crowds)
The island is busiest and most expensive from mid-December through March. This encompasses the Christmas holidays and spring break. The summer months of June through August are also very popular due to family vacations. During these times, expect higher prices for flights, accommodations, and rental cars. Book everything well in advance.
Pro: Best weather guarantee
Con: Highest prices, most crowded
✨ Shoulder Seasons (The Sweet Spot)
The months of April, May, September, and October are, in my opinion, the absolute best times to visit the Big Island. The weather is typically fantastic. The peak season crowds have dissipated. You'll find much better value on travel and lodging. Planning your wedding during these "shoulder months" offers the perfect balance of sun, savings, and serenity.
Pro: Great weather, lower prices, fewer crowds
Con: None - this is Kalani's top pick!
Choosing your season is about more than just logistics. It's about the atmosphere you want to create. If your dream is a sun-drenched week of beach parties with your guests, a shoulder season wedding on the Kohala Coast is your answer. If you're drawn to a more dramatic, moody, and spiritual vibe, a winter wedding near Volcano could be incredibly powerful and unique. The mist in the rainforest and the whales breaching offshore create an unforgettable backdrop.
For Your ʻOhana: Guest Adventures
Your wedding is the main event, but for your guests, it's also a Hawaiian vacation. Giving them a list of can't-miss experiences will make their trip truly memorable. It shows them the island I love. Here are some ideas for group fun.
Big Island Group Activities
🏔️ For the Adventure Seekers
There's no better group activity than a trip to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Walk through the Thurston Lava Tube. See the steam vents. Look out over the vast Kīlauea caldera. For a truly magical ocean experience, book a night snorkel or dive with the giant manta rays off the Kona coast. It's an otherworldly encounter that your guests will talk about for years.
🌺 For Relaxation & Culture
Arrange a group tour and tasting at one of the many famous Kona coffee farms in the upcountry above Kailua-Kona. For a perfect beach day, head to the expansive white sands of Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area. Or, for a more laid-back afternoon, explore the charming art galleries and boutiques in the small town of Holualoa.
🎉 Welcome Party Idea
Instead of a formal rehearsal dinner, consider hosting a casual welcome lūʻau. It's a wonderful way to immerse your guests in Hawaiian culture. Traditional food, music, and hula set a festive tone for the wedding weekend.
Island-Hopping for Guests Extending Their Stay
Many of your guests will fly through Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu and may want to extend their trip to explore another island. This is a perfect opportunity to suggest some incredible experiences that are unique to Oʻahu. Here's a perfect two-day itinerary you can share with them.
Day 1: History & Remembrance
A visit to Pearl Harbor is a must for any first-time visitor to Hawaii. It's a powerful and moving experience that honors a pivotal moment in history. Guests can visit the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. Booking a comprehensive tour in advance is highly recommended to make the most of the day. You can find official tour information at pearlharbor.org.
Day 2: Fun & Adventure
For a complete change of pace, they can head to Coral Crater Adventure Park. It's a fantastic destination for groups and families looking for some thrills. The park offers exciting activities like jungle ziplining, off-road ATV tours, and the impressive Adventure Tower with its climbing walls and aerial challenge courses. It's a day of pure fun and adrenaline. More information is available at coralcrater.com.
You're Ready to Plan Your Big Island Wedding!
You now have all the tools to create a beautiful, stress-free Hawaiian wedding. A hui hou!
🗺️ Wedding Guide
📅 Best Months
Apr, May, Sep, Oct ⭐
Nov-Apr (🐋 whales!)
May-Oct (warmer)
🌤️ Weather Tips
- Kona side: 10" rain/year
- Hilo side: 120+" rain/year
- Winter: 78°F average
- Summer: 85°F average
🎉 Top Guest Activities
- Volcano National Park
- Manta ray night snorkel
- Kona coffee farm tour
- Hāpuna Beach
- Welcome lūʻau party
💡 Kalani's Tip
Book your wedding for April or October if you can. These months offer the perfect balance of great weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. It's when I'd choose to get married here.