Are you looking for a fun vacation destination for summer break? Keep scrolling to find out what the Hawaii summer is like!
This post about Hawaii summer vacation was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning a summer vacation? Why not take advantage of the Hawaii summer weather and visit Hawaii?
Its diverse landscape and incredible beaches make it the perfect place to spend your summer days.
And there’s so much to do – whether you want to explore the jungle or just relax on the beach.
When you think of visiting Hawaii, you usually think of hot summer days lying on the beach and relaxing.
Visiting Hawaii in summer months is so much fun and will definitely give you a boost in vitamin D!
Here is everything you need to know about a Hawaii summer so you can enjoy all the islands offer.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Hawaii Itineraries, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
What is Summer in Hawaii Like?
Visiting Hawaii during the summer has lots of perks, like the 4th of July fireworks, the hot sunny days cooled by the refreshing trade winds, and almost no rainfall. Here is exactly what summer in Hawaii summer weather is like for each of the islands!
Hawaii in June
Maui in June is a sight to see. The water is bright blue, and the sun will be shining on you all day long. The Maui weather in June is usually in the high 70s, and you won’t see much rainfall at all, if any!
Visiting Oahu in June, you will see plenty of blue skies and sunshine. Temperatures are usually around 83 degrees during the day and 70 degrees at night. Oahu, during the month of June, is simply beautiful.
Hawaii’s weather in June on the Big Island is nice and hot, with temperatures averaging about 85 degrees. During the night, you can expect lows of around 72 degrees. If it does rain, it usually will in the evening or during the night, but even then, it doesn’t rain too much. It might be cloudy during June, but it will still be nice and warm.
Kauai in June is usually around 75 degrees on average during the day, tempered by the trade winds, and can get around 60 degrees at night. Because it is Kauai, you might want to expect to see some rain clouds and a few trade wind showers here and there, but they won’t last more than a few minutes at a time.
Hawaii in July
If you plan to visit Maui in July, expect to see the average high temperature of 77 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night. Make sure to wear your sunscreen whenever you go outside because it will be hot and sunny all day long!
During an Oahu summer, you will see temperatures in the mid-80s and very little rain. It is a great time to enjoy everything Oahu has to offer outdoors. From swimming in the ocean to relaxing on the sand, July is the perfect weather for a beach day!
The Big Island will be bright and sunny in July, with average temperatures in the mid-80s. The constant trade winds will provide some relief from the heat, making it a perfect time to enjoy a nice beach day and get a good tan as there will be fewer clouds and nonstop sunshine this month.
In Kauai, July is nice and sunny, with a mix of rain here and there. It is the perfect time to lay on the sunny beaches, soaking up all the sunshine you can. Because July is a busier month, the beaches might be more crowded, so look for less-known North Shore beaches to get away from all the other tourists.
Hawaii in August
Visiting Maui in August is the best time to visit during the summer if you like it nice and hot. The average temperature is 78 degrees during the day and 61 degrees at night. You won’t have to worry about it raining unless there is a tropical storm.
During the month of August on Oahu, expect temperatures around 85 degrees during the day and in the 70s at night. You will definitely feel the heat during this month with the cloudless sky and high humidity, so be sure to drink plenty of water each day of your trip.
In August on the Big Island, temperatures can get as high as 88 degrees and will feel very hot. With the heat and humidity, make sure to stay hydrated all day long and keep applying sunscreen. It is also peak tourist season, so if you do not like crowded places, this might not be the best time to visit Hawaii.
The hottest month in Kauai is in August. You will usually see temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s and plenty of sunshine. While it might still rain, it does not last very long and might even feel nice with all the heat!
Summer Activities in Hawaii
It feels like summer all year round in Hawaii, so there will always be plenty of things to do in these summer months. Here are a few of the best summer activities in Hawaii that will make your vacation so much fun.
If you are traveling to Hawaii this summer, check these out!
4th of July Celebrations
Spending the 4th of July in Hawaii will not disappoint. You will see hundreds of fireworks all over every island this July weekend.
If you visit Maui, you will find a huge fireworks display at Ala Moana Beach Park on Oahu and in Lahaina Town. Kauai puts on an incredible Concert in the Sky fireworks display, and on the Big Island, you will see plenty of fireworks and a fun 4th of July parade in Kailua-Kona.
This is definitely one of the best July celebrations to enjoy when you visit Hawaii in the summer.
Go Snorkeling
The summertime is the perfect time to go snorkeling! The oceans are usually calmer, meaning you will see plenty of exotic fish and marine life.
Hanauma Bay on Oahu is filled with hundreds of incredible fish, and if you are visiting Maui, there is an awesome Molokini snorkeling tour.
King Kamehameha Celebration
For the week of June 11th, enjoy a special Hawaii festival to celebrate King Kamehameha Day and honor this great king. You can see the special parades and festivals on all of the Hawaiian islands during this week. There is an entire schedule with when and where everything will take place.
Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center
If you are visiting Oahu, stop by the Polynesian Cultural Center. Here, you will learn more about the different islands across the Pacific, with fun, interactive islands to explore.
There is also a luau and a fun fire knife show at night. This is a fun place for families of all ages to enjoy!
It is located on the North Shore of Oahu.
Go Hiking
If you want to go hiking during your trip, it is probably best to go in the morning while it is still a bit cooler. If you go during the day when it is nice and hot, make sure to stay hydrated!
There are easy hikes, stroller-friendly hikes, and challenging hikes all over each island, so you can pick and choose what you would like to do while you are there.
Hawaii State Farm Fair
On the Hawaiian island of Oahu, during July, you can visit the Hawaii State Farm Fair. Here, you can find plant sales, farmer markets, 4-H livestock, contests, family games, and so much more.
It is definitely a fun state fair to explore, unlike anything on the mainland.
Visit Pearl Harbor
For a fun Honolulu summer adventure, check out Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor is another fun Oahu activity you can do during the summer. Some of the attractions here are free, making it a budget-friendly thing to do during your stay.
Learn more about what happened in Pearl Harbor and explore the ships while you are here. Depending on your interest and availability, this could be an all-day activity or a few hours. Many tours will stop here as well.
Foamtastic Color Fun Run
For a fun, Kauai summer activity, do this Foamtastic Color Fun Run! It takes place in August and would be the perfect family-friendly adventure while visiting Hawaii.
Visit Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is incredible and has so many fun things to do. From seeing where Jurassic Park was filmed to driving an ATV up the mountain, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the best things to do during the summer is to go to their Secret Island. They will take you to a private island with kayaks, paddleboards, hammocks, and complete serenity. It is perfect for a romantic getaway or a fun family adventure.
Kauai Rodeo
At the end of July, head to Kauai and explore a Hawaiian Rodeo. You will see barrel racing, bull riding, music, a delicious food festival, and so much more. It is another one of the best July celebrations if you love going to the rodeo during the summertime.
Road to Hana
Because it doesn’t rain much during the summer, you will have plenty of fun exploring the Road to Hana in Maui.
Make stops along the way at some of the famous spots, and have a blast on this laidback adventure during your Maui summer trip.
Prince Lot Hula Festival
During the third weekend of July, enjoy a beautiful hula festival in Honolulu. The Prince Lot Hula Festival is not a hula competition but rather a celebration where everyone comes together to observe and enjoy this beautiful Hawaiian culture and tradition.
You will also find Hawaii food, crafts, and other cultural celebrations here as well! If you love learning and exploring Hawaiian culture, this is a fun festival for you to enjoy during July.
What to Pack for a Summer Vacation to Hawaii
Packing for a summer vacation to Hawaii is pretty much no different than any other time of the year. Because it is not Hawaii’s rainy season, you probably won’t need to pack a raincoat this time around, but you may want a light jacket for the evening.
Be sure to include the following in your suitcase:
- Reef-safe sunscreen, so you don’t get sunburned.
- Hat to keep you as cool as possible while you are outside.
- Don’t forget to bring a water bottle, as it is crucial to stay hydrated while out in Hawaii’s summer heat.
Read more: Hawaii Planning Guide
Summer in Hawaii FAQs
The best summer month to visit Hawaii depends on your vacation preferences. If you want the hottest summer days, July or August usually have warmer weather and nonstop sunshine. If you want lower prices, June or August are typically the cheaper summer months to visit.
Summer in Hawaii is lots of fun, but it can be very expensive. There are so many fun things to do during the summer, making visiting Hawaii during June, July, or August a great time! While there is good weather all year round, you’ll find the best weather and warm waters during the summer.
It depends on which island you are visiting, but on average, summertime in Hawaii is around 84 degrees. With the humidity and bright sun, though, it may feel a lot hotter than that!
If you plan to visit Hawaii during the summer, June is usually cheaper than July. You will find high Hawaii hotel rates in July and even August. Both have great sunny days and plenty of fun activities, so no matter what month you go, you will have plenty of fun! If you want to avoid crowds, go during the winter months for fewer visitors.
Hurricane season runs from the end of June until October or November. Hawaii does not experience too many hurricanes, though, but sometimes will get some tropical storms. Always check the weather during your trip to best be prepared.
June, July, and August are the Hawaii summer months. While there aren’t seasons in Hawaii that are typical to the mainland, the summer season, generally speaking, is perfect for visiting Hawaii.
Usually, Hawaii’s summer weather has average temperatures in the mid 80’s on most of the Hawaiian islands. August is typically the hottest month in Hawaii, with an average high temperature of 80 to 85 degrees on most of the islands.
You can find a few different summer camps in Hawaii, especially for those who do not live on the Hawaiian islands. With the Pacific Discovery program, you can connect with the land and sea and work with non-profits all over for a few weeks during the summer.
If you visit Hawaii and think that working in Hawaii for the summer break would be fun, you are in luck! There is a work-stay program with Heavenly Hawaiian coffee farm where you can work and stay on the Hawaiian island for a few months in the summer season.
Hawaii Summer Vacation Wrap-Up
If you are planning a vacation to Hawaii in the summertime, you can expect plenty of blue skies, sunshine, and lots of fun. No matter what island you visit, a Hawaii summer vacation will be the perfect getaway for you!
While you will love Hawaii’s weather all year round, I’m sure you’ll find the summer to be the best time to visit Hawaii and bring your entire family!
Looking for more Hawaii travel resources? Find out how to plan a trip to Hawaii, how to rent a car in Hawaii, and the best kid-friendly resorts in Hawaii!
