Are you looking for an awesome vacation destination for fall break? Keep scrolling to find out what it’s like to visit Hawaii in the Fall!
This post about Hawaii in the fall 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.
TL;DR: Is Fall the Best Time to Visit Hawaii?
Fall brings hotel rates around $340/night versus $400+ in summer. September 2025 saw 2.5% fewer tourists than the previous year. Weather stays consistently warm (75-87°F). You’ll dodge crowds, save money, and still get incredible beach weather. November gets rainier on some islands.
Planning fall 2026 in Hawaii?
Smart move.
I’ve been to Hawaii 40+ times as a professional tourist and Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist. I host the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast.
And based on what happened in fall 2025, I’m already telling everyone that fall 2026 is going to be one of the best times to visit.
Why?
According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, September 2025 brought 690,858 total visitors, down 2.5% from the previous year. October? 749,095 visitors, down 2.9%. Compare that to July 2024’s 925,935 visitors.
That’s 175,000+ fewer people competing for beach space.
Hotel rates? September and October 2025 averaged around $340 per night statewide. July averaged over $400. That’s $420 saved on a week-long trip just on your room.
The weather stays gorgeous. Ocean temps are actually warmer than summer.
But nobody talks about fall Hawaii because everyone assumes summer equals best beach weather. Wrong.
I spent one Thanksgiving week on Oahu with my boys. The holiday decorations were just starting to appear, the weather was perfect, and we walked into restaurants that would’ve had hour-long waits in December.
Another year I took my youngest to Big Island when he was 5. We had one day where it absolutely poured in Hilo. Like, all day.
We were stuck in our rental condo watching movies and eating takeout. Not gonna lie, it was kind of disappointing.
But every other day? Perfect.
That’s fall Hawaii. Mostly incredible, occasionally wet, always less crowded.
What Does Fall Weather Actually Look Like?
Okay, temperature breakdown by island and month. This is the stuff you actually need to know before you book.
Hawaii Fall Weather Comparison
| Island | September High/Low | October High/Low | November High/Low | Rain Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maui | 87°F / 70°F | 86°F / 69°F | 84°F / 68°F | 3-5 days/month |
| Oahu | 88°F / 75°F | 87°F / 74°F | 85°F / 72°F | 4-8 days/month |
| Big Island | 88°F / 73°F | 87°F / 72°F | 85°F / 71°F | 2-4 days/month |
| Kauai | 86°F / 73°F | 85°F / 72°F | 83°F / 70°F | 10-15 days/month |
Big Island stays driest. Kauai gets the most rain because it’s literally the wettest spot on earth in some areas.
But Hawaiian rain in fall isn’t like Seattle drizzle or Florida afternoon thunderstorms. It comes, it dumps for 15-20 minutes, then it’s gone. You duck into a coffee shop, wait it out, keep going.
That all-day rain I mentioned in Hilo? That was unusual. Most rain in Hawaii doesn’t stick around.
September Weather
September is probably my favorite month across all the islands.
Maui hits 87°F during the day, 70°F at night. Rains maybe three days total. Even then, just quick showers.
Oahu reaches 88°F days, 75°F nights. Perfect for sleeping with windows open and a fan. Rain is minimal.
Big Island stays 88°F during the day, 73°F at night. The Kona side (where most resorts are) barely sees rain. Hilo side gets more but still not bad compared to other times of year.
Kauai runs 86°F during the day, 73°F at night. It rains more than other islands because that’s just Kauai. But you still get tons of sunshine between showers.
I’ve got a whole guide to things to do in Kauai in September if you’re planning that island specifically.
October Weather
October barely changes from September temperature-wise.
Maui stays at 86°F highs, 69°F lows. Ocean is actually warmest in October, which makes snorkeling incredible. The water at Molokini Crater in October is like bathwater.
Oahu holds at 87°F days, 74°F nights. Rain stays light. The surf starts picking up slightly on North Shore, which is exciting if you want to watch surfers do their thing.
Big Island temperatures barely move. 87°F days, 72°F nights. Kona side stays dry. Hilo gets some moisture but nothing crazy.
Kauai drops slightly to 85°F days, 72°F nights. Rain frequency stays about the same, which is to say: often but manageable.
More October activities? Check out my things to do in Maui in October guide.
November Weather
November is when you notice Hawaii transitioning toward winter.
But we’re talking Hawaii winter. Not real winter.
Maui cools to 84°F highs, 68°F lows. Rain days increase as you get closer to December, but it’s still beautiful.
Oahu drops to 85°F during the day, 72°F at night. November does bring more rain to Oahu than September or October. Especially that last week before Thanksgiving.
When we were there for Thanksgiving week, we got rained on twice. Both times we were at the beach. Both times we just moved under a pavilion and waited it out. Total time lost: maybe 30 minutes across the entire week.
Big Island holds steady around 85°F days, 71°F nights. Still minimal rain on Kona side.
Kauai hits 83°F during the day, 70°F at night. Rain stays frequent. Pack a rain jacket for Kauai no matter what month you visit.
For Oahu specifically, I’ve got things to do on Oahu in November mapped out.
How Much Money Are We Actually Talking About Here?
Numbers. Real ones.
Hotel occupancy rates during September and October 2025 averaged 69-73%, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
Summer months? Over 80%. Lower occupancy means hotels want to fill rooms. Which means lower prices.
September and October hotel rates averaged $340 per night statewide in 2025. July? Over $400.
Do the math on a seven-night trip: $2,380 versus $2,800. That’s $420 saved just on your hotel.
But wait, it gets better.
Flight prices drop after Labor Day. I’ve seen round-trip tickets from LAX to Honolulu for $250 in September and October 2025. Compare that to $400+ during peak summer weeks.
Rental car prices follow the same pattern. Discount Hawaii Car Rental typically shows better rates in fall than summer. Not crazy better, but every $50 helps.
Add it all together and you’re looking at $600-800 saved on a week-long trip just by going in fall instead of July.
Same beaches. Same sunsets. Same Hawaii.
Just fewer people and more money left in your bank account.
I’ve got a whole free email course on how to save money in Hawaii that goes way deeper into this if you want to get serious about cutting costs.
Are There Actually Fewer Tourists?
Yes. Significantly.
Hawaii welcomed 690,858 visitors in September 2025, down 2.5% from September 2024, per Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism data.
October 2025 brought 749,095 visitors, down 2.9% from the previous year.
July 2024? 925,935 visitors.
That’s 175,000+ more people in July than September.
What does this actually mean when you’re there?
Restaurants. We got dinner reservations at popular Waikiki spots during Thanksgiving week without booking three weeks ahead. Just called that morning.
Shave ice lines. Our favorite spot in Haleiwa usually has 45-minute waits in summer. Walked right up in November.
Hiking trails. We did Diamond Head on a November morning and it felt manageable instead of like we were in a theme park queue.
Beach space. At Lanikai Beach on Oahu, we could spread out our towels without being three feet from strangers. In July? Forget it.
Pearl Harbor tickets. Actually available without refreshing the website at midnight.
The islands don’t feel empty. There are still plenty of tourists. But it’s the difference between “crowded” and “packed.”
My kids hate crowds. If yours do too, fall is your window.
What’s Actually Happening in Hawaii During Fall?
Fall brings some of the best festivals and events of the entire year.
Aloha Festivals (September)
Aloha Festivals take over Oahu every September. Block parties, parades, traditional ceremonies, incredible food.
We stumbled into the Waikiki Ho’olaule’a block party one year completely by accident.
Kalakaua Avenue shut down, live music everywhere, hula performances, food vendors packed in.
My kids still talk about the malasadas we ate that night. They were ridiculous.
It’s one of the best ways to actually experience Hawaiian culture instead of just tourist Hawaii.
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival (September-November)
The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival runs for two weeks across multiple islands. Different culinary experience every single day.
Bourbon and BBQ nights. Charcuterie workshops. Farm-to-table dinners on actual farms.
Tickets sell out fast. Like, really fast. If this interests you at all, book the second dates drop.
I cover specific events worth attending on my Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast if you want details on what’s actually good versus skippable.
Pumpkin Patches (October)
Hawaii pumpkin patches are nothing like mainland ones.
You’re picking pumpkins in shorts. Mountain views in the background. Ocean breezes. It’s weird and wonderful.
On Oahu: Aloun Farms and Waimanalo Country Farms both go all out. Petting zoos, corn mazes, farm-cooked food.
On Maui: Kula Country Farms is the spot.
My boys loved the petting zoo at Waimanalo. Nothing says Hawaii like feeding goats while wearing board shorts. The photos are hilarious.
Haunted Plantation (October)
Haunted Plantation at Dole Plantation is legitimately scary.
This is one of Hawaii’s most haunted experiences. Not for young kids. Not even for kids who think they’re brave.
Runs through the second half of October. Actors jumping out from pineapple fields. Even as an adult, I jumped multiple times.
Waikiki Halloween (October 31st)
Waikiki goes absolutely nuts for Halloween.
Entire strip turns into a massive costume party. Parade down Kalakaua Avenue. Wild costumes everywhere.
Fair warning: This is an adult scene. Gets crowded, loud, very party-focused. Leave the kids at the hotel with a sitter if you want to check this out.
Whale Watching Season Starts (Late November)
First humpback whales start arriving from Alaska toward the end of November.
It’s not peak whale season yet. That’s January through March. But you might spot early arrivals if you’re on a boat tour.
We saw a breach from our hotel balcony on Maui one year in late November. Completely random. My youngest was eating breakfast and just yelled “MOM THE WHALE” with his mouth full of pancakes.
Pure luck, but it happens.
What Do You Actually Need to Pack?
Packing for fall is almost the same as summer. But not quite.
Bring a lightweight rain jacket. Not a heavy winter coat. Something packable that handles quick showers.
When we got caught in that all-day Hilo rain, I was so grateful we had rain jackets. My youngest would’ve been miserable without one.
Reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii banned the harmful kind that damages coral. Make sure yours is reef-safe or you’ll have to buy new stuff when you arrive.
Closed-toe shoes for hiking. Fall trails get muddier after rain, especially on Kauai. Don’t hike in flip-flops. Trust me on this.
Water shoes. Rocky beaches will destroy your feet without them.
Multiple swimsuits. One is always wet. Pack at least two per person.
Light sweater or long-sleeve shirt. Once the sun goes down, especially in November, it can feel cool. Plus restaurants crank their AC.
Going to higher elevations like Haleakala or Mauna Kea? Bring warm layers. It gets legitimately cold up there.
My complete Hawaii packing list with airplane essentials covers everything in detail.
Which Island Should You Pick for Fall 2026?
They’re all great during fall.
But if you want my specific opinions:
Oahu if you want festivals and events. Aloha Festivals, Haunted Plantation, Halloween parties, Thanksgiving festivities. Plus the most restaurant options when rain hits.
Maui if you want consistent beach weather. The leeward side (where resorts are) stays dry and beautiful all three months. Food and Wine Festival has multiple Maui events too.
Big Island if you want guaranteed sunshine. Kona side rarely disappoints in fall. You can also watch lava glowing at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park after sunset, which is insane.
Kauai if you don’t mind rain and want lush, green, dramatic landscapes. Waterfalls are most impressive in fall thanks to all that water.
Can’t decide? My island hopping guide breaks down each island’s personality.
Or skip the research entirely and book a Hawaii travel consultation. We’ll plan your entire trip together based on what your family actually wants to do.
What Should You Actually Do in Fall Hawaii?
Fall makes some activities better than summer.
Hiking
September through November means you can hike without melting.
The sun isn’t as brutal as July. But it’s still warm enough that you’re not freezing.
When we hiked Diamond Head in November, we started at 8am instead of the 6am summer wake-up call. Still got great views, didn’t die from heat exhaustion.
Other fall hikes worth doing:
- Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls on Maui
- First two miles of Kalalau Trail on Kauai (don’t attempt the full thing unless you’re experienced)
- Devastation Trail in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Snorkeling
Ocean temperatures peak in September and October.
My youngest usually lasts about 20 minutes before complaining he’s freezing. At Sharks Cove in October? He spent over an hour in the water without whining once.
Molokini Crater, Hanauma Bay, Kealakekua Bay. All perfect in fall.
Book tours through Viator or Get Your Guide for the best operators.
Beach Time
All the best beaches stay perfect. Just with fewer people.
Waikiki is still busy. It’s always busy. But you can spread out your towel without being on top of strangers.
Lanikai Beach on Oahu becomes peaceful after Labor Day. Wailea beaches on Maui feel luxurious instead of packed. Big Beach at Makena gives you actual space.
Family Photos
Fall brings better light for photos.
More dramatic clouds. Better golden hour. The changing weather creates beautiful skies.
Flytographer bookings are easier to get in fall too. Save $20 when you use my link. Fall lighting makes for incredible family portraits.
What About Hurricane Season?
Pacific hurricane season runs June through November. Peak activity is August and September.
Real talk: Hawaii doesn’t get hit by hurricanes often. The islands are tiny targets in a massive ocean. Mountains and winds help protect them.
Last major hurricane to actually hit? Hurricane Iniki in 1992 on Kauai.
That’s over 30 years ago.
Tropical storms do occasionally pass near, bringing heavy rain and wind. Remember that all-day rain I mentioned in Hilo? That was from outer bands of a tropical system that stayed far offshore.
My advice?
Book refundable accommodations. Buy travel insurance. Check forecasts as your trip approaches.
Most fall visits go perfectly fine beyond normal tropical showers. But being prepared is smart.
Where Do You Find Fall Hotel Deals?
Timing matters.
Book right after Labor Day for September travel. Prices drop hard when demand crashes.
For October and November, book 2-3 months out. That’s the sweet spot between early-bird pricing and last-minute rates.
Use Expedia to compare hotels fast. Filter by location, amenities, price range.
Sign up for hotel loyalty programs. Even if you’re not a frequent traveler, many offer members-only rates during shoulder seasons.
Stay slightly outside tourist areas. Kahului on Maui costs way less than Wailea. You’re only 20 minutes from the beach.
Vacation rentals save money for families. Condo with a kitchen means you’re not paying restaurant prices for every meal.
My free course on how to travel to Hawaii like a pro has a whole section on accommodation deals.
Your Fall Hawaii Questions Answered
Is it cheaper to go in September or October?
September is slightly cheaper. After Labor Day, demand crashes and prices drop. October stays affordable but can tick up during fall break weeks when families travel.
What’s the rainiest month in Hawaii?
November through March overall. Within fall? November sees the most rain. September and October are drier.
Kauai gets rain year-round because of its mountains. Big Island’s Kona side stays dry even in November.
Can you swim in November?
Yes! Ocean temps hover around 79-81°F in November. We spent hours in the water during Thanksgiving week with no issues.
The water might feel slightly cooler than September. But it’s still warmer than most mainland beaches even in peak summer.
What should I avoid during fall?
Don’t assume it’ll never rain. Pack a rain jacket, especially for Kauai or windward sides of islands.
Don’t book non-refundable reservations during peak hurricane season (September) if flexibility matters to you.
That’s it. Those are the only real “avoids.”
Is Thanksgiving week good for Hawaii?
Thanksgiving week is one of my favorite times. Prices stay lower than Christmas. Islands start getting festive. Hotels offer special Thanksgiving dinners.
Weather is typically beautiful in late November.
Just book early. Thanksgiving week is busier than other fall weeks.
Do you need a rental car?
Depends on your island.
Oahu: You can manage with rideshares and tours if you’re staying in Waikiki.
Maui, Big Island, Kauai: Rental car gives you way more freedom to explore.
Fall’s smaller crowds mean less traffic frustration. Book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental for best rates.
What should I pack for October?
Pack for summer. Add one lightweight rain jacket. Maybe a light cardigan for evenings.
You’ll wear shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, swimsuits most of the time. One pair of closed-toe shoes for hiking.
Done.
What holidays and festivals happen in fall?
Labor Day weekend kicks off September. Aloha Festivals dominate September on Oahu. Halloween brings costume parties end of October. Thanksgiving week brings a mini visitor peak but nothing like Christmas crowds.
Which island is warmest in November?
Big Island’s Kona side. Daytime temps consistently hit mid-80s with minimal rain.
Maui’s leeward coast (Kihei, Wailea) runs close second.
Can you see whales in fall?
Maybe a few early arrivals in late November. But whale season really kicks in December through April.
If whale watching is your priority, plan for winter or spring.
Should You Book Fall 2026 in Hawaii?
After 40+ trips as a Hawaii travel expert, fall is one of the smartest times to visit.
You get better prices without sacrificing weather. Crowds thin out without islands feeling empty. Festivals add cultural experiences you won’t find other seasons.
Downside? More potential for rain in November. But even that usually isn’t a deal-breaker unless you get unlucky.
Choosing between seasons?
Fall = best balance of cost, weather, crowds.
Summer = minimal rain, premium prices, maximum crowds.
Winter = whale watching, holiday festivities, higher prices.
Still stuck? Book a Hawaii travel consultation. We’ll plan your trip together based on what your family actually wants.
Or keep planning yourself with my island guides:
Fall 2026 bookings are already starting. The secret’s getting out.
