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Best time to visit Hawaii from Australia

Discover the best time to visit Hawaii from Australia based on weather, crowds, prices, and activities, plus tips on when to avoid peak travel.

Published: January 23, 2026

Hawaii’s tropical climate makes it a year-round destination, but the experience can vary greatly depending on when you go. For Australians, choosing the best time to visit Hawaii depends on a mix of weather, crowds, prices, and how you plan to spend your time on the islands.

Hawaii has clear peak and shoulder periods driven by North American school holidays, international tourism, and weather patterns, all of which can affect flight prices and resort availability. This guide will break down the best time to visit Hawaii from Australia based on seasons, activities, and travel conditions. 

When is the best time to visit Hawaii from Australia?

Short answer: For Australians, the best time to visit Hawaii is during the shoulder seasons of April–May and September–October.

hawaii view
Ocean view of Hawaii. Source: Shutterstock

These months sit between Hawaii’s peak travel periods and offer the best balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more reasonable prices. You’ll still enjoy warm weather and beach-friendly conditions, but without the high costs and congestion that come with US holidays.

  • Best overall balance: April–May and September–October
  • Best for whale watching: January to March
  • Best for lower prices: September to October, after US summer travel ends

📌 Planning tip: Since Australia and Hawaii experience opposite seasons, planning around “summer” or “winter” can be confusing. Looking at individual months helps you avoid confusion and plan more accurately around Hawaii’s weather, activities, and budget.

When is the worst time to visit Hawaii from Australia?

While Hawaii is always appealing, some periods are less ideal depending on your priorities.

December to February is Hawaii’s busiest season. Christmas, New Year, and Australian summer school holidays drive up prices, and seasonal rain is more frequent on the north and east coasts.

June to August coincides with US summer holidays. Expect larger crowds, higher resort rates, and busier attractions, especially in popular areas like Waikiki and Maui.

If you’re budget-conscious or prefer quieter travel, these months are generally the worst time to visit Hawaii from Australia.

Hawaii’s weather and climate by season

Hawaii has two main seasons rather than four distinct ones. Understanding these helps you choose the best time to visit Hawaii based on comfort and activities.

Road trip in Hawaii
Road trip in Hawaii. Source: Shutterstock

Summer (April to October)

Summer is Hawaii’s dry season with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Daytime highs average 26–30°C, and ocean conditions are calmer on most beaches.

This season is ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities, such as swimming, snorkelling, hiking, and island-hopping. While hurricane season officially runs from June to November, direct hits on Hawaii are rare.

Winter (November to March)

Winter brings slightly cooler temperatures in Hawaii, averaging 23–27°C, along with higher rainfall, particularly on windward coasts.

It’s also the ideal season for big wave surfing on the North Shore and whale watching conditions. Rain tends to come in short bursts rather than all-day downpours.

Seasonal overview

The summarized table provides a quick overview of what Australian travellers can expect in each season in Hawaii.

SeasonWeatherCrowdsPricesBest for
Apr-MayWarm and dryModerateModerateBalanced travel
Jun-AugHot and dryHighHighFamily travel
Sep-OctWarm and dryLowLowerValue and space
Nov-MarMild and wetHighHighSurf and whales

Practical travel tips for Australians visiting Hawaii

  • Flights: Direct and one-stop flights operate from most of the major cities, such as Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Flying mid-week or outside school holidays can reduce fares.
  • Booking timing: Secure accommodation early for trips in peak seasons, especially if travelling around Christmas or January.
  • Costs: Reviewing a realistic Hawaii trip cost breakdown can help set budgets and expectations, as food and activities can be more expensive than in Australia.
  • Visas: Australians don’t need a visa for short stays, but make sure to double check the visa-free countries Australia guidance to ensure entry rules are up to date.
  • Connectivity: Using mobile data abroad can trigger high charges if you rely on traditional roaming. Understanding what is data roaming or comparing the best international roaming plans Australia can help you avoid unexpected fees.
  • Packing: Weather in Hawaii is consistent, but reviewing a seasonal Hawaii packing list helps plan for different kinds of occasions, such as rainy, hiking, or beach days.
  • Planning: A well-structured Hawaii travel guide makes it easier to match travel months with island-specific highlights.

Last but not least, if you’re still deciding which island in Hawaii suits your travel style the best, comparing the best Hawaiian islands to visit can be a great help when you plan.

Enjoy unlimited data in Hawaii with Holafly

Staying connected makes planning and travelling in Hawaii much easier, whether you’re navigating between beaches or finding the best food in Hawaii. Holafly offers an esim for international travel that works across Hawaii with unlimited data. You can explore coverage options through Holafly eSIM shop as well before departure. Installation is quick and simple, and there’s no need to swap physical SIM cards.

With Holafly eSIM for US, you can stay connected the moment you land, making it easier to explore, book activities, and even shop for Hawaii souvenirs along the way. If you’re planning multiple trips or staying for a longer period, Holafly also provides a monthly data subscription service, Holafly Plans, which allows travellers to access unlimited data and hotspot features in over 170 destinations worldwide.

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哈囉我是來自台灣的 Wen,平常最喜歡旅遊,也喜歡將旅遊的種種化成文字跟大家分享,希望大家能在我的文章中找到有用的資訊,加上 Holafly 的 eSIM,讓你的旅程更美好!✈️✈️✈️ Hi! I'm Wen, a passionate content writer and travel enthusiast from Taiwan. I transform my wanderlust adventures into engaging stories and practical guides, helping fellow travelers make the most of their journeys.Through my articles, I strive to provide travel tips while introducing how our eSIM technology can enhance your travel experience - keeping you connected wherever your adventures take you!

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