
September is one of the best months to visit Hawaii. With warm ocean temperatures, pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and affordable prices, it is the perfect time to explore the islands. The temperatures in September average in the mid-to-high 80s°F/27°C during the day and drop to the comfortable 70s°F/21°C in the evenings. The ocean temperatures are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and surfing, and the rainy season doesn't begin until November, so you can expect mild to moderate rainfall.
September is also an excellent time to visit Hawaii if you're looking for cheaper prices. The summer demand has decreased, so you can find lower rates for flights and hotels. It is also the perfect time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds, as most school-aged children are back in school.
There are plenty of cultural events and festivals to enjoy in September, including the Aloha Festivals, the Okinawan Festival, the Maui Ukulele Festival, and the Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agriculture Festival.
So, if you're planning a trip to Hawaii, September is an excellent choice!
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Weather | Warm, sunny, low chance of rain |
Ocean temperature | Warm |
Crowds | Quieter, fewer tourists |
Prices | Cheaper airfare and accommodation |
Events | Aloha Festivals, Okinawan Festival, Maui Ukulele Festival, Queen Lili’uokalani Canoe Race, Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agriculture Festival |
What You'll Learn
Warmest ocean temperatures
Hawaii in September brings blue skies and beautiful weather. It is the warmest month of the year and one of the driest, with average low temperatures in the mid-70s and highs in the 80s.
September and October have the warmest ocean temperatures of the year, with the Pacific Ocean around Hawaii hovering around 81°F (27°C). The ocean temperature in Honolulu is even warmer, reaching an average of 80.1°F (26.7°C). The coldest the ocean ever gets is during the winter, when it drops to 76°F (24°C).
The Big Island tends to be the warmest, with a lovely high of 87°F (30°C) in Kailua-Kona. Maui and Kauai are slightly cooler, with a high of only 80°F (27°C). But no matter which island you visit, the ocean will be warm enough to swim in.
With great weather, smaller crowds, and amazing deals, September is a fantastic month to visit Hawaii.
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Cheaper travel and accommodation
September is a great month to visit Hawaii, with the islands offering a mix of warm weather, cultural events, and lower prices.
Travel
The best way to find cheap flights to Hawaii is to book during the off-peak or shoulder seasons. The shoulder seasons in Hawaii run from late March through the beginning of May, and from September until Thanksgiving. However, it is important to note that spring break and the beginning of September can still yield high traffic and prices, so it is recommended to look carefully before booking.
In terms of flight prices, historical data shows that airfare is typically at its most expensive during the winter months, with average long-haul flights to Hawaii exceeding $1,400 in January. In contrast, prices can drop significantly during the shoulder seasons, with some flights in September 2024 as low as $62 one-way.
Accommodation
For accommodation, September is the cheapest month to stay in a hotel in Hawaii. Hotel room prices vary, but on average, they are the lowest in August and September.
On KAYAK, the average nightly price for a 3-star hotel in Hawaii was found to be $94, while the most expensive was $2,365. Additionally, booking at least eight days in advance is recommended to secure the best price.
For those looking for alternative options, Airbnb or hostels may offer more budget-friendly choices.
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Fewer crowds
If you're looking to avoid crowds, September is one of the best months to visit Hawaii. The summer crowds have largely dispersed, and since schools are back in session, you'll find quieter beaches and shorter lines.
September is the least crowded month to visit Hawaii, with significantly fewer visitors than in July, which is the busiest month. This means you'll have an easier time getting reservations at popular restaurants and securing spots at the best beaches.
The end of September is particularly quiet, as summer break has ended for most school-aged children. So, if you're looking for a tranquil Hawaiian getaway, this is the perfect time to visit.
While there may be a slight increase in tourists around the Labor Day weekend, the crowds quickly dissipate after the holiday. So, if you're aiming for the quietest experience, it's best to plan your trip outside of this long weekend.
September also offers excellent deals on accommodations, with hotel rates falling below the average yearly rate. This makes it a budget-friendly option, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious stay at a more affordable price.
With fewer crowds and lower prices, September is an ideal month to visit Hawaii if you're seeking a peaceful and cost-effective vacation. You'll have more space to explore the islands at your own pace and take advantage of the various deals on offer.
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Cultural events and festivals
September is a great time to visit Hawaii, with its warm weather, low rainfall, and abundance of cultural events and festivals.
The Aloha Festival, held in September, is the largest cultural celebration in the state, attracting over 100,000 attendees each year. This week-long event showcases Hawaiian music, dance, history, and food. The festival includes parades, Hawaii's largest street party, and plenty of cultural delights.
The month of September also sees the Hawaii Island Festival, a month-long event that offers visitors a colourful look at the heritage, history, and culture of Hawaii. The festival includes food, dance, music, contests, and art.
The Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agricultural Festival is another month-long festival held in September. This event celebrates the food producers, chefs, and consumers of the Big Island.
The Mokihana Festival, held on the island of Kauai, is a week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture with educational lectures, music, and hula competitions.
The Annual Okinawan Festival, held over two days in late August and early September, includes a large display of arts and crafts, entertainment, food, games, and activities for children.
The Royal Hawaiian Band also performs for free at various locations in Honolulu throughout the month of September.
The 76th Annual Floral Parade, held in late September, is a vibrant showcase of Hawaiian heritage, with floats adorned with fresh flowers, and traditional pāʻū riders on horseback, representing the Hawaiian royal court.
With a range of cultural events and festivals to choose from, September is a great month to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Hawaii.
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Outdoor activities
September is a great time for outdoor activities in Hawaii. The ocean is at its warmest, and the weather is hot and dry, making it perfect for a range of outdoor pursuits.
Surfing
With warm ocean temperatures and ideal waves, September is a good month for surfing in Hawaii. Oahu is a great choice for beginners and experienced surfers alike, with tricky waves on the north shore for professionals and smaller waves on the south shores for newbies.
Snorkelling
Hawaii is known for its dazzling marine life and beautiful reefs, and September's warm ocean temperatures make it a great time to explore the ocean.
Hiking
Hawaii's unique landscape is perfect for hiking. Popular trails include the footpath at Akaka Falls State Park, the trail to the summit of Le'ahi at Diamond Head on Oahu, and the Iao Valley State Monument Hike on Maui, where you can see the Iao Needle. Remember to pack a jacket, as it can get cooler at higher altitudes.
Swimming
September's warm ocean temperatures make it ideal for swimming. However, strong oceanic currents mean that only experienced swimmers should attempt certain beaches, such as Lopa Beach on Lanai.
Paddleboarding
Rent a paddleboard or join a guided tour to enjoy the ocean from a different perspective.
Horseback Riding
Hawaii offers many horseback riding tours that take in the islands' stunning scenery, including a trail through the canyons of Haleakala.
Outrigger Canoeing
Try outrigger canoeing in Maui or Oahu to see some local wildlife, such as whales and turtles.
Parasailing
Parasailing is another way to take in the sparkling waters of Oahu from above.
Whale Watching
Humpback whales visit Hawaii each year to give birth, so September is a great time to see them in their natural habitat.
Helicopter Tours
See the islands' stunning scenery from the sky with a helicopter tour.
Yoga
Join a beach yoga class to practice yoga at sunset and watch the moon rise.
Art Festivals
September is a great time to visit Hawaii if you're interested in art, with the Ko’olina Art Fest and Na Mele O Ko’olina taking place on Oahu.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, September is one of the best times to visit Hawaii. You can expect pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices for flights and hotels.
September is one of the warmest and driest months in Hawaii, with average daytime temperatures in the mid to high 80s°F/27°C and comfortable evenings in the 70s°F/21°C. However, it's important to note that the weather can vary slightly between the different islands.
There are plenty of cultural events and festivals to enjoy, such as the Aloha Festivals, the Okinawan Festival, the Maui Ukulele Festival, and the Taste of the Hawaiian Range and Agriculture Festival. You can also explore natural landmarks like the Napali Coast, visit national parks, and enjoy beach activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and surfing.
September is considered one of the least crowded times to visit Hawaii. The summer break has ended for most school-aged children, so you'll find fewer people on the beaches and it will be easier to get reservations at restaurants.
September is an off-peak season, so you can expect lower prices for flights and accommodations. Plane tickets tend to be more affordable starting in July, and hotel rates average around $340 per night.