Are you wondering about the best time to visit Oahu? Then, we have got you covered. This Hawaiian island is a year-round destination with something new for every season and month. Still, you might want to prioritize or avoid certain months based on your travel preferences. The ideal time to visit this island is shoulder months (April-May, September-December). Other months also have their perks, which we will discuss in this blog.
Also Read:
Chat with AI about Circle Island Tour of Oahu
April-June: Best Time To Visit Oahu
Did you know most of Hawaii only experiences summer and winter? Oahu also experiences summer from May to October and winter from November to April. The best time to visit Oahu is during the shoulder months (April, May, and June). Also called off-season periods, these months feature warm temperatures, averaging in the high 70s and low 80s. Since it is before the official start of summer, hotel rates are affordable, and attractions are less crowded. Check out the following activities that you can do in spring:
Hike Up Diamond Head
- Address: Honolulu, HI 96815, United States; Google Map
- Things To Do: Hiking, camping, scooter tours
- Hike Duration: 2 hours
What could be better than hiking in good weather in Oahu? Mount Lēʻahi, aka Diamond Head, is the perfect hiking destination. This mountain was nicknamed by 19th-century British sailors who named it after mistaking its calcite crystals for diamonds. It features a two-hour hiking trail, passing through the volcano’s hot and dry slopes. At the top, hikers will get breathtaking views of Oahu and the Pacific Ocean.
Watch Cultural Performances At The Polynesian Cultural Center
- Address: 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 12:15 PM – 9 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Oahu’s rich cultural heritage might be challenging to understand. How about we make it simpler through the Polynesian Cultural Center? This cultural center offers an immersive Hawaiian experience through its various programs. It features six island villages, showcasing their culture, arts, crafts, and traditions. Its royal Aliʻi Lūʻau feast is the must-try experience, where you will savor mainland dishes with entertainment from across Polynesia. The best experience is saved for the last. The evening show, HĀ: Breath of Life, features 100 Polynesian performers, fire shows, songs, and dances.
Snorkel In The Crystal-Clear Waters Of Hanauma Bay
- Address: Hawaii 96825, USA; Google Map
- Things To Do: Snorkeling, Exploring the bay
Oahu is known for its water adventures, including snorkeling. Hanauma Bay is among the top snorkeling destinations because of its clear, shallow water. This deep blue ocean houses diverse marine species, including green sea turtles and 400 fish species. Expect to swim alongside unique fish like Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, Hawaiian state fish, parrotfish, and more. Travel early in the morning to avoid crowds and get a memorable snorkeling experience.
July-August: Hot Weather And Summer Festivals
Oahu is a summer destination, attracting millions of visitors. The average high temperature during this time is around 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Tourists come here to indulge in outdoor activities, including swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and cliff jumping. While the summer brings phenomenal weather, it is not without its cons. It is among the most expensive times to visit Oahu, with high hotel rates and flight costs.
Indulge In Water Activities In Waikiki
- Address: Honolulu, HI 96815, USA; Google Map
- Things To Do: Beach visits, shopping, dining
Regarding watersports, the first area that pops up in anyone’s mind is the Waikiki neighborhood. It is the home to the infamous Waikiki Beach, featuring powdery sand and crystal-clear water. The beach offers many water activities, from swimming to scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, outrigger canoeing, and paddleboarding. You can book guided tours or rent gear (snorkeling gear, beach items) and enjoy everything Waikiki offers.
Go Horseback Riding At Kualoa Ranch
- Address: Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Summer is all about outdoor activities, and where else can you experience it other than at Kualoa Ranch? This 4,000-acre private ranch is a working cattle ranch with over 200 sheep, 600 cattle, and 120 horses. It is also a nature reserve offering outdoor recreational activities, from Jurassic Adventure Tours to Jungle Expedition Tours, UTV Raptor Tours, Ocean Voyage, and Secret Island Beach Activities. You can choose from the Total Kualoa Experience (three 90-minute Hawaiian tours) and the Half-Day Kualoa Package (two tours: Ocean Voyage and the Hollywood Movie Sites Tours).
Attend Summer Festivals
Summer guarantees a memorable experience in Oahu. Whether it be swimming, snorkeling, or adventurous sports, many outdoor activities are available. Likewise, Oahu celebrates many festivals from June to August. These summer fests pay homage to the island’s history and culture and are famous among tourists. Check out them below:
- Hawaii State Farm Fair (July): This annual agricultural event promotes awareness of Hawaii’s agricultural and ranching industries.
- Prince Lot Hula Festival (July): This annual festival preserves and perpetuates Hawaii’s native culture, history, and environment.
- The Made in Hawaii Festival (August): This annual festival showcases the islanders’ creative talents and exquisite craftsmanship.
- Aloha Festivals (August/September): These month-long fests celebrate Hawaiian heritage with music, dance, and cultural shows.
- Hawaii Statehood Day (Third Friday of August): This annual Hawaiian holiday commemorates the anniversary of Hawaii’s 1959 admission as the 50th state to the US.
- Duke’s OceanFest (Late August): This annual fest celebrates Duke Paoa Kahanamoku’s life and legacy on the shores of Waikiki Beach.
September-December: Cheapest Months To Visit Oahu
After April-May, September-December is the best time to visit Oahu. These months experience fall, with temperatures hovering in the mid to high 80s range during the daytime and dropping into the 70s in the evenings. Since this is an off-season, chances of grabbing affordable hotel deals in famous areas like Waikiki Beach are high. It is also an ideal time for surfers looking to surf Oahu’s wild waves.
Watch Surfing Competitions In The North Shore
- Address: Waialua, HI, USA; Google Map
- Top Destinations: Sunset Beach, Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, Waimea Bay
- Things To Do: Swimming, Surfing, Snorkeling, Watching sunsets
Fall is the perfect time to catch Oahu’s North Shore surfing competitions. It is the home to the infamous Banzai Pipeline, a surfing spot with dangerous waves. These waves are so deadly that many professional surfers have lost their lives while surfing them. The area hosts the annual Vans Pipe Masters in December for over 10 days. Likewise, other North Shore surfing competitions include Hawaiian Islands Sunset Pro (Sunset Beach), HIC Haleiwa Pro (Haleiwa Ali’i Beach Park), and the Eddied Big Wave Invitational (Waimea Bay).
Watch Migrating Whales At The Makapu’u Point Lighthouse
- Address: Waimanalo, HI 96795, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 7:45 PM
- Things To Do: Hiking, Birdwatching
September-December is the most affordable time to visit Oahu. In addition to scoring cheap hotel deals, you can save money by visiting free attractions like Makapu’u Point Lighthouse. This red-roofed lighthouse is a hiker’s destination, featuring a moderately challenging 2-hour trail. This hiking route offers stunning views of Koko Crater and Koko Head. The best part about hiking the Makapu’u Point Trail during the fall is catching sight of humpback whales migrating to Hawaii to mate, give birth, and nurse the young. Bring binoculars or zoom lenses to get a closer look.
Embark On A Hiking Trip To Manoa Falls
- Address: Honolulu, HI 96822, United States; Google Map
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Hiking Level: Moderate
Have you ever been to the Manoa Valley? This lush valley perfectly blends natural and manmade and is a famous filming site. It is also home to the gorgeous Manoa Falls. It is awe-inspiring during the rainy season when the water flow is at its peak. Moreover, the Manoa Falls Trail is a moderately challenging route through lush vegetation. However, be mindful of the slippery way after rain.
January-March: Coolest Months To Visit Oahu
January is Oahu’s coldest month, with temperatures around 79 degrees Fahrenheit. The winter experiences average highs of 76 degrees F and lows of 73 degrees F. It also experiences light rain showers, averaging 78 mm of rainfall. It is the ideal time for whale watching and attending surfing competitions. You can also explore indoor attractions during winter.
Travel To The USS Arizona Memorial
- Address: 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM
- Entry Fee: Free entry, but a $1 non-refundable management fee is charged when booking through Recreation.gov
Oahu’s USS Arizona Memorial is open year-round. It marks the area where 1,177 sailors and marines lost their lives in the deadly Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. The USS Arizona was so thoroughly destroyed that it was never salvaged and remains underwater, entombing hundreds of crewmen. This memorial is part of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and is the must-visit place on the island.
See Artifacts Of Battleship Missouri Memorial
- Address: 63 Cowpens St, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM
- Ticket Prices: General Admission: $39.99 (Adults), $19.99 (Children aged 4-12)
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the USA officially entered World War II. The USS Missouri (BB-63) was among the warships that fought bravely in World War I and II. It also saw the Japanese surrendering to the Allies and ending the war. It also sailed during the Korean War and the Gulf War. Later, the warship was turned into a memorial ship in 1998. Today, the Battleship Missouri Memorial is open to the public and offers guided tours. Visitors can choose from the 45-minute Captain’s and 60-minute Chief Engineer’s tours.
Visit The Peaceful Valley of the Temples
- Address: 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Retreat to the serene Valley of the Temples this winter. This memorial park is set in lush landscapes and features a lake, a scenic cemetery, and a non-denominational Buddhist temple. It offers affordable cremations for different denominations, including Shinto, Buddhist, Catholic, and Protestant. It also houses the 10,036 sq. ft. Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary with modern state-of-the-art engineering. The best place in this memorial park is the stunning Byodo-In Temple, a miniature replica of the original Japanese Byodo-In Temple.
There is no worse time to visit Oahu; this island has a surprise for every month. Its outdoor and indoor attractions cater to diverse audience requirements. Even if there is nothing to see, you can go on a food tour or book a guided walking tour around the island and learn about its cultural and food scene. To summarize, everyone might perceive the best time to visit Oahu differently. This primarily depends on what you want to do on the island.
