August is Hawaii's hottest month, with the warmest air, nearly the warmest water and long, lazy beach days. The first half is still summer-busy; the second half becomes one of the quietest times of the year. Here is what you need to know.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in August?
August is the hottest month in Honolulu, with an average high of about 89°F (32°C) and a low of about 76°F (24°C). It is also one of the driest, with the fewest rainy days of the summer. On days when the trade winds weaken, humidity rises and vog can haze the views. Leeward coasts such as Kona, Kīhei and Waikīkī are the hottest; upcountry Maui, Kōkeʻe on Kauaʻi and Volcano village on the Big Island are cooler.
Is August a good time to visit Hawaii?
It depends on the dates. Early August is still peak summer, but Hawaii's schools go back in early August and many US mainland schools follow by mid-to-late August, so the second half of the month becomes noticeably quieter and cheaper, while the weather stays perfect. Late August is one of the year's sweet spots.
What is the ocean like in Hawaii in August?
The water is about 80°F (26°C), among the warmest of the year. North shores are usually calm, which makes August one of the best months for snorkeling and diving. South shores have summer surf. Box jellyfish can drift onto south and leeward shores of Oʻahu around eight to ten days after a full moon; lifeguards will post signs. Warm water also brings the risk of coral bleaching in hot years, so treat reefs gently.
Is August hurricane season in Hawaii?
Yes, and August and September are statistically the most active months of the Central Pacific season. Direct hits are rare, but storms passing nearby can bring heavy rain, high surf and closures. In August 2018, Hurricane Lane dropped record rainfall on the Big Island. If you travel in late summer, consider travel insurance and keep an eye on the Central Pacific Hurricane Center.
What is on in Hawaii in August?
Duke's OceanFest in Waikīkī celebrates Duke Kahanamoku, the Olympic champion and father of modern surfing, around his birthday on 24 August, with longboard surfing, paddleboard races and tandem surfing. Statehood Day (Admission Day), on the third Friday of August, is a state holiday marking Hawaii's admission as the 50th state in 1959.
Which Hawaiian island is best in August?
Kauaʻi and Oʻahu for calm north-shore snorkeling. Maui for warm water at Molokini and quieter beaches late in the month. The Big Island for cooler escapes in Volcano and Waimea, plus some of the best diving and snorkeling in the state on the Kona coast.
What should you pack for Hawaii in August?
Pack for heat: light, breathable fabrics, swimwear, a rash guard, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and plenty of reef-safe mineral sunscreen. Carry water on every hike, and plan strenuous trails for the early morning.
Things to do in Hawaii in August
- Watch Duke's OceanFest. Longboard, tandem surfing and paddle races in Waikīkī.
- Dive or snorkel in warm water. The ocean is near its warmest and north shores are calm.
- Explore cool uplands. Kōkeʻe (when open), Kula and Volcano are refreshing escapes.
- Travel late in the month. Crowds and prices drop after mainland schools go back.
- Night snorkel with mantas. A highlight of the Kona coast.
- Hike at dawn. Plan strenuous hikes before the heat builds.
Daylight in August: the sun rises around 6:10 am and sets around 7:01 pm in Honolulu, giving about 13 hours of daylight. Hawaii does not use daylight saving time.
How expensive is Hawaii in August?
The first half of August is still summer high season. Once schools go back, prices for hotels and flights usually drop through the second half of the month, and the islands become noticeably quieter. Late August is one of the best times of the year to find summer weather at shoulder-season prices.
Hawaii in August with kids
Early August is still busy with families; after mid-month, many children are back at school and the islands quieten. Warm, calm water makes it an excellent month for a first snorkel. Avoid long hikes in the midday heat.
Tips for visiting Hawaii in August
- Travel after mid-August for lower prices and fewer families.
- Plan strenuous hikes for dawn.
- Consider travel insurance during the peak of hurricane season.
- Choose accommodation with air conditioning; not all Hawaii rentals have it.
- Watch for vog alerts if you have breathing problems.
What season is August in Hawaii?
In the old Hawaiian calendar the year had two seasons: Kau, the warm, dry season of long days, roughly May to October, and Hoʻoilo, the cooler, wetter season, roughly November to April, when the trade winds weaken, storms arrive and the Makahiki harvest festival honoured the god Lono. August falls in Kau, the dry season: expect long days, steady trade winds and calm north shores.
Quick answers: Hawaii in August
Is August a good time to visit Hawaii?
Yes, especially late August, when summer crowds ease but the weather stays hot and sunny.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in August?
The hottest month: about 89°F (32°C) by day and 76°F (24°C) at night in Honolulu.
Is August hurricane season in Hawaii?
Yes. August and September are the most active months, though direct hits are rare.
How warm is the ocean in Hawaii in August?
About 80°F (26°C), among the warmest of the year.
Hawaii month by month
| Month | Avg high | Ocean | Rain (Honolulu) | Crowds | North Shore surf | Whales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F | 1.8 in | High | Huge | Peak |
| February | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F | 1.9 in | High | Big | Peak |
| March | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F | 2.4 in | High | Big | Peak |
| April | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F | 0.8 in | Medium | Fading | Leaving |
| May | 85°F / 29°C | 78°F | 0.8 in | Low | Small | None |
| June | 87°F / 31°C | 79°F | 0.5 in | High | Flat | None |
| July | 88°F / 31°C | 79°F | 0.5 in | Very high | Flat | None |
| August | 89°F / 32°C | 80°F | 0.8 in | High | Flat | None |
| September | 88°F / 31°C | 80°F | 0.9 in | Low | Small | None |
| October | 87°F / 31°C | 80°F | 1.5 in | Low | Building | None |
| November | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F | 2.2 in | Low–medium | Big | Arriving |
| December | 82°F / 28°C | 77°F | 2.2 in | Very high | Huge | Growing |
Temperatures and rainfall: Honolulu International Airport, NOAA 1991–2020 normals. Ocean: average sea temperature off Honolulu. Rain is much higher on windward coasts and in the mountains.
Planning around a different month? Read Hawaii in July or Hawaii in September, and our guide to the best time to visit Hawaii.
Facts checked October 2026. Event dates change from year to year, so confirm with the organisers before you book.
