March is a month of change in Hawaii. The last weeks of peak whale season overlap with the first hints of spring, the rains begin to ease, and families arrive for spring break. In 2027, the world's most celebrated hula festival begins in the very last days of the month. Here is what to expect.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in March?
Temperatures are still winter-mild: an average high of about 81°F (27°C) and a low of about 68°F (20°C) in Honolulu. Statistically March is one of the wettest months in town, with around nine days of rain, though most showers are short. By the end of the month the trade winds become more reliable, and with them, more settled weather.
As always, the leeward coasts are drier. The Kona coast on the Big Island, South Maui and Waikīkī are reliable bets, while Hilo, Hāna and Kauaʻi's north shore are at their greenest.
Is March a good time to visit Hawaii?
March is a good all-round month, with one caveat: spring break. From the middle of the month to early April, US school and college holidays push up prices and fill beaches, hotels and rental-car lots. If you can travel in the first half of March, you get whales and winter swell with fewer families. Easter falls on 28 March in 2027, so the end of the month will be busy.
What is the ocean like in Hawaii in March?
The ocean is at its coolest of the year, about 76°F (24°C). North shores still receive large swells, though they become less frequent as the month goes on. South shores start to pick up the first small summer swells late in the month. Snorkel on protected reefs and leeward beaches, and expect the occasional rainy day to reduce visibility near river mouths.
Can you see whales in Hawaii in March?
Yes. March is the last month of the January to March peak, and sightings remain excellent, especially in the first half of the month. Mothers and calves often linger into April before starting the long journey north to Alaska. If whales are your priority, aim for early March.
What is on in Hawaii in March?
Prince Kūhiō Day on 26 March is a state holiday honouring Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, who championed the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. Kauaʻi, his home island, celebrates with festivals and cultural events. The Honolulu Festival, a celebration of Pacific and Asian cultures with a parade through Waikīkī, is usually held in March.
The highlight of the hula year begins on Easter Sunday: the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo runs for a week from Easter, which means 28 March to 3 April 2027. The competition nights sell out quickly and Hilo's hotels fill months ahead, but the free performances, craft fair and Saturday parade are open to everyone, and the competitions are broadcast live.
Which Hawaiian island is best in March?
Maui for the last of the whales. The Big Island for Merrie Monarch in Hilo at the end of the month and dry weather in Kona. Oʻahu for families on spring break, with easy beaches and plenty to do on rainy days. Kauaʻi is spectacular but wet; base yourself in Poʻipū and check trail conditions, as many trails close after heavy rain.
What should you pack for Hawaii in March?
Pack for summer with a light rain jacket and one warm layer. Hiking shoes with good grip are useful because trails can be muddy. If you are going to Merrie Monarch, a lightweight dress shirt or aloha wear is appropriate for the evening events. Bring warm clothes for any summit visit.
Things to do in Hawaii in March
- See the last peak whales. Early March is still excellent for humpbacks around Maui.
- Experience Merrie Monarch. From Easter Sunday (28 March 2027), Hilo hosts the world's most celebrated hula festival.
- Celebrate Prince Kūhiō Day. Kauaʻi honours its prince with festivals around 26 March.
- Explore Honolulu on rainy days. The Bishop Museum, ʻIolani Palace and Pearl Harbor are perfect when it rains.
- Drive to Hāna. Waterfalls are full after the winter rains; start early.
- Snorkel the leeward side. South and west shores give the calmest water.
Daylight in March: the sun rises around 6:40 am and sets around 6:40 pm in Honolulu, giving about 12 hours of daylight. Hawaii does not use daylight saving time.
How expensive is Hawaii in March?
Early March is still high season, and spring break from mid-March to early April pushes prices up again, especially for family-friendly hotels and rental cars. The best value is in the first two weeks of the month. If you are travelling for Merrie Monarch, Hilo's limited hotel rooms are the bottleneck; Volcano village and vacation rentals along the Hāmākua coast are good alternatives.
Hawaii in March with kids
Spring break makes March a popular family month, so book family-friendly hotels early. The whales are a hit with children, rainy days are perfect for the Bishop Museum or an aquarium visit, and protected lagoons such as Ko Olina and Ala Moana are ideal for small swimmers.
Tips for visiting Hawaii in March
- Travel in the first half of March to avoid spring-break prices.
- Book Merrie Monarch accommodation in Hilo months ahead, or stay in Volcano and drive.
- Check trail closures after heavy rain, especially on Kauaʻi.
- Keep a rainy-day list: museums, gardens and food tours.
- Easter weekend is busy; book car hire early.
What season is March 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. March falls in Hoʻoilo, the wet season: expect more showers on windward coasts, big north swells and, from November to April, humpback whales.
Quick answers: Hawaii in March
Is March a good time to go to Hawaii?
Yes. Whales are still in peak season, temperatures are mild, and the first half of the month is quieter than spring break.
Is March rainy in Hawaii?
March is one of the wetter months in Honolulu, with about nine rainy days, but showers are usually brief. Leeward coasts are drier.
When is Merrie Monarch 2027?
The festival starts on Easter Sunday and runs for a week: 28 March to 3 April 2027, in Hilo on the Big Island.
How warm is the ocean in Hawaii in March?
About 76°F (24°C), the coolest of the year but still comfortable for swimming.
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 February or Hawaii in April, 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.
