Ask people who live in Hawaii for their favourite month and many will say May. The days are long and sunny, the ocean is calming down, the islands are still green, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived. It is also one of the best-value months of the year.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in May?
May is warm, dry and sunny. Honolulu averages a high of about 85°F (29°C) and a low of about 72°F (22°C), with the fewest rainy days of any month and more than 280 hours of sunshine. The trade winds blow steadily, keeping the humidity comfortable. Windward coasts still get short showers, mostly at night and in the early morning.
Is May a good time to visit Hawaii?
Yes, it is one of the best. Between the end of spring break and the start of US summer holidays in mid-June, Hawaii has a lull: fewer visitors, easier reservations and lower prices. The exception is the Memorial Day long weekend at the end of the month, which brings a short spike in demand. If your dates are flexible, early to mid-May is an excellent time to book.
What is the ocean like in Hawaii in May?
The water warms to about 78°F (26°C), and conditions improve on every coast. North shores calm down for summer, opening up snorkeling spots that are too rough in winter, such as Pūpūkea (Shark's Cove) on Oʻahu and, when the surf is small, the reefs around Hanalei on Kauaʻi. South shores receive gentle summer swells, perfect for surf lessons in Waikīkī, Poʻipū and Kīhei. It is an excellent month for snorkeling, diving and stand-up paddling.
What is on in Hawaii in May?
Hawaii starts the month with Lei Day on 1 May. "May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii", as the old song goes, and schools, parks and hotels celebrate with lei-making contests, music and hula. At the end of the month, the Shinnyo Lantern Floating ceremony on Memorial Day at Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island in Honolulu draws tens of thousands of people to float glowing lanterns in remembrance of loved ones. It is free and deeply moving; arrive early.
Which Hawaiian island is best in May?
All of them. Kauaʻi is particularly rewarding in May, as the north shore calms and the trails dry out. Oʻahu offers Lei Day and the Memorial Day lantern floating. Maui has calm mornings for snorkeling Molokini and dry weather in Kīhei. The Big Island is excellent for snorkeling the Kona coast and for the manta ray night snorkel, which runs year-round.
What should you pack for Hawaii in May?
Light summer clothing, swimwear, a rash guard, reef-safe mineral sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. The sun is strong in May, especially in the middle of the day. Bring a light layer for evenings and a warm one for Haleakalā or Mauna Kea.
Things to do in Hawaii in May
- Make a lei on Lei Day. Join lei-making and hula celebrations on 1 May.
- Float a lantern on Memorial Day. The Shinnyo Lantern Floating at Ala Moana is free and unforgettable.
- Snorkel the North Shore. Pūpūkea (Shark's Cove) and other north-shore reefs begin to calm down.
- Learn to surf. Gentle summer waves roll into Waikīkī, Poʻipū and Kīhei.
- Snorkel with manta rays. The Kona manta night snorkel runs year-round and calm May seas suit it well.
- Hike before summer heat. Long, dry days are perfect for the Maui and Big Island trails.
Daylight in May: the sun rises around 5:53 am and sets around 7:02 pm in Honolulu, giving about 13 hours of daylight. Hawaii does not use daylight saving time.
How expensive is Hawaii in May?
May is one of the best-value months of the year. Hotels often discount rates between spring break and the summer holidays, flights are cheaper, and you rarely need to book tours far ahead. The one exception is the Memorial Day long weekend at the end of the month, when prices rise briefly. For the lowest prices, travel in the first three weeks of May.
Hawaii in May with kids
If your children are not tied to school holidays, May is ideal: calm water, quiet beaches and long days. Lydgate Park on Kauaʻi, Kamaʻole on Maui and Ala Moana on Oʻahu all have calm, lifeguarded areas for small swimmers.
Tips for visiting Hawaii in May
- Book before Memorial Day weekend, when prices spike.
- Go early to the lantern floating for a good spot on the beach.
- Use reef-safe mineral sunscreen; the May sun is strong.
- Try north-shore snorkel spots on small-swell days.
- May is ideal for a two-island trip with lower flight prices.
What season is May 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. May falls in Kau, the dry season: expect long days, steady trade winds and calm north shores.
Quick answers: Hawaii in May
Is May a good time to visit Hawaii?
Yes. May has dry, sunny weather, calm seas and fewer crowds and lower prices than summer or winter.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in May?
About 85°F (29°C) by day and 72°F (22°C) at night in Honolulu, with the fewest rainy days of the year.
What is Lei Day in Hawaii?
Lei Day on 1 May celebrates the lei with music, hula and lei-making contests across the islands.
Is May busy in Hawaii?
May is one of the quieter months, except for the Memorial Day long weekend at the end of the month.
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 April or Hawaii in June, 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.
