October is a month of transition and a favourite with people who know Hawaii well. The weather is still summer-warm, the crowds are thin, prices are low, and the first big swells of winter arrive on the North Shore. Kona hosts the most famous triathlon in the world. Here is what to expect.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in October?
October is warm and mostly sunny, with an average high of about 87°F (31°C) and a low of about 74°F (23°C) in Honolulu. Rainfall begins to increase towards the end of the month as the wetter winter season approaches, especially on windward coasts. The trade winds are usually steady.
Is October a good time to visit Hawaii?
Yes. October is one of the cheapest and least crowded months of the year, with excellent weather. The one place to watch is Kona on the Big Island during the Ironman World Championship, when hotels fill up and prices rise. Hurricane season continues until 30 November, so travel insurance is sensible.
What is the ocean like in Hawaii in October?
The water is about 80°F (27°C), still near its warmest. October brings the first significant north swells of the winter, so north shores can switch from calm to dangerous within a day. Check the surf forecast before snorkeling at Pūpūkea, Hanalei or other north-shore spots, and follow the lifeguards' advice. South and west shores remain good for swimming.
What is on in Hawaii in October?
The Ironman World Championship takes place in Kailua-Kona, with a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride along the lava fields and a full marathon. In 2026 the race returned to a single-day format in Kona for both men and women, on 10 October. On Oʻahu, the Molokaʻi Hoe, the men's world championship of outrigger canoe racing, crosses the Kaʻiwi Channel from Molokaʻi to Waikīkī. The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival runs from mid-October into November, with events on several islands.
Can you see lava in Hawaii in October?
It depends on Kīlauea, not the calendar. Kīlauea has been erupting in episodes since late 2024, with lava fountains inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater that are visible from overlooks in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park during active phases. In October 2026, some summit trails were closed because of earthquakes and rockfalls. Check the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and the park's website before you go, and read our guide to the Big Island's volcanoes.
Which Hawaiian island is best in October?
The Big Island for Ironman, volcano views and warm water (book early for race week). Oʻahu for the Molokaʻi Hoe finish and the first big waves on the North Shore. Maui for quiet beaches and low prices. Kauaʻi is lovely, but check closures after the 2026 hurricane season.
What should you pack for Hawaii in October?
Summer clothes, swimwear, reef-safe mineral sunscreen and a hat, plus a light rain jacket for the first winter showers. Bring warm layers for Haleakalā or Mauna Kea and closed shoes for lava fields.
Things to do in Hawaii in October
- Watch the Ironman in Kona. Cheer on athletes on the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway and Aliʻi Drive.
- See the Molokaʻi Hoe finish. Outrigger crews finish their 41-mile crossing at Waikīkī.
- Eat your way through the Food & Wine Festival. Events run from mid-October into November.
- Watch the first big swells. The North Shore wakes up for winter.
- See Kīlauea. Check volcano activity and closures, then visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
- Enjoy shoulder-season prices. October is one of the cheapest months to visit.
Daylight in October: the sun rises around 6:27 am and sets around 6:06 pm in Honolulu, giving about 12 hours of daylight. Hawaii does not use daylight saving time.
How expensive is Hawaii in October?
October is a shoulder-season month with low prices on most islands. The exception is Kailua-Kona during Ironman week, when hotels fill with athletes and supporters. Otherwise, it is a good time to find deals on hotels, condos and flights, and you will rarely need to book tours more than a few days ahead.
Hawaii in October with kids
Autumn half-term and fall-break families find Hawaii warm and quiet in October. North shores begin to get rougher, so choose south- and west-facing beaches with lifeguards for children.
Tips for visiting Hawaii in October
- Avoid Kona during Ironman week unless you are going for the race.
- Check the North Shore surf forecast before snorkeling.
- Check Kīlauea activity and closures before you visit the national park.
- October is ideal for booking a longer trip at lower prices.
- Keep an eye on late-season tropical storms.
What season is October 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. October falls in Kau, the dry season: expect long days, steady trade winds and calm north shores.
Quick answers: Hawaii in October
Is October a good time to visit Hawaii?
Yes. October has warm weather, few crowds and low prices, apart from Kona during the Ironman World Championship.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in October?
Warm: about 87°F (31°C) by day and 74°F (23°C) at night in Honolulu, with rain beginning to increase late in the month.
When is the Ironman World Championship in Kona?
In 2026 it took place on 10 October, as a single-day race for men and women in Kailua-Kona.
Is the ocean rough in Hawaii in October?
South and west shores are usually calm, but the first winter swells can make north shores dangerous.
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 September or Hawaii in November, 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.
- NOAA NCEI / NWS Honolulu: 1991–2020 climate normals, Honolulu International Airport
- NOAA Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
- Hawaiʻi Ocean Safety
- NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center
- USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory: Kīlauea updates
- Triathlon Magazine Canada: Ironman World Championship returns to Kona in 2026
- Hawaii Food & Wine Festival 2026 (Hawaii.com)
