September is the month Hawaii exhales. Summer visitors have gone home, prices drop, the ocean is the warmest of the year, and the islands celebrate their culture with the Aloha Festivals. It comes with one caveat: it is the heart of hurricane season.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in September?
September is still summer. Honolulu averages a high of about 88°F (31°C) and a low of about 75°F (24°C), with little rain and plenty of sunshine. Humidity can be high when the trade winds drop. Windward coasts get short passing showers that keep the landscapes green.
Is September a good time to visit Hawaii?
Yes, it is one of the best-value months of the year. After the Labor Day weekend at the start of the month, visitor numbers fall, and hotels, flights and rental cars are often at their lowest prices of the year. Beaches and trails are quieter, and restaurants are easier to book. The main trade-off is the higher chance of tropical storms.
What is the ocean like in Hawaii in September?
The water reaches about 80°F (27°C), the warmest of the year, which makes long snorkels and dives a pleasure. North shores remain mostly calm, and south shores still receive some summer swell. Warm water and calm conditions are ideal for spotting turtles, rays and reef fish. In years with marine heatwaves, as in 2015, corals can bleach, so never touch or stand on reefs.
Is September hurricane season in Hawaii?
Yes. September is one of the two most active months of the Central Pacific hurricane season. Direct hits remain rare, but in September 2026 Hurricane Lowell caused serious damage on Kauaʻi, and several parks and trails there were closed for weeks. If you travel in September, buy travel insurance, stay flexible and follow official advice if a storm approaches.
What is on in Hawaii in September?
The Aloha Festivals, the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the United States, take place across the islands in September, with the Waikīkī Hoʻolauleʻa street party and a floral parade on Oʻahu as highlights. On the Big Island, the Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race in Kailua-Kona over the Labor Day weekend is the world's largest long-distance outrigger canoe race. Later in the month, women's crews race 41 miles across the Kaʻiwi Channel from Molokaʻi to Oʻahu in Nā Wahine O Ke Kai. Read more about the channel in our guide to Hawaii's ocean channels.
Which Hawaiian island is best in September?
Oʻahu for the Aloha Festivals and calm, warm snorkeling. The Big Island for the canoe race in Kona and quiet beaches. Maui for warm water and low prices. Kauaʻi is beautiful, but check park and trail status before you go, as recovery from the 2026 hurricane continues.
What should you pack for Hawaii in September?
Light summer clothing, swimwear, reef-safe mineral sunscreen, a hat and a rain jacket in case a tropical system passes. Bring something festive in aloha style if you plan to join the Aloha Festivals.
Things to do in Hawaii in September
- Join the Aloha Festivals. A Waikīkī street party, floral parade and cultural events.
- Watch the outrigger canoe races. The Queen Liliʻuokalani race in Kona and Nā Wahine O Ke Kai across the Kaʻiwi Channel.
- Snorkel with turtles. Warm, calm water is ideal; see where to see sea turtles.
- Take advantage of low prices. Book a better room or a longer stay for the same budget.
- Visit uncrowded beaches. Popular beaches are much quieter after Labor Day.
- Keep an eye on the weather. It is the heart of hurricane season; stay flexible.
Daylight in September: the sun rises around 6:18 am and sets around 6:34 pm in Honolulu, giving about 12 hours of daylight. Hawaii does not use daylight saving time.
How expensive is Hawaii in September?
September is one of the cheapest months to visit Hawaii. After Labor Day, demand drops, hotels discount rates, and flights from the US mainland are often at their lowest. It is the ideal month to book a longer stay, a second island or a better room for the same money. Travel insurance is a sensible extra in hurricane season.
Hawaii in September with kids
With most children back at school, September is quiet. Families with pre-school children get warm seas, low prices and uncrowded beaches. The Aloha Festivals have family-friendly events across the islands.
Tips for visiting Hawaii in September
- Book after Labor Day for the best prices of the year.
- Stay flexible: September is the peak of hurricane season.
- Check Kauaʻi park and trail status after the 2026 hurricane.
- Wear a rash guard and hat; the sun is still intense.
- Join the Aloha Festivals in aloha wear.
What season is September 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. September falls in Kau, the dry season: expect long days, steady trade winds and calm north shores.
Quick answers: Hawaii in September
Is September a good time to visit Hawaii?
Yes. After Labor Day, September is one of the quietest and cheapest months, with warm weather and the warmest ocean of the year.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in September?
Hot and mostly dry: about 88°F (31°C) by day and 75°F (24°C) at night in Honolulu.
Is September hurricane season in Hawaii?
Yes. September is one of the most active months of the season, though direct hits are rare.
What are the Aloha Festivals?
A statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture each September, with a Waikīkī street party and floral parade on Oʻahu.
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 August or Hawaii in October, 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.
