Are you planning a Hawaiian vacation? Although many travelers have specific travel dates, others are flexible. Inevitably we get asked, “What is the best time to visit Hawaii?”. Make no mistake, there isn’t a “wrong” time for you to go to Hawaii. However, we think there are certain standouts. October is one of them. Keep reading as we discuss the merits of visiting Hawaii in October because it doesn’t get much better than this!

Hawaii in October: Why It’s the Best Time to Visit

First things first, let me disclose something. I love Hawaii in October. In fact, when my husband and I were choosing our wedding date – October won. The entire month is divine, so we settled on a date right in the middle. Hopefully you won’t mind my personal bias, but even without it, there are plenty reasons to love it.

5 Reasons to Visit Hawaii in October: What to Expect

 1. Ideal Weather

You can’t get much better than this. Not the hot and dry season, and not the cooler, rainier season. Best described as a weather transition month. Hawaii weather in October typically consists of warm, sunny days and mild and refreshing nights. There may be a rain shower here or there – locals call this “liquid sunshine”, but usually it’s gone before you know it. Even if you do have a passing rain shower, it serves to keep the waterfalls flowing and the flowers blooming. Additionally, ocean temperatures are still perfect for all the water activities you’ll want to enjoy.  All in all, weather-wise, it’s a great month to visit Hawaii.

2. Fewer Crowds

Perhaps we should say, lack thereof. While Hawaii is never deserted, and October isn’t technically the least “crowded” month (that would be January), the crowds are definitely not what they are in July or December. Known as a shoulder month, October is one of the best times to visit Hawaii to avoid crowds, but still enjoy ideal weather.

Adding to that, there aren’t as many families traveling during this time. Make no mistake, Hawaii is an awesome place to travel with children or teens, but if you’re not traveling with children you probably don’t want to be surrounded by them on vacation. Since there aren’t typically school breaks in October, it makes it a great time to have a more adult experience.

3. Cheaper Hotels & Lower Vacation Costs

Since Hawaii in October isn’t the most in-demand month of the year, you can usually find lower prices. Hotels sometimes use a tiered rates format, and the most popular months naturally have higher rates. By traveling during a shoulder month like October, you avoid the higher prices of other months.

As an example, during peak travel times our Hawaii All-Inclusive Vacation Packages may have pricing surcharges, to reflect the increased costs of hotels during this time. We are also able to offer you greater discounts and specials for travel in the “off-season”.

4. Exciting Festivals & Events in Hawaii During October

If you’re in Hawaii in October, there are several festivals and events that take place.

Some are:

• Hawaii International Film Festival
• Eō E ʻEmalani I Alaka‘i Festival
• Hawaii Food and Wine Festival
• Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival
• Ironman Triathalon

5. Halloween in Hawaii

I would be remiss to not talk about Halloween in Hawaii. If you like Halloween, and plan to be in Hawaii on October 31 – bring your costume! In particular, Waikiki is a sight to behold. Thousands of people descend on Kalakaua Avenue for a truly spooky celebration. Since it gets pretty wild, recently there has been a push to hold “Waikiki’s Halloween” on a weekend, if the 31st falls on a weekday. For now, it’s still held on the 31st.

There are several other Halloween and fall celebrations on Oahu during October. Some of t he neighbor islands also have smaller Halloween festivities too. Outside of Waikiki, Lahaina was the next biggest October 31st party spot, but sadly that won’t take place again until Lahaina has recovered.

To sum it up, Hawaii in October is a magical place. Balmy weather, low crowds, better rates and exciting events mean you’ll get the best Hawaii has to offer – and then some. Contact us today to start planning your Hawaiian adventure!