Hawaii in April: Everything to Know For Your Trip
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If you’re trying to decide which month to take your Hawaiian vacation, April should definitely be in the running.
April isn’t the warmest month. Or the least crowded. You also won’t find the very best deals on hotels this month. But it’s also not the coldest, rainiest, busiest, or most expensive month of the year. April is pretty middle-of-the-road for all the key stats, which means it’s a decent time to visit the Hawaiian Islands.
To help you decide if Hawaii in April is in your forecast, let’s look at the data on the weather, crowds, and costs so you can make an informed decision.
Let us take the stress out of Hawaii trip planning, here are some other great resources to keep your momentum going:
– Decide which island is best for your vacation
– Build your Hawaii bucket list so you don’t miss out on any of the best activities
– You won’t overstuff your suitcase or forget a thing with our packing list
– Grab a done-for-you itinerary for everything else you need to know!
Is April a Good Time to go to Hawaii?
With pleasant weather, fewer people, and possible deals, April is a good time to go to Hawaii. However, April is part of Hawaii’s winter. This means you’re more likely to experience colder evenings and rain showers. So if you’re looking for blue skies for your entire trip, June or July might be a better fit.
Reasons to go to Hawaii in April
You don’t want to miss these key advantages of visiting Hawaii in April:
- Warmer temperatures: April is the last month of winter in Hawaii. So while the temperatures aren’t as high as they get in August or September, they’re still pleasant compared to the cooler days of February and March.
- Fewer people: In 2022, April was the fifth busiest month of the year. Compared to the summer rush, you’ll have more elbow room at sites like Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor.
- Good rates: Since April isn’t one of the most popular months, you should be able to snag some deals on your hotel room, helping you save money.
Reasons to Not Go to Hawaii in April
Conversely, April does have some drawbacks for travelers. You’ll want to consider these factors before you book your vacation.
- Potential rain: Winter and rain go hand-in-hand in Hawaii. You’ll likely get a rainstorm or two during your trip, especially if you plan to travel to the islands’ windward side.
- Spring break travelers: While many colleges have spring breaks in March, some give their students time off in early April instead. So if you come to the islands early in the month, you may encounter college-aged kids enjoying a tropical vacation.
- Cooler low temperatures: Though April’s weather is mostly pleasant, the average low temperature is barely above 70. You could need a light jacket or a sweater.
Is Hawaii Nice in April: Weather Data
February and March are the coldest months of the year in Hawaii. By April, things are starting to warm up again. The high temperatures are in the mid to high 70s, and the lows are a pretty consistent 71°F.
But there’s more to the weather than just the number on the thermometer, so let’s look more closely at the rainfall averages, high and low temperatures, ocean conditions, and more.
Is Hawaii Rainy in April?
When you picture Hawaii in your head, what comes to mind? Most likely, it’s sun, surf, and sand without a drop of rain. But that may not be the reality of an April vacation.
In April, the state receives an average of 1.0875 inches of rain. And while this may not sound like a lot, it’s more than you’d experience in the summer months. This is especially true on the windward side of each island.
You can expect much more rain here than on the drier leeward sides. So plan on sticking to each island’s south and west beaches to maximize your chances of avoiding a rainstorm.
Here’s the data on the amount of rain in four locations:
Location | Average October Rainfall in Inches |
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | 1.4 |
Poipu. Kauai | 1.3 |
Honolulu, Oahu | 1.02 |
Kihei, Maui | 0.63 |
As you can see, Maui is the driest island. But data is interesting, and there’s usually more to the story than just what a simple chart shows. For example, April is actually the fourth most rainy month in Maui. So even there, the chances of rain are pretty high.
And while Kauai is the second rainiest island in April, it’s the driest you’ll find Poipu all year. So if you’re planning a Kauai adventure, you’re least likely to need your raincoat in April.
Of course, no vacation is guaranteed to be rain free. So you should always throw an umbrella into your suitcase when packing. That way, you’re prepared no matter what.
If you’re concerned about a few raindrops interrupting your trip, July, September, and June are when you should come. This graph shows the average rainfall throughout the year.
How Warm Is It in Hawaii in April?
In April, Hawaii’s temperature begins to transition from winter to summer. The average high temperature is 77°F, while the average low is 71°.
While that might still feel a bit cool to us locals, most visitors find this temperature range quite comfortable. After all, Hawaii is in the tropics. So the weather never gets too cold.
But if you’re chasing sunshine, you’ll want to stay in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. There, the high temp in April is a balmy 83 degrees. That’s the perfect temperature for all sorts of outdoor activities.
You’ll find lower high temps on all three of the other main islands. Kauai tends to be the coolest, with an April average was 75.
To help you figure out where you should stay, this chart shows the average high and low across four of our favorite locations.
Location | Average High Temperature in April (in °F) | Average Low Temperature in April (in °F) |
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | 83 | 71 |
Honolulu, Oahu | 77 | 72 |
Kihei, Maui | 76 | 71 |
Poipu. Kauai | 75 | 71 |
If you’re using weather as a deciding factor for planning your trip, you’ll also want to check out the two graphs below. The first shows the average high temperatures throughout the year, and the second the average low.
Late summer tends to be the warmest time to visit Hawaii. September, August, and October are the warmest months of the year. They’re even warmer than June or July. So if you want to soak up the warm sunny rays, plan a trip in September or October instead of April.
Can You Swim in Hawaii in April?
Since the air temperatures aren’t as warm in April, does that mean you’ll freeze if you get into the ocean? Not at all!
The ocean water is usually around 76°F in April, so it’s actually pretty pleasant for swimming and other water activities.
The downside is the water may be warmer than the air temperature. So while you could still enjoy a dip in the ocean, you may feel freezing when you get out. A wet or dry suit can help with that, though it’s not cold enough to need one while you’re in the water.
If you’d prefer even warmer waves, you should plan your trip for September or October. The ocean is 81 degrees during those months, which feels amazing!
No matter when you arrive, you’ll want to check out our list of the best beaches in Hawaii, so you know where to go.
What Are the Ocean Conditions Like in April?
The ocean conditions in Hawaii usually remain pretty consistent throughout the year. The waves are generally calm, and the water visibility is good.
However, in April, a few spots on the islands can get choppy with strong currents that may surprise unsuspecting swimmers. If you plan on taking a swim or going snorkeling, it’s best to double-check the ocean conditions before you get in.
When is Hurricane Season in Hawaii?
Want some good news about Hawaii in April? It’s not hurricane season. Since this season runs from June through November, you’re unlikely to have any trouble with big storms during your trip.
In fact, no matter when you come, you probably won’t have to deal with them. That’s because hurricanes are quite rare in Hawaii. The last major one to cause damage was in 1992. So you’re pretty safe from hurricanes here.
Related reads:
What to Do in Hawaii When it Rains: Maui, Oahu, Kauai, & Big Island Activities
9 Best Beaches on Kauai for Swimming
How Busy is Hawaii in April?
Using 2022 data, April was the fifth busiest month for tourism in Hawaii. It had fewer people than in July, December, June, and August.
While the beaches won’t be empty, they won’t be as full as you’d find them over the summer or near the holidays.
But don’t let the potential crowds scare you away. April is still a great time to visit! Just make sure to plan ahead and book your accommodations early to avoid any issues with availability.
To give you a better idea of how many people come to Hawaii each month, let’s dive into the 2022 data. The yellow bar on this graph shows how many people visited the islands during each month of the year. The pink bar represents the average daily census, which is how many people there were on any given day.
When looking at the data, a few things come to mind. First, we haven’t quite gotten back to the number of visitors we had before the pandemic. That really took a toll on tourism in Hawaii. But thankfully, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, things are looking up. More and more people are resuming travel and Hawaii continues to be a popular destination.
In 2019, April wasn’t nearly as popular as it is today. But only time will tell if that will continue to hold true in the coming years.
Which Hawaiian Islands Are the Busiest in April?
No matter when you visit, you’ll find some islands a bit busier than others. Oahu continues to be the most popular destination, with over 416,000 people visiting. If you like crowds and people-watching, this is the place for you.
But if you prefer a little more solitude, Kauai is the least crowded of the four main islands. Of course, you could also head to Molokai or Lanai for a bit of a different Hawaiian vacation. Those islands are practically empty compared to the others.
On this chart, you’ll find the breakdown of visitors by island, so you can decide where you’d like to stay:
Island | Total Visitors in April 2022 |
Oahu | 416,285 |
Maui | 254,398 |
The Big Island | 140302 |
Kauai | 115,578 |
Lanai | 6,684 |
Molokai | 3,693 |
This graph shows the monthly visitors for the four main islands throughout the year, so you can better judge when you’d like to come.
January was the least crowded month of 2022, with only 567,179 visitors. July had the most significant influx of people, with a whopping 919,154 visitors arriving. December was close behind. Christmas in Hawaii is a big deal!
Is Hawaii Cheaper in April?
Accommodations represent a large portion of your Hawaiian vacation budget. So if you’re trying to save money, you’ll want to come to the islands when you can get a good deal.
If you average out all of the monthly hotel prices, you get $417.99. In April, the average is $419, or just above average.
This means you won’t get the cheapest room possible. You’d have to come in September to do that when the average rate is only $373. But you also won’t be shelling out the $494 average rate you’d find in December.
To help you find the best rate possible, here’s a bit closer look at the numbers. This chart shows the average daily price for hotels in April and throughout the year.
Location | 2022 Average Daily Hotel Price in USD – April | 2022 Average Price in USD – Overall |
Maui | $609.69 | $607.32 |
Oahu | $258.51 | $266.56 |
Kauai | $380.63 | $397.80 |
Big Island (Island of Hawaii) | $429.16 | $400.28 |
April’s rates are slightly above average on two of the four main islands. However, you’ll spend a bit less this time of year if you stay on Kauai or Oahu.
(If you need a recommendation for a great place to stay on Kauai, we highly recommend the Waipouli Beach Resort. You can read our review here.)
This graph shows how much you can expect to pay on each island throughout the year. As you can see, Maui is expensive no matter when you come. October is the cheapest month to stay on that island.
No matter when you’re arriving, check out our where to stay directory first. You can filter the options by island, price, or accommodation type to help you find the best place to stay.
Related reads:
What is the Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Visit? (plus 4 ways to save)
This is How Much Your Trip to Maui Will Cost (And Ways to Save)
Things to Do in Hawaii in April
While there are plenty of things you can do all year long in Hawaii (like snorkeling, swimming, hiking, or taking pictures of breathtaking scenery), each month has its own unique activities to make your trip even more special.
In April, consider adding these to your trip itinerary.
- Get your fill of Hawaii’s favorite canned meat at the Spam Jam Festival
- Check out the Merrie Monarch Festival that celebrates the legacy of King David Kalakaua
- Enjoy delicious flavors at the Big Island Chocolate Festival
- Participate in an egg hunt for Easter
- Take part in an Earth Day environmental expo at the Waikiki Aquarium
- Learn more about taro at the Maui Taro Festival (there hasn’t been one since 2019, but word on the street is that it’s coming back this year. However, it’s not official yet)
- Enjoy free entry to Hawaii’s National Parks on April 22nd to celebrate the first day of National Park Week
For even more to do on each island, check out:
The 59 Best Things to do in Hawaii: Your Ultimate Bucket List
35 Best Things to Do on Kauai (we will surprise you!)
33 Things to Do on Maui (+Things to Skip)
40 Things to Do in Oahu, Hawaii (we will surprise you!)
21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island
There’s so much to do in April, you’re sure to have a blast on your trip. But no matter when you’re arriving, download our free Hawaii cheat sheets first.
In the free downloadable file, you’ll receive four separate cheat sheets, one for each of the main islands. These printable PDFs are full of information to help you plan your days and make the most of your trip. You’ll find:
- Can’t miss activities
- The best places to stay
- Delicious grindz (eats) to try
- Our top tips for creating a vacation to remember
When you grab those printables, you’ll also join our bi-weekly newsletter that goes out to 45,000+ Hawaii visitors. In each issue, you’ll get real-time updates from Hawaii, helpful tips and tricks, and insider information to help you prepare. Occasionally, we’ll include exclusive discount codes for some of our favorite tours or activities. You don’t want to miss out!
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Hawaiian Island Cheat Sheets
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We’ll share 4 can’t-miss activities on each island, a map with the main sights in town, & famous local grindz (eats)!