Hawaii in July: A Great Time to Go?
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Are you dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation? With its breathtaking beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture, there’s no denying that Hawaii is a fantastic destination. But with so much to consider – from the weather to crowds and prices –knowing when to schedule your trip can be a challenge. If you’re trying to decide if July is the right month for your getaway, then this article has got you covered!
Hawaii in July brings warm, dry weather and beautiful ocean conditions. You’ll experience loads of summer activities. But it also brings a slew of tourists and an increased chance of a hurricane. In addition, it’s one of the most expensive times to visit. If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation, Hawaii in July may be a perfect choice!
Let’s take a closer look at all these factors so that you can make an informed decision about your Hawaiian getaway.
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii in July (or anytime), make sure you use our helpful resources:
Check out our Where to Stay Database for a reviews of our favorite hotels and vacation rentals
Save money and time by booking your rental car with Discount Hawaii Car Rental
Take a look at our travel guides for each island: Maui, the Big Island, Kauai, and Oahu
Our Tours & Activites Database lists the best tours by island
Is July a Good Time to Go to Hawaii?
Compared to the other months of the year, July is an okay time to visit Hawaii. The temperatures in July are usually quite pleasant, with abundant sunshine. However, it is also the busiest tourist season due to schools being out for summer break and travelers wanting to take advantage of the warm weather.
As a result, expect to pay more for hotels than you would in other months. And if you’re planning on participating in any special events, like a luau or Fourth of July celebration, make sure you book well in advance. Otherwise, you may not be able to get in. We’ve got our list of the best luaus in Hawaii to help you get booking!
Reasons to Go to Hawaii in July
Hawaii is gorgeous in July, with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures. The ocean is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Plus, it’s summer break. So if you have kids or are just looking for fun, this is a great time to visit.
And you can’t forget about Independence Day. Seeing fireworks over the ocean on the 4th of July is a sight you won’t soon forget.
Reasons to Not Go to Hawaii in July
Hawaii can be quite crowded and expensive during the summer months. Hotels, restaurants, and attractions are often booked up weeks in advance. This can make it hard to find accommodations or get reservations for popular activities.
In addition, July is part of hurricane season. Although it isn’t likely that you’ll experience one, the chance is still there. So if you’re worried about your safety or don’t want to risk a trip being ruined by bad weather, visiting during another part of the year may be a better option.
Book early! Find a great place to stay:
Which Part of Oahu Should You Stay: Waikiki or Ko Olina or North Shore
Where to Stay on Maui: Hotels and Vacation Rentals for a Range of Budgets
Where to Stay on Kauai (It’s a Complicated Decision)
Where to Stay on the Big Island: best areas, hotels, and vacation rentals
Is Hawaii in July Nice? Weather Data
July is one of the driest and warmest months in Hawaii, with little to no rainfall. It’s part of the tropical summer, so you can expect daytime temperatures between 79°F (26°C) to 86°F (30°C). You really can’t complain about the weather in Hawaii in July.
Is Hawaii in July Rainy?
Weather data shows that July gets very little rain.
Of course, rainfall varies from island to island. If you want the lowest chance of showers, stick to Maui. It averages a measly 0.39 inches of rain in July. You’re much more likely to get rained on if you visit Kauai. There, the average is 1.77 inches throughout the month.
This chart has more information on four popular destinations throughout the state.
Destination | Average July Rainfall (in Inches) |
Kihei, Maui | 0.39 |
Honolulu, Oahu | 0.67 |
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | 0.7 |
Poipu. Kauai | 1.77 |
Now, it’s important to note that all the locations on this chart are on the leeward side of the island. That’s the side protected from the wind and rain. So if you’re headed to a spot on the windward side, like Hanalei, Kaneohe, or Hilo, you could experience more rain showers.
This image shows how the islands are divided. So as you’re making your vacation itinerary, take note of which side you’ll be visiting, as your weather conditions may vary a bit depending on where you are.
If you’re wanting to stay on the windward side of the islands, the summer months are a great time to do so. We love staying on north shore Oahu or Kauai in the summer months.
As mentioned above, this month is known for sunny days and blue skies, so you shouldn’t need to worry about packing an umbrella around no matter where you’re staying. In the very unlikely event of all day showers, we have a great list of things to do when it rains in Hawaii.
If you’re curious about how it compares to the other months, this graph shows the average rainfall on the Hawaiian Islands throughout the year.
How Warm Is It in Hawaii in July?
The temperatures are typically quite pleasant during this time of year. Daytime highs generally range between 79-89°F (26-32°C), with lows in the mid-70s.
Of course, in a tropical climate, you’ll experience pretty pleasant weather in Hawaii no matter when you visit. The coldest low temperatures (in January and February) are in the high 60s.
The graphs below show the average highs and lows for the entire year. That way, you can better understand what to expect when you plan your trip.
Each island has slightly different climate conditions, so expect variations depending on where you go. This chart shows July’s highs and lows across four popular areas on each island:
Location | July High Temperatures (°F) | July Low Temperatures (°F) |
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | 86 | 74 |
Kihei, Maui | 79 | 76 |
Poipu, Kauai | 79 | 75 |
Honolulu, Oahu | 80 | 75 |
As you can see, Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island, has the highest temperatures during the day. You might get too warm if you’re not used to the heat and humidity. Maui and Kauai could be a bit more comfortable if you’re coming from a chillier, less-humid climate.
The Big Island also has the biggest temperature swing. This means you may get a bit chilly once the sun goes down. A long sleeve shirt or a light jacket might come in handy. The other islands also cool down at night, but not nearly as much.
Can You Swim in Hawaii in July?
Absolutely! The ocean is warm and inviting, with temperatures hovering around 80°F (27°C). That’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Just be sure to check the local forecast before you hit the beach, as conditions can vary from day to day.
What Are the Ocean Conditions Like in July?
Ocean conditions are ideal in the summer months, so this is the best time for you to check out the north shores of the islands where waters are unsafe in the winter. Remember that the Pacific Ocean is fierce. It can change very quickly, and strong currents can develop. So make sure to stay within view of the lifeguards, don’t enter the water if you’re not a strong swimmer, and always be aware of your surroundings.
Check out the best beaches on the islands:
The 24 Best Beaches in Hawaii: Your Beach Bucket List
The 17 Best Maui Beaches (with parking, directions, and tips)
11 Best Big Island Beaches You Need to Visit (+ map!)
10 Best Beaches on Oahu: Secluded, White Sand, Find It All
The 10 Best Beaches on Kauai: stunning spots you don’t want to miss!
When Is Hurricane Season in Hawaii?
Hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June to November. So July is technically at risk for hurricanes. That said, it’s rare that a hurricane actually hits the islands during this time. In fact, the last major hurricane to make landfall was Hurricane Iniki in 1992, and only a handful of other hurricanes have made landfall since 1950.
Still, you should be aware of the risk and check the weather forecast before you embark on your journey to the islands.
How Busy is Hawaii in July?
July is one of the busiest times for tourists, which means the beaches, restaurants, and attractions are crowded.
To give you a sense of how many people visit Hawaii in July, let’s dive into some visitor data from 2022. And because travel still hasn’t gotten completely back to normal since the pandemic, let’s also examine the data from 2019.
2019 Visitor Data From July | 2022 Visitor Data From July | |
Average Daily Census | 289,236 | 277,444 |
Total Visitors for Month | 997,872 | 919,154 |
You can see that the tourism industry is making a comeback. However, it’s still not quite back to where it used to be. That said, July is still the busiest month of the year. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the tourist season, try visiting during spring or fall instead.
This graph can help you visualize the number of people who travel to Hawaii. You can use this to plan the best time for you to come based on the crowd sizes you’re comfortable with.
Which Hawaiian Islands Are the Busiest in July?
Oahu is the busiest of all the Hawaiian Islands in July (and year-round). This is followed closely by Maui, which is also a popular spot during this time of year. Kauai and The Big Island tend to be less crowded than the other two.
But if you’re really trying to avoid large groups of people, Molokai and Lanai are your best bet. These two islands are less populated and offer a more peaceful atmosphere than the other four.
Here’s a chart breaking down the number of visitors by island.
Island | Total Visitors in July |
Oahu | 491,052 |
Maui | 304,878 |
Island of Hawaii | 169,668 |
Kauai | 138,130 |
Lanai | 6,156 |
Molokai | 4,075 |
And this graph shows the total number of visitors by island throughout 2022. With everything that Oahu has to offer, it’s no wonder that it remains the most popular destination all year long.
Is Hawaii Cheaper in July?
Unfortunately, no. Prices tend to go up during the tourist season due to increased demand. Some discounts may be available if you book early or stay in an off-season area, but don’t expect big savings.
To help you budget for your trip, here’s a look at the average daily rate for hotels in July on the four main islands. As you can tell, the price varies greatly from one place to another.
Island | Average Daily Hotel Rate in July ($USD) |
Maui | $687.74 |
Kauai | $451.82 |
The Big Island | $418.69 |
Oahu | $308.42 |
If you’re trying to do Hawaii without breaking the bank, plan on staying on Oahu. It’s the most affordable of all the islands, with an average daily rate that’s almost $400 less per night than Maui.
Try traveling in October or November if you have your heart set on a Maui hotel. These months are the least expensive.
This chart shows the average hotel rates by island for 2022. It can help you pinpoint the month and island that best aligns with your vacation budget.
We have you covered with money saving strategies for Hawaii:
How to Get A Cheap Ticket to Hawaii: 5 Insider’s Tips
What is the Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Visit? (plus 4 ways to save)
Learn about booking your trip with and vacationing almost free!
Things to Do in Hawaii in July
Hawaii is a paradise any time of year, but if you’re visiting during July, plenty of activities can keep you busy. Here are some of the top things to do:
- Take in a concert by the Royal Hawaiian Band
- Watch 4th of July fireworks at Waikiki Beach, Turtle Bay, or several other locations
- Take a hike at the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden
- Check out the Waikiki Steel Guitar Week festivities
- Enjoy some family fun at the Koloa Plantation Days and then try the Koloa Zipline
- Take part in the Pineapple Festival on Lanai or try a Pineapple Tour on Maui
- Enjoy a luau and see some traditional hula dancing
- Try surfing lessons on Oahu’s North Shore
While you might not be able to do it all, you definitely won’t be bored on your July Hawaiian getaway! There’s plenty to do on every island.
For even more to do, check out some of our other articles:
40 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii (we will surprise you!)
35 Best Things to Do on Kauai (you wouldn’t guess…)
33 Things to Do on Maui (+Things to Skip)
21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island
To help you get the most out of your trip, download our free Hawaii cheat sheets before you arrive. You’ll find:
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- Insider tips
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