Hawaii in March: Is This The Best Time For Your Trip?
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here.
Planning on visiting Hawaii in March? That’s a pretty good idea!
In March, you’ll enjoy decent weather, especially compared to the mainland. Plus, you won’t have to worry about hurricanes! While spring break tourists mean there are some crowds to deal with, March is the perfect time of year for a whale-watching excursion, or to experience the annual Honolulu Festival.
No matter when you decide to visit Hawaii, we can help you every step of the way:
Once you narrow down when you want to go, pick which island to visit
Then you’ll want to figure out where to stay and what to do
If you want to see the islands the way we like to, check out our itineraries, they’re packed with insider tips, our favorite excursion days, and even the best restaurants!
Is March a Good Time to Go to Hawaii?
All in all, March is a pretty good time to visit Hawaii. While the weather is typically warm and pleasant, it is the month with the lowest average temperature so you’ll want to include a sweater on your packing list.
This month also sees an increase in visitors thanks to spring-break travelers. However, it’s less crowded than in the warm summer or ever-popular December.
To help you decide if March is the right time for you to visit Hawaii, let’s look at a few pros and cons.
Reasons to Go to Hawaii in March
Wondering what makes March a good time to visit Hawaii? The weather, crowds, and activities are three reasons. Here’s a bit more information:
- Fair weather: Though lows in March can be on the cool side (the average low is 69.7°F), there’s a high of 76°F. Compared to places not in the tropics. These are pleasant conditions.
- Smaller crowds: March falls in between the winter holiday season and summer vacation. This means fewer people are visiting Hawaii, which might make for a more enjoyable experience for you.
- Plenty of activities: March is prime whale watching season, and you’ll find plenty of things to keep you busy all month long.
Reasons Not to Go to Hawaii in March
Not all travelers are going to love a March trip to the Aloha State. These are a few reasons why it might not be the best time for you:
- Cooler temps: While temperatures in March aren’t too bad, they can start to feel cold if you’re expecting beautiful sunny skies.
- Rainy skies: Though March isn’t the rainiest month in Hawaii, it’s close. If you don’t want to deal with packing an umbrella around, a different month might be a better choice.
- Spring break crowds: Schools and colleges around the country have their spring break in mid-to-late March. And many of these young adults choose to visit Hawaii, meaning the beaches and other popular tourist destinations can get crowded. Early March tends to be much calmer.
So is a March trip to Hawaii in your future? If you’re not sure yet, let’s explore the weather, crowds, and costs associated with this month in more detail. That way you can plan your trip to Hawaii like a pro!
Free Download!
Hawaiian Island Cheat Sheets
Sign up & we’ll send you our island cheat sheets so you can get to know the islands like the back of your hand!
We’ll share 4 can’t-miss activities on each island, a map with the main sights in town, & famous local grindz (eats)!
Is Hawaii in March Nice: Weather Data
Hawaii is in the tropics, which means it has a tropical climate. Compared to much of the world, it’s warmer and sunnier year-round. However, temperatures do fluctuate from month to month.
March is near the end of the state’s winter, which runs from October to April. It’s also one of the two coldest months of the year (along with February). So if you’re looking for the best weather, summer (May to October) is a better option.
Is Hawaii in March Rainy?
In Hawaii, March and rainfalls go hand-in-hand. It’s almost the wettest month of the year (December beats it by a fraction of an inch). So if you’re planning a trip to Hawaii in March, expect some showers.
The good news is that Hawaiian rain is likely warmer and more pleasant than what you’re used to.
But if you prefer blue skies, pick a different month to visit or plan on sticking to Maui. It’s the sunniest island in the state and typically receives the least rainfall. Conversely, Kauai is one of the wettest islands. You’ll definitely want to bring an umbrella if you visit Poipu this time of year.
Here’s a peek at the data to see how the different islands compare:
Location | Average March Rainfall (in Inches) |
Poipu. Kauai | 2.52 |
Honolulu, Oahu | 1.81 |
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | 1.8 |
Kihei, Maui | 0.87 |
Of course, winds and mountains play a role in how much rain you experience on your trip. The Hawaiian Islands each have a leeward side (drier) and a windward side (wetter). So if you’re planning on exploring, keep this in mind.
The towns in the chart above are all on the leeward side, so if you venture out to the windward side, you’ll likely get more rain.
Wondering which month is the driest in Hawaii? Statewide, you’re least likely to experience showers in July. But, this varies from island to island. For example, June is Maui’s driest month, with only 0.2 inches of rain. And Kauai gets the least amount of precipitation in April, with 1.3 inches.
This graph displays the rainfall on four different islands throughout the year:
But please remember that while these averages can help you plan, they’re just averages. It’s always best to check the local forecast before your trip. There’s nothing like real-time weather data to help you prepare.
In case you do get rained on, be sure to read What to Do in Hawaii When it Rains: Maui, Oahu, Kauai, & Big Island Activities
How Warm Is it in Hawaii in March?
As mentioned above, March isn’t the warmest month of the year. In fact, locals might tell you it’s downright cold.
However, what’s cold to us is probably not to you. Plenty of visitors are running around in shorts and a t-shirt while locals are wearing pants and long sleeves. So temperature is relative.
In March, you’ll experience an average high of 76 degrees and a low of 69.75. It’s not perfect weather by any stretch, but it’s not bitter cold, either. Remember, this is the tropics!
You’ll find the warmest weather on the Big Island, which could be an ideal location for your trip. Kailua-Kona boasts an impressive 82 degrees for its March high temp, so you’ll get plenty of sunshine there. (And with five sandy beaches all within 30 minutes, you’ll have plenty of ways to enjoy that weather!)
Oahu has the next nicest weather. Honolulu averages 75 degrees throughout March.
The low temperature across all the islands ranges from 69-71 degrees. So no matter where you go, the lows are pretty similar.
Let’s look at the numbers from four of our favorite locations so you can see how they compare:
Location | Average High Temperature in March (°F) | Average Low Temperature in March (°F) |
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | 82 | 70 |
Kihei, Maui | 74 | 71 |
Poipu, Kauai | 73 | 69 |
Honolulu, Oahu | 75 | 69 |
If March’s weather doesn’t look too appealing, consider coming to Hawaii in September instead. You’ll still avoid the hectic peak season, but you’ll get to enjoy much better weather. In September, the average high is a balmy 82.25 degrees.
To help you decide when to book your trip, here’s a look at the average high temperatures in Hawaii throughout the year:
And here’s what the lows look like. February and March are the coldest months of the year.
Can You Swim in Hawaii in March?
Since it’s a bit chillier and rainier, should you still pack your swimsuit for your March Hawaii vacation? Yes! It’s the tropics and swimming can be done year round.
The ocean stays warm around Hawaii all year long. No matter when you arrive, the water temperature will be within six degrees of any other time.
In March, you can expect the waters of the Pacific to be a lovely 76 degrees or so. While September and October have slightly higher temps, you can add water activities to your itinerary any time of the year.
What Are the Ocean Conditions Like in March?
The Pacific Ocean is warm near Hawaii in March but is not always calm. In the winter, you can expect larger swells on the north shores of each island, due to storms in the Pacific Northwest.
If you’re not a strong swimmer, opt for beaches on the south side of the island you’re visiting. And regardless of which side you’re on or when you go, always check the ocean conditions before heading into the water. The swells can change quickly, and it’s always best to be safe.
Check out the best snorkeling in Hawaii by month!
When Is Hurricane Season in Hawaii?
Worried about a hurricane coming through and wrecking your tropical vacation? The good news is that these storms rarely hit Hawaii. Only five have caused serious damage since 1950.
Want even better news? March isn’t in hurricane season. That runs from June 1st to November 30th each year. So you shouldn’t have to worry about dangerous storms in March.
How Busy is Hawaii in March?
Before the pandemic, March was the fifth busiest month in Hawaii. It fell behind July, December, June, and August. But since travel has resumed again, March dropped to the sixth busiest.
To help put March’s visitor data into perspective, here’s the order from busiest to slowest for 2022.
Month of the Year | Total Hawaiian Visitors in 2022 |
July | 919,154 |
December | 871,870 |
June | 841,809 |
August | 829,669 |
April | 809,612 |
March | 785,715 |
May | 774,144 |
October | 726,469 |
November | 725,469 |
September | 691,794 |
February | 623m691 |
January | 567,179 |
And here’s the data in a more visual format. The average daily census shows how many people you can expect to find on any given day during a month.
Keep in mind that many of March’s visitors come during spring break, which tends to be toward the end of the month. If you come in the first two weeks, you’ll likely experience even fewer people.
Which Hawaiian Islands Are the Busiest in March?
Do you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a crowd? If you love being around other people, Oahu is your dream location. It’s the busiest (by a lot) all year long.
If large groups of people aren’t your thing, Kauai or the Big Island might be a better fit. And if you really want to avoid hordes of visitors, stick to the less popular islands of Molokai or Lanai.
Here’s a look at March’s visitor data from across the islands:
Island | Average Visitors in March |
Oahu | 404,274 |
Maui | 239,538 |
The Big Island | 141,854 |
Kauai | 106,544 |
Lanai | 5,340 |
Molokai | 3,367 |
The slowest time to visit Oahu is in January or February. So if you’re not a crowd person and you have dreams of a Honolulu or North Shore stay, it’s better to wait until then.
This graph shows visitor data for the four main islands throughout the year. This can help you pinpoint the perfect month for your trip based on how many people you’re comfortable being around.
Is Hawaii Cheaper in March?
March is pretty middle-of-the-road when it comes to accommodation costs. September is the cheapest time to visit, with state-wide hotel averages at $373 a night. In March, that number rose to $440.
However, compared to the $494 you’ll pay in December or the $467 average in July, March isn’t that bad. It’s definitely not the most expensive time of year.
Of course, where you stay matters. You’ll pay a premium if you have your heart set on a luxury resort like Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay or the Koloa Landing Resort. According to the data, these luxury class rentals range from a high of $1,101.91 in December to a low of $727.13 a night in September. In March, a luxury resort costs an average of $887.08.
If you’re on a budget, plan on staying in a midscale or economy-class hotel to keep your accommodation costs down. At one of these locations, you can find hotels in March that average $209.65 a night. And if you stay on Oahu, you’ll pay even less. It’s the least expensive island for accommodations.
This graph shows average daily rates across the four major islands throughout the year. This data can help you pick the month that best corresponds with your budget.
Things to Do in Hawaii in March
If you decide that March is an excellent time for your Hawaiian getaway, here are some can’t-miss activities to check out.
- Take advantage of whale season and go on a humpback whale-watching tour with Ultimate Whale Watch & Snorkel or another awesome tour group.
- Listen to spectacular performers and participate in educational programs at the Honolulu Festival in early March.
- Show off your fitness skills at the Lavaman Triathlon Marathon or the Big Island International Marathon.
- Join the Hawaii Land Trust for a Volunteer Day and put your skills to work helping keep Hawaii beautiful
- Taste some delicious local brews at the Kona Brewers Festival
- Listen to Hawaii’s iconic instrument at the Ukulele Festival at Waikoloa (and then take a ukulele class so you can learn to play!)
- Celebrate the vision and leadership of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole (and eat some delicious grub from the food booths!) at the Anahola Prince Kuhio Day Celebration
- Head to Poipu Beach on Kauai’s South Shore and enjoy a beach day. (In March you’ll want to stick to beaches on the south side of the islands to avoid the choppier waves coming in from the north)
But if a March trip isn’t going to work for you, don’t worry. You’ll find plenty to do in Hawaii no matter when you arrive. This tropical paradise always has something going on.
More things to do on the islands:
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 on Oahu, Hawaii (we will surprise you!)
21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island
Before you arrive, be sure to download our free Island Cheat Sheets. These printable guides give you essential details to help you plan the best trip ever. You’ll find some of our favorite restaurant recommendations, activities that you don’t want to miss, and even a map to help orientate yourself.
In addition, you’ll be added to our newsletter mailing list. Every two weeks we’ll send out a new newsletter chock full of information about visiting Hawaii. These include valuable insider information to help you make the most of your visit. Sometimes we even include exclusive discounts to help you save. Sign up today so you don’t miss out!
Free Download!
Hawaiian Island Cheat Sheets
Sign up & we’ll send you our island cheat sheets so you can get to know the islands like the back of your hand!
We’ll share 4 can’t-miss activities on each island, a map with the main sights in town, & famous local grindz (eats)!