Hawaii in May: One of the Best Months to Visit
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Thinking a trip to Hawaii sounds good? We agree! There’s nothing like a getaway to the tropics to relax and escape the everyday pressures of life. But is May a good time of year to visit Hawaii? Read on for all you need to know if you’re planning a trip in late spring.
When you come to Hawaii in May, you’ll beat the summer rush of people and have fewer crowds to deal with. This means you won’t pay as much for accommodations on your vacation. But you’ll still enjoy warm temperatures and beautiful ocean conditions.
All in all, May is a great time to visit the islands.
Whether you go to Hawaii in May or another month, you won’t want to miss our best planning resources:
Start here for your Hawaii vacation planning done right.
Make sure you bring the essentials and leave behind what you don’t need with our packing list
Plus check out our in-depth island guides for everything you need to know about each island and more! Kauai Travel Guide – Oahu Travel Guide – Big Island Travel Guide – Maui Travel Guide
Is May a Good Time to go to Hawaii?
When it comes to crowds, weather, and costs, May is one of the best months to visit Hawaii. The prices are lower, and the crowds are smaller than in peak season, making it an excellent time for budget travelers. And with plenty of activities and cultural events occurring, there’s something for everyone!
With that said, don’t hesitate to schedule your dream vacation in May. You’ll have a blast!
Reasons to Go to Hawaii in May
- Great weather: May marks the beginning of Hawaii’s summer season. The weather is sunny and warm all month long, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
- Smaller crowds/costs: The beaches are also less crowded in May than during June and July. And with lower hotel prices and fewer crowds, you can take advantage of the best deals and experiences on the islands.
- Tons of activities: Plus, there’s plenty to do in May. From the annual Lei Day celebrations to the Memorial Day festivities, tons of activities and cultural experiences make this a great time of year to visit Hawaii.
Reasons Not to Go to Hawaii in May
May can be a great time to visit Hawaii, but it’s not for everyone.
- Can be somewhat crowded: If you’re looking for a more secluded getaway, the islands may be too busy this month. January is one of the least crowded months to visit, so you may prefer a winter trip. And if you’re trying to save money on lodging, September is typically even cheaper.
Is Hawaii in May Nice: Weather Data
Since it’s in the tropics, Hawaii only has two seasons compared to the four you find in the mainland US. May is the beginning of the summer season, which lasts until October.
You can expect mild, pleasant weather on your visit, so you’ll be able to take advantage of all the activities Hawaii has to offer. Temperatures will range from highs in the low-80s (Fahrenheit) during the day and lows in the mid-70s at night.
The rainiest part of the year is typically between November and April, so you can expect dryer conditions in May. Rainfall does vary on different islands, so double-check your destination before you go and read more about which islands are the wettest below.
Is Hawaii in May Rainy?
Winter is Hawaii’s rainiest season. By May, the showers are beginning to subside. The Hawaiian Islands receive an average of 1.295 inches of rain this month.
Here’s a look at four popular destinations and how they compare in terms of rainfall.
Location | Average Rainfall in May (in Inches) |
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | 2 |
Poipu. Kauai | 1.57 |
Honolulu, Oahu | 1.18 |
Kihei, Maui | 0.43 |
As you can see, you’re most likely to encounter raindrops in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. If you want to stay as dry as possible, plan on staying in Kihei, Maui. (We highly recommend the Kihei Ali’i Kai.)
And while no month is guaranteed to be rain-free in Hawaii, if you really want sunshine during your visit, July, August, and September are typically the driest months of the year. This graph shows the average rain for those four locations throughout the year:
When talking about rainfall, you’ve got to remember that each island has different sides, and the weather can vary quite a bit based on which part you’re visiting. The north and east sides tend to get more rain than the south and west, so if you’re worried about showers spoiling your vacation, try staying on the island’s leeward side.
How Warm Is It in Hawaii in May?
As a tropical climate, Hawaii’s temperatures don’t swing as drastically as in other places. In May, you can expect mild temperatures with highs in the low-80s (Fahrenheit) and lows in the low-70s.
This chart shows a better breakdown from island to island.
Location | Average High Temperature (°F) | Average Low Temperature (°F) |
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | 84 | 72 |
Kihei, Maui | 77 | 73 |
Poipu, Kauai | 77 | 72 |
Honolulu, Oahu | 78 | 73 |
The hottest place to be is in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Its average temperature in May is 84 degrees. But it drops to 72 at night, giving it the most temperature variation.
So make sure you pack layers if you’re heading to Hawaii in May, especially if you’re headed up Haleakala on Maui, Mauna Kea on the Big Island, or to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! That way, you can easily adjust to the changing temperatures. For more packing tips, check out our post What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation.
As you probably guessed, May isn’t the warmest month in the state. That award goes to August and September. These months mark the end of summer, and the temperature rises to its highest average.
If you prefer cooler temperatures, you’ll want to plan your visit for winter. February and March offer some of the chilliest days of the year.
Check out these graphs to help you decide when to visit the islands based on temperature. The first shows the average high temperature by island by month, and the second is the average low temperature.
Can You Swim in Hawaii in May?
One of the highlights of a Hawaiian vacation is swimming in the beautiful Pacific Ocean. But is the ocean safe to swim in during May?
The answer is yes! The water temperature off Hawaii’s coast averages about 77 degrees Fahrenheit in May, so swimming will be quite comfortable. Plus, there will usually be calm waters and good waves thanks to the trade winds that blow throughout the area.
What Are the Ocean Conditions Like in May?
Remember that the ocean can be unpredictable, so you should always check the beach conditions before going in. Lifeguards use flags to indicate the safety of the waters, so pay attention to them when you’re out and about.
Also, a quick note about swells. The winter months bring large waves to the islands due to storms in the North Pacific. But these waves have usually calmed down by May, and you can expect smaller swells. The rougher areas are generally on the southern and western shores of the islands.
When is Hawaii Hurricane Season?
Hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June through November. So you should only experience hurricanes if you come within these months. That makes May a great time to visit if you want to minimize your risks of tropical storms.
But the risks are fairly low even if you journey to Hawaii during hurricane season. The last time a major hurricane made landfall in the state was in 1992.
Although it’s unlikely that a devastating storm will land in Hawaii while you’re there, it’s always good to be prepared. Check the National Weather Service website for forecasts and advisories during your travels.
How Busy is Hawaii in May?
Are you a crowd-lover or a crowd-loather? If you’re the latter, May is an excellent time to visit Hawaii! And while the number of visitors still hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, the 2022 data shows that May still fell behind the historically popular months of July, June, and December.
In May of 2022, 774,144 tourists traveled to Hawaii. The average daily census was 221,727. Compared to the 277,444 average in July, the beaches and trails will be much less crowded in May.
If you’re still trying to pick the best month for your visit, this graph shows the average number of visitors per month.
Which Hawaiian Islands Are the Busiest in May?
Of course, not all islands generate the same number of tourists. In May, Molokai and Lanai were the least popular islands. Oahu was in the top spot, with over 416,000 people visiting.
Here is a breakdown with more numbers:
Island | Number of Visitors in May 2022 |
Molokai | 3,164 |
Lanai | 5,688 |
Kauai | 115,243 |
Island of Hawaii | 139,953 |
Maui | 247,280 |
Oahu | 416,091 |
If you’re looking for lots of Hawaiian adventure with minimal foot traffic, Kauai and the Big Island might be your ideal destination.
But if you have your heart set on staying on Oahu, try planning a January visit. After the holiday crowds subside, the number of visitors to this island drops significantly. This graph shows what you can expect crowd-wise during each month of the year.
Is Hawaii Cheaper in May?
If you’re trying to travel on a budget, May is a great time to visit Hawaii. Across the state, the average hotel rate was $340.20 in May. That’s $100 cheaper than the peak rates you’ll find in December.
And if you’re willing to stay in a midscale or economy hotel, nightly averages drop down to just over $200 a night in May. That’s almost the lowest rate you can get all year.
But when it comes to hotels, you know what they say about location. Where you stay will have a huge impact on the price of your stay. For example, the luxury resort community of Wailea, Maui, averages $832.05 per night in May. That’s nearly twice as expensive as the average upscale hotel in Maui County.
For even more budget-friendly accommodations, Oahu is a good choice. The average hotel on that island runs $246.19 in May, while you can get midscale or economy class rooms for under $150 a night. If you really want to get the most of out of your hotel stay in Hawaii book it with points.
While your exact rates will change depending on the hotel you choose, May is generally one of the most affordable months to visit Hawaii. This chart shows how your lodging expenses vary from island to island throughout the year.
Things to Do in Hawaii in May
No matter when you visit Hawaii, you can expect beach days, swimming pools, shopping, and a variety of outdoor fun like snorkeling. But what else can you do?
Here are some specific activities to consider on your May vacation:
- Check out the display of leis at the Annual Lei Day Celebration on May 1st
- Participate in a May Day celebration on May 1st
- Learn more about the Samoan culture during the Annual We Are Samoa Festival
- Taste fresh local fruits at a farmer’s market
- Listen to the Royal Hawaiian Band perform at the Iolani Palace
- See dolphins up close with a Dolphin Encounter
- Check out Memorial Day activities
And that’s not a comprehensive list. May is a great time to explore the islands and participate in traditional activities that make Hawaii unique.
Here’s even more to do on each island:
The 59 Best Things to Do in Hawaii: Your Ultimate Bucket List
35 Best Things to Do on Kauai (we will surprise you!)
40 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii (we will surprise you!)
21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island (2023)
33 Things to Do on Maui (+Things to Skip)
But no matter which month you visit, download our free Hawaii cheat sheets before your trip. Each one features an easy-to-read map, a list of must-do activities, all the essential need-to-know tips for planning your trip, and a few of our favorite restaurants. So pick up one for a specific island, or grab them all!
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