Hawaii in November: Is It the Best Time to Book Your Trip?
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Thinking about visiting Hawaii in November? That’s a great choice!
With pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and less expensive accommodations, November is an ideal time for a Hawaiian vacation. Plus, you’ll have the chance to experience some unique events and activities that occur only in November.
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Is November a Good Time to go to Hawaii?
If you’re looking for a fall getaway, Hawaii is an ideal destination. Since it’s a tropical climate, the weather will be warmer than in just about any place on the mainland. You’ll still be able to enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer, including swimming, surfing, and many other outdoor activities.
In addition, since November falls outside the busy summer season and the holidays, you’ll find fewer crowds, cheaper airfares, and hotel rates. Unless you decide to visit the week of Thanksgiving. Then you’ll experience more people and higher prices.
Of course, Hawaii in November isn’t perfect. It’s the end of the hurricane season, so you may experience some rain. But, the trade-off is worth it for the chance to experience special events and activities that occur during this month only.
Reasons to Go to Hawaii in November
Here are three key reasons to go to Hawaii in November:
- Nice weather: The average temperatures in November range from 84-72 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though it’s in the middle of Hawaii’s winter, that’s great beach weather most of the time!
- Fewer tourists: Compared to the summer highs and the busy holiday season, November in Hawaii is much quieter. You can enjoy tranquil beaches and the chance to really explore the islands without big crowds.
- Affordable prices: Hotel rates, airfare, car rentals, and other expenses will be lower in November than during the peak season.
Reasons to Not Go to Hawaii in November
There are a couple of downsides to a November Hawaiian vacation. These include:
- Hurricane season: Though the risk of a hurricane making landfall is low, it’s still possible this time of year.
- Rain: Hawaii’s winter months are the rainiest, so you may experience some showers during your visit.
- Crowded Thanksgiving: The National Parks Service shares that Thanksgiving through early January is the busiest time of year in Hawaii. So if you want to avoid crowds, plan your trip earlier in the month.
Related reads:
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)
21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island
40 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii
Is Hawaii Nice in November: Weather Data
Hawaii’s winter runs from October to April. However, the National Weather Service notes that the state enjoys “mild temperatures throughout the year…” So no matter when you travel the Aloha State, you’ll likely experience pleasant temperatures.
Is Hawaii Rainy in November?
Compared to the almost bone-dry days of July, it does rain more in November. In fact, the average rainfall for November is 1.22 inches. But even if it’s rainy for part of the day, it’s still likely to be sunny and warm afterward.
Of course, the average amount of rainfall varies from one location to another. If you’re trying to minimize your chances of experiencing any rain, Maui is the island for you. Kihei averages just over 1/2 an inch of rain during November, much lower than the 2.05 inches Poipu, Kauai experiences.
This chart shows you what you can expect in terms of rainfall across four locations:
Location | Average November Rainfall (in Inches) |
Kihei, Maui | 0.51 |
Honolulu, Oahu | 1.02 |
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | 1.3 |
Poipu. Kauai | 2.05 |
There’s never a month when you’re guaranteed not to see rain clouds. However, if you prefer to come when it’s a bit drier, consider visiting the islands in June or July. These are the driest months of the year.
Here’s how the rain looks throughout the year:
No matter the averages, it would be best to remember that islands have slightly different weather conditions compared to the mainland. Each island has two sides, the leeward side (or the sunny side) and the windward side (the rainy side).
So while Maui may be known as one of the drier islands, its leeward shore will be much drier than its windward side. If your itinerary includes visits to any of the islands’ windward sides, it’s best to pack an umbrella and be prepared for the possibility of rain.
And to help you prepare for your vacation, no matter when you’re arriving, be sure to check out our post on What to Pack for your Hawaii Vacation!
We have free island guides to help plan your trip. No matter when you decide to go, these guides will help you figure out where to stay, what to do, and what you definitely can’t miss:
Oahu Guide
Maui Guide
Big Island Guide
Kauai Guide
How Warm Is It in Hawaii in November?
November isn’t the warmest time of year to visit Hawaii. It’s the second month of winter, and temperatures may dip to the low 70s, especially at night.
But you can still look forward to days in the high 70s to low 80s with plenty of sunshine!
For the warmest days, plan on visiting Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. There, the average high temperature is 84 degrees. However, the average low temperature in this town is 72 degrees.
To help you decide where to stay, here’s a look at the average highs and lows for four popular locations:
Location | Average High Temp in November (°F) | Average Low Temp in November (°F) |
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | 84 | 72 |
Kihei, Maui | 78 | 75 |
Poipu, Kauai | 77 | 74 |
Honolulu, Oahu | 79 | 74 |
If you prefer the least amount of change when it comes to temperature, Maui or Kauai could be your ideal destinations. In both places, the highs and lows only vary by three degrees.
As far as the winter months go, November is one of the warmest. The average temperature across all four locations above is 79.5 degrees. By February, this has dropped to 75.8 degrees, which may feel much chillier.
These graphs show the highs and lows throughout the year.
Can You Swim in Hawaii in November?
Though it’s winter, the ocean stays warm enough to swim in all year long. In November, the water is still in the high 70s, which is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other aquatic activities. So no matter when you visit Hawaii, you can look forward to spending time in the ocean.
To find the best beaches in Hawaii, read this post!
What Are the Ocean Conditions Like in Hawaii in November?
Though it’s warm, the Pacific Ocean isn’t always swimmable. If you want to participate in some water-based activities, it’s important to be aware of the ocean conditions.
In November, many beaches have a high risk for swells coming in from the north. The winter storms in the Pacific Northwest can generate large waves that, in turn, create high surf. To be safe, swimmers should take caution while in the sea. Be sure to check with lifeguard stations before entering the water.
When is Hurricane Season in Hawaii?
Hurricane season in Hawaii is from June through November. At this time, storms may develop that could bring heavy rains and strong winds.
Historically, July, August, and September have the highest hurricane and tropical storm risk. But, even in those months, it’s very rare that the storms reach Hawaii.
If you plan on visiting during hurricane season, keep an eye on the forecast before your trip and have a backup plan in case of bad weather.
How Busy is Hawaii in November?
By November, the summer travelers have gone home and the December rush hasn’t yet arrived. You shouldn’t run into too many people as long as you vacation before Thanksgiving.
The average daily census during November is 220,352. A total of 725,469 visited during November 2022. It’s not quite the slowest month of the year (that award belonged to January last year), but it’s close.
Hawaii in November feels quiet compared to the massive influx of 919,154 people in July and 871,870 in December. Of course, we still aren’t back to pre-pandemic travel levels, but the Department of Business, Economic, Development & Tourism says we’re getting closer. In December 2022, the visitor count was 91.5% of the 2019 level.
So as travel picks up, you’ll see more people in the state. However, historically, November has been a pretty calm month for a tropical vacation.
Here’s a graph showing visitors throughout the year:
Which Hawaiian Islands Are the Busiest in November?
Want to avoid the crowds almost completely? Stay away from Oahu and Maui. These two islands are the busiest. Molokai and Lanai are the least active.
This chart shows you at a glance how many people you can expect from island to island:
Island | Total Visitors in November 2022 |
Oahu | 392,683 |
Maui | 232,464 |
Island of Hawaii | 127,032 |
Kauai | 106,390 |
Lanai | 5,300 |
Molokai | 3,949 |
If you’re hoping to visit Oahu without a crowd of other people. January is your best bet. Here’s a look at how the visitor data stacks up across the islands all year long:
Is Hawaii Cheaper in November?
Trying to do Hawaii on a tight budget? September, October, and November tend to be the cheapest times to visit (excluding the Thanksgiving rush!)
Prices for flights, accommodations, and attractions are typically lower than in the summer months. Plus, you’re more likely to find discounts on activities at this time of year.
Since accommodations are often the most expensive part of a trip to Hawaii, let’s dive into the numbers to see how November rates.
The average nightly stay in a hotel will cost $383. Oahu has the lowest overall rates, with an average of $259.13, while Maui is the highest at $538.26.
But keep in mind that for Maui, these rates are relatively low. In December, a room can set you back $734 a night. And you can expect to spend an average of $651.08 a night throughout the peak summer season. So if you’re trying to save money on a trip to Maui, November is an excellent choice.
Here’s a look at the average prices of hotels by island to help you decide where to stay:
Island | Average Nightly Cost of a Hotel in November (in USD) |
Maui | $538.26 |
Island of Hawaii | $372.32 |
Kauai | $364 |
Oahu | $259.13 |
If you’re trying to save money, look for midscale or economy hotels in Oahu. You may even be able to find accommodations here for less than $200 a night!
As far as hotels go, September is the cheapest time of year to visit Hawaii. Here’s what you can expect to pay during different times of the year:
For more savings, check out our article on Rental Car Recommendations!
If you’re trying to save money on a trip to Hawaii, make sure you check out our new site, Booked With Points, where we show you exactly how to book some great luxury hotels in Hawaii for free.
Things to Do in Hawaii in November
Trying to make your November Hawaiian trip unforgettable? Here’s a list of our must-do activities this month:
- Celebrate the coffee harvest at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. This is Hawaii’s longest-running food festival, and there’s always plenty to do (and lots of tasty coffee to enjoy!)
- Enjoy Hula O Na Keiki, the children’s hula competition that’s held each November at the Kaʻanapali Beach Hotel.
- Check out Maui’s Paddle for Hunger and witness all sorts of paddled crafts racing as they raise money for the Maui Food Bank.
- Watch the Maui Invitational in Lahaina and see which college basketball team will be the champion.
- Do some shopping for unique holiday gifts at the Made in Maui County Festival.
- Try your hand at surfing – November brings high waves that are perfect for novice and experienced surfers alike.
Of course, you’re sure to make memories no matter what you do. Hawaii is a beautiful place, no matter the time of year. So grab your sunscreen and prepare for a dreamy November adventure!
Related reads:
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)
21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island
40 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii
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