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While many people flock to Hawaii in the middle of the summer, did you know that there’s actually a better time to plan your tropical getaway? September is one of the best months to visit the Hawaiian Islands.

September in Hawaii brings blue skies and beautiful weather. It’s the warmest month of the year and one of the driest, so you’re less likely to have rain ruin your plans. In addition, since school is back in session, you’ll be able to enjoy quieter beaches and shorter lines. Plus, it’s the cheapest month of the year to stay in a hotel. 

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii in September (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 September a Good Time to go to Hawaii?

With great weather, smaller crowds, and amazing deals, you can’t beat a September vacation to Hawaii! Here are some reasons why September is an ideal month to visit:

Reasons to Go to Hawaii in September

• Great weather: September is at the end of Hawaii’s summer season. Historically, it’s one of the warmest, driest months of the year. You’ll have plenty of blue skies and sunshine during your stay.
• Smaller crowds: July is the busiest month of the year on the islands. But by September, all those summer tourists have gone home. Fewer people mean it’s easier to get reservations at the best restaurants, and you’ll have an easier time finding a great spot at all the popular beaches.
• More affordable: A September trip to Hawaii can also save you money. Since it’s not the peak season, you can find great deals on flights and hotels. Plus, many of Hawaii’s annual festivals are held during September, so you can enjoy a unique cultural experience while spending less overall. You can find our favorite places to stay on our Where to Stay section.

Reasons Not to Go to Hawaii in September

• Hurricane season: Of course, September in Hawaii isn’t for everyone. It is in the middle of hurricane season, and although hurricanes are rare in the Aloha State, it’s always a possibility. 
• Seasonal activities: In addition, some seasonal activities may not be available in September. For example, if you want to go whale watching, your best bet is to travel during winter.

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)
40 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii
21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island

Is Hawaii Nice in September: Weather Data

With average low temperatures in the mid-70s and highs in the 80s, September in Hawaii is perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities. And since it gets less than an inch of rain on average, you’ll be able to enjoy your Hawaiian vacation without worrying about precipitation.

While the weather varies a bit from island to island, as a whole, Hawaii is very nice in September. But to help you better plan for your packing list, let’s look at what the weather data says. 

No matter when you go to Hawaii, don’t forget your free cheat sheets

Is Hawaii Rainy in September?

Like most tropical climates, Hawaii has only two seasons, summer and winter. Typically summer is much drier than winter. September is historically the second driest month of the year in Hawaii, with slightly more rain than July.

Here’s a look at four popular travel destinations and how they compare regarding the amount of rain they get in September:

Location	Average Rainfall in September (in Inches)
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii	0.8
Poipu. Kauai	0.39
Honolulu, Oahu	1.54
Kihei, Maui	1.22

With less than half an inch of rain for the entire month, you’re unlikely to encounter any in Poipu, Kauai. Honolulu, Oahu, generally receives the most rain, but it’s still fairly dry. 

Averaged out, these four locations received 0.99 inches for the entire month. July, the driest month, had a tenth of an inch less. While you probably wouldn’t notice this slight difference between the two months, July is technically the driest month of the year.

Though you still could encounter a few light rain showers no matter when you visit, September is a great time to plan on a sunny vacation. The rain then starts picking up a bit in October, at the start of Hawaii’s winter season. If you’re interested in going a month later, see how Hawaii in October compares!

This graph shows the average rainfall throughout the year. 

But as they say, location matters!

The Hawaiian Islands each have a windward side and a leeward side. The weather between the two sides can vastly differ due to the rainshadow effect. 

The north and east sides of each island tend to be rainier. If you travel to Kailua, Hilo, Hana, or any other town on the windward side, you may see more rain. 

How Warm Is It in Hawaii in September?

September in Hawaii brings beautiful weather and warm temperatures. It’s like summer’s last hoorah before the state’s winter season begins. The average high temperature is 82.25, making it the warmest month of the year. And don’t worry, the average low temperature is also pleasant, at 75.75 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The Big Island tends to be the warmest, which continues to be the case in September. You can expect a lovely high of 87 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Maui and Kauai are slightly cooler, with a high of only 80 degrees. But honestly, no matter what island you visit, the weather will be lovely. 

This chart shows September’s average high and low temperatures across four different locations: 

Location	Average High Temperature (°F)	Average Low Temperature (°F)
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii	87	75
Kihei, Maui	80	76
Poipu, Kauai	80	76
Honolulu, Oahu	82	76

Since it’s so warm, these temperatures might be too much for some people. If you prefer slightly cooler days, you’ll want to visit in February or March. These are the coldest months of the year. But remember, Hawaii has a tropical climate. So even in its cold months, the average high temperature is in the mid-70s. 

You can read more about visiting Hawaii in February and the best Hawaiian island to visit in the winter.

The following two graphs show the average high and low temperatures throughout the year. With this information, you can decide which month makes the most sense for a visit based on your preferences. 

Can You Swim in Hawaii in September?

Are there any water adventures on your Hawaii to-do list? Whether you want to swim, surf, or snorkel, you’re probably wondering what the water will be like. 

In September, you can enjoy some of the warmest ocean temperatures of the year. The Pacific Ocean around Hawaii hovers around 81 degrees throughout September and October. The coldest it ever gets is over the winter when it drops to 76. 

So no matter when you travel here, the water is warm enough to safely enjoy. 

September Ocean Conditions in Hawaii 

The Pacific Ocean is fierce, no matter what time of year you’re visiting Hawaii. So always check the lifeguard flags to see the condition of the water before entering. 

September doesn’t have the huge swells that the winter weather brings. This means the ocean is usually calmer than it would be in December or January. 

When is Hawaii’s Hurricane Season?

Hawaii in September is lovely, but it’s not perfect. There is one major downside. It is in the middle of hurricane season, which runs from June through November. 

But there is good news. Even though hurricanes are possible in September, they’re not likely. That’s because very few hurricanes ever reach the Hawaiian shores. The University of Hawaii has some great information on hurricanes in the state. It shows that since 1950, only five hurricanes or tropical storms have caused major damage to any of the islands. So the risk is low. 

However, it’s always best to have an emergency plan figured out just in case something happens. Make sure people back home know when you’re leaving and returning and where you’ll be staying.

In addition, follow local news stations on social media to catch weather updates in real-time. It also wouldn’t hurt to jot down a couple of radio stations you could turn to if a disaster strikes.

Finally, fill out an American Red Cross Emergency Card for each person you travel with. This way, you all have the same information in case you get separated.

How Busy is Hawaii in September?

In 2022, September was the third least crowded month, behind January and February. So if you’re looking for more elbow room on your Hawaiian getaway, it’s a great time to visit. 

Altogether, 691,794 people traveled to Hawaii that month. Compared to the 919,154 who came in July, the beaches feel practically empty in September. Not only will you have more room for beach days, but you’ll also have better luck getting reservations for the hot restaurants and activities. You’ll still want to book in advance, but you should find more availability than you would in the summer. 

Another statistic to consider is the average daily census. This number shows how many visitors you’d find on any given day of the month. In September, that number was 206,643, which isn’t too high. 

Here’s a visual showing the average daily census and total visitors to the state in 2022: 

Of course, the pandemic affected travel to Hawaii, and the numbers still aren’t back to pre-Covid levels. So going forward, the September numbers might get a bit higher. But it’s likely to remain one of the least crowded months of the year. 

To give you a better sense of how many people you can expect on your visit, let’s compare the 2019 and 2022 numbers for each month. 

Month	2019 Total Visitors	2022 Total Visitors
January	809,098	567,179
February	487,940	623,691
March	927,246	785,715
April	831,445	809,612
May	830,038	774,144
June	950,931	841,809
July	997,872	919,154
August	928,178	829,669
September	723,341	691,794
October	779,909	726,059
November	794,841	725,469
December	942,969	871,870

As you can see, September was still one of the least visited months even back in 2019. So the shoulder season will likely continue to be one of the best times to visit going forward. 

Which Hawaiian Islands Are the Busiest in September?

If you’re really looking for a quiet Hawaiian vacation, head for Molokai and Lanai. Far fewer visitors traveled to either of those islands compared to the main four. 

Kauai is also relatively quiet, with just over 105,000 visitors for the month. Oahu is the most crowded, with 385,525 travelers. 

This chart has all the numbers for you to see: 

Island	Number of Visitors in September 2022
Molokai	3,327
Lanai	5,481
Kauai	105,145
The Big Island	118,078
Maui	221,847
Oahu	385,525

For maximum Hawaiian adventure without the crowds, plan on staying on Kauai or the Big Island in September. 

If you really want to stay on Oahu but desperately want to avoid crowds, January or February would be better months for you. Here’s a peek at the crowd sizes you can expect throughout the year. 

Is Hawaii Cheaper in September? 

Yes, Hawaii is cheaper in September. Well, maybe not for everything. But for hotels, it’s the cheapest month of the year! And since your accommodations are often the biggest portion of your budget, this can save you a ton of money. 

Let’s dive into some hotel costs to help you better plan for your vacation. 

Island	September Average Daily Hotel Rate (in USD)
Maui	$536
Kauai	$361
The Big Island	$335
Oahu	$260

When you average all of these out, you get $373 a night. That’s a great price for a Hawaiian hotel! Especially when you consider the average in December is almost $500! 

To save even more money, here are some tips. 

• Stay on Oahu – it’s got the lowest prices by far. (Use our Travel Guide to help you plan the perfect Oahu vacation!)
• Opt for an upper upscale or upper midscale hotel instead of a luxury resort. While you won’t get all the amenities, you’ll pay a lot less. (The average for an upper midscale hotel on Oahu is only $169.92 in September. 
• Consider booking your hotel room with points. We show you exactly how to do that on Booked With Points!

While your lodging expenses will vary depending on where you stay, September is the most affordable month to visit Hawaii. This may mean you’ll be able to stay longer! 

This graph shows general hotel costs for each of the major islands throughout the year. As you can see, December is expensive! (This is part of the reason we decided that December is the worst time of year to visit Hawaii.) 

Things to Do in Hawaii in September

No matter when you visit Hawaii, the islands have plenty to offer. Here are a few activities you can enjoy in September: 

• Get up close and personal with Hawaii’s endemic wildlife, like nene geese, with a visit to the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
• Enjoy some of Hawaii’s incredible nightlife without as many crowds. Check out the beach bars!
• Check out the Annual Waikiki Ho’olaule’a beachfront street festival 
• Get your adrenaline pumping with an ATV tour north of Hilo
• Take a moon walk in the Waimea Valley and take a tour of Kauhale 
• Listen to the Leo Kiekie Falsetto Contest on Maui
• Celebrate Hawaiian culture and watch hula competitions at the Kauai Mokihana Festival 

There’s plenty to do in this tropical paradise. You can also take a surfing lesson, enjoy a beach day, do a helicopter tour, and more. September is full of fun! 

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)
40 Things to Do on Oahu, Hawaii
21 Incredible Things to Do on the Big Island

No matter when you choose to visit, make sure to download our free Hawaii cheat sheets before embarking on your journey. Every sheet contains a handy map, activities that you must experience during your stay, tips for planning the best trip possible, plus some of our favorite eateries! 

Not only will you receive our invaluable cheat sheet, but you’ll also join the 47,000+ visitors to Hawaii who are subscribed to our bi-weekly newsletter! It’s filled with real-time updates that consist of insider information and tips & tricks on how to maximize your Hawaiian experience. From time to time we offer exclusive discount codes as well – so sign up now and take advantage of this great opportunity!