Hawaiʻi in Fall

Fall in Hawaiʻi is one of the best times to visit, with warm temperatures, gentle breezes, fewer crowds and the start of surf season. From September through November, seasonal festivals, sporting events and food celebrations add a lively touch, giving travelers a deeper connection to island traditions. Visit popular attractions, parks and shores or just relax with family and friends on sun-filled days in a tropical escape.

Fall Festivals & Cultural Events 

There’s no better time to experience rich culture than fall, when festivals highlight stories, customs and the creative spirit of the islands. Aloha Festivals is the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the U.S., with most of the events, concerts and performances happening across multiple islands during September and October. The Hawaiʻi International Film Festival takes over the four most populated islands with screenings and competitions. Other can’t-miss cultural events include Honolulu Pride and Okinawan Festival in Honolulu, Molokaʻi Floating Lantern Ceremony, Kauaʻi Mokihana Festival and the Eō E Emalani Festival in Kauaʻi.

Surfing Season in Hawaiʻi 

Fall marks the beginning of Hawaiʻi’s surf season, especially for experienced surfers on north-facing shores where waves grow in size through November. The Triple Crown of Surfing is a specialty series on Oʻahu’s North Shore that includes professional surfing events: The Hawaiian Pro, The World Cup of Surfing and The Pipeline Masters. Watch surf contests or sign up for surf lessons at top spots like Puaʻena Point Beach Park, Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay on Oʻahu; Hanalei Bay on Kauaʻi; Kepuhi and Hālawa beaches on Molokaʻi; Hulopoʻe Bay on Lānaʻi; Launiupoko Beach Park on Maui; or Kohanaiki Beach Park on the island of Hawaiʻi. 

Outdoor Fall Activities in Hawaiʻi 

Fall is an ideal time to get active outdoors in Hawaiʻi, when warmer ocean conditions and lighter crowds make island adventures especially enjoyable. On Oʻahu, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve reveals vibrant reef life, while hiking the legendary Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) offers sweeping views of Waikīkī Beach. Maui draws visitors to Molokini Crater for clear-water snorkeling and Haleakalā National Park for sunrise hikes above the clouds. On the Hawaiʻi Island, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park offers dramatic hiking landscapes, and Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park provides cultural insight. Kauai’s Nāpali Coast showcases rugged hiking scenery that’s straight out of a postcard. 

Sporting Events in Fall 

Experience the Hawaiian athletic spirit in fall, when competitions span land and sea. The IRONMAN World Championship takes place every October on Hawaiʻi Island, while runners can enjoy the Kauaʻi Marathon & Half Marathon in September and the 100% Pure Kona Coffee Marathon in November. Two must-watch canoe races from Molokaʻi to Oʻahu in fall: the Nā Wahine O Ke Kai race in September followed by the Molokaʻi Hoe race in October. Thousands of paddlers participate in the Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race, the world’s largest outrigger canoe race, every Labor Day weekend in Kona. Cheer on the University of Hawaiʻi’s athletic teams during home games on campus, or elite college basketball teams during the annual Maui Invitational in November. 

Food Festivals & Culinary Events 

Fall in Hawaiʻi is a celebration of flavors, where world-class chefs, local farms and island traditions come tighter for unforgettable culinary experiences. The Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival takes place over three consecutive weekends, with events and tastings all over the island of Hawaiʻi the first weekend, followed by Maui on the second and finally by Oʻahu on the third. Indulge in all things coffee during the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival in November. Try pre-fixed meals at a discount at island-favorite dining spots in October during Taste of Hilo or in November during the Honolulu Restaurant Week. 

National & State Parks to Visit 

Take advantage of fewer crowds in fall by visiting the islands’ popular national and state parks. Experience Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaiʻi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at epic sunrises and sunsets at Haleakalā National Park on Maui. There are over 50 state parks and recreation areas throughout the islands, offering beaches, mountains, rainforests and more to explore. Some favorites include Lēʻahi (Diamond Head State Monument), Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kahana and Kaʻena Point state parks on Oʻahu; Waimea Canyon, Kokeʻe and Hāʻena state parks on Kauaʻi; Pālāʻau State Park on Molokaʻi; ʻĪao Valley State Monument and Mākena State Park on Maui; as well as Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area and Wailuku River and ʻAkaka Falls state parks on the island of Hawaiʻi.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Hawaiʻi in Fall

Is fall a good time to visit Hawaiʻi? 

Fall is one of the best times to visit Hawaiʻi, offering warm weather, fewer tourists and lower travel costs. It’s a peaceful season where travelers can enjoy Hawaiian experiences without the crowds, longer waits or peak-season pricing. 

What’s the weather like in Hawaiʻi in fall? 

Hawaiʻi’s fall weather is typically pleasant and mild, featuring sunny skies, gentle trade winds and light rain that often comes and goes quickly. Ocean waters stay inviting, making it a great time for swimming, snorkeling, and other outdoor adventures. 

When does the surfing season start in Hawaiʻi? 

The surfing season in Hawaiʻi starts in the fall months, usually around October, as stronger swells arrive. This seasonal shift brings larger, more consistent waves, attracting experienced surfers from around the world to iconic surfing spots across the islands. 

What are the best fall festivals in Hawaiʻi? 

The best festivals in Hawaiʻi in the fall include the Kauaʻi Chocolate & Coffee Festival on Kauaʻi, Kona Coffee Cultural Festival on Hawaiʻi Island and the Honolulu Pride Parade & Festival on Oʻahu. The Aloha Festivals take place on most islands, while the Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival takes place over three weekends on the island of Hawaiʻi, Maui and Oʻahu. 

Which popular festivals happen in Hawaiʻi in September? 

Top festivals in Hawaiʻi in September include the Okinawan Festival on Oʻahu, the Queen Liliʻuokalani Canoe Race on Hawaiʻi Island and the Kauaʻi Mokihana Festival on Kauaʻi. The Aloha Festivals are an annual series of mostly free cultural celebrations observed throughout most islands in September. 

Which popular festivals happen in Hawaiʻi in October? 

Top festivals in Hawaiʻi in October include the Honolulu Pride Parade and Moanikeala Hula Festival on Oʻahu and the Hawaii Island Festival of Birds on Hawaiʻi Island. The Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival and the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival take place in October and November, with events held across all the islands. 

Which popular festivals happen in Hawaiʻi in November? 

Top festivals in Hawaiʻi in November include Kona Coffee Cultural Festival and the Ultraman World Championships on the island of Hawaiʻi, Maui Invitational on Maui and Eō E ʻEmalani I Alaka‘i Festival on Kauaʻi. The Triple Crown of Surfing consists of three elite professional surfing competitions that take place on Oʻahu’s North Shore starting in November and continuing into December. 

Are there fewer crowds in Hawaiʻi in fall? 

Fall is generally one of the quieter times to visit Hawaiʻi, with fewer crowds compared to summer and winter holidays. Popular events still draw visitors, but overall, beaches, attractions and accommodations feel more relaxed.