Unlike many other travel destinations around the world, a trip to Hawaii is rarely affected much by the season or month of the year. Yes, there is a bigger swell and whale watching in the winter months, and some months do see more rain than others—but in general, travelers coming to the islands are almost guaranteed to find a whole lot of warm sunshine pretty much year round. That being said, different months in Hawaii offer slightly different opportunities for activities. According to Keoni Wagner of Hawaiian Airlines, going to Hawaii during the shoulder season (fall and spring) can save you a lot of money not only on airfare, but also on hotels.
What to do in Hawaii in May
Again, because the weather in Hawaii is little affected by the time of the year (translation: it’s pretty much always 80 and sunny here whether its July or December), the season will affect what kinds of activities that you are able to do. Hawaii basically experiences two seasons, Winter and Summer.
Summer in Hawaii brings calmer seas, better snorkeling, diving, and swimming, while winter brings a bigger swell for those wanting to surf in Hawaii and great whale watching opportunities.
In Hawaii, the drier, slightly warmer summer season has already kicked off by May—meaning you’re likely to have less rain and calmer seas by this time. While most people come to the islands simply to kick back, relax, hang out at the beach and maybe even play some golf in Hawaii, there are some activities that are especially good during this month.
Things to do in Hawaii in May
Because May has brought about less winds and warmer temperatures, May can be a great time to save a few bucks and go camping in beach camping in Hawaii. For a list of the best campgrounds on Kauai, check out Where to Camp in Kauai: A Guide to the Garden Isles’ Best Spots for Pitching a Tent.
Because the winter rainy weather has subsided by May, this time of year can be an ideal time to check out the Na Pali coast. With lots of sun, you can choose to Hike the Kalalau Trail, or if you’re not up for the 18-mile hike, you can take a Na Pali Catamaran Tour.
With calmer seas, May is the perfect time to go snorkeling or diving at Tunnels Beach in Kauai.
Calmer oceans make for some ideal snorkeling and diving conditions, and snorkeling in Maui is some of the best in the entire archipelago.
Lots of May Sunshine also makes for perfect conditions to get outdoors. Visitors to Maui in May can opt to go mountain biking on Kaupo Road or go camping at Haleakala National Park.
May is a great time to get out and enjoy the blue skies with a drive to the Dole Pineapple plantation.
Still want to know more about what to do during your vacation to Hawaii? Check out these posts:
Holidays, Festivals and Events in Hawaii in August
Lei Day—May 1 in the U.S. marks May Day, a holiday usually celebrated with fresh flowers in one way or another. Since 1928, Hawaii has been celebrating its own version of May Day in the form of Lei Day, which is a holiday that centers around the Hawaiian custom of making and wearing leis.
The Honolulu Star Bulletin describes lei day around the city like this:
“Lei blossomed on straw and felt hats, lei decorated automobiles, men and women and children wore them draped about their shoulders. To the city Kamehameha’s statue extended a garland of maile and plumeria, which fluttered in the wind from its extended hand. Lei recaptured the old spirit of the islands (a love of color and flowers, fragrance, laughter and aloha).”
Molokai Ka Hula Piko—The middle of May also marks the birth of an important tradition in Hawaii—hula. On Molokai, where the dance was first born there are Hawaiian cultural demonstrations and visits to sacred sites are supported by traditional dance performances and plenty of Hawaiian food.
>>Want to learn more about hula? If you find yourself on Oahu you can visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. You can also see hula performances during any time of the year—just check out Going to Luau in Hawaii.
Weather in Hawaii in May
One of the greatest parts of traveling to Hawaii is that weather will rarely be much of a factor when deciding when to go. In general, Hawaii is warm and sunny almost year round, with two major seasons—Winter and Summer. May kicks off summer season in Hawaii.
Starting with summer, from May through mid-October, daytime temperatures are in the 80s and night times from the low 70s to the low 80s. Consistent trade winds keep summer temperatures tolerable. Konas can blow in from the south or west and bring humid, sticky, or sweltering weather and thunderstorms. Showers are short. Days are longer.
Getting to Hawaii in May
The great part about traveling to Hawaii during May is that you’ll be able to enjoy the beginning of the summer season weather, without having to deal with high-season airfares. May falls into the shoulder season in Hawaii, when fewer tourists make for cheaper rates on flights to Hawaii, less expensive hotel rooms and plenty of great deals to Hawaii. According to Hawaiian Airlines’ representative’s tips on finding great deals, May and the other shoulder season months is an ideal time to get cheap airfare to Hawaii.
Where to Stay in Hawaii in May
It can be more affordable to find a hotel in Hawaii during May than at other times of the year, as peak travel season to the islands has not yet arrived. Whether you are looking for a high-end resort, mid-range hotel in Hawaii or even a hostel in Hawaii (though beach camping in Hawaii is always another option), than you should have no problem finding empty rooms and maybe even discounted prices during May.
Photo from R.J. Malfalfa flickr
