TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDES

Hawaii in August: Your guide to weather, events & travel

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Written by

Matt Byrd

Last updated

July 8, 2025

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Hawaii in August gives you long, warm days without the early-summer rush. The lava fields on the Big Island shimmer under August’s high sun, but it’s the skies over Kauai that steal the show — bright with meteor showers like the Perseids peaking in the middle of the month. You also get calm oceans that are perfect for snorkeling, clear weather that makes stargazing possible, and a front-row seat to Obon season, when locals gather to honor their ancestors by floating lanterns across the water at dusk.

Everywhere you turn, there’s a sense that the islands are less crowded and feel easier to explore. You’ll notice it in slower mornings, smoother restaurant reservations, and moments that feel less curated and more lived in. It’s a good time to let the place open up to you, and an advisor on TravelJoy can help you time your trip right, book the good stuff, and skip the noise.

Is August a good time to visit Hawaii?

August is one of the hottest months in Hawaii. So, if you can handle a bit of heat, this can be a great time to go. The temperature hovers between the mid 80s to 90s during the days, and rain is rare on most leeward coasts. The tradewinds also keep you comfortable if you stay near the water. Since the weather’s warm and dry across all islands, August in Hawaii is one of the best months for swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips.

This is also when the early-summer tourist groups leave. So, while you may still see families on holiday, the crowds are lighter than in July. Oahu and Maui continue to hum with activity. But if you’re looking for quieter stretches, head to the Big Island or parts of Kauai, where you can relax without needing to go off-grid. With fewer people around, you can explore Hawaii at a leisurely pace, find more open tables at popular spots, and have the chance to wander without needing a plan.

The local markets are less packed, hikes feel less rushed, and you actually get to linger where most folks would usually pass through. Even places that usually feel touristy start to feel a bit more local. An advisor on TravelJoy can help you pace your trip well and avoid the usual pitfalls, like overpaying for resorts or missing out on spots that are actually at their best this time of year.

High temperature
88°F / 31°C
Low temperature
75°F / 24°C
Rainfall
1.6 in / 40 mm
Sun & daylight
10 hours / 13 hours
Seasonal tips

- Hot and sunny

- Some afternoon rain

- Ocean is warmest

- Festivals continue

- Book early for surf tours

Where to go in Hawaii in August

Oʻahu for the Duke’s OceanFest
Held every August on Waikiki Beach, Duke’s OceanFest is a nine-day celebration of Hawaii’s most iconic waterman. You can catch tandem surf contests, surf polo, paddleboard races, and beach volleyball — all with live music playing nearby. It’s the only time of year Waikiki feels both electric and genuinely local, with both pros and amateurs competing side by side.
Honolulu for the Made in Hawaii Festival
This three-day event takes over the convention center in mid-August, with more than 400 local vendors having their fare on display. You can sample li hing mango snacks, shop for handmade pottery, and hear slack-key guitar drifting through the crowd as you check out the stalls and get a glimpse of what Hawaiians actually make, wear, eat, and care about.
Līhu‘e for the Kauai County Farm Fair
For four days in August, Līhu‘e hosts Kauai's biggest local gathering. It’s partly a county fair, partly a cultural hangout. Expect food stalls selling smoked meat and shaved ice, rodeo events, local crafts, and even areas where you can pet and play with baby goats. The event is family-centric, deeply local, and rarely shows up on tourist itineraries.
Big Island for the Statehood Day Weekend
You may also want to include Statehood Day in your trip to Hawaii during August. It celebrates the day the islands became the 50th U.S. state in 1959. On the Big Island, you’ll find curated museum displays that explore Hawaii’s history, and hula or music performances in town centers like Hilo. It’s a good time to catch moments of community you’d otherwise miss.

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Things to do in Hawaii in August

Event
Location
Timing
Duke’s OceanFest
Duke’s OceanFest hosts surf and ocean competitions
Waikiki
Mid–Late August
Made in Hawaii Festival
Hawaiian goods featured at Made in Hawaii Festival
Honolulu
August weekends
Kauai Music Festival
Kauai celebrates local music with songwriter series
Kauai
Early August
Honolulu Museum Month
Art exhibitions fill Honolulu museums all month
Honolulu
All August
Hawaii Island Steel Guitar Fest
Steel guitar melodies fill the air in Kona
Kona
Mid-August
Maui Ocean Center Shark Days
Shark Days educate visitors at Maui Ocean Center
Maui
August 20s
North Shore Beach Walks
Guided beach walks explore Oahu’s marine habitats
Oahu
August Sundays

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