Updated: December 1, 2024
The Hawaiian Islands are among the ultimate holiday destinations in the Northern Hemisphere, with beautiful blue waters, pristine beaches, and perfect weather. Careful planning is essential to ensure that you make the most of your Hawaiian vacation, and this includes choosing a suitable time of the year to go.
In this article, our team at Collections of Waikiki goes over the different things you can expect when visiting Hawaii in April.
Hawaiʻi Weather in April
According to official weather data, Hawaii weather remains consistent throughout the year, with daytime air temperatures ranging from around 72°F to 86°F. During the winter months in Hawaii, the maximum temperature is around 78°F, with the average temperatures at their lowest in mid-January.
The summer season in Hawaii stretches from July to September. Summer crowds can enjoy good weather with an average temperature of around 86°F during these months. However, the Hawaiian hurricane season coincides with the summer months, or Kaʻū, and the visitors can’t always expect the perfect weather conditions.
If the weather is your only consideration, April is perhaps the best time to visit Hawaii.
Do you want to enjoy sunny days in the Kohala coast region, explore the Kīlauea Volcano, or go surfing in Waikīkī? Schedule an April visit to Maui, The Big Island of Hawaii, Oʻahu, or any of the other islands in Hawaii to enjoy the perfect weather.
Weather in Hawaiʻi in April: Temperatures
The relatively high temperatures contribute significantly to the good weather conditions in Hawaii, especially from mid-April. At sea level, the days are warm, with a maximum temperature that can reach up to around 84°F.
West Maui is the location in Hawaii that reaches the highest temperatures in April.
During early April, the average temperature during nighttime is around 66°F in warmer areas. However, in the colder parts of Hawaii, you can expect minimums of about 61°F.
Daylight Hours
Due to Hawaii’s proximity to the equator, the islands’ daily sunlight doesn’t vary significantly throughout the year.
In Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital, the first day of April is approximately 12 hours and 24 minutes long. However, as the Earth tilts on its axis towards the sun, the days become longer.
The last day of April in Hawaii is 12 hours and 57 minutes long. In other words, the last day of the month is 33 minutes longer than the first. This number of daylight hours gives you plenty of time to visit places and enjoy yourself.
Rainfall in Hawaiʻi in April
Hawaii’s rainy season is from November to March, and April is generally a sunny month. Honolulu receives an average rainfall of 0.8 inches and approximately 250 hours of sunshine during April.
The islands of Hawaii cover a relatively large area, a little larger than the state of New Jersey. The mountains and winds result in micro-climates, which means rainfall is not uniform throughout the islands.
Generally, the islands’ eastern and northern shores receive more rain than the southern and western shores.
Rainfall in Hawaii is typically not disruptive to holiday-goers, and most of the precipitation falls at night. Rain showers also tend to last a few minutes and will likely not ruin the activities you planned for the day.
Ocean Conditions
The relatively high ocean temperatures and perfect weather make Hawaii the ideal destination for swimming and surfing. The average temperature of the ocean during April is around 77°F, which is warm enough for most visitors, especially those from cold climates.
The ocean temperatures are consistent throughout the Hawaiian island chain. For example, suppose the ocean temperature around the north shore beaches of Kauaʻi is 78°F. In that case, the water temperature along the south shore of the Big Island of Hawaii will be more or less the same: 77°F to 79°F.
Trade Winds
Winds blowing from a north-easterly direction are a common occurrence during the winter months in Hawaii. These winds blow cold air and precipitation from the north, so the areas to the south of the mountains tend to be dry.
During April, these winds maintain a velocity ranging from five to 20 miles per hour – a gentle breeze that keeps you cool on the golf course. Due to a low-pressure system in the North Pacific, these winds can change direction and blow over the island chain from the southwest. However, these “Kona winds” are less prevalent during April.
Travel and Accommodation Costs
Before you can visit Hawaii and enjoy the scenery and perfect weather, you need to consider the costs. Various factors can affect your holiday expenses, including the islands you want to visit, the activities you want to do, and the type of accommodation you prefer.
If you are visiting Hawaii during peak season, your holiday costs will be relatively high. Peak season starts in mid-December and continues until mid-April. You can expect costs to be lower than the yearly average towards the end of the month of April. The combination of good weather and lower costs makes the latter half of April the better time to visit Hawaii.
Travel Costs
Flights to Hawaii from cities along the West Coast, such as Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Diego, are generally more affordable than flights from the East Coast. If you are flying from places such as New York, Charlotte, or Jacksonville, you can expect a sizable airfare of up to $900 or more per person.
You also need to consider the cost of island hopping.
Accommodation Costs
If you want to visit Hawaii in April, luxury accommodations in one of the hotels on the island chain will be your most expensive option. Staying in one of these hotels is an unforgettable experience, especially if your room has a view over the ocean.
Renting an Airbnb is an affordable alternative to staying in a hotel, and these rental properties are available at various prices. Budget-conscious visitors might be able to find a place for as little as $50 per night, depending on its location, type, and amenities.
Car Rentals and Parking Fees
Renting a car gives you the independence to explore every corner of an island.
Before leaving for Hawaii, check the costs of renting a car, including insurance. You also need to pay parking fees on every island in Hawaii, and these costs can range from $20 to $50 per day.
Beach Entry Fees
Non-residents must pay an impact fee before visiting specific public beaches, coastlines, trails, and parks in Hawaii. The Hawaii State Parks that recently implemented the impact fee program include:
- Hāʻena, Kōkeʻe, and Waimea Canyon on Kaua’i
- Diamond Head and Nu’uanu Pali Lookout on O’ahu
- ʻĪao Valley and Waiʻānapanapa on Maui
- ʻAkaka Falls and Hāpuna Beach on Big Island
Most of these parks charge visitors a $5 entrance fee, which doesn’t include parking.
How Busy Is Hawaiʻi in April?
During April, Hawaii visitor arrivals tend to increase somewhat due to the good weather. This month is a favorite among couples and retirees, but you won’t see many children since the Spring semester is still in full swing.
Because Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring equinox, this holiday is often in April. The restaurants, beaches, and other attractions typically become more crowded over Easter.
Notable Events
Attending one of the annual Hawaiian events is a great way to immerse yourself in the island culture and make the most of your trip. The two most notable events in Hawaii in April are the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival and the Laupāhoehoe Music Festival.
The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival
The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival takes place every year in Hilo, Hawaii. This week-long festival honors King David Kalākaua, the “Merrie Monarch” who recreated various Hawaiian traditions, including the hula.
Several hula schools participate in the festival’s competitions and exhibitions.
The Laupāhoehoe Music Festival on Big Island
The Laupāhoehoe Music Festival on Big Island is an annual fundraiser supporting the Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School’s music department. This festival features performances from various local artists, and you can enjoy art exhibitions, games, and food.
Other Events in April in Hawaii
If you want to take advantage of the islands’ good weather and unique culture, consider attending some of the annual Hawaiian events, including the:
- Honolulu Museum of Art School’s Contract Exhibition
- Waikiki Spam Jam
- I Love Kailua block party
- Kauaʻi Brewers Festival
- Kaʻū Coffee Festival
Things to Do in Hawaii
When visiting Hawaii, you will have no problem coming up with exciting things to do. However, sufficient planning is crucial to ensure that you make time for all the exciting adventures and activities this destination offers.
Swimming and Snorkeling
Take advantage of the good weather and get into Hawaii’s crystal-clear ocean water. Snorkeling is the perfect activity if you want to get up close and personal with Hawaii’s iconic sea life. By taking one of the snorkeling tours in Hawaii, you can also explore secluded spots that are not accessible from the beaches.
Surfing
Hawaii is the birthplace of the sport of surfing, a tradition that dates back to the twelfth century A.D. The island chain is the perfect destination for surfers of all backgrounds and experience levels.
Oahu’s North Shore is the most popular location for surfing in Hawaii, but not in the summer. The large swells that this coastline is famous for happens during the winter months. During this time, the waves can be 50 feet or more in size, and the beaches are generally closed to all except experienced surfers.
During the summer, surfers head to the southern facing shores, and popular surf spots include: Waikīkī, Diamond Head, and the breaks outside of Ala Moana Beach Park.
Explore the Hawaiian Coastline on a Boat
Going on a boat tour is a convenient way to explore the beauty of Hawaii’s coastlines. Whether you want to learn more about Hawaii’s geography, get a glimpse of the lava flows, or enjoy a luxury dinner cruise, there is a boat tour for you. Some tours combine a boat trip with another activity, such as snorkeling or swimming with dolphins.
Hike the Island Trails
Do you want to stand on top of a volcano and enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean? Taking on the Hawaiian hiking trails should be on top of your activities list.
Hawaii has no shortage of hiking trails. If you stay in Kailua-Kona, you can explore the Kailua Bay shoreline or Hualālai volcano. Oahu’s trail network covers two volcanic mountain ranges and is ideal if you want to see WWII pillboxes (small fortified military structures), waterfalls, or flowers.
Whale Watching
Thousands of North Pacific humpback whales visit the waters around Hawaii to breed and calve. The whale season is December through May, though the whales can reach Hawaii as early as October.
The best locations for seeing whales include the ʻAuʻau Channel, the southern shores along O’ahu, and the ocean overlooks near Diamond Head. You can also visit Poipu Beach, the Kilauea Lighthouse, or the Kapaʻa Overlook on Kauaʻi Island if you want to see whales.
Pay Pearl Harbor a Visit
Pearl Harbor is the only United States naval base with the National Historic Landmark status. During your visit, you will learn more about the Japanese attack and get the opportunity to buy souvenirs from the museum store. You can also see the USS Arizona memorial, the USS Missouri battleship, the USS Bowfin submarine, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.
Visit Hawaii’s Islands and Spend a Pleasant Easter Holiday
Hawaii is one of the U.S. holiday destinations offering the best weather and most beautiful scenery. If you want to enjoy the tranquillity and charm of these islands, April is one of the best months to go. Plan your trip thoroughly, ensuring that you have the time and resources to enjoy all the activities of this beautiful Pacific Coast destination.
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