Traveling to Hawaii during November
Weather, Crowds, & Prices for November
When planning your Hawaiian vacation, it always makes sense to consider all the aspects that can affect your trip. Weather, travel rates, and local events should all be researched before you decide to book. The time of year you choose will never be “bad.” A visit to the islands is as close to paradise as you can get. However, here are some things to consider if you are looking to schedule your Hawaiian adventure in November.
November in Hawaii — Quick Take
Verdict: Good — quiet, affordable, and whale season is just beginning.
Temps: upper 70s–low 80s°F. Rainy season edges in on windward coasts. Winter swells build on North Shore (Oahu) — surf season for spectators. Humpbacks start arriving in Hawaii waters. Pre-holiday deals on flights.
Best for: Surfer/surf spectators, early whale watch season, budget travelers timing around Thanksgiving (avoid the week itself).
Planning Thanksgiving week?
Use the November weather notes here, then read our Thanksgiving in Hawaii guide for holiday-week crowds, Thanksgiving Day closures, dinner reservations, November events, and booking timing.
Hawaii Weather in November
Ask any local, and they will tell you the weather is always beautiful in Hawaii. As a tourist, you will love the seasonal temperatures that stay in the mid to low 80s. As November inches towards winter, you can see a dip in the evening temperature to the high 60s or low 70s, which is still perfectly fine for evening strolls along the beach.
November does see higher than average rainfall as it approaches the rainy season of winter. However, rain showers are more common at night. The odd daytime showers are sudden and short, nothing a little umbrella or jacket can’t handle. Rain showers are still pretty infrequent and unlikely to interfere with your outdoor plans. If rain worries you, you can always choose to book your stay on the leeward side of the islands as they tend to experience less rain. As well, Big Island sees the lowest levels of rain at this time of year.
The Pacific Ocean surrounding the islands remains warm enough for swimming all year round. As well, November marks the end of hurricane season in the Pacific. If you are planning to visit the more mountainous regions or volcanoes of Hawaii, you will want to bring a jacket. Due to the higher elevations, temperatures are chillier all year round.
November Temperatures in Hawaii
Hawaii Rainfall in November
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Hawaii Crowds in November
November is one of Hawaii’s slowest months for tourism. Not surprisingly, the busiest time in November coincides with the week of Thanksgiving. If you want to avoid this expected wave of tourists, book earlier in the month. If you are locked into the school-break week, use our Thanksgiving in Hawaii guide for holiday-week planning, closures, dining, and event notes.
Hawaii Costs in November
November has some of the lowest hotel rates of the year, with a bump during Thanksgiving week. For context, the most recent DBEDT hotel performance data puts the statewide hotel average at about $345 a night, and November typically runs below that annual pace — even Thanksgiving week stays far cheaper than the Christmas–New Year peak. Airfares are also lower in November, making this the month to plan your trip if you are on a budget.
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Hawaii Events & Highlights in November
November 2026 is quietly one of the best event months of the year, and the first ten days are the dense stretch. The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival — Hawaii's oldest food festival, running since 1970 — is posted for November 6-15 on the Big Island, right in the middle of the coffee harvest. Farm tours, tastings, art, music, and the coffee-belt towns at their best. Our Kona Coffee Festival visitor guide covers how to build a Big Island trip around it.
The rest of the November 2026 calendar:
- Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, Oahu weekend (November 5-8): The statewide festival closes its 2026 run on Oahu. Ticketed chef dinners and tastings — the marquee events sell out, so buy before you fly.
- Eo e Emalani i Alakaʻi (November 7): A free, day-long commemoration of Queen Emma's 1871 journey into the Alakaʻi, held in Kōkeʻe State Park on Kauai. One of the most authentic Hawaiian cultural events a visitor can attend.
- Maui Invitational (November 23-25): The premier early-season college basketball tournament returns to the Lahaina Civic Center over Thanksgiving week. If you're on West Maui that week, expect the tournament crowd on top of the holiday crowd.
- North Shore winter surf season: The first big northwest swells usually arrive in November, and Oahu's seven-mile miracle wakes up. The old Vans Triple Crown no longer runs as an in-person series — watch the World Surf League calendar for current contest windows — but you don't need a contest: a big November swell at Pipeline or Sunset is the show.
- Thanksgiving (November 26): The one crowded week of the month. Our Thanksgiving in Hawaii guide covers holiday-week closures, dinner reservations, and how early to book.
Book November Tours & Activities
Planning a November trip? Lock in activities early — the best experiences sell out fast.
- Early humpback whale arrivals — whale watching season begins. Book Maui whale watching on Viator.
- Pre-holiday pricing on luaus and tours — lock in before December rates.
- Good hiking weather before winter rains intensify. Browse all Hawaii tours.
With near-perfect temperatures, awe-inspiring competitions, and a coffee lover's dream event, November offers a joyful experience in paradise. Lower rates for both hotels and airfare make it even more attractive for the budget-conscious traveler.
