Traveling to Hawaii during September
Weather, Crowds, & Prices for September
September is an excellent time to vacation in Hawaii as the summer crowds are waning and costs begin to drop. September offers a warm ocean, balmy temperatures, and a myriad of festivities running all month long. Here are some of the things to contemplate if you want to book your stay for September.
September in Hawaii — Quick Take
Verdict: Strong shoulder-season value — demand usually eases after Labor Day while ocean temperatures remain warm.
Temps: low-mid 80s°F. September is still warm, but major festival and race weekends can create localized lodging and traffic pressure even when statewide crowds are lower.
Best for: Adults and couples who want the best weather without peak-season prices. September is a hidden gem.
Hawaii Weather in September
Although September brings an end to summer, Hawaiian temperatures continue to soar with average daytime temperatures in the mid to high 80s. Your evenings are just as “summery,” staying well within the comfortable 70s range.
You will find cooler temperatures during the day and night when visiting mountainous areas and volcanoes. The higher you travel, the lower the temperatures, so grab a jacket before you head for the hills.
If you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach, September and October have bragging rights for the warmest ocean temperatures of the year.
Fall means Hawaii will be heading into rainy season soon, but September is still one of the drier months. That means there will be very few rainy days to dampen your spirits. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to rain. Drier weather is always a good thing when traveling, but the drier climate of the summer can tend to impact the glorious waterfalls of the area. You can still visit these popular sites, but keep in mind, less rain tends to slow the cascades.
Despite the drier weather, August and September are at the peak of hurricane season in the Pacific. Hawaii has a low risk for hurricanes, but it is still something to think about when booking your vacation.
September Temperatures in Hawaii
Hawaii Rainfall in September
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Hawaii Crowds in September
The Labor Day weekend tends to be quite busy in Hawaii as it’s the last holiday of the summer. However, once everyone goes home, September sees the lowest flow of travelers. Summer has wound down, and the kids are back in school. Although Hawaii is rarely “crowded,” September is one of the most appealing months to travel if you want to avoid crowds.
Hawaii Costs in September
September often moves into a better-value window after Labor Day, but the island and event weekend matter. Kona's canoe-race weekend, Poipu's marathon weekend, and major Oahu festival dates can tighten local inventory while other areas remain quiet. Use the live DBEDT-backed chart below for the lodging pattern, then compare exact dates in our cost explorer. Waiting for a last-minute airfare drop is a gamble; set a fare alert and book when the itinerary and total trip cost work for you.
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Hawaii Events & Highlights in September
The 2026 September calendars are posted, and several weekends can change where it is easiest to stay or drive:
- Aloha Festivals on Oahu: the Royal Court opening is September 5, the Waikiki Hoolaulea closes Kalakaua Avenue for a block party on Saturday, September 19, and the Floral Parade runs from Ala Moana Park to Kapiolani Park on September 26. These are free public events; use the official schedule for final hours and access notes.
- Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon: September 6 in Poipu. Runners need advance packet pickup, and non-runners should expect a busier South Shore weekend. The Kauai Mokihana Festival follows September 20-26, with detailed program timing best confirmed before booking around one performance.
- Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race: September 3-7 in Kailua-Kona. The Labor Day event creates a real Kona-side lodging, waterfront, and rental-car consideration.
- Maui's Festivals of Aloha calendar: September opens with Wailuku and Kahului events, followed by the falsetto contest on Saturday, September 19. The Hana Relay on September 12 can also affect Road to Hana traffic that morning.
Use the island event pages below for the fuller calendar. Organizer schedules control, so recheck the source before attaching a nonrefundable hotel night or interisland flight to one event.
Book September Tours & Activities
Planning a September trip? Lock in activities early — the best experiences sell out fast.
- Best deals of the year on tours — shoulder season pricing with summer-like conditions. Browse Hawaii tours.
- September can be a good hiking window, but use Trail & Park Status before choosing a route or driving across an island.
- Water is still warm and calm — great for snorkeling and kayaking.
Despite a slight risk for hurricanes, September still offers an excellent time to travel to the Hawaiian Islands. Two major month-long festivals on Oahu and Big Island provide a unique opportunity for an intimate cultural experience. Lower hotel rates and a slowdown in visitors makes September an affordable, relaxed time of year for a Hawaiian escape.
