Big Island in August
Good time to visit
The most expensive and crowded month with relentless heat. August tests your tolerance for summer extremes and premium pricing.
Weather
August matches July's heat but with slightly more consistent trade winds. The island stays bone dry except for brief mountain showers. Humidity reaches uncomfortable levels when winds die down.
31°C high23°C low4 rain days
Crowds & Cost
peak crowds
~$300/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament
- •Big Island Hawaiian Music Festival
August Tips
- •August has the year's highest accommodation rates
- •Beach time works best early morning or late afternoon
- •Air conditioning becomes non-negotiable for most visitors
All Months
April, May, September, October, and November offer the sweet spot of good weather and fewer crowds. Hotel rates drop significantly compared to winter peak season, and you'll have beaches and hiking trails more to yourself.
The Big Island's weather depends entirely on which side you're visiting. Kona averages less than 10 inches of rain per year and stays sunny most days. Hilo gets over 120 inches annually, with afternoon showers almost guaranteed. This isn't necessarily bad—the rain usually comes in short bursts, and it keeps everything green and lush.
Winter months (December through March) bring the biggest crowds and highest prices, but also the best whale watching. Humpback whales arrive in Hawaiian waters around November and stick around through April. The peak season for whale watching is January through March.
Summer can get hot and humid, especially on the leeward Kona side. But it's also the driest time of year, making it perfect for camping and extended outdoor activities. Just pack plenty of sunscreen—the UV rays are intense at this latitude.
Big Island Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
9/10
Families
9/10
Adventure
9/10
Budget
5/10
Luxury
8/10
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