Hawaii in November is a hidden gem, offering all the beauty of the islands with the added perks of less crowds, mild weather and some of the best travel deals of the year. After visiting Hawaii multiple times at different seasons, I can tell you that November is one of the most underrated months to experience the islands. From lush landscapes to festive gatherings or sun-kissed beaches — November is filled with options for where to go. Here is everything you need to know in order to make the most out of your trip to Hawaii this November!
Weather in Hawaii in November
Yes, it is November (almost end of rainy season) in Hawaii but fear not. Hawaii enjoys a warm, stable year-round climate but rains normally occur in short bursts rather than deluges. For the most part, this is what you can see:
— Daytime Highs: Low 80°F (approaching 29°C), Overnight Lows: Mid-70°F (in the vicinity of 24°C) So warm and toasty by tropical vacation standards!
Water Temperature: the ocean is warm enough to swim in, about 78°F (26°C) It is perfect to snorkel, dive, or surf.
Rain: The northern and eastern sides of the islands receive the most rain, while the southern and western areas are fairly dry. For sun, you want to stay in places like Waikiki, Kona or Wailea.
November Festivals and Activities
Hawaii in November is a month of celebration. For the most part, these are some of the amusing things that happen on the islands in November.
Hawaii International Film Festival: The prestigious international festival includes feature and shorts or documentaries. Ideal entertainment for cinephiles craving a cultural experience in paradise.
Kona Coffee Culture Festival: If coffee is your heart, then the festival happening in Kailua-Kona is on your list for trip to Hawaii in November. While checking out tastings, tours of the farm and more cultural activities which are celebrating Kona’s coffee heritage
Aloha Festivals: These celebrations take place across the islands and comprise a series of parades, hula performances, and traditional Hawaiian music to give you a taste of Hawaiian culture.
Hawaii Islands to Visit in November
Hawaii is like a diamond of islands, and each pearl reveals its own talent to travelers. With lush landscapes and cultural events, these islands burst into life in November so here are the best of them
Oahu
Called The Gathering Place, Oahu has gorgeous beaches, nightlife as well as historical sites. Get in the vibrant Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, go parasailing above turquoise waters or hike Diamond Head for birds-eye views of the coast. As a history buff, you have to visit Pearl Harbor. With less crowds than in the peak season, November cooler weather is perfect to indulge these activities.
Maui
Maui has that perfect combination of relaxing and adventure at Hawaii in November. Occasional rains make for stunning scenery along the famed Road to Hana, with flowing waterfalls and verdant foliage. Another national park that is a must-see for its sunrise and hiking views – Haleakalā National Park. November is the beginning of whale-watching season, if you are lucky enough to be in Maui.
Big Island (Hawaii Island)
Cry of the Big Island, a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. The island encompasses from active volcanoes at the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to even black sand beaches and beautiful waterfalls. November sees few crowds and access to some of Hawaii’s (and the world) best sites, including Mauna Kea for stargazing that is second-to-none.
Kauai
Kauai, or the Garden Isle, is a Must Visit during your trip to Hawaii in November. Trek the Na Pali Coast for gorgeous seascapes or visit Waimea Canyon, known as “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific” November rain showers highlight Kauai’s lush landscape, while cooler temps make hiking more pleasant.
Hiking and More Things to Do in Hawaii in November
Hawaii is brimming with stock adventures for every type of person. In November, people can do some of the following:
Snorkeling & Diving — November offers clear waters and no crowds for an under the sea adventure. Explore the dramatic cliffs and crystalline waters of Kauai’s Na-Pali Coast on a half-day snorkeling adventure.
Surfing – November brings some of the best surf in the world to the North Shore of Oahu. Oahu and Maui offer beginner lessons if you are new to surfing. grab your friends and family and enjoy this private surf lesson right in Lahaina. This may be a life time experience during your trip to Hawaii in November.
Parasailing at Waikiki Beach – If you enjoy a bit of an adrenaline rush, give parasailing a try while at Waikiki Beach. Fly high over the pristine water and see Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean from above. Perfect adventure for adrenaline junkies looking for different experience of Hawaii in November.
Hiking – Although we’d argue that you can never go wrong with a hike, November’s cooler temperatures make it the perfect time for trails. Iconic views: Kalalau Trail (Kauai), Diamond Head (Oahu) so don’t skip these trails.
Helicopter Tour – Get those drone views of Hawaii’s “Garden Isle”—flying above lush canyons, wild cliffs, and the wettest spot on Earth.
Road Trip – Travel the Road to Hana on this full-day tour on Maui. Navigate the 620 curves and 50 bridges along the 52-mile (84-kilometer) road.
Packing List for Your Trip to Hawaii in November
Although packing for Hawaii is relatively simple, here are the November essentials.
Lightweight Rain Coat — Necessary for those quick rain showers that pop up, especially if you plan to visit the more rainfall-prone areas of the islands.
Beachwear & Sun Protection – Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses are a must. So Hawaii or not, there is some pretty strong sun out there in November!
Good Shoes – Bring beach-friendly shoes and hiking boots.
Evening Wear — Hawaii is pretty laid back but you may still want something a little nicer to wear out for dinners or luaus.
Hawaii Budget Traveler Tips: November
November is part of one of the shoulder seasons, so there are a few good deals to be had. Here are a few ways to save:
Flights – Buy tickets as soon as you plan your trip to Hawaii in November. If Traveling around Thanksgiving The flights can get filled up quickly, but if you book ahead of time, there are some great deals to be had. You may check Google Flights for availability & best prices.
Lodging – Search for bargains in condos or holiday rentals when you are remaining for a week, so there might even be some resorts readily available. Rates in November are not nearly as high as they are at peak times. For best accommodation options, check booking.com or hotels.com
Local Transport – A rental car will cost several hundred dollars; The Bus on Oahu or the local shuttles on Maui and the Big Island are your friends! If you have a tighter budget, rideshares and bike rentals are great to get around too.
Local Food – If eating out is too expensive, look for food trucks and markets. We ate fresh poke, shrimp plates and other traditional Hawaiian dishes at food trucks that are booming on the islands – a value compared to restaurants. Bushwalks, farmers markets – anything for local produce or a snack on the go.
Sustainable Travel Tips
One of the major attractions for Hawaii is its natural environment and the least we can do is to preserve it! Important Ways to Travel Sustainable:
Apply sunscreen that is safe for the reef Regular sunscreen can attack coral reefs. Be careful which brands are labeled as “reef-safe” so they do not harm marine life.
Stay on Trails – The ecosystems here are sensitive so please try to stick to marked trails whether walking or hiking in Hawaii as plants and wildlife are easily damaged.
Be Culturally Sensitive: Hawaiians have an extremely rich culture. Understands the local customs or when in doubt, ask locals for advice.
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Quick Facts
November is one of the best months of the year to travel to Hawaii, but it has its drawbacks. November sees fewer crowds, mild weather and deals to international destinations: it is a shoulder season.
November rain: Late November heralds the onset of the rainy season, however these showers are typically brief and confined to northern/eastern parts of the islands. If you want to avoid rain, stay on the south/west coasts.
Best Islands to Visit in November– Each Island has its on flavor of appeal, Oahu has the beaches, Maui has adventure and relaxation, Big Island is all over the place with an assortment, as well as Kauai.
Swimming and snorkeling in November– it is warm enough to swim in – more accurately -78°F (around 26°C), which is great for swimming, snorkeling and diving.
Events or festivals in Hawaii during November– November has the Hawaii International Film Festival, Kona Coffee Cultural Festival and Aloha Festivals to provide visitors a sampling of Hawaiian culture
Conclusion
Well, there you have it all! The ultimate guide to enjoying Hawaii in November! If you are ready to experience a slice of heaven, the islands in this period come alive with fewer crowds and nice weather along with plenty of activities and cultures events making it a magical time. With its unique travel, ranging from rich history to stunning landscapes, Hawaii in November will be a thing you never forget.
Grab your bags, pack your aloha spirit and prepare for the most out of this world getaway of a lifetime. Hawaii in November awaits!