Hawaii in winter is always a lucrative destination for tourists. Imagine the golden sands of Hawaii, where winter sun kisses your face and warm salty breezes swirl in the air. Fewer crowds, better prices, and the natural wonders of Hawaii seem to have a touch more magic this time of year. November is the best month almost no one knows about in Hawaii, from cultural festivals to peak whale watching — and among the most comfortable temps of the year. So, if you want to discover why Hawaii in winter is the best time to visit along with a diverse, once-in-a-lifetime itinerary on island hopping in Oahu, Maui and Big Island as well as how to make this Hawaiian trip dreams come through, read ahead.
Day 1: Reach Oahu to start exploring Hawaii in Winter
The “Heart of Hawaii,” Oahu, is an island, with endless experiences for winter visitors. Honolulu provides a buzzing city atmosphere while the island offers some of the most beautiful beaches, hikes, and culture. Warm temps, light crowds while still enjoying holiday festivities the same as any other tourist season — November is peak months to enjoy Oahu. See all the buckets list items on your chart without pricey lines with traffic numbers truly more comparable to a local rush hour in winter.
While the weather in Oahu may be a little iffy, the island is renowned for its beaches all year round — November included.
Hikers of all levels can find their new favorite trail on Oahu, with many being perfect in the temperate winter weather.
On Oahu the famous surf season starts on the North Shore in November. Home to the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing and many other major surfing competitions among locals and world-class surfers alike. These competitions are thrilling to watch at beaches like Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline — a fantastic way to enjoy Hawaii in winter.
November in Oahu is the ultimate mix of chill, adventure and culture. For those who are enticed with the islands white sand shores + hiking trails or maybe you made the decision to see an historical landmark this is a fabulous month see Hawaii come alive.
Things to do: Get settled, walk around Waikiki Beach, have an Hawaiian dinner at Duke’s Waikiki (a good way to kick start the trip)
Day 2: Discovering Oahu
Morning: Hike up Diamond Head Crater for panoramic views
Afternoon: The Pearl Harbor National Monument is a must-see when visiting Oahu. The trip includes a boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial, where you can find out about an important period in World War II history through a short video. Begin your tour with an effortless pickup from an assigned place, then join your guide and group for a smooth journey to Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Book a ticket in advance to assure rapid access to this important site, and avoid the disappointment of tickets selling out.
Dinner & entertainment: a Hawaiian luau, with at least some traditional offerings.
Day 3: North Shore Adventure
Morning: Visit North Shore beaches such as Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline. Waimea Bay, located on Oahu’s north shore, is one of the island’s most iconic sites to feel Hawaii in winter. The cradle of big wave surfing continues to attract expert surfers in the winter looking for spectacular waves.
Noon: Lunch at a local eatery and some shopping
Evening: Ride back to Waikiki for an evening in, or stay in Haleiwa and enjoy a more chill vibe on your trip.
Day 4: Travel to Maui
Maui in winter is a gem and provides numerous opportunities to experience all that the island has to offer, especially as landscapes are enhanced by seasonal rain, events begin to confront winter festivities directly, and wildlife prepares for its next seasonal tour lines. If you want to enjoy Hawaii in winter to the fullest, Maui combines scenic drives, adventurous excursions and vibrant marine life to create memories that will last a lifetime.
The beginning of Maui’s whale-watching season kicks off in November, when humpback whales traveling from Alaska to warmer waters will begin arriving in Hawaiian waters. These magnificent creatures are attracted to the sheltered, shallow waters of Maui as a breeding and birthing ground. The best time to see the whales during whale-watching peak is in January and February, but from November you will be able to spot the first of these giants.
The dormant Haleakalā volcano boasts some of the most beautiful scenery on the island and is found inside Maui’s Haleakalā National Park. And November is the low season so it would be a perfect time to visit parkaways.
Maui is known for its diverse beaches — white sand, black rock coastlines. November is not as busy on the islands so its a good time to hit the beaches and enjoy more space!
Active adventurers will appreciate the calm seasonal transition every November brings to Maui, with its lush rainforests, waterfalls and various ecosystems finding their balance.
Morning: Reach Maui and visit Iao Valley State Park.
Afternoon: Relax at your hotel, and browse local shops or restaurants.
Late Afternoon: Sunset stroll and dinner at Lahaina
Day 5: Road Trip to Hana (without which your Trip to Hawaii in Winter would be incomplete!)
Book a full day small group road trip to Hana to see the real beauty of Hawaii in winter. Navigate through the spectacular 52-mile (84-kilometer) road with 620 curves and 50 bridges along the road .
Experience an intimate, small group setting with your tour, personalized attention from your guide as well as time to ask any questions about the history, flora and fauna you pass along the road.
Day 6: Visit Haleakalā National Park
Hike at the top of Haleakalā Crater for sunrise (reserve tickets in advance, even months in advance)
Visit Makawao and Kula before heading to a beach.
Evening- Dinner in Lahaina
Day 7: Big Island Tour (A Must Visit for Your Trip to Hawaii in Winter)
Morning: Take a flight to Big Island, explore Kona or Hilo in daytime.
Evening: Have a one-of-a-kind experience of Hawaii in winter: snorkeling with manta rays. Led by a local guide, you’ll take a short boat to the manta site, where you’ll see the gorgeous Hawaiian scenery before diving into the ocean to see the manta rays up close.
Day 8: Enjoy Beaches at Kona
Enjoy full day at Punalu’u black sand beach or green sand beach.
Day 9: Kauai – A Must Visit Spot of Hawaii in Winter
The Garden Island: Kauai is known for its lush landscapes, steep cliffs and waterfalls — a nature lover’s paradise. Winter is one of the best seasons to visit Kauai: as cooler days and welcome rains enrich the landscape, away from high-season crowds. The power of the landscape sweeping up in Kauai — an island characterized by breathtaking views and tranquil beaches dotted with waterfalls. Visitors are rewarded with colorful leaves, foggy mountain views and a quiet atmosphere that truly embodies Hawaii in winter.
Na Pali Coast is the birthplace of Hawaii; rugged cliffs plunging into deeps blue waves, its mystical valleys surrounded by emerald green hillsides.
Located on the western side of the island, Waimea Canyon (aka “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific”) has to be one of the most stunning sights to take in during your time in Kauai. A geologic wonder, this ONE MILE wide by 14-mile long canyon has some pretty impressive layers of RED, GREEN, and ORANGE volcanic rock & foliage. In November, Waimea Canyon is even more colourful, and the rainy season arrives too with mist and clouds that give a mystical view of the canyon.
Nicknamed the “Garden Island,” the ecosystems of Kauai are among the most diverse in Hawaii. When the rains come to Kauai during winter, everything blooms here: flowers popping out of tropical trees, side roads lined with dense foliage. Many of the botanical gardens on Kauai provide insight into the islands plant diversity allowing visitors to get up close with rare native plants and endangered species.
Take a short flight from Big Island to reach Kauai in the morning. Book a magnificent airplane tour of Kauai to feel Hawaii in Winter.
On this Kauai air tour, you’ll fly over the entire Garden Island for breathtaking views of Hawaii in winter. From a tour plane, take in stunning views of natural wonders such as Waimea Canyon, Opaekaa Falls, the craggy Na Pa Coast, and Mt Waialeale, the wettest point on Earth. Throughout this thrilling flight, your skilled pilot will deliver instructive narration.
Evening: Relax at Kauai.
Day 10: Return to Oahu
ALOHA: Return to Oahu before you take your flight back to home with magnificent memories of Hawaii in winter season .
Things to do: Last-minute shopping or last beach time on Waikiki Beach.
Accommodation Options:
Hawaii in winter has fantastic options for all budgets, from high-end resorts to rental properties. Eco-friendly accommodations are available for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying paradise.
Conclusion
Hawaii in Winter is the best of all worlds and the most perfect weather to set out to enjoy a more relaxed beach or trail in paradise, great nature, culture, etc. Wander the lush, colorful islands of Oahu, Maui and the Big Island (birthing still-smoking volcanoes) with this expertly-curated itinerary, which will take you from idyllic beaches to breathtaking coffee farms — plus local dining destinations. Begin your well-deserved trip to paradise in Hawaii.