Is March a good month to visit Hawaii?
As winter ends and spring break approaches, March is a great time to visit Hawaii. The islands’ tropical climate offers lots of sunshine, occasional rain showers, and comfortably cool nights. Particularly in the earlier part of the month (before spring break and Easter), you can still avoid peak season prices and crowds.
Hawaii Weather in March
During March, the temperature typically ranges from a high of around 81 degrees Fahrenheit to lows in the mid-60s. When packing for your Hawaiian vacation, be sure to pack a light jacket or sweater for nighttime and a pair of pants for activities in higher elevations. Each island has its own weather patterns, so it is wise to be prepared for cooler temperatures in mountainous areas. Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Kokee and Kauai can be chilly in the evening.
Rainfall
March is at the tail end of the rainy season in Hawaii which begins in December. Fortunately, any rain showers that occur tend to be short-lived and mostly at night. Since Hawaii has a tropical climate, these brief storms can happen suddenly, so it is a good idea to pack or purchase a compact umbrella. Even if you get rained on while swimming or enjoying outdoor activities, the clouds usually part quickly and you won’t feel cold.
To minimize the chances of rain interrupting your holiday, look at places to stay and activities on the dry or leeward side of the island. This rule is true for all of the Hawaiian islands: according to historical weather data, the south and west coasts of Maui and the south shore of Oahu in particular are drier in March.
Ocean Temperatures
The massive waves that make the north shores famous for surfing competitions in the winter die down significantly toward the end of March. Since the ocean temperatures are mostly consistent year-round, you will find the waters at a pleasant average of 75°F, perfect for all water activities. Also a bonus, the weather in March is less cloudy than the other winter months, so you will see the ocean’s typically gorgeous blue-green color.
Hawaii Crowds in March
The crowds begin to pick up toward the middle or end of March as spring break season begins. That said, if you avoid known crowded areas with the most popular tourist attractions, it will still feel like a slower-paced vacation. There are new visitors arriving in Hawaii every day, but the sheer number of fun and interesting things to do and see makes it easy to plan itineraries to suit any type of travel preference.
Not surprisingly, the younger spring break crowd tends to swarm to areas like Waikiki and more populated areas. If you want a much slower pace, look into Kauai (the Garden Isle) or Big Island which is all about pools and beaches.
Hawaii Airfare and Hotels in March
Hotel prices tend to rise around spring break or Easter but are otherwise still cheaper than during peak season. Though airfare fluctuates a lot, you can find great deals online, leaving more room in the budget for meals and activities. Rental cars are another necessity if you are not staying at an all-inclusive resort. Start looking at rental car companies or private car rentals about 1-2 months before your trip for affordable and cost-effective deals.
Events & Highlights in March
Whale Watching
March is the end of humpback whale mating season when the warm, shallow waters around the Hawaiian islands attract these gentle giants’ annual homecoming. Boat tours are a popular way to see the whales up close as they do acrobatic flips out of the water. The whales are also visible from certain points on land, such as Makapu’u Lighthouse on Oahu, Poipu Beach on Kauai, or the Hilo Bay and Kohala Coast on Big Island.
Wiki Wiki One Day Vintage Collectible & Hawaiiana Show
Held four times a year, this vintage collectible show has over 70 vendors selling items at least 20 years old. This is your one-stop shop for retro, pre-statehood, and antique Hawaiiana. Browse a huge selection including Hawaiian art, jewelry, toys, furniture, fashion items, kitchenware, ukuleles and more.
Honolulu Festival
Hawaii’s premier cultural event, the annual Honolulu Festival celebrates cultures from the Pacific Rim. Showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Pacific Rim countries such as Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Australia, South Korea, and Tahiti, the festival attracts spectators and performers from all over the world. This free event features dance performances, traditional art demonstrations, fireworks, crafts fair, a grand parade, and an Ennichi Carnival.
Kona Brewers Festival
The Kona Brewers Festival is a massive community celebration held every March, hosted by the Ke Kai Ala Foundation. 2022 marks the festival’s 27th anniversary. Beer. Food. Live music. Live dancing/performances. Fashion shows. All by the beach. Tickets are expensive and in limited quantity as part of safety measures, so don’t wait to book this if you want to attend.