Hawaii in April: Everything You Need to Know About Weather, Events, Costs, and More
Do you know what’s better than visiting Hawaii? It’s visiting Hawaii in spring! April is that time of the year when everything is just perfect – sun-kissed weather, lower-than-average prices for airfare and accommodations, and a lower flow of tourists. If you have decided to travel to Hawaii in April, this comprehensive guide has got you covered.
Note on Related Articles: This article is part of a series of articles to help our readers decide which month is best to visit the Hawaiian Islands. If you are thinking of going to Hawaii in a different month, please check out our other articles listed at the end of this one.
April Weather in Hawaii
It’s true that compared to most of the mainland, Hawaii stays warm all year. And yet, we can’t help but think that as soon as April comes around, it feels like winter is finally over. The sun gets brighter, the humpback whales start to depart, and the flowers begin to blossom.
The ocean is still a bit cooler, but you can have a lot of fun swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, and snorkeling.
Average Temperatures
The daytime temperatures stay in the high 70s and low 80s. The daily high temperatures rarely exceed 81°F. Evenings do tend to get slightly colder and run into the 60s.
Water Temperatures
The sea water is between 75°F and 80°F in April, making it pleasantly warm to play around in.
Ocean Conditions
Winter is the time of high surfing swells and summer brings mellow waters; since April sits right in the middle, think of it as the month of transition for the waves. You may get a few days of choppy waters, but generally speaking, the waters have calmed down significantly.
If you’re a complete beginner when it comes to swimming or you just want to be extra safe, stick to the southern shores of Hawaii which stay relatively calm throughout most of the year.
Cost to Visit Hawaii in April
In terms of budget itineraries and affordable flights and accommodations, April is one of the best months to visit the Hawaiian Islands. This is mostly because schools are still in session, but another reason is Japan’s Golden Week that takes place in May in Hawaii. For those who want to avoid crowds and find great deals and discounts on flights and hotels, you can’t pick a better month.
Airfare
Economy-class, round-trip flight tickets to Hawaii from the Midwest or East Coast can cost around $400-$800 during April. Flights from the East Coast cities are almost always $300-$600 more expensive than West Coast flights. Try to book your flight for a weekday instead of a weekend to save more, as weekend airfares tend to be more expensive.
Accommodations
Hotel prices in April are around $160 – $190 per night – we are talking about the budget options, of course. You can always find pricier options with more amenities. To save even more, look at vacation rental properties on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Kayak. Hostels and dorm rooms are even cheaper at $30-$50 per night.
If you’re traveling on a budget, one thing to keep in mind is that costs can add up pretty quickly in Hawaii from tours to transport to food. Finding a hotel or hostel that offers “extras” can make a world of difference. Breakfast, airport transport, pizza and beer nights, and even tours are included in the price at some places, so try and factor this in when looking at the overall cost.
Car Rental
Renting a car on the islands has become more expensive in the last couple of years. A standard rental costs around $100/day, not including the taxes, gas, and parking. Minivans and SUVs are even costlier.
Best Times to Book Your April Vacation
April is one of the slowest times in Hawaii in terms of tourism, so you don’t have to book months in advance. Booking your flights, hotels, and other rentals 21-30 days before departure is a possibility.
Is April Crowded in Hawaii?
Not at all. April actually receives a lower-than-average volume of visitors, making it perfect for a peaceful or romantic getaway. Children are still in school which means you can enjoy the most popular tourist spots with little to no distraction.
Just one tiny exception to this is the Easter holiday. Many people flock around the Islands for Easter, but this crowd is only here for a couple of days.
Events in April
Here are some of the notable events on the Hawaiian Islands in April:
Oahu
The LPGA Lotte Championship is held in April at the Hoakalei Country Club where some of the best female golfers from around the world come together for a chance to win $2 million.
Hawaii’s largest half marathon – the Hapalua – also takes place in April. It starts in Waikiki and finishes in Kapiolani Park. The course is 13.1 miles long and you can enjoy shaved ice and hot malasadas at the finish line.
See Also: 71 Awesome Things to Do on Oahu With Your Family
The Big Island
If you’re in Hawaii in April, you’ll get to enjoy the Merrie Monarch Festival, the biggest hula competition across the islands. The festival celebrates King David Kalākaua and his love for keeping the native traditions and arts alive. Hula shows and competitions, invitational art fairs, and many other events provide a sterling opportunity to see locals’ appreciation of their unique traditions.
Maui
The East Maui Taro Festival in April features live entertainment, poi pounding demonstrations, food booths, arts and crafts, and a large farmers market.
Water Activities
If you were hoping to watch some humpback whales, sadly that’s not going to happen in April as most of the whales have gone back by now. But don’t lose heart, there’s a lot of fun to be had in the Hawaiian waters.
Standup paddleboarding is a great way to enjoy the calm ocean waters, especially if you’re a beginner. It’s much easier to learn than surfing too. The best spots for paddleboarding are Launiupoko Beach (Maui), Hanalei River (Kauai), Keahou Bay in Kona (Big Island), and Ala Moana Beach in Honolulu (Oahu).
Hawaii’s coastlines and reefs offer several opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving as well. The Molokini Crater off the southern coast of Maui and Hanauma Bay Beach Park on Oahu are the best places for snorkeling.
RELATED: 9 Best Whale Watching Tours on Oahu You Need to Try
Outdoor Activities
If you are on the Big Island and love downhill bike rides, consider coasting downhill from the Kilauea Volcano. The bike ride begins from the 4,000-foot-high summit and offers plenty of stunning vistas on the way down to the Pacific Ocean. You can either join a bike tour or rent a bike on your own.
For those looking for a more challenging downhill ride, the Manua Kea Volcano promises one of the most epic adventures on the island. It rises from sea level in Hilo to over 13,000 feet and is not suitable for everyone.
Other Activities Worth Mentioning
If you are traveling with your kids or just love animals, you should visit the Honolulu Zoo on Oahu. Not only can you visit the zoo during the day, but you can now take a twilight tour to learn about animals that are not so comfortable in the daylight. The zoo also showcases some of the rare plants that can only be found on the Hawaiian Islands.
FAQs
Is April a good time to go to Hawaii?
Yes! April is technically winter in Hawaii, but it feels like spring. Plus, there are no crowds and airfare and hotel prices are cheaper than the upcoming summer months.
Is it rainy season in Hawaii in April?
No, but you can still see some sudden rain showers every now and then. They rarely last more than 10 minutes, however. If you are out at night, carry an umbrella because that’s when the showers tend to fall.
Is April hurricane season in Hawaii?
No. The hurricane season starts in June and ends in November.
Is April the best month to visit Hawaii?
April is definitely one of the best months to visit Hawaii. The off-season on the islands is from the middle of April to mid-June, and again from September to November. If you have a limited budget or you want to spend some time in quiet solitude – either by yourself or with a partner – April is the perfect time to do so.
Can you swim in Hawaii in April?
Yes! Sea temperature in April is warm and balmy during the day so you can swim, snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard as much as you want. It may get a bit cooler in the evenings, but still, it never gets cold enough for a wetsuit.
Super Fun in the Making
Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Lanai, and Molokai – these six Hawaiian Islands have it all. And April is the perfect time of year to see all of the lush rainforests, beautiful waterfalls, tropical blue lagoons, active volcanoes, and serene mountains.
You’ll experience lower than average prices on flights and lodging, and the spring weather is exactly what you need to truly relax. The rain is very minimal too!
We hope this post helps you discover every inch of Hawaii and assists with planning your vacation so that you can get the most out of it. If you’re thinking of going to Hawaii during a different month, check out the below travel guides we have created for you:
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