Hawaii in June: A Complete Guide to Visiting the Hawaiian Islands
Summer is knocking on the doors, and many cities mark the occasion by celebrating all kinds of festivals and parties – and Hawaii is no exception. Whether you want to enjoy the wonders of nature or a fun-filled beach haven, Hawaii is the perfect destination for a June vacation. This stunning string of islands has a lot in store for you in the early weeks of summer.
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.
June Weather in Hawaii
The dictionary defines the term “perfection” as the state or condition of being free from all defects and flaws. Those who live in Hawaii, or have ever set foot here in June, would agree that the term accurately applies to the month’s weather.
June is the month when the daytime temperatures stay steady in the mid to low 80s and rain is minimal. The nights can get balmier in the low 70s, making them perfect for a romantic stroll on the beach without the need for a jacket or sweater. The ocean is warm and the water is inviting; even the water-shy folks have a hard time resisting all the fun.
Keep in mind that you may experience slightly cooler temperatures if you’re traveling to higher elevation points, like volcanoes or mountains.
Another important thing to note – although it’s not really weather-related – the daylight hours in Hawaii get really maximized in June. If you’re planning to go on a sight-seeing trip or a long hike, you’ll have more daylight hours than compared to winter months.
Average Temperatures
Daytime high temperatures usually range from 82°F to 85°F, depending on where you are on the island. Low temperatures rarely exceed 77°F or fall below 70°F.
Water Temperatures
Water temperatures on the surface stay in the low to mid 70s in the first couple of weeks, but they climb to the upper 70s and low 80s later in the last two weeks.
Ocean Conditions
Hawaii’s ocean temperatures in June are definitely good for swimming and other ocean sports. Some people do need a wetsuit, however, during scuba-diving because the deeper you go into the water, the cooler it gets. But everybody is different; some tolerate cold better than others, so we recommend talking with your diving tour or gear rental company for the best advice.
Cost to Visit Hawaii in June
The first two weeks of June offer cheaper prices for hotels and flights compared to the last two weeks. Once summer vacation season truly kicks in, hotels tend to start increasing their rates until the 4th of July. Airfares are harder to predict, but you’re likely to see lower rates in the earlier weeks.
Airfare
Surprisingly, even though June and July are considered peak travel months, they are not the most expensive for flights. Still, you can expect to pay between $750 and $1,100, depending on where you’re flying in from.
Accommodation
You’ll have three options when looking for places to stay in Hawaii: hotels, Airbnb, and hostels.
Any other peak-season time of the year, you will be hard-pressed to find a hotel room for less than $165 per night. But remember what we said before about June and perfection? Many budget-friendly hotels offer rooms for $90-$160 per night, especially on the Big Island. Maui is the most expensive island, and the hotel rates can be double this amount. Luxury hotels obviously cost a lot more, anywhere from $250 to $580+ per night.
If you don’t want to spend this much on accommodation, consider staying at a hostel or a budget Airbnb. The average hostel costs about $35-$45 per night, while a cheap Airbnb room will come to $55-$85 per night.
Car Rental
Car rentals in June can get pricey. Rates usually start at $140-$150 per day for a basic four-door car, plus $8-$10/day of insurance. You’ll also need to pay for your own fuel, and that comes down to over $5 a gallon.
Best Times to Book Your June Vacation
Research shows that the best time for booking domestic flights is around 21 to 30 days in advance. June marks the beginning of summer when most families plan their annual vacation, so if you want to travel to Hawaii this month, we highly recommend booking everything at least three weeks ahead of time.
A money-saving tip: Use Google Flights to find the cheapest flights and track prices. This is an amazing tool that filters through almost every airline and dozens of online travel agencies and then displays the lowest available price.
Is June Crowded in Hawaii?
Yes, except for the first week. June attracts waves of summer tourists, but it happens starting from the second week. You’ll see more visitors toward the end of the month as children are out of school by now. If you’re traveling in June without the kids, you may want to plan your travel within the first two weeks of June as they are the least crowded.
Events in June
For those looking to attend big-time celebrations island-style, June is one of the best months to head for Hawaii. You can book your trip around King Kamehameha Day on June 11th and get a true taste of the Hawaiian culture. The event is celebrated throughout the islands with multiple ceremonies, parades, and processions.
Here are some other notable events happening in June:
Oahu
King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony: King Kamehameha was a beloved leader credited for unifying the Hawaiian Islands in 1810 after years of conflict. This ceremony takes place at Aliʻiolani Hale in downtown Honolulu and features draping a 30-feet traditional lei over the 18-foot bronze statue of King Kamehameha.
Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships (HASC): Nearly 100 surfers with disabilities from 15+ nations compete in the heart of Waikiki at the iconic surf break known as Queens. This is a beautiful, inspiring event where you get to see a high level of athleticism and shared love of surfing.
Summer Gift Fair: If you want to browse through unique, handmade jewelry, art, clothes, decorations, snacks, and other goodies, make your way to Ka Makana Ali’i, an open-air retail center in Kapolei. Local musicians also play throughout the fair for the added festive touch.
Beach Days Market: This is a pop-up market where local artisans, furniture makers, food vendors, clothing designers, and jewelry makers showcase their finest goods. It is usually set up in the second week of June at the Aloha Home Market. In addition to one-of-a-kind treasures, you’ll also find keiki activities, freshly-made ono grinds, and live entertainment here.
See Also:
Lanikai Pillbox Hike: Everything You Need to Know
Koko Head Hike in Oahu – Everything You Need to Know
71 Awesome Things to Do on Oahu With Your Family
The Big Island
Great Waikoloa Food, Wine & Music Festival: Hawaii’s top chefs show off their culinary talents at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island. The scrumptious food is accompanied by fine wines from around the world, fireworks, and a live music concert.
Maui
Annual Maui Film Festival: Movie lovers will love this major film festival held right under the stars at Wailea Resort. The festival occurs in June and is the perfect occasion to watch some of the best new movies and attend discussions about movie-making. The screening takes place in different venues throughout Maui, but the Wailea Beach and Golf Club is our favorite location. The likes of Tim Burton, Pierce Brosnan (don’t see Tomorrow Never Dies, but The Foreigner is amazing), the legend Clint Eastwood, Jessica Chastain, Zac Efron, Olivia Wilde (that’s “Thirteen” from House! and don’t forget Cowboys and Aliens), and Brie Larson have attended the festival in the past.
Kapalua Wine & Food Festival: Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a foodie, don’t forget to check out this event held at the Kapalua Resort. It’s usually a week-long affair that attracts master chefs and wine-makers from around the globe.
Kauai
Soto Zen Bon Festival: The Japanese American community in Hawaii celebrates the best of Bon Dance culture in the most breathtaking way. More than 500 lanterns are used to decorate the Soto Zen Temple, and visitors get the rare opportunity to learn about this unique cultural tradition. There is folk dancing, traditional music, and of course, mouthwatering food.
Molokai
Molokai Paniolo Heritage Festival & Workshops: Taking place at the Molokai Ranch, the festival features art exhibits, demonstrations of animal husbandry, pa’u riding workshops, and a live rodeo, among other live entertainment and food vendors.
Water Activities
Getting out on the water is a must in Hawaii, and you’ll be spoilt for choice for activities in the month of June:
Snorkel at the Wailea Beach or Kannapali Beach (Maui): Wailea Beach is the most popular beach in Hawaii because of the myriad of opportunities it offers in terms of bodysurfing and snorkeling. Another good spot is the 4-mile long Kaanapali Beach, especially the area around Black Rock, right in front of the Sheraton.
Bodyboarding or Bodysurfing in Oahu: The small waves of Kailua Beach, Lanikai Beach, and Waikiki Beach are good places to learn to bodyboard. You can also go to the Bellows Field Beach Park, off the Kalanianaole Highway (Hwy 72) in Waimanalo, but it’s only open to the public on weekends (unless you can show them a military ID).
Outdoor Activities
Go on a Boating Adventure: Almost every type of boat ride is available in the islands, from submarines to old-fashioned outrigger canoes. If you can afford it, we highly recommend seeing the islands from offshore; the view is unforgettable. You can combine several activities into one cruise since many snorkel boats double as sightseeing cruises.
Other Activities Worth Mentioning
See an Active Volcano: The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is often the highlight of most visitors’ experiences. You can start with the Kilauea Visitor Center, then explore your way to the Devastation Trail, Thurston Lava Tube, Halemaumau Crater, and the other sights in the crater. Talk to the park rangers about the best way to get to the lava flow. Watching sizzling-red lava in person is something you’ll remember forever.
FAQs
Is June a good time to go to Hawaii?
We always answer this question with “it depends.” If you are not particularly averse to crowds, June is an excellent month to visit Hawaii. The weather is amazing, the hotel and flight prices are cheaper – it’s a salient way to immerse yourself in the local culture on a budget.
This is not to say that June is super crowded – the first two weeks are the least crowded. But still, keep in mind that most families that plan a vacation in Hawaii, do so in June.
See Also:
Black Sand Beaches on Hawaii’s Big Island
The Top 9 Waterfalls to Visit on the Big Island of Hawaii
The 9 Big Island Luau Shows: Everything you need to know!
Is it better to go to Hawaii in June or July?
There is not a lot of difference between these two months. The weather, amount of rainfall, and the cost of travel is pretty much the same.
Is June hurricane season in Hawaii?
Yes. The hurricane season in Hawaii is from June to November, but tropical storms can happen at any time of the year. The last hurricane to hit Hawaii was in 1992.
A Glorious Vacation
A June vacation in Hawaii promises to exceed all your expectations. In addition to the unbound natural glory, you also have the added benefit of lower-than-average hotel rates and pleasant weather. And if you time your trip just right, you can also partake in the Hawaiian traditions of King Kamehameha Day. If your budget and schedule allows, don’t hesitate to visit these islands in June!
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