When Is Rainy Season in Hawaii? (Honest 2026 Guide)

Hawaii has roughly two seasons: dry (May–October) and wet (November–March). But "rainy season" oversimplifies the situation, because **rainfall in Hawaii varies more by location than by month.** Hilo, on the Big Island's east side, gets **130 inches of rain a year.** Waikīkī gets **17 inches.** Same state. Same time of year. The Koʻolau mountains funnel everything one way. ## The short answer | Time of year | What to expect | |---|---| | **Nov–Mar** (rainy season) | More rain, especially windward (east) sides. South shores still mostly sunny. | | **Apr–Oct** (dry season) | Reliably sunny on leeward (west) sides. Some afternoon showers in valleys. | ## Rainfall by location (yearly inches) | Place | Annual rainfall | Side of island | |---|---|---| | Waikīkī (Oʻahu) | 17 in | Leeward (south) | | Honolulu Airport (Oʻahu) | 18 in | Leeward | | Lahaina (Maui) | 13 in | Leeward | | Wailea (Maui) | 12 in | Leeward | | Kona (Big Island) | 25 in | Leeward | | Lihue (Kauaʻi) | 35 in | Mostly leeward | | **Hilo (Big Island)** | **130 in** | Windward (east) | | Mt. Waiʻaleʻale (Kauaʻi) | 460 in | One of the wettest places on Earth | | Kāneʻohe (Oʻahu) | 70 in | Windward | | Hāna (Maui) | 80 in | Windward | ## What this means for trip planning ### If you want guaranteed sun **Stay on the leeward (west or south) sides of any island, year-round:** - Oʻahu: Waikīkī, Ko Olina - Maui: Lahaina, Kāʻanapali, Wailea, Kihei - Big Island: Kona/Kohala Coast (west side) - Kauaʻi: Poʻipū (south) These spots get 8+ inches of rain a year — barely noticeable. ### If you want lush, green, rainforest Hawaii **Go windward**, especially in summer when rain is lighter but greenery is still full: - Oʻahu: Kāneʻohe, Hauʻula, North Shore - Maui: Hāna, the Road to Hāna - Big Island: Hilo, Hāmākua Coast, Volcano - Kauaʻi: North Shore (Hanalei, Princeville) ### If you want both **Split your stay.** 3 days leeward, 3 days windward. Or do day trips. ## Rainy season specifics (Nov–Mar) - **Surf is up** on north and west shores - **Whales are here** - **Christmas / NYE tourism peak** — book early - **Trade winds occasionally fail** — humid, sticky days called "Kona winds" - **Vog** (volcanic fog) more common on Big Island during south winds ## Hurricane season **June through November.** Hurricanes are uncommon (the Hawaiian high pressure usually deflects them) but not unheard of. Iniki (1992) and Lane (2018) were real events. **Travel insurance worth it from August–October.** ## How to dress / pack - **Year-round:** light layers, swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen - **Rainy season add:** light rain jacket, water shoes for muddy hikes - **Upcountry (Volcano, Kula, Kōkeʻe):** long pants + warm layer for evenings — these spots get below 50°F at night ## What about flash floods? Real risk. **Avoid hiking valley trails (Mānoa Falls, Waipiʻo Valley, Kalalau, etc.) during heavy rain.** Storm runoff turns gentle streams into walls of water in minutes. Locals know to leave a valley when rain starts — visitors sometimes don't. ## See current Hawaii events (rain or shine) Many great Hawaii events are indoors or under tents: **[Browse all Hawaii events →](/events)** **[Best Sunset Spots in Waikīkī →](/blog/best-sunset-spots-waikiki-2026)** (south shore, usually sunny) **[Big Island Things to Do →](/blog/big-island-things-to-do-2026)** (both coasts covered) **[Kauaʻi Things to Do →](/blog/kauai-things-to-do-2026)**