Hawaii in August: Weather, Packing, Events & More

If you are planning a Hawaii vacation in August, we’ve got you covered with all the best information you need to know to make the most of your trip. Our insights on weather, special events, and much more will insure you you are prepared for a smooth and unforgettable vacation in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands.

What to expect from Hawaii’s weather in August

August is a summer month and the weather will feel summery, for sure. For temperatures, August is one of Hawaii’s warmest months, but the tradewinds help the climate feel more pleasant. You can expect the daytime high temperatures to average in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (roughly 29° to 30°C). Nighttime lows typically dip to the lower 70s Fahrenheit (21-ish °C).

Historically, August is not known as a rainy month in Hawaii. So, you’ll likely enjoy blue skies and spectacular sunsets.

Though hurricanes are very rare events in Hawaii, the month of August is one of the peak months for hurricanes in the Central Pacific Region, which includes the Hawaiian Islands plus thousands of miles around Hawaii. Only two hurricanes have made landfall in Hawaii in more than 75 years. The probability of a hurricane affecting Hawaii is unlikely, but it’s worth noting that it’s not impossible either. You can check the Central Pacific Hurricane Center for the most up-to-date information.

For more weather details, see our Hawaii weather guide.

What to pack for an August vacation to Hawaii

With the weather feeling warm and a bit humid, pack the clothes that you tend to feel most comfortable in heat and humidity. Consider packing lighter-colored clothes because they reflect more sunlight, which in turn, reduces heat absorption. Loose, breathable clothing will also help you feel more comfortable.

For most sightseeing and daytime adventures, quick-drying, moisture-wicking shirts and shorts tend to work best. Hawaii is quite casual, so you don’t need to get very dressed up at night. Ladies might want to pack casual summer dresses or perhaps resort wear tops with nice shorts, skorts, and trousers. For men, we suggest you pack summery shirts, like polos or short-sleeve button downs, along with nice shorts. If you have clothing with “Hawaiian prints” they’ll be perfect for this vacation.

For our expert packing tips from our many trips to Hawaii, see our Hawaii vacation packing guide. We provide many packing recommendations that you might not have considered or be aware of.

Hawaii ocean conditions in August

Ocean temperatures are warm enough for year-round swimming in Hawaii. In August, temperatures are warming up to around 80°F in Honolulu, for example.

Typically, the ocean tends to be the most calm in the summer months compared to the rest of the year. With the calmer conditions, some adventures are more likely to take place. For example, only during the summer months can you take a kayak tour of the Na Pali Coastline or take a boat tour of the Na Pali Coast that departs from the North Shore. (Note boat tours of the Na Pali Coast tend to operate from the South Shore of Kauai throughout the year.)

Though overall ocean conditions tend to be calm in August, no matter what time of the year you visit the Hawaiian Islands, you must respect the power of the ocean. It’s very, very important to know ocean safety.

Experts advise swimming at Hawaii beaches that are monitored by lifeguards. For snorkeling, We recommend you choose an organized-tour company as they are more informed of the safer spots and tend to keep an eye out for their snorkelers’ safety.

Hawaii stargazing in August

Hawaii is an amazing place to stargaze due to the limited light pollution. So, do take advantage of the opportunity to see the stars. Ideally, you’ll want the sky to be as moonless as possible to maximize star and planet visibility. August 23 will be the darkest night. Check for moonrise and moonset times here.

In August, there are a couple of special astronomy events:

The Perseids Meteor Shower runs through August 24, with the peak period on the night of August 12 and morning of August 13. Unfortunately, moonlight will wash out some of the meteors during peak, but you still might get to see some of the brighter ones.
On August 19, Mercury will be at its greatest western elongation, which makes it the best time to view this planet. Look for Mercury low in the eastern sky just before sunrise.

Natural occurrences in Hawaii in August

Mango season runs from late May to September with peak ripeness occurring in July and August. Check out a farmers market or roadside stand to taste delicious, Hawaii-grown mangos.

There’s no seasonality with volcano activity, but, Kilauea has been erupting in a very interesting on-again-off-again eruption pattern. Since December 2024, there have been 29 different eruption episodes. These episodes have included lava fountains reaching heights of over 1,000 feet (300 meters)! If this pattern continues and you’re vacationing on the Big Island, check to see what’s happening with Kilauea for your opportunity to see this incredible sight.

August Cultural Festivals & Special Events

Oahu

August 3 – 84th Annual Na Hula Festival
August 9-10 – Kaneohe Bay Air Show hosted by Marine Corps Base Hawaii will feature the Blue Angels
August 15 – Don Ho Birthday Celebration
August 15-24 – Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest
August 23 – 43rd Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Festival Waikiki Style

Kauai

August 2-3 – Heiva I Kauai international Tahitian Dance Competition

Hawaii, Big Island

August 16 – 53rd Annual Ho’oku’ikahi Hawaiian Cultural Festival
August 28-Sept. 1 – Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Races

Is August a crowded month for a Hawaii vacation?

Hotel occupancy tends to be higher towards the earlier part of the month with families finishing up summer vacations before the new school year starts. Labor Day weekend can also be a busier time. Overall, visitor numbers have been slightly lower than normal in 2025. So, even with busier timeframes, the islands should feel crowded.

No matter what time of year you go to Hawaii, we always advise you to consider where you’ll need reservations as we don’t want you to miss out on anything. With some busy spurts in Augusy, it’s even more important to secure reservations. See these articles with recommendations on what you should pre-book.

Additional notes about a Hawaii vacation in August

If you need suggestions for what to see and do on your Hawaii vacation, check out our Hawaii vacation itineraries which ensure you get to experience all the “must see and do” sights and activities.

We hope you have an incredible August vacation in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands!