What to expect for a October 2024 Hawaii vacation - weather and events

If you’re going to Hawaii this October, you’ll likely want to get an idea of what sort of weather you can expect, what special events are taking place and much more. We’ve organized all those important vacation topics into this one convenient spot.

Overall, October is an excellent month for a Hawaii vacation. In fact, I think we’ve probably visited Hawaii more times in October than any other month of the year.

What’s the weather like in Hawaii in October?

When I think of October in Hawaii, I think of warm sunshine in a vibrant tropical environment. At the beach resorts, for daytime high temperatures, you can expect mid-to-upper 80°F (roughly 30°C). Evening temperatures only tend to dip into the lower 70s.

From our experience, Hawaii tends to feel a little more humid in October. So, lightweight and quick-drying clothes will feel most comfortable.

October is not typically known as a rainy month in Hawaii. Rainfall levels are generally low — especially when compared to the wetter, winter months.

Ocean temperatures are at their warmest in September and October at approximately 81°F (27.2°C). While the water might feel chilly when you first step in, these ocean temperatures will feel pleasant after you acclimate.

As we mentioned in our September 2024 guide to Hawaii, this time of year is hurricane season. Though, hurricanes rarely make landfall in Hawaii, if they pass near the Hawaiian Islands, they can cause high winds and heavy rain. That being said, we’ve visited Hawaii many times in October and not once did a hurricane affect our trip. If a hurricane is threatening Hawaii, many airlines and hotels tend to offer a bit more flexibility to cancel and/or reschedule vacation plans. So keep your eyes on the weather forecasts as your trip approaches.

For more weather details in October as well as the other months, see our Hawaii weather page.

What are the best vacation activities to include in an October visit to Hawaii?

With warm ocean conditions and sunny weather, you can have your pick of great adventures. Check out our tried-and-true Hawaii vacation itineraries for all the best activities and sightseeing to enjoy.

What special events and festivals are happening October 2024 in Hawaii?

If you’d like to learn about Hawaiian culture or perhaps observe a sporting event, check out the following list of special events on tap for October 2024.

Oahu

Molokai Hoe World Championship outrigger canoe race from Molokai to Oahu (Additional link) – October 13th
North Shore Menehune Surf Contest – October 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th

Maui

Maui Steel Guitar Festival – October 19th
Festivals of Aloha events in Hana – October 19th through 25th
Festivals of Aloha events in Wailea – October 25th through 27th
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival events on Maui – October 25th through 27th
Maui Ukulele Festival – October 27th

Big Island of Hawaii

Aloha (Hawaiian) Shirt Festival – October 3rd through 6th
Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival – Kona Style – October 13th
Hawaii Food & Wine Festival event on Hawaii Island – October 18th
Ikuwa Festival – October 20th
Hawaii Island Festival of Birds – October 26th
VinFast IRONMAN World Championship – October 26th (Note if you are visiting on this date, you would be wise to check for local road closures and plan accordingly.)

Kauai

Kauai Chocolate & Coffee Festival – October 20th

Molokai

Festivals of Aloha – Molokai Ho’olaule’a – October 11th
Molokai Hoe World Championship outrigger canoe race from Molokai to Oahu – October 13th

Are there any natural occurrences that happen in October?

Flowers bloom all year round in Hawaii, so, you’ll get to see loads of gorgeous tropical plants and flowers. You’ll definitely have opportunities to snap photos of hibiscus, ginger and fragrant plumeria.

Though humpback whale watching season doesn’t “officially” start for another couple of months, quite often, the first whales are spotted in October. So, if you go out for a snorkel or sunset catamaran cruise, keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales.

As October is on the cusp of the winter big wave season, there can be days of higher surf. As such, some ocean tours might be cancelled if the ocean conditions are not safe. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to check ocean conditions before you swim, dive or snorkel.