Travel
Hawaii in May: Shoulder Season Sweet Spot
May is one of the best months to visit Hawaii. Shoulder season prices, excellent dry weather, and far fewer crowds than summer make it a genuine bargain window.
May is one of the two best months for value in Hawaii (the other being late September through November). Spring break is over, school is still in session for most of the mainland, summer crowds have not yet arrived, and the weather is moving into its best phase. If you can travel in May, particularly the first three weeks, you will find noticeably lower prices and a more relaxed experience.
Weather in May
May is warm, dry, and breezy. Daytime temperatures average 82-85°F (28-29°C) across the main islands. Trade winds are reliable and keep humidity comfortable. Rain on windward coasts drops significantly from winter levels. Ocean temperature rises to around 75-76°F (24°C), ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The light in May, with longer days and a sun that is high enough to illuminate the water, makes beach and water conditions particularly good.
Maui's north shore can see occasional northerly swells in May, but nothing like winter levels. The Big Island's Volcanoes National Park is generally dry and clear, making crater hiking pleasant.
Crowds and prices
The first three weeks of May are among the quietest and most affordable weeks in the Hawaii travel calendar. Hotels, rental cars, and flights all tend to be meaningfully cheaper than the surrounding peak periods. Popular sites like Hanauma Bay and the Road to Hana have shorter queues. Memorial Day weekend (last weekend of May) ends this stretch abruptly, so if you are booking for late May, check Memorial Day dates for your year.
May is also a good month for last-minute bookings, with more availability than summer or the winter holiday period. See Hawaii on a budget for strategies.
May highlights
Snorkeling and diving: Water visibility improves in May as winter swells decrease and water clarity increases. Molokini Crater off Maui and the marine preserves along the Big Island's Kona coast are excellent. See our snorkeling guide.
Hiking: May temperatures and lower rain make for comfortable hiking across all islands. The Kalalau Trail on Kauaʻi's Nā Pali Coast, the Waimea Canyon trails, and Haleakalā crater hikes are all good in May.
Lei Day (May 1): May 1 is Lei Day in Hawaii, a celebration of the lei and Hawaiian culture with events across the islands. See our lei guide for cultural context.
Planning a Hawaii trip?
Find the best flights and hotels across all islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit Hawaii?
What is the weather like in Hawaii in May?
Does Memorial Day weekend get crowded in Hawaii?
We research each guide against primary sources: the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Mālama Hawaii, the National Park Service, the State of Hawaii and its Division of State Parks, the National Weather Service, and the U.S. Census. For culture, language, and history we lean on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Bishop Museum, and the scholarship of Mary Kawena Pukui. We send readers to those sources rather than speaking over them. When rules, prices, or conditions change, we update the page.