Travel
Hawaii in November: Quiet Season Before the Holiday Rush
Early November is one of the quietest, most affordable times to visit Hawaii. Thanksgiving week ends that quickly. Here is how to plan around it.
November offers two very different experiences depending on when you go. Before Thanksgiving, it is one of the quietest and most affordable times to visit: low crowds, good availability, and warm (if sometimes rainy) weather. Thanksgiving week transforms Hawaii into one of the most in-demand holiday destinations in the country, with prices spiking and accommodation on Maui and Kauaʻi filling up weeks in advance.
Weather in November
November is the gateway to Hawaii's winter weather pattern. Daytime temperatures average 80-84°F (27-29°C), still warm but noticeably more variable than summer. Trade winds become less consistent, and Kona wind conditions (southerly, humid air) occur more frequently. Windward coasts see more rain; leeward coasts remain reliable. The North Shore of Oʻahu transitions to winter surf in November, with the first major swells arriving and surf contests beginning.
Ocean temperature is around 76-78°F (24-25°C), still comfortable for swimming. Evenings are noticeably cooler: 68-72°F (20-22°C) at sea level, which feels pleasant after summer's warmth.
Crowds and prices
The first 2-3 weeks of November are among the least crowded weeks in the entire Hawaii calendar. Prices drop from their October levels. The week of Thanksgiving reverses all of this: flights, accommodation, and activities hit near-peak pricing. If you can avoid Thanksgiving week, early November is excellent value. If you are set on Thanksgiving week, book 3-6 months ahead. See Hawaii on a budget for specifics.
November highlights
North Shore surf season: November opens the legendary winter surf season on Oʻahu's North Shore. Breaks like Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay come to life with waves that can reach 15-25 feet. The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing begins in November. Even non-surfers find the spectator experience remarkable. See our surfing guide.
Hiking conditions: Cooler temperatures and lower visitor numbers make November an excellent month for hiking. The Kalalau Trail on Kauaʻi, the Waimea Canyon trails, and the Volcanoes National Park crater rim walk are all good in November.
First whale arrivals: The earliest humpback whales begin appearing in Hawaiian waters in November, mostly around Maui and the Kohala Coast of the Big Island. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the season is beginning. See our whale watching guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good time to visit Hawaii?
Does it rain a lot in Hawaii in November?
Do humpback whales arrive in Hawaii in November?
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.