Cheaper Flights and Less Crowds – The Rewards of Traveling to Hawaii in April
With breathtaking volcanoes, over 250 miles of pristine coastline, and endless adventures, including hiking to waterfalls and surfing, the truth is that there’s never a wrong time to visit the Big Island. But with so much to do and see, along with the slice-of-paradise weather year-round, Hawaii is an ever-popular destination. Close to 300,000 people flock to the Big Island annually, leading to more expensive flights and crowds during “high season,” which generally aligns with when schools are out, and families can travel – from June through August and again during the holiday season from December into early January. For comparison, the average flight from the west coast of the mainland US to Hilo runs $573 in July, while it’s only $439 in April. In addition to the cost savings in getting here, a huge benefit to visiting Hawaii in April rather than mid-summer or around Christmas is the lack of crowds. At the best trails in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, along the legendary black sand beaches nearby, and at hip restaurants in Hilo – all just a short drive from our Big Island bed and breakfast – you’ll have more privacy, solitude, and space to enjoy the best of Hawaii’s many charms.
Ideal April Weather – Clearing Skies, Lessening Rain, Subsiding Winter Winds, and Daily Rainbows
One of the main appeals of getting away to Hawaii is the weather, with seemingly unending sunshine and temperatures that only swing between 79 degrees mid-winter and 84 degrees in summer. Winter does bring a typical wet, chilly ambiance, though, especially on our “lush” side of the Big Island, where monthly rainfall peaks between December and March. But with the arrival of April in Hawaii, the winds begin calming down, and the rain drops off, down to 13 inches monthly (from 17 inches monthly in winter). It’s also after the intense “Kona storms” have concluded for the season, which are tropical cyclones that usually happen 2-4 times every winter on the Big Island and bring with them fierce winds (sometimes up to 100 mph), huge waves, and often several feet of rain.
After all the plentiful moisture through the winter months, April into early spring brings some of the greenest landscapes of the year, making the views from your rainforest cottage or bungalow extra vibrant. Springtime is known as “rainbow season” in Hawaii, so it’s that much more likely that you’ll catch a beautiful arc of color framing Rainbow Falls in Hilo or in the spraying mist of the 442-foot-tall Akaka Falls, just an hour north of Volcano Village. You’ll also have clearer skies, perfect for a stargazing trip up to Mauna Kea, and crisp nighttime views from the edge of Kilauea’s caldera. Sunrise is one of the best times to explore Volcanoes National Park and check out any current lava flows, and in April, you’ll have a bit more time to sleep in – the sun rises in Volcano Village at 6:15 am in April versus 5:45 am in late June. And, after all, who doesn’t love a bit of extra sleep while on vacation, especially with fun-filled and action-packed days ahead?
Although the Big Island’s volcanoes often get top billing, and for good reason (they’re the most active worldwide), the Pacific Ocean also comes alive in the springtime. One of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena occurs from December to April when thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate to the waters just off the Big Island, gathering to mate, raise their young, and rest before making the arduous 3,000-mile trip back north. The peak time for whale-watching is January through April (when it’s not uncommon to see a stunning 20+ whales per hour), but there are still plenty of whales playing, jumping, and spouting in the enticing waters near Hilo Bay into mid-April.
It’s also easier to book a whale-watching tour in April than at the height of whale season, in January or February, and the ocean-going boat ride in spring will be calmer and less likely to cause sea sickness. Learn more in our blog a Guide to Whale Watching in Hawaii.
April’s Appeal – Whales Still Active, Waves To Catch, and Celebrating Hawaiian Culture at the Merrie Monarch Festival
Hawaii and surfing go hand-in-hand, and early spring is one of the best times of year to hit the waves. Water temps climb into the upper 70s, so you can ditch the wetsuit, and rip currents – which can be hazardous during wintertime – mellow out, making for more welcoming conditions if you’re a beginner on the board. Try your luck at Richardson’s Ocean Park, just 30 miles away, which has a gentle reef break suitable for all skill levels and gets steady waves during the spring months (a bonus: it’s also one of the best spots for snorkeling on the Big Island).
In April every year, Hilo celebrates the Merrie Monarch Festival, which rings in its 61st edition in 2024. Formed to pay homage to the last king of Hawaii, Kalakaua – who was known as the “Merrie Monarch” and was a huge advocate for preserving Hawaiian culture and traditions – the event has developed into one of the most significant and well-attended annual gatherings on the Big Island. Many Merrie events focus on Hawaiian dance, including daily free hula performances at noon and 1 pm throughout the week at the Grand Naniloa Hotel and Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and a hula and Pacific folk dance show at 6 pm on April 3rd at the Edith Kanaka’ole Stadium in central Hilo. The Hawaiian Arts Fair, also free to attend, features local artisans every afternoon from April 3-6 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium near scenic Hilo Bay. It all concludes with the Royal Parade through downtown Hilo on the morning of April 6th, when the whole city and surrounding area come together in the spirit of aloha. If you feel inspired by all the masterful and elegant Merrie Monarch hula performances, make your stay in Volcano even more memorable with a private on-site hula lesson, tapping into one of Hawaii’s most cherished art forms.
Stay with us this spring and experience why Hawaii in April is the best-kept secret!
