Best Times of the Year to Visit Hawaii

When planning the perfect vacation, many travelers are unsure about when the best time to visit a particular location. The good news is that when visiting Hawaii, every month of the year offers something for everyone. With perfect climate and a variety of activities, Hawaii caters to art lovers, sports enthusiasts, or tourists interested in learning more about Hawaii's cultural diversity.

Climate - In the winter, Hawaii's temperatures range from the low 70's to the mid 80's, while summer days average a high in the low 90's. However, due to the nation being an island, the numerous mile of coastline allow temperatures to be warmer in coastal locations and cooler inland. The island's cool, gentle breezes provide tourists with a soft fanning no matter what time of year it is. With that said, depending on your preference of activities, Hawaii offers many outdoor tournaments and festivals year round.

Golf Tournaments- For golf fans, Hawaii has some of the most scenic courses to be found. January and February are some of the best months to visit and take in some professional golf tournaments. In January, Hawaii plays host to the Mercedes Championships, which is a PGA tour event. It is the first event of the PGA Tour, and hosts the previous season's tour winners.

Another great month to view professional golf occurs in February, with the Wendy's Champions Skins Game. This time, the Senior PGA players enjoy rounds at Wailea's Gold Course. While both events are televised, seeing them in person allows for the picturesque Hawaiian backdrop and weather to come to life.

Food Festivals - Culinary enthusiasts will enjoy visiting Hawaii during the months of July, August, and September. If you like pineapples, July's Lana'i Pineapple Festival caters to hungry pineapple lovers. The event is held in Dole Park, and features a pineapple eating contest, cooking contests, and evening fireworks. While you are in Hawaii during that month, consider visiting the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival. The event is located at the Kapalua Hotel and features many local Hawaiian wines and seafood to sample.

If onions are your preference, consider August's Maui Onion Festival. Here, the star of the show is the sweet-tasting Maui Onion. Whaler's Village hosts this family-friendly festival each year. Finally, the best culinary festival of the year occurs in September. A Taste of Lahaina is held at the Lahaina Recreation Park and features over twenty-five restaurants offering food and wine samples.

Cultural Festivals - Hawaii's history and culture are featured in festivals occurring in January, April and May. In January, the Ka Moloka'i Makahiki Festival features a day filled with traditional Hawaiian games and activities. At the end of the day, traditional Hawaiian storytellers display their craft, while tourists take in music and dance.

While art can take on many forms, the Celebration of the Arts located at the Ritz Carlton, provides April visitors with Hawaiian art in print, music, and dance forms. At the end of the day, visitors will enjoy the traditional Hawaiian luau. If your stay extends into May, be sure to visit the International Festival of Canoes in Maui. Craftsmen construct canoes from wooden logs using traditional methods, and at the end of the day, they are launched into the water.

While these are just some of the numerous festivals Hawaii has to offer, be sure to take the road less traveled. Many tourists can get an insider's view into traditional Hawaiian customs and culture everyday by visiting with a local who is more than happy to share Hawaii's rich history with everyone.