Ep. 177: Why September Is the Best Month to Visit Hawaii

177_Why September Is the Best Month to Visit Hawaii

[00:00:00] Bryan Murphy: Most visitors to Hawaii often overlook September when it comes to planning their vacation, and this is mainly due to school. I totally get it. But if you can make it happen in this episode, you’ll discover why September is Hawaii’s best kept secret, how it can save you money, and why it might just be the perfect month for your dream vacation.

[00:00:24] Bryan Murphy: Aloha and welcome to Hawaii’s Best. The podcast helping Travelers Plan an unforgettable Hawaii vacation with insider tips in featuring local voices. I’m Brian Murphy, a husband dad of three, and certified Hawaii destination expert. Each week I share local insights, travel tips, and UpToDate news sometimes with guests across Hawaii.

[00:00:44] Bryan Murphy: And sometimes solo all to help you plan your next trip to Hawaii.

[00:00:52] Bryan Murphy: Now, when it comes to visiting Hawaii, it’s hard to say that there is, uh, the best month or the worst month because when it comes down to it. You’re visiting Hawaii and whenever you can visit Hawaii, that is just amazing, but there are some months that may have a slight advantage and are better in the sense of pricing and crowds and weather.

[00:01:17] Bryan Murphy: Personally, right off the bat, my three favorite months visiting Hawaii are September, October and February. If I had to list them in order, it would be late September, early October. And then February would be, those are like my ideal times to visit Hawaii when I can. Our kids are older and we actually haven’t visited Hawaii in October in quite a few years as a family.

[00:01:42] Bryan Murphy: With our older kids. We will visit Hawaii in the quote unquote typical times. You know, the Christmas breaks, early summer, vacation, spring break, those types of time. But if just Allie and I, my wife, go to Hawaii. We tried to do either February, October around those zones, but today we’re exploring why September might be just the perfect month to visit Hawaii.

[00:02:06] Bryan Murphy: In this episode, you’ll discover why most travelers completely overlook September, and we’ll talk about how September can save you some money. And also we’ll talk about Aloha Week in September, which features some incredible Hawaiian culture activities that you can’t miss. That are special to the month of September.

[00:02:24] Bryan Murphy: But real quick, a a couple this housekeeping things. Maybe you’re wondering, maybe not, maybe this is your first time listening to Hawaii’s best, and I just wanna say thank you if this is your first time listening, if you’ve been listening for a while, I haven’t ever released a Tuesday episode, so this is something I’m gonna do during the month of September.

[00:02:40] Bryan Murphy: I’m gonna be doing Tuesday and Thursday episodes every week. One be because I, I want to do two episodes a week. I like doing two episodes a week. Tuesdays are gonna be a bit more in depth while Thursdays are gonna be a little bit more quicker pace, kind of that quick Hawaii travel tip or just generic travel tip that has to do with visiting Hawaii or any important travel news.

[00:03:00] Bryan Murphy: I’m trying to find a schedule that works within my work schedule and for my family and for my. Another job, which is editing and producing podcasts for clients. I, I do about a hundred episodes a month. So doing Hawaii’s best, I wanna make sure that I’m giving the time and tension, but also that I’m not burning out.

[00:03:18] Bryan Murphy: And I was fine on, you know, doing Monday episodes. I was working on Sundays, and that’s not something I want to particularly be doing. So I’m trying to get ahead. That’s usually not how I’m wired. I usually, like today, I’m recording on Monday and it’s just gonna drop on Tuesday. That’s typically how I do my content creation.

[00:03:36] Bryan Murphy: That’s just me. That’s what you can expect for September. But regardless, that’s not why you’re here. You’re not here to hear behind the scenes of. What my content strategy is today, we’re talking all about September in Hawaii. Planning a trip to Hawaii often means, you know, you’re dealing with crowds, high prices, unpredictable weather, airline mergers, what’s gonna happen with that?

[00:03:57] Bryan Murphy: But what if there was a sweet spot that a lot of people completely. Miss. So by the end of today’s episode, you’ll have a clear, realistic picture of what September looks like in Hawaii, and you can decide if it’s right for your trip and how to plan it as well.

[00:04:12] Bryan Murphy: Let’s start with the weather in Hawaii.

[00:04:14] Bryan Murphy: September sits near the trail end of Hawaii’s dry season and. In many leeward areas like Waikiki Colina on Oahu, Ali on Maui po po on Kauai and Cy of Hawaii Island, you’ll usually see fewer rainy interruptions compared to the winter months. Skyes tend to be clear to partly cloudy daytime highs commonly run around upper eighties and evenings, easing back to the low.

[00:04:43] Bryan Murphy: To mid seventies, it’s warm, but for most travelers it’s a very comfortable, warm month. Just a, you know, a quick, important nuance. Hawaii’s microclimates are real. So dry season doesn’t mean that it’s dry everywhere. Windward sides in higher elevations like Hilo on Hawaii Island or North Shore or East Side, and Kailua on Oahu and interior uplands can remain rainy even in September.

[00:05:10] Bryan Murphy: So don’t come at me if you get some rain and you’re visiting Hilo on the big island. So if you plan hikes, you know, in rainforests or waterfall zones, just build that into flexibility. Always check forecast, updates, all that good stuff before you head out. Really the ocean in September is. Really amazing.

[00:05:30] Bryan Murphy: The, the surface temperatures often peak around this time of year. So commonly it’s around 80 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and that’s across many of the popular beaches. So that means that snorkeling are great during this time of year. Also, if you want to learn how to surf. Entry level surf conditions on south and west facing shores are usually, typically good during this time of year, but also if you’d like to just watch the surf, you might be able to get some of the early winter swells on the North Shore rolling in, especially on the North shore of Oahu and Kauai’s North Shore.

[00:06:07] Bryan Murphy: Sometimes later in the month, you can start to see some of those swells come in, which is. Really cool. Now, one of the downsides that I think a lot of people think about during this time of year in Hawaii is hurricane season. Officially, hurricane season in Hawaii runs from June 1st through November 30th, and while statistically the risk of a direct impact is low in any given September, there are storms that can bring heavy rain, strong winds, high surf, but that really isn’t a reason to.

[00:06:40] Bryan Murphy: Avoid September altogether. It’s just to more be aware. Direct hurricanes hitting the islands are pretty rare, but from our experience and from a lot of other people who have visited during this time of year, a lot of people do experience a lot of beautiful days. More often than not, but staying weather aware while you’re visiting and as you’re getting ready to travel is part of just making those itinerary adjustments if you need.

[00:07:06] Bryan Murphy: And just before I kind of close out the weather and climate notes during September’s, a few practical things to be aware of. Trade winds can ease in late September, and when they do, it can feel muggy. So hydration shade, those are. Important to consider. Hawaii’s South Shore can have monthly box jellyfish, influxes roughly to 10 days after a full moon, and that’s affecting beaches like Waikiki.

[00:07:31] Bryan Murphy: So check local calendars and lifeguard postings. Actually in the show notes, I’ve posted this before, but I’ll po post the box jellyfish schedule for easy convenience for you. Just because it might be going into fall in the continental US sun exposure during this year and year round. Really in Hawaii, because of its latitude, it’s important to always be wearing reef safe sunscreen.

[00:07:56] Bryan Murphy: Alright, so let’s talk about crowds and costs during September. There’s kind of an old thought that after Labor Day, the islands just empty out magically, and that used to be closer to the truth. But today, Hawaii remains in high demand throughout much of the year, and that’s according to a 2024 tourism statistic from the state of Hawaii, September, 2024.

[00:08:18] Bryan Murphy: Hosted about 707,000 visitors statewide, and that was up 7.8% from September of 2023. So it’s not really quote quiet, but for many people after Labor Day does mark the end of summer. Especially with families, you do start to see fewer family groups and also, and also you. You’ll notice that just. Overall in some of those hot spots across the islands, you’ll notice a little bit more breathing room, more noticeable than in July and in early August.

[00:08:49] Bryan Murphy: A couple things that we notice when visiting and that others have noticed that that popular beaches like Waikiki or Kaip Poly, where we’re staying won’t be completely empty. But on weekdays you may compete less in finding a spot on the sand. You’ll just have a little bit more elbow room, which is always nice.

[00:09:07] Bryan Murphy: Restaurants that were slammed in July and August, maybe easier to book, especially midweek and earlier in the evening. Tours sometimes run with a few extra open seats on weekdays, which can make it for a more personal experience. That’s something that we found true in an outrigger tour that we, that we did, which is really cool.

[00:09:28] Bryan Murphy: Off Ka Nepali, let’s talk a little bit about cost, because I know that’s, that’s a lot of people’s. Thought is that being able to save some money, say in September, and that can be true statewide. Accommodation costs remained at or near record highs in 2024 with average nightly rates around $364. And that’s according to the HTA hotel performance reporting.

[00:09:53] Bryan Murphy: But September can still deliver savings compared to specific peak windows like December holidays, spring break, and mid-summer surge. But. Bargain month. It’s not something I would label September. Think of it. Selective value rather than across the board Discounts everywhere. There are some practical ways to find selective value and one is to travel midweek and whenever we can, we try to travel Tuesday or Thursday sometime midweek can be priced lower than week ends and hotels may have more midweek availability.

[00:10:27] Bryan Murphy: And also probably goes without saying, but it’s important to book early. That’s gonna give you the best choice of inventory, especially for car rentals, which is important, especially on the neighboring islands. Talking about Maui, Hawaii and Hawaii Island. You may wanna also consider condos or legally permitted vacation rentals.

[00:10:43] Bryan Murphy: We’re cooking a few meals, offset some of the dining costs. I actually did an episode that I’ll link in the show notes below about how to vet legal vacation rental in Hawaii, because unfortunately that is a big topic and that is a big concern. For a lot of locals, it’s important to be aware for visitors knowing that you are staying in legally permitted vacation rental.

[00:11:04] Bryan Murphy: Typically with airfare, historically, you can catch dips in prices during September versus summer high months, especially from West Coast. So set alerts, you know, subscribe to those airlines that you’re wanting to fly with. They’re usually good about telling you when the deals are so in short. September is not empty, and it’s not necessarily cheap by default, but it can feel more manageable, especially on weekdays and value is possible with just some smart planning.

[00:11:35] Bryan Murphy: You have a little bit more options visiting in September than you do in visiting right in the middle of August.

[00:11:42] Bryan Murphy: One of the things that’s really cool about September in Hawaii is the cultural calendar. Aloha Festivals is the marquees statewide celebration each September. Honoring Hawaiian culture with parades, hula music ceremonies.

[00:11:56] Bryan Murphy: Events occur across all the islands with Oahu Signature highlights typically include royal court and opening ceremony with chants. Hula pageantry. Waikiki HOA is Hawaii’s largest annual block party along Kwa Avenue, which is the main strip in Waikiki, and you’ll find food crafts, live performances.

[00:12:17] Bryan Murphy: There’s also a floral parade with marching bands floats. The the whole, the whole shebang, which is pretty cool. It’s commonly along Ala Moana to Kapiolani Park and the exact dates shift year to year. I’m gonna link below Aloha Festival’s site where you can get the dates for this year and maybe you’re planning 2026, and you kinda can see when the the Zone is for when, when they do it.

[00:12:42] Bryan Murphy: So if you’re planning to visit September or maybe you’re going this month, be sure to hit the link in the show notes below for when the festival is this year. On Hawaii Island, the big island, the Queen Lili Kani long distance canoe races in Kona. It brings paddlers from around the world to this event, but there’s an important time.

[00:13:02] Bryan Murphy: You know, this series of races and culture gatherings typically span late August into the first days of September, often over labor day weekends. Maybe you’re experiencing that right now, but maybe you’re planning for next year, which I know a lot of people do. This is an event on Hawaii Island, on Kona side.

[00:13:19] Bryan Murphy: That could be a cool experience for you to take in this canoe race. It’s a powerful way to experience canoe culture and legacy of Hawaii’s last monarch, and across the islands. You also see community driven food and agricultural events in September that showcase local farmers ranchers in fishers. So it’s a great place to taste what’s grown locally.

[00:13:41] Bryan Murphy: And what’s made actually in the islands, because a lot of stuff actually gets imported into Hawaii. So going to these types of gatherings is important to just be able to taste the true island flavors. So really, any time of year, you know, look for craft fairers, highlighting laha weaving, kapa ukulele makers, and lay artisans.

[00:14:01] Bryan Murphy: Buying directly is, is really one of the best ways to keep culture thriving and to truly support locals in Hawaii. All right, in the next session I wanna talk a little bit more about.

[00:14:10] Bryan Murphy: Practical tips and responsible travel, because really that’s at the heart of what Hawaii’s Best is all about, is helping all of us travel to the islands responsibly.

[00:14:20] Bryan Murphy: So here’s a little bit of a packing and preparation to consider clothing wise, think lightweight, breathable layers or ideal. Add a light jacket or sweater for breezier evenings or higher elevation, especially if you’re staying on. Hawaii Island and you’re planning on visiting, for example, Monica, you want, just wanna make sure you that you’re dressed for that.

[00:14:40] Bryan Murphy: Also, I put on the list, I feel like a broken record always saying this, but just sun and reef care is important. So bring mineral base, reef safe sunscreen. It’s part of one of Hawaii’s laws. Or you can just buy sunscreen when you’re there. Sun shirts, hats are also a great way to go. I think it’s funny. As Allie and I, as we get older, our hat collection grows and our long sleeve sun shirts grow.

[00:15:06] Bryan Murphy: That is actually one of the better ways to protect yourself from sun and footwear. You want comfortable walking shoes. You may even want to bring some shoes that you wouldn’t be too sad if it gets just caked in red mud. Make sure you bring your sandals, slippers, however you wanna call ’em for the beach or just out and about bringing reusable water bottles in tote bag can definitely cut plastic use and many hotels and condo properties now have water refill stations.

[00:15:34] Bryan Murphy: I don’t know what it’s called, but it’s like this reverse osmosis bag that we use. In the condo, we just kind of filtered our own water in the condo. I wish I could leak it below ’cause I’m not sure exactly what it’s called, but it’s uh, it’s something that we use quite a bit. No matter what time of year you visit Hawaii, it’s important to plan your days.

[00:15:53] Bryan Murphy: You’re probably gonna have a little bit more forgiveness when trying to find reservations and permits in September than other times of of year in, in the middle of summer. But some of Hawaii’s most beautiful places use reservation systems now to reduce crowding and protect resources. Before you go check Han Bay, they have an online reservation system for entry that’s on the island of Oahu.

[00:16:16] Bryan Murphy: Also on Oahu is Diamond Head State Monument. They have time entry reservations over on KA State Park. It’s a gateway to Nepali and they have reserve parking or shuttle tickets. Halala National Park. For Sunrise, you want to have a sunrise entry reservation and also for Pearl Harbor National Monument, you want to have time Pacific tickets for the Arizona Memorial there.

[00:16:41] Bryan Murphy: I also do want to talk a little bit about traveling pono or traveling with Aloha to Hawaii. I’m sure you know that tourism is a major part of Hawaii’s economy, but it does intersect with real community concerns, housing availability, traffic, environmental stress, culture, respect, and recovery from recent crisis in areas like laa, for example.

[00:17:03] Bryan Murphy: So a couple tips on how your trip can support rather than strain resources. And this is actually a topic that I want to have some local Native Hawaiian experts to get more of their thoughts. I’ll link some of the episodes that I’ve done. With a few in the past in the show notes below, but I just want to continue to push into this topic and to really do that with justice.

[00:17:29] Bryan Murphy: It’s gonna be having someone from Hawaii, specifically native Hawaiian, to get. The real quote on the ground and authentic voice into this. These are some of the lessons that I’ve learned from talking to locals, and one of those is to spend with intention. So prioritize when you can. Native Hawaiian and locally owned businesses, you know, farms, craft makers, and culture practitioners, your dollars really help keep the culture alive when you do participate in that.

[00:18:00] Bryan Murphy: It was good to learn a little. Hawaiian or Olelo Hawaii, which a simple Mahalo or aloha can go a long way when used with sincerity and respect. Another tip that I’ve learned is to listen and adapt. So if a place is closed for restoration or, or community asked visitors to give space, you know, really honor that and choose our alternatives without complaint or trying to push your own agenda.

[00:18:24] Bryan Murphy: And I’m sure that’s not you since you’re listening to this episode. And you want to know how to be a good guest, and that’s really about packing out more than what you pack in. For example, you know, out on the trail, on the beaches, just leave places better than you found them. But you’ll be surprised how far.

[00:18:42] Bryan Murphy: Mahalo and as Chaka goes and slowing down your pace goes when visiting Hawaii. But honestly, I can’t recommend visiting September enough, and if I had to get really specific, it would be mid to late September is really kind of the sweet spot. So if today’s episode helped you, maybe plan smarter for your next trip to Hawaii.

[00:19:03] Bryan Murphy: Be it in September or a different month, be sure to let me know in the reviews below. If you’re on Apple Podcasts, leave a review. I’ll read every single one and it always makes my day. If you’re listening on Spotify, go ahead and just leave a rating there. Just wherever you’re at. I appreciate you tuning in today and sticking all the way to the end, and I’ll see you back for this Thursday episode.

[00:19:24] Bryan Murphy: So until then. Live with Aloha

[00:19:30] Bryan Murphy: Mala for listening to this episode of Hawaii’s. Best to stay up to date on future episodes. Hit follow on your podcast app. Hawaii’s Best is a production of shore break media group with editing by easy podcast solutions and music courtesy of our friends stick figure.