Experience Summer Paradise: Tips and Recommendations for Visiting Hawaii in July
Visiting Hawaii in July is a very popular time to visit the islands with summer vacation, 4th of July celebrations and other summer activities that make this a busy time to be in Hawaii. When School is out, everyone’s mind and vacation mode is in Hawaii and visiting the many islands here.
If you are planning on visiting Hawaii in July here are some things to consider when visiting the islands.
Why Visit Hawaii in July?
Visiting Hawaii in July can be a great experience, as the weather is generally warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. July is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and activities. However, this also means that there are plenty of events and festivals to attend, such as the Honolulu Festival and the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival.
July is also a great time for outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and surfing. Just be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated in the heat. Overall, visiting Hawaii in July can be a wonderful and memorable experience for those who enjoy warm weather and lively events.
Hawaii weather in July
Weather conditions are fantastic throughout the islands in July. With the warm summer weather hitting all the islands from the windward to leeward sides with typical sunny skies and hot weather in all the islands. Next to June, rainfall in Hawaii is at their lowest with maybe some occasional storm patterns that happen with hurricane season.
What you get for most of July is near perfect weather with average temperature ranging from the low to mid 80s letting you spend more time outdoors exploring, doing some adventure activities or even enjoying a nice outdoor café or bar all day long.
Night time temperatures are very comfortable in the mid-70s and balmy allowing comfortable shorts and tank tops or comfortable evening wear for night time activities which doesn’t require a sweater or sweat shirt. However higher elevations will always be on the cooler side if you want to catch sunset or bright stars from above and definitely require some layering.
If you are into water sports and activities, you’ll enjoy being in the water all the time with average temperatures also in the 80s most days. It’s a perfect time to hit the beach and do some kayaking, surfing or snorkeling without much outside of a rash guard to protect you from other ocean elements outside of the hot sun.
Crowds in July
Crowds at all the typical tourist attractions have picked up and are busy again with July at the peak month of the season with a variety of activities and events happening throughout the islands. Summer season is busy with hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues full and running at full blast during the three months from June to August, bringing in the most tourists visiting all the islands.
If you want to avoid all the crush of visitors, consider staying outside of the main tourist cities and avoiding most of the typical places, shopping venues, food courts and popular towns to visit with tourist attractions that draw in the most visitors.
Just like other tourist destinations, arriving early to a site or later in the afternoon avoids most of the crowds visiting and you can plan ahead to beat all of the visitors that tend to come and see the main attractions all at the same time after a leisurely breakfast and late start to visit these attractions.
Tip – if you are planning a visit in July then book everything early from your flights, hotels, entertainment and even dining venues.
Events Happening in July
Here’s an outline of notable events happening across the Hawaiian Islands in July 2025. This list includes cultural festivals, local celebrations, and unique experiences that showcase the diversity of the islands.
Oʻahu
- Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest
Date: July 5, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Washington Middle School, Honolulu
Honolulu’s largest Bon Dance event, blending Japanese cultural traditions with food vendors, entertainment, and community activities - Summer by the Ocean Festival
Date: July 19, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Kalākaua Avenue, Waikīki
A street festival featuring local artisans, food, drinks, and live entertainment. Proceeds support Oʻahu veterans through Wounded Warrior Ohana - Prince Lot Hula Festival
Dates: July 19–20, 2025
Location: Moanalua Gardens, Honolulu
Hawaiʻi’s largest non-competitive hula event, celebrating traditional hula and Hawaiian culture - Waikīkī Steel Guitar Week
Dates: July 2025 (specific dates TBA
Location: Waikīkī Beach Walk
A week-long celebration of Hawaiian steel guitar music with nightly performances by local musicians
Island of Hawaiʻi (Big Island)
- Parker Ranch Rodeo and Horse Races
Date: July 4, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena, Waimea
The 61st annual event featuring traditional rodeo competitions and horse race. - Hilo Bay Blast Fireworks
Date: July 4, 2025 | 8:00 PM
Location: Hilo Bay
A fireworks display accompanied by live music from the Hawaiʻi County Ban.
Maui
- Maui Fringe Festival Dates: July 2025 (exact dates TA) Location: ʻĪao Theater, Wailuku. An alternative theatre festival showcasing original performances by local and visiting artists.
🌾 Statewide
- Obon Season Dates: Throughout July Locations: Various Buddhist temples across the islands. A Japanese Buddhist tradition honoring ancestors, featuring Bon dances, taiko drumming, and community gatherings.
Cost of visiting in July
Since this is the peak of summer season, things like food venues, hotels, rental cars and entertainment are in demand and expect to pay full price a premium to guarantee being accommodated or getting reservations. Signs showing July visits and revenues streams are evident per the Department of Business and Economic Development and Tourism.
Flights, hotels, booking tours and restaurants will all be in demand during the July time frame so plan accordingly because everything will be booked and busy for the month. If you are on a tighter budget, consider visiting a few months out or during the shoulder season when rates will fall for flights to entertainment and activities.
July hotel rates average $300-450 per night for mid-range accommodations in Waikiki, with luxury resorts commanding $500+ per night. Rental cars typically start at $70 per day but can exceed $150 for larger vehicles. Budget travelers should consider booking accommodations in Kaimuki or Kaneohe where rates may be 30% lower than beachfront properties
Check out these other posts to visiting the islands
Try these Traditional Hawaiian foods
Check out this July video cruising downtown Waikiki on a typical day
Conclusion to July in Hawaii
July tends to be the one of the priciest timeframes to visit the island but with weather being ideal and with more events starting to open up on the islands, this is definitely an attractive time to visit Hawaii.
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Author Bio – Noel Morata
Having lived in Hawaii for over 15 years, I’ve explore all the historic and cultural sites, tried delicious traditional food, fusion and local style dishes and learned a lot about growing and sustainability.
Hawaii for me is ever changing and I visit many of these places regularly for inspiration, changes that may occur, seasonality and cultural practises. I hope to share with you all the fascinating things and places I’ve learned grown appreciation for and hope that you will find the information helpful to visiting the islands.
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