What the weather is like in March
March brings US spring-break demand and Honolulu's wettest month on average (60mm). Weather is still pleasant and whales are still around through the end of the month. Prices are higher than April but lower than the Christmas fortnight.
Against February, March runs about the same temperature with 11mm more rain and 0.9 hours more sun a day.
These March averages are station normals for Honolulu International Airport (NOAA NCEI normals, 1991-2020); other parts of Hawaii vary. Full sources below.
Hawaii in March, on the ground
March is the tail end of Hawaii’s winter: warm days, passing showers that are heavier on the windward sides, and north-shore swells that start to ease as the month goes on. Humpback whales are still in Hawaiian waters in good numbers.
Crowds and prices in March
US spring break keeps it busy, especially in the middle two weeks, so rates stay closer to the winter highs than to the quieter weeks after Easter. Easter falls on 28 March in 2027, which makes the end of the month busy too.
What to do in March
- Go whale watching off Maui while the season is still at its peak.
- Snorkel the calm leeward bays, such as Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu.
- Visit the windward side’s waterfalls and gardens, at their greenest after the winter rains.
Before you book: Streams on the windward sides can flood quickly after heavy rain; check the forecast and avoid stream crossings on wet days.
What to pack for Hawaii in March
- Light layers for warm days
- A light jacket for the evenings
- Swimwear
Is March the right month?
Hawaii's best month, May, is two months after March; the toughest, September, is six months after. If your dates can move, April is the nearest best-season month. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for January. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Hawaii, or where else to go in March.
Where to stay in March
March is shoulder season in Hawaii: good conditions, at lower prices than the peak.
- Waikīkī, Oʻahu$$First-timers, walkability, restaurantsDense, lively, and dry year-round on the leeward side. The best base if you want to skip a rental car.See hotels in Honolulu for 12–18 Mar 2027
- Kāʻanapali / Wailea, Maui$$$Resort beaches, whale watching, couplesLeeward Maui's resort strips: reliably sunny, calm winter water on the south shore. Book far ahead for December–March.See Kāʻanapali / Wailea, Maui hotels for 12–18 Mar 2027
- Kona coast, Big Island$$Snorkelling, volcano day trips, valueThe driest resort coast in the state. Ninety minutes from Volcanoes National Park; avoid Ironman week in mid-October unless you are racing.See Kona coast, Big Island hotels for 12–18 Mar 2027
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Before you go
Book the rest of your March trip
Tours and tickets
Day trips, attraction tickets and guided tours in Hawaii.
Browse Hawaii on KlookAirport transfer
A fixed-price car from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu, HNL) to your hotel, booked before you land.
Book a transfer on KiwitaxiMobile data
An eSIM for US installs before you fly, so you have data when you land. Check your phone supports eSIM first.
See US plans on AiraloCar hire
Compare rental car prices in Honolulu.
Compare cars on EconomyBookings
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Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Hawaii in March?
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How does March compare with February in Hawaii?
Sources: NOAA Humpback Whale Sanctuary · Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority — GoHawaii · NOAA NCEI normals: Honolulu International Airport, 1991-2020 · NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center · NWS Honolulu: 2026 Central Pacific Hurricane Season Outlook · NWS Honolulu: 2023 Central Pacific Hurricane Season Summary · Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency: History · NHC / CPHC Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Lane (2018) · Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources — Ocean Safety. Full provenance on the Hawaii guide.
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