Travel
Hawaii in April: Merrie Monarch, Spring Break End, and Great Weather
April splits into two very different experiences: early April is spring break peak; late April is one of the best-value windows of the year. Here is what to know.
April is a tale of two halves. Before Easter, it is the tail end of the expensive spring break season: crowded, pricey, and fully booked on Maui and Oʻahu. After Easter, the crowds thin, prices drop, and Hawaii transitions into some of its best weather of the year. If your schedule allows, the last two weeks of April are genuinely excellent.
Weather in April
April temperatures average 80-84°F (27-29°C) during the day. Rain frequency on windward coasts begins declining from its winter peak. Leeward coasts are warm and sunny. Ocean temperature rises slightly to around 75°F (24°C). Trade winds are consistent. Sunsets are earlier than midsummer but still comfortably warm in the evening.
Merrie Monarch Festival
The Merrie Monarch Festival, held in Hilo on the Big Island during the week following Easter Sunday, is the world's premier hula competition. Founded in 1964 and named for King Kalākaua (the Merrie Monarch), it showcases both kahiko (ancient) and ʻauana (modern) hula in a week of competitions that draw hālau (hula schools) from across Hawaii and beyond. Tickets for the main competition nights sell out within minutes of going on sale months in advance. However, many Merrie Monarch events are free and open to the public, and the overall atmosphere in Hilo during the week is festive and culturally rich. For cultural context, see our hula guide.
Crowds and prices
Easter weekend marks the final spike of the spring break period. The Monday after Easter begins a quiet stretch that lasts through late May, one of the two genuine shoulder seasons in Hawaii (the other being September through mid-December). Flights and accommodation become noticeably cheaper, and popular sites like Hanauma Bay and the Road to Hana are less congested.
April highlights
Late April value: Post-Easter is arguably the best combination of good weather and reasonable prices. Book at least 4-6 weeks ahead for late April.
Hiking: April temperatures and lower crowds make it an excellent month for longer hikes like the Diamond Head trail and the Kalalau Trail on Nā Pali Coast.
Snorkeling: Water clarity is good and jellyfish box season is winding down. See our snorkeling guide for the best spots.
For all months compared, see best time to visit Hawaii.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is April a good time to visit Hawaii?
What is the Merrie Monarch Festival?
Does it rain in Hawaii in April?
We research each guide against primary sources: the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Mālama Hawaii, the National Park Service, the State of Hawaii and its Division of State Parks, the National Weather Service, and the U.S. Census. For culture, language, and history we lean on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Bishop Museum, and the scholarship of Mary Kawena Pukui. We send readers to those sources rather than speaking over them. When rules, prices, or conditions change, we update the page.