Month guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in August
What August is really like in Big Island (Hawaiʻi): weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Maunakea, Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · Photo: Vadim Kurland, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
August is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 22°C (72°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 12.8 hours of daylight. The warmest month and the start of hurricane season's peak, though direct hits are rare.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 31°C (88°F) / 22°C (72°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- Daylight
- About 12.8 hours
- Sea temperature
- 27°C (81°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
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Weather in August
August is the warmest month in Big Island (Hawaiʻi): days average 31°C (88°F) against a yearly average high of 29°C (84°F), and nights fall to about 22°C (72°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 of its 31 days. Compared with July (30°C (86°F)), August is about as warm; by September highs stay near 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 August)
- About 06:03
- Sunset (15 August)
- About 18:51
- Daylight
- About 12.8 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Spring (April–May). Settled weather, calm seas and the Merrie Monarch Festival; a good-value shoulder season after Easter.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, August rates 4 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: August is one of the pricier months.
Events in August
- Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament in Kona (usually late July or August)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in August
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Market · Hilo
Hilo Farmers Market
At the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Mamo Street, this market sells tropical fruit such as rambutan and lilikoʻi, orchids, baked goods and crafts.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Free
- Shopping
Experience · South Kona and Hōlualoa
Kona coffee farm visit
Look for '100% Kona' on labels; 'Kona blend' may contain only a small share of Kona beans.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Couples
- Outdoors
Historic site · Kohala Coast
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Kamehameha I built this massive stone temple in 1790–91 to fulfil a prophecy that he would unite the islands.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- History
- Free
- Photo spot
Museum · Hilo
ʻImiloa Astronomy Center
Check the planetarium schedule when you arrive and plan your visit around a show.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
What to pack
For highs near 31°C (88°F), lows near 22°C (72°F) and 10 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is August a good time to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi)?
A quieter month with trade-offs, with a notable event on the calendar. If your dates are flexible, April–May and September–October are better overall. Compare every month.
Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in other months
Questions travellers ask
+What time does the sun set in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in August?
At about 18:51 local time in mid-August, with sunrise at about 06:03: roughly 12.8 hours of daylight.
+How warm is Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in August?
Average highs are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in August?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.