Month guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in March
What March is really like in Big Island (Hawaiʻi): weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · Photo: AlaskaDave, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
March is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 19°C (66°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 12 hours of daylight. Warm and largely dry on the west side; spring break brings US families.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 19°C (66°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 12 hours
- Sea temperature
- 24°C (75°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Plan a trip to Big Island (Hawaiʻi)
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Weather in March
March is the 8th-warmest month in Big Island (Hawaiʻi): days average 28°C (82°F) against a yearly average high of 29°C (84°F), and nights fall to about 19°C (66°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 31 days. Compared with February (27°C (81°F)), March is about as warm; by April highs stay near 28°C (82°F).
- Sunrise (15 March)
- About 06:31
- Sunset (15 March)
- About 18:32
- Daylight
- About 12 hours
- Sea
- 24°C (75°F)
Winter (December–March). Peak season with humpback whales, occasional snow on Maunakea and wetter weather in Hilo; the highest prices of the year.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, March rates 4 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: March is one of the pricier months.
Events in March
March has no major recurring festival in Big Island (Hawaiʻi), which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in March
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Experience · Kailua-Kona
Manta ray night snorkel
Choose a small-group operator that follows the manta-viewing guidelines, and take seasickness tablets if you are prone to it.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- After dark
- Nature
- Couples
- Active
Beach · Kaʻū
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
On the south coast between Kona and the volcano, this beach of jet-black sand is a regular basking spot for green sea turtles.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Photo spot
- Kids
Beach · Kaʻū
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Bring plenty of water, sun protection and sturdy shoes; there is no shade, and the climb down into the cove is steep.
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Active
- Nature
- Photo spot
Nature · Hilo
Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue)
On the Wailuku River just above Hilo, this wide waterfall flows over a lava cave, and on sunny mornings the spray often creates rainbows.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Nature
- Photo spot
The sea averages 24°C (75°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
What to pack
For highs near 28°C (82°F), lows near 19°C (66°F) and 9 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is March a good time to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi)?
A shoulder-season month. 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 March?
At about 18:32 local time in mid-March, with sunrise at about 06:31: roughly 12 hours of daylight.
+How warm is Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in March?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in March?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.