Month guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in May
What May is really like in Big Island (Hawaiʻi): weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: Huliheʻe Palace, Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · Photo: Calbear22 at English Wikipedia, Public domain
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi). Expect average highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 21°C (70°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 13.1 hours of daylight. A shoulder month with fewer visitors, calm seas and good value.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 29°C (84°F) / 21°C (70°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 13.1 hours
- Sea temperature
- 25°C (77°F)
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Average
Plan a trip to Big Island (Hawaiʻi)
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Weather in May
May is the 6th-warmest month in Big Island (Hawaiʻi): days average 29°C (84°F) against a yearly average high of 29°C (84°F), and nights fall to about 21°C (70°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 31 days. Compared with April (28°C (82°F)), May is about as warm; by June highs stay near 30°C (86°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:46
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 18:50
- Daylight
- About 13.1 hours
- Sea
- 25°C (77°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, May rates 2 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in January). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in May
- Lei Day celebrations (1 May)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Viewpoint · Volcano
Chain of Craters Road
Fill up with fuel and carry water before you start; the descent and return take at least two hours with stops.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- Nature
- History
- Photo spot
Nature · Maunakea
Maunakea
The island's highest peak is a sacred mountain in Hawaiian tradition and home to major astronomical observatories at its 4,207-metre summit.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Views
- After dark
- Nature
- Free
Nature · South Kona
Kealakekua Bay
Reach the monument snorkelling area on a permitted boat or kayak tour, or by the steep Kaʻawaloa trail; do not chase or approach resting dolphins.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Nature
- Active
- History
- Outdoors
Beach · Kohala Coast
Hāpuna Beach
A long crescent of white sand on the Kohala Coast, often ranked among Hawaiʻi's finest beaches, with lifeguards, picnic shelters and good swimming and bodyboarding in calm conditions.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Iconic
The sea averages 25°C (77°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
What to pack
For highs near 29°C (84°F), lows near 21°C (70°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 May a good time to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi)?
One of the best months to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi), with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are April and September–October. Compare every month.
Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in other months
Questions travellers ask
+What time does the sun set in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in May?
At about 18:50 local time in mid-May, with sunrise at about 05:46: roughly 13.1 hours of daylight.
+How warm is Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in May?
Average highs are around 29°C (84°F) and lows around 21°C (70°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in May?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.