Month guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in October
What October is really like in Big Island (Hawaiʻi): weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Pictured: ʻAkaka Falls State Park, Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · Photo: Dllu, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
October is one of the best months to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi). Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 22°C (72°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 11.7 hours of daylight. Warm and calm; Kailua-Kona is busy if the IRONMAN World Championship is held there.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 22°C (72°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 11.7 hours
- Sea temperature
- 27°C (81°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
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Weather in October
October is the 5th-warmest month in Big Island (Hawaiʻi): days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 29°C (84°F), and nights fall to about 22°C (72°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 31 days. Compared with September (30°C (86°F)), October is about as warm; by November highs stay near 29°C (84°F).
- Sunrise (15 October)
- About 06:16
- Sunset (15 October)
- About 17:59
- Daylight
- About 11.7 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Summer (June–August). The warmest, driest season on the coasts, busy with family holidays; hurricane season starts in June but direct impacts are rare.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, October rates 3 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 October
- IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona (usually October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in October
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Nature · Volcano
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
The park protects Kīlauea and much of Mauna Loa.
- Time needed
- A full day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Nature
- Kids
- After dark
- Photo spot
Nature · Hāmākua Coast
ʻAkaka Falls State Park
Combine it with the Hāmākua Coast drive and a stop in the old sugar town of Honomū.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Kids
- Photo spot
- Iconic
Historic site · South Kona
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
A place of refuge where people who broke kapu (sacred law) could be spared if they reached its walls.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Kids
- Photo spot
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
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
What to pack
For highs near 30°C (86°F), lows near 22°C (72°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 October 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–May and September. Compare every month.
Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in other months
Questions travellers ask
+What time does the sun set in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in October?
At about 17:59 local time in mid-October, with sunrise at about 06:16: roughly 11.7 hours of daylight.
+How warm is Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in October?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Big Island (Hawaiʻi) in October?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.