Hawaii Island] September on the Big Island of Hawaii - Best Season for Travel!

September on the Big Island of Hawaii Best time to travel!

In Japan, after the summer vacation is over, it is not a good time to go on a trip! In fact, September is the best season to visit the Big Island of Hawaii!

This is because, although it is a quiet season except for Silver Week, the climate is the same as in August and you can fully enjoy the Hawaiian Islands in the middle of summer.

This is the best season for those who want to enjoy the everlasting summer on the Big Island of Hawaii in a relaxed atmosphere, avoiding the hustle and bustle of the on-season!

We will tell you all about the charms of the Big Island of Hawaii in September!

 

Hawaii Island, nicknamed the Big Island

Hawaii Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is about the same size as Gifu Prefecture in Japan.

Its large expanse of land is home to 15 of the world's 17 climate zones.

This feature has allowed a wide variety of plants and creatures to grow in the vast land, and has taught people about the richness of nature.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

There are many things you want to do when you travel, such as visiting tourist spots and enjoying delicious food.

The Big Island of Hawaii can satisfy all of these needs.

The island is a place where people of all ages and both sexes can create the best memories, with spots related to Hawaiian culture and history, as well as power spots where you can feel the power of nature, and places where you can enjoy activities to the fullest!

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

<If you are going directly from Japan to the Big Island of Hawaii

Haneda-Kona International Airport (Hawaiian Airlines) Travel time: 7 hours 20 minutes on average from Haneda, 10 hours on average from Kona

Narita-Kona International Airport (JAL) Travel time: 7 hours 50 minutes (average), return 8 hours 45 minutes (average)

<If connecting at Honolulu Airport (Oahu)
Honolulu Airport - Kona International Airport (Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines) Hawaiian Airlines: 10 to 19 flights per day, approximately 50 minutes travel time Southwest Airlines: 4 flights per day, approximately 50 minutes travel time

Honolulu Airport - Hilo Airport Hawaiian Airlines: 7-12 flights per day (approx. 55 minutes) Southwest Airlines: 4 flights per day (approx. 1 hour)

The flight from Japan to Honolulu takes about 7 hours, with a maximum of 10 hours, allowing for 2-3 hours of transit time.

If you are traveling from Honolulu to the Big Island of Hawaii, choose either Kona International Airport or Hilo Airport, depending on your plans.

Kona International Airport is recommended for those who want to sightsee smoothly after arrival because of its proximity to tourist areas and hotels.

Hilo Airport is recommended for those who wish to visit the volcano because of its proximity to downtown and easy access to the volcano.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii has many attractions that are different from resorts and sightseeing.

There are five points! Let's look at each of them in detail.

 

Unspoiled wilderness

The greatest attraction of the Big Island of Hawaii is its spectacular nature!

Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, and Kilauea Volcano are the three most famous spots on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Spend a moment amidst the bare lava rock of volcanic regions, island formations formed by undersea volcanic eruptions, and life nurtured by the rich nature created by various climates, and you will be able to heal your daily fatigue and replenish your power.

 

A powerful volcano

There are five famous volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii. They are Mauna Kea, the highest at 4205 meters above sea level, Hualalai, Kohala, and Kilauea, a World Heritage Site.

While some extinct volcanoes are already inactive, Kilauea is still an active volcano and recently erupted in 2019.

The earth formations created by these volcanoes and the breath of the volcanoes that are still active today give us a sense of the powerful nature of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Beautiful Beaches

Hawaii is all about the tropical ocean! Many people come to Hawaii for the beautiful ocean.

The Big Island of Hawaii is of course one of the most attractive islands in the world with its beautiful beaches.

In terms of beauty, the clarity of Kamakahonu Bay is outstanding.

It is also known as the place where King Kamehameha the Great spent the last years of his life and is a sacred place.

Visitors can enjoy snorkeling in the beautiful ocean beside a temple where they can feel the history of Hawaii.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

Alii Drive, the main street in the Kona district where the Kona International Airport is located, is lined with many stores recommended for tourists.

Although it does not have the image of a large tourist town, the local atmosphere is tasteful, and it is attractive to stroll around calmly.

Gourmet foods made from the rich agricultural produce of the Big Island of Hawaii are also highly recommended.

Kona is especially famous for Kona coffee and Kona beer! How about walking around with a delicious drink in your hand?

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The Big Island of Hawaii has many sights that are important to Hawaii's history and culture.

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park is an important place to learn about Hawaii's origins.

It is said to be where Captain Cook, the first Westerner to visit the Big Island of Hawaii, once landed.

The temple is dedicated to Lono, the god of fertility on the island of Hawaii, where agriculture is thriving, and is a spot where visitors can experience the history and culture of the island all at once.

The park also has a beautiful ocean that has been designated as a marine protected area, allowing visitors to enjoy marine activities such as snorkeling.

 

What is September on the Big Island of Hawaii?

This section will tell you about the weather, rates, and events in September on the Big Island of Hawaii!

 

September Climate and Prices on the Big Island of Hawaii

Location	average minimum temperature	Average maximum temperature
hero	20.3°C	28.9°C
Kona (variety of Hawaiian coffee)	20.6°C	29.2°C
Mount Kilauea	21.4°C	28.8°C
Waimea	15.6°C	24.5°C
Mauna Kea	7.7°C	22°C
Oahu (Honolulu)	24.4°C	31.2°C

In Japan, the month of September is associated with the gradual onset of autumn, but on the Big Island of Hawaii, September still feels like summer!

The average maximum daytime temperature is 28-29°C, so you can fully enjoy the summer in Hawaii.

Precipitation is less than in August, so you can enjoy the cool, dry heat.

Despite enjoying the same locations as in August, September is a relatively inexpensive month to visit, except during Silver Week!

 

What to Wear and Bring to Hawaii Island in September

Here are some tips on what to wear and what to bring for Hawaii Island weather in September.

 

Appropriate clothing for September

In September, you can wear the same clothes as in mid-summer. It gets hot during the day, so you can spend the day in a shorts and shorts.

However, when entering a tropical rainforest, it is recommended to wear long pants to avoid insect bites.

Comfortable shoes, such as sneakers, are recommended for walking in the wilderness.

 

What to bring in September

In September, the dry season, there is no special equipment to bring, such as rain gear.

While it is heading toward autumn in Japan, the island of Hawaii is still bathed in the midsummer sun.

For this reason, sun protection items such as sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen creams are essential.

 

Things to do and see on the Big Island of Hawaii in September

Here are some tips on what to expect on your trip to the Big Island of Hawaii, along with events that will be held in September.

 

How to enjoy

<Hawaii Island Events in September

• Queen Liliuokalani Canoe Race, Kailua-Kona
• Cow Coffee Trail Run (Cow)
• Na Pua Okekai Billfish Tournament (Kailua-Kona)
• Aloha Festivals (Hilo, Waimea, Kailua, etc.)

Oahu hosts the Aloha Festival every September, the largest festival in the state of Hawaii, but there are actually many events held on the Big Island of Hawaii as well!

The main event will be held in Waikiki, Oahu, but you can visit the festivities in Hilo, Waimea, and Kailua on Hawaii Island.

How about running a marathon around the coffee fields of Kau or participating in a canoe race in Kailua-Kona?

 

important point

Be aware that even tourists are subject to penalties for violating local rules when traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii.

Traffic rules and regulations, which differ greatly from those in Japan, require special care when driving a rental car.

There are also crimes such as purse-snatching and pickpocketing that target travelers, so try not to act alone and move in groups as much as possible.

 

Recommended Activities in September

Here are five recommended activities for September.

 

snorkeling

When you go to Hawaii, you want to enjoy the ocean! I know you want to enjoy the ocean when you go to Hawaii.

Snorkeling, which is easy to do, is recommended for those with children.

 

How to enjoy

The moment you dive in the shallows, you will encounter cute little fish.

Kahaluu Beach Park is only a 30-minute drive from Kona International Airport, making it a great location for easy access.

It is a great place to snorkel because you can see coral and, if you are lucky, sea turtles!

 

helicopter tour

Helicopter rides are an exciting way to view the Big Island of Hawaii from the sky and visit places that are normally inaccessible.

 

How to enjoy

Most helicopter tours on the Big Island of Hawaii fly around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to view Kilauea Volcano from above, but you can also enjoy scenic tours in other locations.

The area is full of unexplored places, including the remains of settlements of people who lived there long ago!

 

Lava Tour

There are several volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii, but the active Kilauea Volcano is a particularly noteworthy tourist attraction.

Lava tours are organized to view this lava.

Some packages include a full day of hiking and other tourist attractions, while others include a full day of hiking around Kilauea Volcano to fully enjoy the volcano.

Depending on your time and purpose, choose your favorite plan and enjoy!

 

riding horse

Horseback riding is one of the activities that allow visitors to greatly enjoy the natural beauty of the land on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Explore the wilderness of the Big Island of Hawaii with horses that you don't usually have much contact with!

 

How to enjoy

There are two main types of horseback riding experiences available on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The tour includes a leisurely horseback ride through a vast ranch and a view of the Big Island of Hawaii from the top of a hill.

Then, you will actually blend into the Hawaiian landscape on horseback and enjoy the great outdoors up close and personal.

 

Segway (motorized personal vehicle)

Although it is still fresh in our minds that the Segway has been discontinued, it is actually still in service on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Visitors can enjoy sightseeing while riding a Segway.

 

How to enjoy

The main point is that it does not require any tricks or skills to ride it, and it runs on electric power.

Everyone is welcome to drive, regardless of age or sex.

Incidentally, you can also ride a Segway on public roads on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

5 recommended attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii in September

Here are five recommended sights to visit on the Big Island of Hawaii in September!

 

Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano is a World Heritage-listed tourist attraction on the Big Island of Hawaii, located in "Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

It is an active volcano that is still actively erupting, and red lava that flows slowly can be seen.

*Please note that it is no longer possible to see the flowing lava due to eruptive activity!

 

Recommendations

Red-hot lava flows out into the sea, and you can feel the heartbeat of the earth.

One of the attractions of Kilauea Volcano is that you can feel the pulse of such a magnificent scale on your skin.

 

Access

rent-a-car
About 2 hours from Kona area
About 1 hour from Hilo area

Recommended Access
The shortest route to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is to rent a car at Hilo International Airport.

 

Mauna Kea

At 4205 meters above sea level, Mauna Kea is known as the closest place to space on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The clear skies and clean air attract people with the twinkling of stars.

 

Recommendations

There are two options for sunset and stargazing on Mauna Kea: you can rent a car and drive up the mountain, or you can take a tour to the site.

If you are visiting for the first time, you may feel more comfortable taking a tour.

The best thing to do on Mauna Kea in January is to see the first sunrise from the summit.

On the evening of December 31, you can look up at the stars slowly at the summit of Mauna Kea and worship the warm rays of the sun rising on New Year's Day, which will bring you good fortune for the whole year!

 

Access

rent-a-car
About 3 hours drive from Kona International Airport
About 2.5 hours drive from Hilo International Airport
Free parking available

 

Rainbow Falls

A tourist attraction just minutes from downtown Hilo, Rainbow Falls is a mystical place filled with Hawaiian myths and legends.

 

Recommendations

The Wailuku River flows through the city of Hilo and contains a variety of waterfalls, both large and small.

One of the places that attracts people to the area is Rainbow Falls.

This waterfall has a rainbow when certain conditions are met.

The rainbow can only be seen in the morning, and it must be a clear day with solid sunshine.

Changes in the amount of water due to the dry and rainy seasons also have an impact.

You may be very lucky to see a view of a waterfall cascading down the river and a rainbow.

 

Access

rent-a-car
About 10 minutes drive from "Downtown" Hilo

 

hero

Hilo is known as an old town where you can feel the old Hawaiian Island and where tourists gather.

It is a pleasant place to stay and shop.

 

Recommendations

The factory that makes the cookies that have become a staple souvenir in Hawaii is located in Hilo.

The Big Island Candies factory also has a main store attached to it, so you can buy candy that can only be found here!

 

Access

Hilo is located on the opposite side of the island from Kona International Airport, which is used by many Japanese tourists. There are several routes to Hilo.

airplane
Honolulu-Hilo International Airport: about 1 hour

rent-a-car
Kona International Airport - Hilo
Southbound route: 209 km (approx. 3 hrs.) (route that can be taken while visiting tourist attractions)
Northbound route: about 2 hours 149 km
Saddle Road: 124 km (the fastest route), about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

scheduled bus
HELE-ON BUS: Approx. 3 hours (3 buses a day, not available on Sundays)

 

Kealakekua Bay

Kealakekua Bay is said to have the clearest waters on the Big Island of Hawaii.

It is also designated as a marine protected area, and the sea is an amazingly beautiful world.

 

Recommendations

Landscapes created by nature are beautiful beyond human imagination and cannot be described in words.

Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii has a similarly beautiful environment that only those who have seen it can appreciate.

Kealakekua Bay is a beautiful underwater world anyway, so snorkeling and diving are recommended!

 

Access

rent-a-car
About 50 minutes drive from Kona International Airport

 

Recommended tours to enjoy in September

Here are three recommended tours on the Big Island of Hawaii in September!

 

Hawaii Island Kealakekua Bay Snorkeling Tour

In September, Hawaii Island still has the weather to enjoy the ocean!

We recommend going to Kealakekua Bay, the most popular bay on Hawaii Island, to enjoy snorkeling.

This tour takes you to the best spots on a boat equipped with slides and diving boards, so you can enjoy swimming in beautiful waters as well as snorkeling!

 

Mauna Kea Stargazing Island Sightseeing Tour

This tour, which takes a full day to explore the sights of the Big Island of Hawaii, is recommended for those who are not comfortable driving a rental car or those who are not good at planning an itinerary!

There are various courses, but the destinations are all major places!

You can visit all three major sites and end up at the foot of Mauna Kea to view the most beautiful sea of stars.

 

Hawaii Island Segway Kailua-Kona Walking Tour

If you are looking for a relaxing way to explore the city of Kailua-Kona, you should definitely take a Segway tour.

Segway rides are available to take you around the sights of the city of Kona.

In addition, this tour includes a Japanese-speaking guide, so it is an interesting way to learn about the history and culture of the Big Island of Hawaii while exploring the town.

How about trying a fresh sightseeing experience on a ride that allows you to enjoy the extraordinary?

 

summary

September is a quiet season except for Silver Week, when rates are higher.

The climate is not so different from August, so you can fully enjoy the Hawaiian Islands in the middle of summer!

If you want to enjoy Hawaii Island in a relaxed and quiet period, the period around Silver Week is recommended.

Please consider a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii in September, a surprisingly good time to visit!