April on Big Island belongs to the Merrie Monarch Festival, the world's premier hula competition. The week-long event takes place at the Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo each April, drawing hula hālau from across the Hawaiian Islands for performances, craft markets, and a parade down Kamehameha Avenue. Even if you have no interest in hula, the festival affects room availability at properties like the Grand Naniloa and Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, and rental car inventory thins island-wide.
April sits at the tail end of Big Island's wet season. The island spans sea level to Mauna Kea's 4,207 m summit, so conditions shift completely between the warm sand at Hāpuna Beach and the frost line above the Maunakea Visitor Information Station. The leeward Kona side tends to stay warm and dry most days, with snorkeling spots like Kahalu'u Beach Park and Two Step at Hōnaunau Bay offering calm, clear water. The windward Hilo side still catches frequent showers, though the payoff is thundering waterfalls at Akaka Falls and along the Pepe'ekeo scenic route. Volcano Village and the Chain of Craters Road run cool enough for a proper layer after dark. By late April the drier summer pattern starts to establish, particularly along the Kohala Coast near the Mauna Lani and Waikoloa resort areas.
Humpback whale season is winding down through mid-April. You might still spot a breach off Kawaihae Harbor or from the bluffs at Lapakahi State Historical Park in the first week or two, but the reliable sightings of January and February are behind you. Resort crowds thin notably from the December-February peak, and walk-in tables open up at spots like Merriman's in Waimea and Da Poke Shack in Kailua-Kona.
Why visit in April
- The Merrie Monarch Festival happens exclusively in April, making it the only month to experience the Hawaiian Islands' most significant hula competition in person. The craft fair at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and the Saturday parade along Kamehameha Avenue are free and carry much of the festival's energy even without competition tickets.
- Winter resort crowds have thinned by mid-April, and nightly rates at Kohala Coast properties like the Fairmont Orchid and Hilton Waikoloa Village drop well below their December-February peaks.
- Waterfalls along the Hamakua Coast run at peak volume from months of wet-season rain. Akaka Falls in Honomu, Hi'ilawe in Waipi'o Valley, and Rainbow Falls on the Wailuku River in central Hilo are all at their most dramatic before the drier summer sets in.
- Ocean conditions on the leeward coast grow calmer as north Pacific swells diminish, improving snorkeling visibility at Kahalu'u Beach Park, Two Step at Hōnaunau Bay, and the coral gardens along Kealakekua Bay.
Worth knowing
- The windward Hilo side still receives frequent rain, particularly around the Pepe'ekeo scenic corridor and the Waipi'o Valley lookout. Pack accordingly for any east-side excursion.
- Merrie Monarch week makes Hilo accommodation scarce. Booking fewer than 3 months out likely means staying in Kailua-Kona and driving 90 minutes each way via the Saddle Road (Highway 200).
- Humpback whale sightings drop off sharply after mid-April, so a late-month visit offers little chance of an encounter off Kawaihae or the Kohala Coast.
- Temperatures feel genuinely cool at higher elevations after sunset. Volcano Village sits at roughly 1,200 m, and the Mauna Kea access road can dip into the low single digits Celsius.
Best for
Think twice if
April marks the transition from wet to dry season on Big Island. The island-wide average high of 14.5°C (58°F) and low of 6.4°C (44°F) reflect the enormous elevation range, from sea-level beaches at Hāpuna and Kua Bay to Mauna Kea's 4,207 m (13,803 ft) summit. Coastal towns like Kailua-Kona typically sit in the high 20s Celsius, while the upper slopes pull the average down considerably. Rainfall of 91 mm across roughly 13 days falls mostly on the windward side, where Hilo can see rain on 20 or more days in a wet April. The Kohala and Kona coasts stay drier, often catching a brief shower once or twice a week at most. Humidity averages 76%, which you feel more in Hilo's still afternoon air than on the breezy resort beaches near Waikoloa.
Seasonal caution
- Vog (volcanic smog) from Kīlauea can settle over the Kona coast when trade winds weaken, reducing air quality and visibility as far north as the Waikoloa resorts. Travelers with asthma or respiratory conditions should check the Hawai'i Interagency Vog Information Dashboard before outdoor activity on the leeward side.
- Flash flooding is possible on the Hilo and Hamakua coasts, particularly in narrow stream valleys near Waipi'o and along waterfall access trails at Akaka Falls State Park. Do not cross flooded streams on foot, and check county civil defense alerts before hiking near rivers after heavy rain.
- Mauna Kea's summit area drops well below freezing year-round, and altitude sickness is possible above 2,800 m (9,200 ft). The Maunakea Visitor Information Station recommends acclimatizing for at least 30 minutes at that elevation before driving higher.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15 | 6 | 72 |
| Feb | 14 | 5 | 85 |
| Mar | 14 | 6 | 111 |
| Apr | 15 | 6 | 91 |
| May | 16 | 7 | 77 |
| Jun | 17 | 8 | 25 |
| Jul | 18 | 8 | 54 |
| Aug | 18 | 8 | 87 |
| Sep | 18 | 8 | 53 |
| Oct | 17 | 8 | 76 |
| Nov | 16 | 7 | 86 |
| Dec | 15 | 7 | 65 |
Headline events
Merrie Monarch Festival
Week after Easter, typically mid-April (Sunday through Saturday)
The most prestigious hula competition in the Hawaiian Islands, running annually since 1964. Three nights of competition at the Edith Kanakaʻole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo cover Miss Aloha Hula (solo), hula kahiko (traditional group), and hula 'auana (modern group). A ho'ike exhibition night opens the week, and the Saturday morning parade through downtown Hilo closes it. Competition tickets sell out within hours of their online release, typically 6-8 weeks before the event.
Best things to do in April
Attend the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo
cultureThe competition nights fill the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium with passionate audiences cheering for their hālau. Even without tickets, the festival's energy permeates downtown Hilo all week. The craft fair at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium sells kapa cloth, feather lei, woodwork, and traditional Hawaiian crafts. The Saturday parade draws floats and pa'u riders the length of Kamehameha Avenue.
Merrie Monarch happens exclusively in April. No equivalent Hawaiian cultural event exists at any other time of year.Booking tipCompetition tickets sell out within hours of their online release, typically 6-8 weeks before the festival. Set alerts. The craft fair and parade require no tickets.
Snorkel Kealakekua Bay
outdoorThe Captain Cook monument bay on the South Kona coast offers some of the clearest water and densest coral coverage on Big Island. Spinner dolphins feed in the mornings before 10 AM near the monument's white obelisk. Access is by kayak from Nāpō'opo'o Beach, permitted boat tour, or a steep 3 km (1.9 mi) Ka'awaloa Trail descending from the highway above Captain Cook town.
North Pacific swells diminish through April, calming the bay's surface and improving underwater visibility compared to winter months.Booking tipKayak permits for Kealakekua Bay are limited and must be reserved through the state DLNR system. Book at least 2 weeks ahead for April dates.
Hike the Kīlauea Iki Trail at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
hikingThis 5.3 km (3.3 mi) loop drops into a solidified lava lake inside Kīlauea Iki crater, passes through native 'ōhi'a forest fragrant with damp moss and fern, and crosses the crater floor where steam still rises warm from cracks in the rock. The trailhead sits off Crater Rim Drive near the Thurston Lava Tube parking area. The trail's 120 m (400 ft) elevation change is manageable for most fitness levels.
April's cooler temperatures at the park's 1,200 m (4,000 ft) elevation make crossing the exposed crater floor more comfortable than summer. Native 'ōhi'a lehua trees are often blooming with red flowers in spring.Booking tipNo reservation needed for the trail. The park charges a per-vehicle entrance fee valid for 7 days. Check the NPS website for current rates.
Chase waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast
natureThe 80 km (50 mi) stretch of Highway 19 from Hilo to Waipi'o Valley passes a series of waterfalls fed by months of wet-season rain. Akaka Falls State Park near Honomu features a 135 m (442 ft) cascade visible from a short paved loop trail through dense heliconia and bamboo. Rainbow Falls in central Hilo drops 24 m (80 ft) into a pool in the Wailuku River. Pe'epe'e Falls and Boiling Pots, further upstream on the Wailuku, sit along a short path with mist rising off the churning basins.
Months of accumulated rainfall push waterfall volume to near-peak levels in April, before the drier summer reduces flow significantly.Stargaze from the Maunakea Visitor Information Station
natureThe station at 2,800 m (9,200 ft) on Mauna Kea offers free public stargazing programs with telescopes on clear evenings. The altitude puts you above much of the atmospheric moisture that blurs lower-elevation viewing. On a clear night the seeing is sharp enough to pick out Saturn's rings and the Orion Nebula through the station's Celestron scopes.
April's transitional skies bring the Milky Way's galactic core above the eastern horizon by late evening, earlier than winter months. Clear spells between rain systems offer sharp seeing conditions.Booking tipThe summit road above the station requires a 4WD vehicle. Some rental agencies prohibit driving above the visitor station, so check your contract before the trip.
Tour Ka'u and Kona coffee farms
foodApril sits near the end of harvest season for the Ka'u and Kona coffee districts. Several farms walk visitors through picking, pulping, drying, and roasting. The Ka'u district south of Volcano, centered around Pāhala and Wood Valley, is less trafficked than the Kona coffee belt along Mamalahoa Highway between Holualoa and Captain Cook.
Harvest wraps up in April and May, so visitors can see the last of the processing firsthand and taste the freshest possible roasts from the current season's crop.Booking tipMost farm tours run mornings only. Call ahead, as smaller Ka'u operations do not keep consistent daily schedules.
Last-chance whale watching off the Kohala Coast
wildlifeHumpback whales migrate through Hawaiian waters from December through April. The deep channel off Kawaihae Harbor is their preferred corridor on Big Island's leeward side. By mid-month most whales have started northward, making early April the window. You might also spot a straggler from the bluffs at Lapakahi State Historical Park, about 20 km north of Kawaihae.
The tail end of humpback season, with sightings tapering off through the first two weeks. Operators sometimes discount late-season trips as demand drops from winter peaks.Booking tipBook morning departures out of Kawaihae Harbor. Calmer seas and whale surface activity both tend to peak before noon.
What to eat in April
In season: fruit
Lilikoi (passion fruit)
The spring crop of lilikoi starts appearing at Big Island farmers markets in April. The tart yellow fruit shows up in bags for a few dollars at the Hilo Farmers Market on Kamehameha Avenue and turns into lilikoi butter, cheesecake, and chiffon pie at bakeries around Kailua-Kona.
On menus now
Fresh ahi poke
Spring yellowfin tuna runs bring peak-quality ahi to Big Island fish counters. Suisan Fish Market on Lihiwai Street in Hilo serves it within hours of the morning catch. Sesame oil, kukui nut, and sweet onion are the traditional Hilo-style seasonings. Da Poke Shack on Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona runs a different but equally fresh operation on the leeward side.
Street food peaks
Malasadas
Portuguese-Hawaiian doughnuts, deep-fried and rolled in sugar. Available year-round but the lines grow longer during Merrie Monarch week. Tex Drive In on Pakalana Street in Honoka'a, about 40 minutes north of Hilo on the Hamakua Coast, is the best-known stop.
What to drink
Ka'u coffee
Ka'u district harvest season runs November through May, so April delivers some of the freshest local roasts of the year. Ka'u coffee tends toward a sweeter, fruitier profile than its better-known Kona neighbor. Several farms south of Pāhala along the Ka'u Coffee Road offer tastings by appointment.
In markets
Breadfruit ('ulu)
Breadfruit trees begin their heavy fruiting in spring on Big Island. You will find 'ulu roasted, fried into chips, or mashed at plate-lunch counters around Hilo and at shops along Mamalahoa Highway near Captain Cook. The starchy, slightly nutty flavor sits somewhere between potato and fresh bread.
Regular events in April
Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts FairFree
Over 100 artisan vendors sell kapa cloth, feather lei, woodwork, and traditional Hawaiian crafts at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium on Manono Street, adjacent to the competition venue in Hilo. Runs the full week of the festival.
Same week as Merrie Monarch competition, typically mid-AprilEarth Day programs at Hawai'i Volcanoes National ParkFree
Park rangers lead special guided hikes, native plant restoration volunteer sessions, and educational programs at the Kīlauea Visitor Center and along nearby trails including the Sulphur Banks and the Devastation Trail.
April 22, with some programs on the nearest weekendHilo Farmers MarketFree
The market on Kamehameha Avenue in downtown Hilo runs year-round but reaches peak vendor count and foot traffic during Merrie Monarch week. Over 200 vendors sell local produce, prepared food, and crafts on Saturdays. The Wednesday market is smaller and less hectic. The aroma of roasting macadamia nuts and fresh banana bread carries across the stalls.
Every Wednesday and Saturday, approximately 6 AM to 4 PMBest places this April
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
national parkApril's cooler temperatures at elevation make the Crater Rim Drive, Devastation Trail, and Thurston Lava Tube more comfortable than summer visits. The native 'ōhi'a forest along the crater rim tends to bloom with red lehua flowers in spring. The Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs trail, a 2.3 km round trip off Chain of Craters Road, passes over 23,000 carved images on a pahoehoe lava field. Check the NPS website for eruption-related trail closures before your visit.
Volcano VillageAkaka Falls State Park
state parkA short paved loop trail through dense tropical vegetation, towering bamboo groves, and wild ginger leads to one of Big Island's tallest waterfalls at 135 m (442 ft). April's post-rainy-season flow makes the cascade particularly dramatic, with mist billowing up from the pool below. The trail is accessible for all fitness levels and rarely takes more than 30 minutes.
Honomu (Hamakua Coast)Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
historical siteThe reconstructed Place of Refuge on the South Kona coast preserves ancient Hawaiian temple platforms, ki'i akua (carved wooden images), and a royal fishpond. April's moderate weather and thinner crowds make it comfortable to spend 2-3 hours exploring the grounds. The adjacent Two Step entry point, a natural lava-rock shelf at Hōnaunau Bay, offers some of the island's most accessible shore snorkeling when conditions are calm.
Hōnaunau (South Kona)Waipi'o Valley Lookout
viewpointThe viewpoint above this 300 m (1,000 ft) deep valley on the northeast coast reveals taro fields in the valley floor, a black sand beach at the river mouth, and Hi'ilawe Falls threading down the far cliff face. April keeps the valley lush green and the falls running strong. The steep road into the valley requires a 4WD or a guided tour from Kukuihaele.
Kukuihaele (Hamakua Coast)'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai'i
museumThis museum and planetarium on the University of Hawai'i at Hilo campus connects Hawaiian wayfinding traditions with modern astronomy from the Mauna Kea observatories. If Merrie Monarch competition tickets are sold out, 'Imiloa offers a quieter cultural complement during festival week. Planetarium fulldome shows run roughly hourly, and the exhibit hall covers both celestial navigation and the ecology of Mauna Kea's summit.
HiloKealakekua Bay State Historical Park
marine reserveThe bay's protected waters and coral reef make it Big Island's top snorkeling site. April's declining winter swells improve entry conditions at the Manini Beach side and from the Ka'awaloa Trail access near the Captain Cook monument. Spinner dolphins feed in the bay most mornings, often visible from the cliff trail above before you even reach the water.
Captain Cook (South Kona)
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Insider tips
The Merrie Monarch parade on Saturday morning is free and often more emotionally concentrated than the competition itself. Line up along Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo by 8:30 AM for a good view of the hālau, floats, and pa'u riders on horseback.
Skip the Kona coffee tourist belt along Mamalahoa Highway between Holualoa and Captain Cook and drive 45 minutes south to Ka'u for tastings with smaller crowds and lower prices. Ka'u coffee has placed in multiple Specialty Coffee Association competitions and the farms near Pāhala tend to have more time for visitors in April.
Rainbow Falls in Hilo produces its namesake effect most reliably between 9 and 10 AM, when morning sun hits the mist at the right angle. By noon the rainbow fades. Go on a weekday morning to avoid tour-bus traffic from the cruise terminal.
If vog settles over the Kona coast (you will notice a hazy, sulfurous layer, and the normally crisp views to Maui disappear), drive to the Hamakua or Hilo side instead. Trade winds push vog southwest, so the windward coast typically stays clear. The Hawai'i County vog forecast updates daily and saves wasted trips.
The stretch of Highway 11 between Captain Cook and Volcano passes through Ka'u, one of the least-visited districts on the island. Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, where hawksbill and green sea turtles haul out on the dark volcanic sand, sits along this route and rarely draws the bus-tour crowds that Kona's beaches see.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a Hilo hotel for Merrie Monarch week at the last minute. The town has limited hotel inventory, and the Grand Naniloa and Hilo Hawaiian Hotel fill months ahead. Late bookers end up in Kailua-Kona, adding a 3-hour round trip each day via the Saddle Road.
- Packing only shorts and tank tops because 'it is Hawai'i.' Big Island's elevation range means a visit to the national park at 1,200 m or the Maunakea Visitor Information Station at 2,800 m in the evening can feel like early spring in the Pacific Northwest. Bring genuine layers, not a token hoodie.
- Driving to the Hilo side without rain gear and expecting dry weather. Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the United States, averaging over 3,200 mm (126 in) of annual rainfall. April still sits in the wet season's tail.
- Assuming you can walk or take transit between towns. Big Island covers 10,432 km² (4,028 sq mi) with minimal public transit outside Hilo's Hele-On Bus system. A rental car is effectively required for any meaningful exploration beyond a single resort area.
Practical tips for April
Rental cars on Big Island book up faster during Merrie Monarch week than any other period outside the December holidays. Reserve at least 4-6 weeks ahead for mid-April dates. Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west side and Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east each have rental counters, but KOA typically has more inventory from agencies clustered along Kaiminani Drive. If you fly into Kona and plan to attend Merrie Monarch, the Saddle Road (Highway 200) crosses the island in about 90 minutes, shorter than the winding coastal routes via Highway 19 or Highway 11. Gas stations grow sparse south of Captain Cook and along the upper Hamakua Coast past Honoka'a, so fill up in Kona or Hilo before long drives. Most restaurants outside the Kohala Coast resorts close by 8:30 PM. Café Pesto in the S. Hata Building on Kamehameha Avenue stays open later during Merrie Monarch week, but plan dinner earlier than you might on the mainland as a general rule. The national park stays open 24 hours, but some trails have restricted access depending on volcanic activity. Check NPS alerts the morning of your visit. For general transit and getting-around logistics, the Wikivoyage Big Island guide (https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Big_Island#Get_around) covers options in detail.
FAQ
Is April a good time to visit Big Island?
April is a good month, not the best. The Merrie Monarch Festival makes it the single best time for Hawaiian cultural immersion, and post-winter crowds are thinner than peak season. But the wet season has not fully ended on the Hilo side, and humpback whale sightings are winding down. For the best weather overall, June through September is more reliable. For culture, April is unmatched on the Hawaiian calendar.
What is the weather like on Big Island in April?
It varies dramatically by location and elevation. Expect warm, mostly dry conditions on the leeward Kona and Kohala coasts, with daytime temperatures in the high 20s Celsius at sea level beaches like Hāpuna and Kua Bay. The windward Hilo side catches frequent showers. Volcano Village and higher elevations feel genuinely cool, especially after sunset. Bring layers and a rain shell regardless of which side you stay on.
Can you still see humpback whales on Big Island in April?
Possibly in early April off Kawaihae Harbor or from shore at Lapakahi State Historical Park, but do not plan a trip around it. The season runs roughly December through mid-April, with peak activity in January and February. By late April most whales have begun migrating north toward Alaska. If whale watching is your primary goal, visit between January and March instead.
Is Big Island safe for solo travelers?
Big Island scores 7.8/10 for solo-traveler safety (see /research/solo-safety/). The island is generally safe and the pace is relaxed. Standard precautions apply. Do not leave valuables visible in rental cars, especially at remote trailhead parking lots like the Ka'awaloa Trail access or the Waipi'o Lookout. Avoid swimming alone at unguarded beaches with strong currents. Stay on marked trails at the national park, where volcanic terrain can be unstable near crater edges. For more on safety considerations, see the Wikivoyage safety section (https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Big_Island#Stay_safe).
How far in advance should I book for Merrie Monarch week?
Book Hilo accommodation 3-6 months ahead. Competition tickets sell out hours after release. Rental cars should be reserved well before mid-April dates, as the island's overall inventory is limited. If Hilo is full, Volcano Village (45 minutes south) and Waimea (90 minutes northwest) are fallback bases with more availability than Hilo during festival week.
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