March on Big Island is the rainiest month of the year, and that single fact should shape every decision you make about where to stay and what to plan. The Hilo side takes the brunt of it, with mornings that smell of wet earth and plumeria and afternoons where warm rain falls in heavy tropical sheets before clearing within the hour. Kailua-Kona and the Kohala Coast, sitting in the rain shadow of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, stay dramatically drier and still deliver partly sunny days with highs near 28°C (82°F). Your experience of March depends almost entirely on which coast you pick.
What redeems the month is the humpback whales off the Kohala Coast. March tends to produce some of the densest sightings before the population begins its northward migration in April. From the rocky black shoreline near Puako or a small zodiac out of Kawaihae Harbor, you might hear a whale exhale before you see the breach. The sound carries across flat water on calm mornings. TTDI rates Big Island 7.8/10 for family friendliness (see /research/family-friendliness/), and a close-range whale encounter is the kind of moment that makes a trip for every age in the group.
Spring break reshapes the second half of the month. Resort corridors along Waikoloa and Mauna Lani fill after mid-March, rental car availability tightens island-wide, and nightly rates at Kohala Coast properties climb. If you can travel in the first week of March, you'll share the whales with fewer visitors and find better availability across the board.
Why visit in March
- Humpback whales are still concentrated in the waters off the Kohala Coast, with March delivering some of the highest sighting rates of the entire winter season.
- The Kona and Kohala coastline stays relatively dry even while the Hilo side gets drenched, so west-side beach days remain common between brief showers.
- Waterfalls across the Hamakua Coast run at their fullest from the accumulated rainfall. Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and the cascades inside Waipi'o Valley reach peak drama this month.
- Early March, before spring break crowds arrive, offers a genuine low-pressure window with solid whale watching and manageable resort availability.
Worth knowing
- March is the wettest month of the year island-wide. The Hilo side and Volcano area receive frequent heavy rain that can close trails and make outdoor plans unreliable on the windward coast.
- Spring break fills Kohala Coast resorts and drives up rental car rates sharply in the second and third weeks of March.
- Temperatures at higher elevations feel surprisingly cold for a Hawaiian trip, especially at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park after dark, where you'll want a real jacket.
Best for
Think twice if
March is the wettest month on Big Island, with roughly 111mm of rain falling across 13 or so days. Coastal areas on the leeward Kona and Kohala sides see daytime highs around 28°C (82°F) and overnight lows near 19°C (67°F). These numbers represent the sea-level experience where most visitors stay. Higher elevations tell a different story. Volcano Village at 1,200m (3,900ft) runs about 8-10°C cooler than the coast, and the 4,207m (13,796ft) summit of Mauna Kea can drop below freezing. Humidity sits around 73%. The rain itself splits dramatically by coast. Hilo and the windward side absorb the bulk of it, while the Kona coast, sitting in the rain shadow of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, stays notably drier. Showers tend to arrive in bursts rather than all-day drizzle, with most falling in early morning or late afternoon on the windward side.
Seasonal caution
- Heavy surf advisories are common on north and east-facing shores during March. Winter swells from the North Pacific can produce waves exceeding 4.5m (15ft) along exposed coastline near Waipi'o Valley and Laupāhoehoe Point.
- Flash flood watches apply to windward valleys and low-lying areas after sustained rainfall. Waipi'o Valley and steep-walled drainages on the Hamakua Coast can flood with little notice.
- The Mauna Kea summit road above the Visitor Information Station at 2,800m (9,200ft) can close during winter storms. Snow and ice at the summit are not unusual this month.
- Vog from Kīlauea can drift to the Kona coast when trade winds weaken, reducing air quality and visibility. Individuals sensitive to sulfur dioxide may notice irritation on heavy-vog days, particularly in Captain Cook and points south.
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 |
Holidays and festivals in March
Public holidays
- Good Friday(Good Friday)26 March 2027
Headline events
Humpback Whale Season
December through April, with peak activity in February and March
North Pacific humpback whales gather in the warm, shallow waters between the Hawaiian Islands each winter to breed and calve. March tends to offer some of the densest concentrations before the population begins migrating north toward Alaska in April. Mothers with newborn calves are common, and breaches, tail slaps, and spy-hops are visible both from shore and from small-boat tours departing Kawaihae Harbor and Honokōhau Harbor.
Best things to do in March
Whale watching off the Kohala Coast
wildlifeMorning departures from Kawaihae Harbor or Honokōhau Harbor put you within a few hundred meters of breaching humpbacks. Some tours use hydrophones so you can hear the males singing underwater. The boat ride itself takes you past the dry, golden slopes of Kohala with Mauna Kea behind.
March is the tail end of peak humpback season, and mothers with young calves tend to linger in the shallow nearshore waters, making sightings likely on most morning trips.Booking tipBook morning departures at least a week ahead during spring break weeks. Afternoon trips run less frequently and encounter choppier conditions.
Hiking Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
hikingKīlauea Iki Trail drops into a solidified lava lake, crossing steam vents that smell of sulfur. The Devastation Trail cuts through a ghost forest. The Crater Rim Trail gives views into Halema'uma'u, where active glow is sometimes visible after dark. Cooler March temperatures make the exposed lava fields far more comfortable to walk than summer months.
The lower temperatures and overcast skies typical of March make sustained hiking on exposed volcanic terrain less physically punishing than the drier, hotter months later in the year.Booking tipNo booking needed for day hikes, but the park charges a per-vehicle entrance fee. Arrive before 9am on weekends to avoid parking pressure at the Kīlauea Visitor Center.
Chasing waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast
natureAkaka Falls plunges 135m (442ft) into a gorge lined with ferns and tropical plants. Rainbow Falls, closer to Hilo, drops 24m (80ft) over a lava cave. The road between Hilo and Waipi'o passes smaller cascades that only run strong during the wet months.
March rainfall feeds these waterfalls at their fullest volume. By June, some of the smaller cascades along the Hamakua Coast thin to a trickle.Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay
water sportsThe bay sits on the dry leeward coast and stays relatively calm in March mornings. Spinner dolphins frequent the bay, and the coral reef along the Captain Cook Monument side supports parrotfish, yellow tang, and moray eels. The water temperature hovers near 24°C (75°F).
Winter surf hits the north and east shores, but the leeward bay stays sheltered. Morning visibility tends to be excellent before afternoon onshore winds stir things up.Booking tipKayak permits for the bay are limited and should be reserved well in advance through the state parks system. Boat-based snorkel tours depart from Keauhou Bay and Kailua Pier.
Stargazing at Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
astronomyAt 2,800m (9,200ft), the station sits above much of the atmospheric moisture. March evenings still feature the winter sky, with Orion, Sirius, and the Pleiades visible in the west after sunset. Free public stargazing programs run on select evenings, with telescopes set up in the parking area.
The winter constellations are still visible in early evening, and the air at altitude tends to be clearer than the trade-wind inversion layer below. Check road conditions before heading up, as winter storms occasionally close access above the station.Exploring Hilo on a rainy day
cultureHilo expects rain. The town is built around it. The Hilo Farmers Market runs Wednesday and Saturday mornings with produce, flowers, and prepared food stalls. The 'Imiloa Astronomy Center covers Hawaiian celestial navigation and Mauna Kea science. The Pacific Tsunami Museum, housed in a former bank on Kamehameha Avenue, documents the 1946 and 1960 tsunamis that reshaped the town.
March rain makes the windward side of the island a poor bet for beach days, but Hilo's indoor attractions and covered market mean a rainy day there feels intentional rather than wasted.Visiting Puako Petroglyph Preserve
cultureA flat 1.5km (0.9mi) trail through a lava field on the Kohala Coast leads to one of the largest collections of ancient Hawaiian rock carvings in the islands. Over 3,000 petroglyphs depict human figures, canoes, and turtles etched into smooth pāhoehoe lava. The Kohala Coast's dry climate means this walk stays accessible even during March's wet spells.
The leeward location means reliable dry conditions while the Hilo side gets rained on. Overcast March skies also reduce the harsh shadows that make the carvings hard to photograph in summer.What to eat in March
In season: fruit
Lilikoi
Passion fruit begins its early-season production in March. You'll find the wrinkled yellow-purple fruits at roadside stands and the Hilo Farmers Market, and as juice, curd, and dessert topping at cafes in Waimea and Kailua-Kona.
On menus now
Fresh ahi poke
Yellowfin tuna from local long-line boats appears at fish counters across the island. The Hilo-side markets sell it by the pound, seasoned with kukui nut, soy, and sesame oil. The texture and flavor difference from mainland supermarket poke is stark.
Oxtail soup
A Hilo comfort-food staple that tastes right on rainy March afternoons. The broth simmers for hours, and the marrow-rich bones give it a body that warms you through the kind of damp chill that settles over the east side after a long rain.
What to drink
Kona coffee
The harvest season runs roughly August through January, so March brings freshly roasted and processed beans from the most recent crop. Farms along the coffee belt between Holualoa and Captain Cook offer tastings of single-origin lots at their freshest.
In markets
Macadamia nuts
Fresh from the recently completed harvest along the Hamakua Coast, still available at farm stands and processors between Hilo and Honoka'a. The difference between fresh-cracked and packaged is the snap and sweetness of the nut.
Regular events in March
Prince Kūhiō DayFree
A Hawaii state holiday honoring Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana'ole, the territorial delegate who fought for Hawaiian homestead rights. Celebrations include ho'olaule'a (festivals) with hula, music, and food at sites around the island. Government offices and some banks close.
March 26Kona Brewers Festival
An outdoor craft beer festival held on the grounds of the Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona. Local and mainland breweries pour alongside Big Island restaurants serving small plates. Attendance is capped, and tickets sell out weeks ahead.
Typically the second Saturday in MarchBest places this March
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
national parkKīlauea caldera, Chain of Craters Road, Thurston Lava Tube, and the steam vents are all accessible year-round, but March's cooler temperatures and frequent cloud cover make the exposed trails far more walkable. Check the park's eruption updates before going, as active flows can open or close viewing areas.
Volcano VillageKealakekua Bay State Historical Park
bayThe bay's leeward position keeps it sheltered from north swells. Morning snorkeling near the Captain Cook Monument reveals dense coral and reef fish. Access is by boat, kayak (permit required), or a steep 3km (1.9mi) trail down from the road above.
Captain CookWaipi'o Valley Lookout
viewpointThe overlook sits at the edge of a 300m (1,000ft) cliff above the valley floor. March rain fills the valley's waterfalls and turns the taro patches bright green. The road down to the valley floor requires a 4WD vehicle or a steep hike. Mind you, the access road can get muddy and slippery after heavy rain.
Hamakua CoastAkaka Falls State Park
state parkA short loop trail through dense tropical forest leads to the 135m (442ft) falls. March flow rates are typically the strongest of the year. The trail is paved but can be slippery when wet. Arrive before 10am to avoid tour-bus crowds.
Hamakua CoastHapuna Beach State Recreation Area
beachA wide crescent of white sand on the dry Kohala Coast. March surf can be moderate, with occasional high-surf days, but the beach's west-facing orientation keeps it calmer than north-shore alternatives. Lifeguards are on duty daily.
Kohala CoastPu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
national historical parkA reconstructed Hawaiian place of refuge with temple platforms, carved ki'i (wooden images), and a royal fishpond. The tide pools just south of the park walls hold sea turtles and colorful reef fish in shallow, calm water. The site is less visited than Volcanoes and rarely feels crowded even during spring break.
South KonaLiliuokalani Gardens
parkA 12-hectare (30-acre) Japanese-style garden on Banyan Drive in Hilo, with stone bridges, pagodas, and koi ponds overlooking Hilo Bay. Free to enter and peaceful on rainy mornings when the mist settles into the garden. Named for Hawaii's last reigning monarch.
Hilo
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Insider tips
The Kona coast gets most of its March rain overnight and in the predawn hours. By 8am the sky is usually clearing, so don't let a 6am downpour cancel your beach plans.
Shore-based whale watching from the pulloffs along Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway between Kawaihae and the Kohala Coast resorts costs nothing and works well with binoculars. Locals park near mile marker 70 and scan from the lava-rock shoulder.
Prince Kūhiō Day celebrations in Hilo tend to be more community-oriented and less tourist-packaged than any Kona-side events. Worth the drive if you happen to be on the island on the 26th.
The Hilo Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings is significantly less crowded than the Saturday market and has many of the same vendors. If you want lilikoi, rambutan, or local avocados without the shoulder-to-shoulder Saturday crowd, mid-week is the move.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a full week on the Hilo side expecting beach weather. March is the wettest month, and Hilo gets the bulk of it. Base yourself on the Kona or Kohala coast and day-trip east for waterfalls and the park.
- Not reserving a rental car until arrival. Big Island has limited public transit between towns. During spring break, all major rental agencies can sell out completely at the Kona airport. Six weeks ahead is the minimum lead time in March.
- Planning a Mauna Kea summit visit without checking the road status that morning. Winter storms can close the summit access road with little advance notice, and the drive up without proper preparation at 4,200m (13,800ft) altitude carries real risk of altitude sickness.
Practical tips for March
Book rental cars and west-side accommodation at least 6 weeks ahead if your dates overlap spring break. The state holiday at month's end closes government offices and some banks, though tourist-facing businesses stay open. Snorkel and dive operators along the Kona coast run morning departures year-round, and afternoon wind chop typically picks up by 11am, so grab the earliest available slot. Pack for two climates. The Kona coast at sea level feels tropical with highs near 28°C (82°F), but Volcano Village at 1,200m (3,900ft) gets genuinely cold after dark when the rain moves in. Highway 11 between Kona and Volcano takes about 2 hours each way, so plan your east-side excursions as full-day trips. The Hele-On public bus connects Kona and Hilo but runs limited schedules and won't reach trailheads or remote beaches. A car is effectively mandatory.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit Big Island?
March is a solid but imperfect month. The humpback whales are still offshore in large numbers, which alone draws many visitors. That said, it is the rainiest month of the year on an island-wide basis, and the Hilo side can be persistently wet. If you stay on the drier Kona or Kohala coast and treat the windward side as a day-trip destination, March works well. Spring break complicates the second half of the month with higher prices and tighter availability.
What is the weather like on Big Island in March?
Expect significant variation by location. Coastal areas on the Kona and Kohala sides typically see daytime highs near 28°C (82°F) and overnight lows around 19°C (67°F). Volcano Village at 1,200m (3,900ft) sits roughly 8-10°C cooler than sea level, and the summit of Mauna Kea can drop below freezing. Rainfall reaches its annual peak this month, but most of it falls on the Hilo side. The Kohala Coast typically stays dry with intermittent light showers. Humidity runs around 73%.
Can you see whales on Big Island in March?
Yes, and March is one of the best months for it. Humpback whales are present from December through April, but sightings tend to peak in February and March before the population migrates north. Morning boat tours from Kawaihae Harbor see whales on the vast majority of trips this month. You can also spot them for free from the Kohala coastline with binoculars.
Is it safe to travel solo on Big Island in March?
Big Island scores 7.8/10 for solo-traveler safety (see /research/solo-safety/). The main considerations are practical rather than security-related. You'll need a rental car since public transit is sparse. Some remote areas like Waipi'o Valley and the Green Sand Beach trail at South Point involve hikes where you won't see other people for stretches. Carry water, tell someone your plans, and check flash-flood advisories on the windward side before entering valleys.
Is Big Island crowded in March?
It depends on the week. The first half of March feels relatively calm, with moderate visitor numbers. Once mainland school spring breaks start, typically mid-March onward, the Kohala Coast resort corridor and popular snorkeling spots like Kealakekua Bay get noticeably busier. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park sees higher weekend traffic during spring break but rarely feels unmanageable on weekday mornings.
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