April in Honolulu marks the tail end of the wet season, and you can feel the shift. Rainfall for the month runs about 59mm across roughly 14 days, but most of those showers blow through in 10 to 15 minutes over the Ko'olau Range while Waikiki stays dry more often than not. Average highs reach 26.1°C (79°F) with lows around 20.8°C (69°F). Humidity sits at about 74%, which sounds tropical on paper but feels manageable with the trade winds pushing through. The kind of weather where you can hike Diamond Head at 7am and still feel comfortable at the summit 45 minutes later.
The peak tourist season from December through March has wound down by April, and you'll notice it. Flights from the US mainland tend to run cheaper than they were 6 weeks earlier, and hotel availability along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki opens up noticeably. You'll still share the beach with plenty of visitors, but the 45-minute breakfast waits at popular Kapahulu Avenue restaurants shrink to maybe 15 on a weekday morning. Easter week (if it falls in April) brings a brief spring-break bump, then things quiet down again.
This is also the final reliable month for humpback whale watching. The North Pacific humpback population migrates through Hawaiian waters from roughly December through May, and April gives you a solid last window to spot them from the Makapuu Point Lookout or on a boat out of Kewalo Basin Harbor. By late April, most whales have started their journey north toward Alaska.
Why visit in April
- Post-peak-season hotel rates in Waikiki drop roughly 20-30% compared to the December through February high, with wider availability at properties along Kalakaua Avenue and Kuhio Avenue.
- Last reliable month for humpback whale watching from shore at Makapuu Point Lookout or on boat tours departing Kewalo Basin Harbor, before the whales migrate north to Alaska in May.
- Trade winds blow consistently at 15-25 km/h through April, keeping the 74% humidity from feeling heavy and making outdoor activities like hiking Diamond Head or Manoa Falls Trail comfortable through mid-afternoon.
- Water temperatures hover around 24-25°C (75-77°F), warm enough for long snorkeling sessions at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve without needing a wetsuit.
Worth knowing
- April still carries 59mm of rainfall across about 14 days, nearly triple the 17-19mm you'd get in June or September. The showers tend to be brief, but they can disrupt a planned afternoon at Ala Moana Beach Park or a sunset at Waikiki.
- Temperatures top out at 26.1°C (79°F), which is 3 degrees cooler than the summer months. If you're coming from a cold-weather city and want guaranteed hot beach days, April might feel mild by comparison.
- The big winter swells on the North Shore taper off by late March, and consistent south swells don't reliably arrive until May or June. April is one of the flattest months for surfing on Oahu.
Best for
Think twice if
April sits in the transition between Honolulu's wet and dry seasons. Daily highs average 26.1°C (79°F) and lows settle around 20.8°C (69°F), with humidity at about 74%. The 59mm of monthly rainfall typically arrives in brief afternoon showers that pass through in 10 to 15 minutes, especially on the windward side and over the Ko'olau Range. Waikiki and the leeward coast stay noticeably drier. Trade winds blow steadily at 15-25 km/h from the northeast, which keeps the air moving even when humidity creeps above 80% on still afternoons. Water temperatures run 24-25°C (75-77°F).
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 | 20 | 71 |
| Feb | 25 | 20 | 44 |
| Mar | 26 | 20 | 58 |
| Apr | 26 | 21 | 59 |
| May | 27 | 22 | 60 |
| Jun | 28 | 23 | 17 |
| Jul | 29 | 23 | 18 |
| Aug | 29 | 23 | 25 |
| Sep | 29 | 23 | 19 |
| Oct | 29 | 23 | 28 |
| Nov | 27 | 22 | 31 |
| Dec | 26 | 21 | 72 |
Best things to do in April
Humpback whale watching from Makapuu Point Lookout
wildlifeThe 1.6 km (1 mile) paved trail to Makapuu Point Lookout on Oahu's southeast coast offers the best land-based whale watching on the island. From the clifftop at 197 meters (646 feet), you can spot humpback whales breaching and spouting in the channel between Oahu and Molokai without binoculars on a clear morning. The salt wind hits you as soon as you round the first bend, and the view down the coastline toward Rabbit Island feels almost vertical.
April is the final reliable month of the humpback migration season that runs December through May. Whale activity tends to be high as mothers and calves prepare for the northward journey to Alaska.Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
water_sportsThe crescent-shaped bay on Oahu's southeast shore sits inside a volcanic crater that collapsed into the ocean. The reef shelters over 400 species of fish, and April's 24-25°C (75-77°F) water is warm enough for extended sessions without a wetsuit. The bay opens at 6:45am Wednesday through Sunday, and arriving at opening keeps you ahead of the midday crowds. Visibility in the shallows typically runs 9-15 meters in April.
Post-peak-season means fewer swimmers churning up the sand. Water clarity tends to be better than the wetter winter months, and the calmer spring seas make conditions more predictable for beginners.Hiking Manoa Falls Trail
hikingThe 2.6 km (1.6 mile) round-trip trail through the Manoa Valley rainforest ends at a 46-meter (150-foot) waterfall. April's lingering wet-season moisture keeps the falls flowing strong. The trail runs through thick bamboo groves and banyan tree canopy, and the air smells like damp earth and ginger. Mosquitoes are real here, so long sleeves help.
The waterfall runs at its most impressive volume after the wet season months. By July and August, the flow can slow to a trickle. April's 26°C (79°F) highs keep the hike comfortable compared to summer's 29°C (84°F).Saturday morning at KCC Farmers Market
food_and_drinkThe Kapiolani Community College Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 7:30am to 11am on the campus parking lot at the base of Diamond Head. April's seasonal highlights include early-harvest mangoes, lilikoi, and rambutan from North Shore farms. The market draws around 50 vendors on a typical Saturday. The warm malasadas and fresh coconut water make a solid pre-hike breakfast before heading up Diamond Head next door.
April marks the start of the tropical fruit season, and the first Hayden mangoes and lilikoi of the year appear at the market weeks before they reach Chinatown shops or supermarkets.Diamond Head Summit Trail
hikingThe 1.3 km (0.8 mile) trail inside the 230-meter (760-foot) volcanic crater climbs through a series of switchbacks, a 69-meter (225-foot) tunnel, and a 99-step staircase to the summit. The 360-degree view from the top covers Waikiki, Kahala, and the Waianae Range. Starting at 6am (the earliest entry time) puts you at the summit before 7am, when the light over the ocean is worth the early alarm.
April's 26°C (79°F) highs and steady trade winds make the steep climb noticeably more comfortable than the same hike in July or August. The post-peak-season drop in visitors means shorter waits at the trailhead.Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands from Lanikai Beach
water_sportsThe twin Mokulua Islands sit about 1.2 km (0.75 miles) offshore from Lanikai Beach in Kailua. Moku Nui, the larger island, has a small beach on the windward side where you can land and rest. The paddle takes 20-30 minutes in calm conditions. April's trade winds tend to be consistent but moderate, and the water between shore and the islands stays relatively flat compared to the choppier winter months.
Winter surf that makes the crossing rougher has calmed by April, and the water visibility is typically better than during the rainier months of January through March. Seabird nesting season means you might see wedge-tailed shearwaters on Moku Nui.North Shore food truck circuit
food_and_drinkThe stretch of Kamehameha Highway between Haleiwa and Kahuku is lined with food trucks and roadside stands. Giovanni's shrimp truck in Kahuku has been operating since 1993, and the garlic shrimp plate remains the benchmark. The 45-minute drive from Waikiki follows the H-2 through the central Oahu pineapple fields, and April's lighter traffic makes the round trip more pleasant than the winter months when North Shore surf tourists crowd the road.
With the big-wave season over, North Shore traffic drops noticeably. Wait times at the popular shrimp trucks along Kamehameha Highway shrink, and parking at Haleiwa town opens up.What to eat in April
In season: fruit
Early-season Hayden mango
Local Hayden and Rapoza mango varieties start appearing at the KCC Farmers Market and Chinatown produce stalls in April. The first picks of the season tend to be smaller but intensely sweet, sold by the pound at farm stands around Oahu. By May the supply is steadier, but April's early fruit carries a certain concentrated flavor that locals look forward to.
Lilikoi (passion fruit)
The spring lilikoi harvest hits Oahu farmers markets in April. The tart, fragrant pulp shows up in everything from shave ice syrup to cheesecake at bakeries in Kaimuki. Look for the wrinkled, heavy fruits at the Saturday KCC Farmers Market, where North Shore growers sell them by the bag.
On menus now
Ahi poke
Spring brings strong yellowfin tuna runs in Hawaiian waters, and April's ahi catches are typically at peak freshness. Poke counters at Ono Seafood on Kapahulu Avenue and the fish vendors near Pier 38 in Kalihi stock some of the best cuts of the year during this window. The texture of truly fresh ahi, cool and clean with almost no fishy taste, is different from anything you'll find on the mainland.
Street food peaks
Lilikoi malasadas
Leonard's Bakery on Kapahulu Avenue runs a lilikoi-filled malasada during the spring harvest. The warm, sugar-dusted Portuguese doughnuts filled with tart lilikoi custard sell out by mid-morning on weekends. The combination of the hot, pillowy dough and the sharp lilikoi cream is worth the line.
Regular events in April
Honolulu Festival (if scheduled in late March/early April)Free
The Honolulu Festival is a 3-day Pacific Rim cultural event that occasionally extends into early April, featuring a grand parade down Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki with performers from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Hawaii. The parade draws around 80-100 performing groups.
Late March to early April (varies by year)Easter sunrise service at the National Memorial Cemetery of the PacificFree
The Punchbowl Crater cemetery hosts an Easter sunrise service attended by several thousand people each year. The ceremony begins before dawn inside the volcanic crater at 2177 Puowaina Drive, with views across Honolulu as the sun comes up.
Easter Sunday (date varies)Waikiki Spam JamFree
An annual street festival along Kalakaua Avenue celebrating Hawaii's well-documented love of Spam. Local restaurants serve creative Spam dishes while live bands play on outdoor stages. The event typically draws over 25,000 attendees to a 2-block stretch of Waikiki.
Late April (typically last Saturday)Best places this April
Makapuu Point Lookout
viewpointThe 197-meter clifftop on Oahu's southeast tip is the best land-based whale watching spot on the island in April. The paved 1.6 km trail starts from the Makapuu Lighthouse parking lot.
Southeast OahuHanauma Bay Nature Preserve
natureA volcanic crater turned snorkeling bay with over 400 fish species. April's calmer seas and 24-25°C water make for clear visibility. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Hawaii KaiChinatown
neighborhoodThe blocks between Nuuanu Avenue and River Street hold Honolulu's densest concentration of lei shops, dim sum houses, and Southeast Asian restaurants. The Oahu Market on North King Street has been selling fresh fish and produce since 1904.
Downtown HonoluluKaimuki
dining_districtThe 3-block restaurant strip along Waialae Avenue between 11th and 12th Avenues has become Honolulu's most concentrated dining neighborhood. April's lower tourist numbers mean easier walk-in availability at popular spots.
KaimukiAla Moana Beach Park
beachThe 40-hectare park between Waikiki and downtown offers a long, calm-water beach popular with local families. The reef-protected lagoon stays flat even when the south shore has waves.
Ala MoanaKailua Beach
beachA 4 km stretch of pale sand on the windward coast, consistently rated among the top beaches in the US. April's trade winds make it a reliable spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing. The town of Kailua has a cluster of cafes and shops within walking distance.
Kailua
Your packing checklist
Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.
Insider tips
The windward side of Oahu (Kailua, Kaneohe) gets roughly twice the rainfall of Waikiki, so a rainy morning in your hotel doesn't necessarily mean rain at the beach. Check the National Weather Service forecast for leeward vs windward zones separately.
Hanauma Bay limits daily visitors and the online reservation system fills up days in advance. Book your slot at least 48 hours ahead, and pick the earliest morning entry for the best visibility before the sand gets churned up.
The Ala Moana Center food court on the first floor has a better selection of local-style plate lunches than most Waikiki restaurants, at lower prices and without the tourist markup. The poke counter at Foodland Farms in the same complex stocks the same Pier 38 fish as the specialty shops.
If you want shave ice, Waiola Shave Ice in Kapahulu has been open since 1940 and uses a finer ice shave than most Waikiki spots. The texture difference is noticeable.
Avoid these mistakes
- Assuming Waikiki weather represents all of Oahu. The Ko'olau Range creates a sharp rain shadow, and the windward coast from Kailua to Laie gets significantly more rainfall than the south shore in April.
- Skipping sunscreen on overcast days. Honolulu's UV index in April typically runs 9-11, which is in the 'very high' to 'extreme' range even through cloud cover. Burns happen fast.
- Driving to the North Shore on a weekend without checking surf forecasts. If there's a late-season swell, Kamehameha Highway backs up for kilometers as spectators park along the road near Pipeline and Sunset Beach.
- Trying to snorkel at Hanauma Bay without a reservation. The online booking system has been in place since 2021, and walk-ups are turned away when the daily cap is reached, which happens most mornings by 9am.
Practical tips for April
April sits in the shoulder season, so booking hotels 3-4 weeks ahead typically gets you reasonable availability in Waikiki without peak-season premiums. Rental cars on Oahu remain in steady demand year-round, and April is no exception. Reserve at least 2 weeks early to avoid last-minute availability gaps. TheBus route 22 runs from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay if you prefer not to drive, though it can add 45 minutes each way compared to the 20-minute drive. The Biki bikeshare system has 130 stations across urban Honolulu and works well for trips between Waikiki, Ala Moana, and Kakaako. International visitors should note that Hawaii uses the US dollar and tipping 18-20% is standard at sit-down restaurants.
FAQ
Is April a good time to visit Honolulu for whale watching?
April is the last reliable month of the humpback whale season, which runs from roughly December through May. You can still spot whales from the Makapuu Point Lookout on the southeast coast without binoculars on clear mornings, or book a boat tour from Kewalo Basin Harbor. By late April, most whales have begun migrating north toward Alaska, so early-to-mid April gives you better odds.
How rainy is Honolulu in April compared to summer?
April averages about 59mm of rainfall across 14 days, compared to 17-19mm in June or September. That said, most April showers are brief, lasting 10-15 minutes, and they tend to concentrate on the windward side and over the Ko'olau Range. Waikiki and the leeward coast stay drier. You might get a quick shower during a hike but rarely a full washout day.
Can you still surf in Honolulu in April?
April is one of the flattest months for surfing on Oahu. The North Shore's winter swells taper off by late March, and the consistent south swells that light up spots like Ala Moana Bowls and Diamond Head don't reliably arrive until May or June. You'll find small, rideable waves on some days, but if surfing is the main purpose of your trip, the November-to-February winter season or the June-to-September south swell season are better bets.
Do I need a reservation to visit Hanauma Bay in April?
Yes. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve uses an online reservation system that limits daily visitors. Slots fill up days in advance, so book at least 48 hours ahead. The bay is open Wednesday through Sunday, and the earliest morning entry gives you the best water clarity before the sand gets stirred up by later arrivals.
What should I wear in Honolulu in April?
Lightweight cotton or linen clothing works for daytime highs of 26°C (79°F). Bring a compact rain shell for the brief afternoon showers and a light layer for evenings, when temperatures drop to about 21°C (69°F) and the trade winds can make outdoor dining feel cool. Reef-safe sunscreen is required by Hawaii state law for ocean use, so check your sunscreen ingredients before you pack.
Find a flight to Honolulu
Live fares to Honolulu appear here once cookies are accepted.
Last verified by automated review (v1.7.2) on June 6, 2026. What is automated review?