May in Honolulu is defined by one phrase locals repeat every year. May Day is Lei Day. On May 1, Kapiolani Park fills with lei-making competitions, hula performances, and the crowning of a Lei Day Queen, a tradition that dates back to 1928. The rest of the month settles into a comfortable rhythm as O'ahu transitions from the wetter winter season into the long, dry summer. Daytime temperatures hover around 27°C (81°F) with lows near 22°C (71°F), and the humidity sits at roughly 71%, which feels warm but manageable with the trade winds blowing. You'll still catch occasional showers, about 60mm across 12 rainy days, but these tend to be brief afternoon bursts over the Ko'olau Range that rarely interrupt a beach day in Waikiki.
The timing puts May in a sweet spot between Honolulu's peak winter season and the summer family-travel wave. Hotel rates have dropped from their December-through-March highs, but the island hasn't yet filled with mainland school-vacation crowds. That changes during Memorial Day weekend, when Ala Moana Beach Park hosts Lantern Floating Hawaii and roughly 50,000 people gather at sunset. Outside that weekend, you'll find shorter lines at Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay, and restaurant wait times along Kalakaua Avenue drop compared to February or July.
Why visit in May
- Hotel rates in Waikiki drop noticeably from the December-March peak, putting mid-range rooms well below high-season pricing without the summer family-travel markup
- Trade winds return more consistently in May, keeping temperatures comfortable for hiking Diamond Head and the Manoa Falls trail without the oppressive stillness of a calm summer day
- South shore swells begin arriving, turning breaks like Ala Moana Bowls and Canoes into reliable surf spots after months of flat south-facing water
- Lei Day on May 1 at Kapiolani Park and Lantern Floating Hawaii on Memorial Day weekend give you two culturally significant events in a single month
Worth knowing
- Whale watching season ended in April. Humpbacks have migrated north, so any whale-tour booking in May is likely a waste of money
- Rainfall at 60mm is still higher than the near-dry months of June through October, and afternoon showers can roll in fast over Manoa and Nu'uanu valleys
- Memorial Day weekend brings a noticeable spike in both prices and crowds, particularly at Ala Moana and Waikiki Beach, temporarily erasing the shoulder-season advantage
- North Shore surf has gone flat for the season. If big-wave watching at Pipeline or Sunset Beach was your reason to visit, wait until November
Best for
Think twice if
May sits at the tail end of Honolulu's wet season, though 'wet' is relative here. The 60mm of rainfall typically falls in short afternoon bursts rather than all-day downpours. Mornings tend to start clear and warm, with temperatures climbing from around 22°C (71°F) at dawn to 27°C (81°F) by early afternoon. Trade winds blow from the northeast on most days, which keeps the humidity at 71% from feeling as heavy as that number suggests. The windward side around Kailua and Kane'ohe catches more rain than the leeward Waikiki and Ala Moana coast. By late May, rainfall tapers noticeably, previewing the dry summer months ahead.
Seasonal caution
- The UV index in Honolulu reaches 11 to 12 in May, classified as extreme by the WHO. Unprotected skin can burn in under 15 minutes, even on partly cloudy days.
- Box jellyfish arrive on O'ahu's south-facing beaches roughly 8 to 10 days after each full moon. Lifeguards post warning signs at affected beaches. Check the Waikiki Aquarium's jellyfish calendar before heading to Ala Moana or Waikiki.
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 | 28 | 22 | 31 |
| Dec | 26 | 21 | 72 |
Headline events
Lei Day
May 1
Hawai'i's celebration of lei culture at Kapiolani Park since 1928. Features lei-making competitions in categories from haku (head lei) to wili (wound lei), hula performances, live Hawaiian music, and the crowning of a Lei Day Queen.
Lantern Floating Hawaii
Memorial Day evening (last Monday of May)
A Memorial Day sunset ceremony at Ala Moana Beach Park where roughly 50,000 people launch paper lanterns onto the water to honor deceased loved ones. Organized by the Shinnyo-en temple. The largest gathering of its kind outside Japan.
Best things to do in May
South shore surfing at Ala Moana Bowls
water_sportsThe south-facing breaks between Ala Moana and Diamond Head pick up their first consistent swells of the year. Bowls, Courts, and Canoes offer waves for intermediate to advanced riders, with calmer inside sections for longboarders.
South swells generated by storms in the Southern Hemisphere begin arriving in May, waking up breaks that sat flat from November through April.Diamond Head summit hike
hikingThe 1.3 km trail climbs 170 meters through a volcanic crater to a summit with views of Waikiki, Koko Head, and the Waianae Range. Most people finish the ascent in about 45 minutes.
May's 27°C highs and consistent trade winds make the exposed switchbacks far more comfortable than the still, humid days of July and August.Booking tipReservations through the Hawai'i DLNR website are required. Book at least 2 weeks ahead and choose a morning slot before 9:00 AM.
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
water_sportsA protected marine reserve inside a volcanic crater on O'ahu's southeast coast. The inner reef supports over 400 fish species, and visibility in May typically reaches 10 to 15 meters.
Calmer seas and reduced rainfall improve underwater visibility compared to winter months. Shoulder-season visitor numbers mean fewer snorkelers sharing the reef.Booking tipOnline reservations are mandatory and limited to 1,400 visitors per day. Book at least 2 days ahead.
Kayaking to the Mokulua Islands from Kailua
water_sportsA 2 km paddle from Kailua Beach to the twin Mokulua Islands, where Moku Nui has a small beach for landing and a short trail to a tide pool lookout. Water temperature sits around 25°C in May.
Trade wind patterns in May create favorable morning conditions for the crossing, with lighter winds before noon compared to the stronger afternoon gusts of midsummer.Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial
cultureThe memorial sits directly above the sunken USS Arizona, where 1,177 crew members were killed on December 7, 1941. The visitor center, museum, and boat shuttle to the memorial are free.
Memorial Day in late May adds significance to the visit. Crowds thin compared to winter peak season, and walk-up tickets become more available on weekday mornings.Manoa Falls trail hike
hikingA 2.6 km round-trip trail through a tropical rainforest canopy in the back of Manoa Valley, ending at a 46-meter waterfall. The path is shaded but muddy in places, and mosquito repellent helps.
Late wet-season rain keeps the waterfall at strong flow. By August the falls can thin to a trickle when weeks pass without rain.What to eat in May
In season: fruit
Hawaiian mango
Haden and Rapoza varieties begin appearing at O'ahu farmers' markets in May, weeks before the mainland import season peaks. Look for them at the KCC Saturday Market and Chinatown's open-air stalls.
Lilikoi
Local passion fruit approaches its summer peak in May. You'll find it in shave ice syrups, butter at farmers' markets, and cheesecakes at bakeries across Kaimuki and Kapahulu.
Lychee
O'ahu's lychee season opens in late May, with bags sold at roadside stands in Wahiawa and at the KCC Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings.
Festival food
Haupia
Coconut pudding served at Lei Day gatherings, luaus, and plate-lunch spots across Honolulu. Helena's Hawaiian Food on North School Street makes a traditional cut-block version.
Regular events in May
First Friday ChinatownFree
Monthly art walk through Chinatown galleries and studios from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM along Nu'uanu Avenue and Hotel Street. Street food vendors set up along the sidewalks.
First Friday of MayMemorial Day ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the PacificFree
Annual ceremony at Punchbowl Crater honoring fallen service members, with a wreath-laying, 21-gun salute, and military flyover. The cemetery holds over 53,000 interments.
Last Monday of MayKCC Saturday Farmers' MarketFree
O'ahu's largest farmers' market runs every Saturday from 7:30 to 11:00 AM at Kapiolani Community College. In May, early mango and lychee start appearing alongside Waianae honey and North Shore coffee.
Every SaturdayBest places this May
Kaimana Beach (Sans Souci)
beachA quieter stretch of sand at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki where locals swim laps and Hawaiian monk seals haul out regularly. Calmer water and fewer crowds than the main Waikiki strip.
WaikikiKapiolani Park
parkHonolulu's largest public park, 120 hectares at the foot of Diamond Head. Site of the Lei Day festival on May 1 and weekend art fairs.
WaikikiChinatown
neighborhoodA compact district between Nu'uanu Avenue and River Street with open-air produce markets, dim sum at Mei Sum, and the monthly First Friday gallery walk.
DowntownHaleiwa and the North Shore
neighborhoodThe 11 km stretch from Haleiwa to Sunset Beach is quiet in May after the winter surf season ends. Haleiwa town has shrimp trucks, shave ice at Matsumoto's, and a slower pace than Waikiki.
North ShoreAla Moana Beach Park
beachA 40-hectare park with a protected reef-fronted lagoon, calm enough for children. Site of Lantern Floating Hawaii on Memorial Day evening, and a local favorite for after-work swims.
Ala MoanaHonolulu Museum of Art
museumA collection of over 50,000 works on Beretania Street, housed in a 1927 building with open-air courtyards. The shaded courtyard cafe serves lunch in a garden setting worth the visit on its own.
Makiki
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Insider tips
The leeward (west) side of O'ahu, from Ko Olina to Makaha, gets significantly less rain than Waikiki and the windward coast. If your May afternoon turns gray on the east side, a 40-minute drive west usually finds sun.
Foodland supermarkets run a poke counter that competes with any dedicated poke shop in town. The Ala Moana location stays open late and rotates seasonal preparations that most tourist-oriented spots don't carry.
The bus system, called TheBus, runs a route from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay that takes about 30 minutes. It beats fighting for parking at the bay's small lot, especially on weekend mornings.
Lei Day on May 1 is a state holiday, and some government offices and banks close. Plan any administrative errands for another day.
Kaimana Beach (Sans Souci) at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki is where residents go to avoid the tourist density of the main Waikiki strip. The water is calmer, the sand less crowded, and there's a monk seal that hauls out regularly.
The Honolulu Museum of Art on Beretania Street has a courtyard cafe that serves lunch in a quiet, shaded garden. Worth visiting even if you skip the galleries.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a whale watching tour in May. Humpback season ends in April, and by May the whales have migrated toward Alaska. Any operator selling May sightings is taking your money for an empty ocean.
- Skipping sunscreen because the sky looks overcast. Honolulu's UV index reaches 11 or 12 in May even through thin cloud cover. Burns happen in under 15 minutes without protection.
- Driving to Hanauma Bay without a reservation. The bay limits visitors to 1,400 per day and the parking lot holds about 300 cars. Without a pre-booked online slot, you'll be turned away at the gate.
- Assuming all of O'ahu has the same weather. The windward coast around Kailua and Kane'ohe gets roughly twice the rainfall of Waikiki. A gray morning in Kailua often means clear skies 20 minutes south.
Practical tips for May
Book Hanauma Bay snorkeling reservations online before your trip. The bay limits daily visitors to 1,400 and slots fill days in advance, especially around Memorial Day weekend. TheBus route 22 from Waikiki reaches the bay entrance in about 30 minutes and saves the parking scramble. If you're hiking Diamond Head, aim for a slot before 8:00 AM to beat both the heat and the tour-bus crowds that arrive around 10:00 AM. The UV index in May typically reaches 11 or 12, strong enough to burn exposed skin in under 15 minutes. Reef-safe sunscreen is required by Hawai'i state law, so check your product labels before packing. Lei Day events at Kapiolani Park on May 1 are free, but the lei-making competition draws crowds early. Arrive by 9:00 AM for a good viewing spot near the bandstand.
FAQ
Is May a good time to visit Honolulu for beach weather?
Yes. May is consistently warm and sunny, with daytime highs near 27°C and water temperatures around 25°C. You'll likely get brief afternoon showers on some days, especially on the windward side, but mornings tend to be clear and the rain rarely lasts more than 20 minutes. It's reliable beach weather by any reasonable standard.
Can you still see whales in Honolulu in May?
No. Humpback whale season in Hawaiian waters runs roughly from December through April. By May, the whales have migrated north toward Alaska. Any tour operator selling whale watches in May is unlikely to deliver sightings.
How crowded is Honolulu in May compared to other months?
May falls in the shoulder season between the winter peak (December-March) and the summer family-travel wave (mid-June through August). Outside of Memorial Day weekend, you'll find noticeably shorter lines at attractions like Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay, and hotel availability is better than in either peak window.
What is Lantern Floating Hawaii and do I need tickets?
Lantern Floating Hawaii is a Memorial Day evening ceremony at Ala Moana Beach Park where roughly 50,000 people gather to launch paper lanterns on the water at sunset. Organized by the Shinnyo-en temple, it honors deceased loved ones. The event is free and open to the public, with no tickets required. Arrive early to secure a viewing spot near the water's edge.
Is it worth renting a car in Honolulu in May?
It depends on your plans. Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Ala Moana are walkable or reachable by TheBus. But if you want to explore the North Shore, the windward coast, or the leeward beaches around Ko Olina, a car saves significant time. May rental rates tend to be lower than peak-season pricing, and weekday traffic outside of Honolulu proper is manageable.
Things to Do in Honolulu in May
Free cancellation Oahu: Full or Half Day Grand Circle Island Tour
Day trip — free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Oahu: Grand Tour Around Island with Snorkeling
Day trip — free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Oahu Majestic Circle Island Tour with Waimea Falls and Byodo Inn
Outdoor experience — 9 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour
Day trip — 7 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Oahu Circle Island Snorkeling Tour: Dole, Pali Lookout & More
Outdoor experience — free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Pearl Harbor USS Arizona Memorial Tour from Waikiki
Day trip — 4 hours, free cancellation.
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