Most people think that it is always summer in Hawaii. However, like most of the country, the Hawaiian islands transform when autumn comes around. It may remain warm throughout most of the year, and people may continue visiting the islands’ famous beaches and volcanoes, but there is magic that seems to fill the air around October and November. Many hiking trails are surrounded by deep reds and yellows instead of lush greens, and the towns come alive with festivals celebrating the season.
Hilo
Rainbow Falls in Hilo, Hawaii, within Wailuku River State Park.
Visitors love coming to Hilo when the temperatures cool because the rainforests and waterfalls become more vibrant. While the temperature is consistent all year, fall brings lower humidity, making long hikes into the wilderness much more comfortable. People spend more time outside, enjoying the natural beauty of the town and its vibrant surroundings. The essence of autumn is in the air, while the island is still full of life. Crisp waterfalls, moss-covered trees, and the scent of beautiful tropical flowers wait for you here.
In November, there is a coffee festival where visitors learn about the process of making the beverage they consume every morning, and the farmer’s market makes it easy to get the delicious produce and homemade crafts only available this time of year. You may not see the change in foliage found on the mainland, but you will find gorgeous wildlife like the Hawaiian Honeycreeper and other tropical birds. A gecko could be basking in the warm sunlight. And the sound of crickets fills the air every night with a thunderous, yet peaceful, harmony. Hilo is a definite destination for touring Hawaii in the fall.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona in Hawaii. Editorial credit: Bill Morson / Shutterstock.com
Though the crowds are thinner in the fall, the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the beautifully pristine beaches of Kailua-Kona. Have fun swimming and snorkeling during the day, but prepare to see a different side of the town at night. The humidity is much lower in the fall, making the nights crisp and comfortable enough to enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Go dancing, enjoy delicious seasonal cuisine, and have a nightcap.
In the fall, with fewer tourists around, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the pristine Magic Sands Beach. You may feel like you’re in a movie on those long stretches of beach, though the sands may shift, and they can even disappear during Winter due to high surf. Enjoy seeing wildlife like manta rays and sea turtles. The leaves do not change much in the fall, but the skies definitely do. Go down the Kona coast and enjoy a sunset filled with deep oranges, reds, and purples as though a painting is being brushed before you. While the tourists are gone, be sure to go get some photos at the historic Hulihe’e Palace, where Hawaiian royalty once came to spend their vacation time. Fall brings cool air and an electrifying atmosphere to Kailua-Kona.
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Lahaina
Sunset over Lahaina Old Town in Maui, Hawaii.
Summer fades away in October, making it a perfect time to visit the wonderful village of Lahaina. This is one of the most culturally rich towns in Maui, and the absence of tourists, along with the crisp, salty air, makes fall a great time to visit. Lahaina is filled with historic places to visit and learn about the rich culture of the island.
Take a stroll through the Lahaina Historic District and visit the Banyan Tree. It is one of the most beautiful things you will see in Hawaii. Having been planted in 1873, it is the largest in the country. The refreshing air sways through its branches, which now cover half an acre. Many visitors like to sit under the rustling leaves, letting the coolness of the evening settle around them.
You may not see leaves changing into dark autumn colors, but visitors to Lahaina in the fall enjoy other things, such as watching the whales entering the area in late November. Many tour companies will take you out on a boat so you can see whales breach the water and slap it with their tails. Many have only witnessed this sight on television, but seeing it up close is unforgettable. Lahaina is a town that has to be seen in the fall to get the full experience.
Honolulu
Panoramic view from Diamond Head Crater overlooking downtown Honolulu.
The summer crowds dwindle when fall arrives, making Honolulu a more relaxed and pleasant place to be. Fall gives Oahu a rest from the long lines that summer visitors often experience at popular sites like Waikiki Beach and other traditional places. However, the warm weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors. A fragrant breeze washes over the area when the air cools, allowing you to stay out longer and enjoy the gentle sand and the deep blue color shimmering from the water.
You may see a shift in the colors in places like Diamond Head, but the crisp blue sky is different from the one summer visitors enjoy. It is still warm enough to enjoy a little swimming or snorkeling, but many events take place during the fall, like the Honolulu Pride Festival, celebrating the diversity of the local communities. October also brings the Waikiki Fall Festival, a great opportunity to get local handmade crafts and jewelry that you will not find in any of the gift shops. You will also get some great-tasting seasonal food like caramel apples and pumpkin cookies that you will not find in tourist restaurants. Honolulu, in the fall, is one of the best places in Hawaii to be.
Hana
Piilani Highway in Maui, part of the scenic back route to Hana.
Hana in the fall is a peaceful place that will give you a chance to see the island of Maui in a more intimate way. The fall breeze washes through the rainforest, pushing the vibrant fragrances of the tropical plants there. The air feels more crisp when you stand by a serene waterfall without the usual crowds of tourists.
If you want to escape the busier spots that may still be crowded with tourists in the fall, Hana may offer the respite you seek. Walking down the secluded Pipiwai Trail will surround you with vegetation turning a dark hue. Drive along the Hana Highway to discover breathtaking island views like the Kahanu Garden. You can take a glimpse into the past of the islands through gorgeous plants and ancient cultural locations. Fall is a perfect time to visit Hana and immerse yourself in the beauty that Maui has to offer.
Hanalei
Main street in downtown Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii. Editorial credit: bluestork / Shutterstock.com
Stunning landscapes await visitors who come to Hanalei in the fall. You may not see a dramatic change in the color of the leaves, but the island’s natural beauty shines. The fresh, crisp air brings the scent of saltwater, making an evening on the beach watching a picture-perfect sunset a memory that will not be forgotten.
The breathtaking views of the mountains that stretch up on either side of the town stand out even more when the air becomes cooler. The patches of red and orange in the forests bring a gorgeous accent to the lush greenery. Hiking along the Na Pali Coast trails will offer more opportunities to see the picturesque beauty Hanalei has to offer.
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Visiting the local farmer’s market is a wonderful way to sample the island’s seasonal fruits and vegetables. A cool breeze carries the scents of homemade candles, local honey, and freshly baked bread, making Hanalei an unforgettable place to be in the fall.
Haleakala
Waterfall in Haleakala National Park, Hawaii. Editorial credit: Zain’s Creations / Shutterstock.com
One of the most breathtaking scenes to behold is the volcanic landscape of Haleakala at sunset in the fall. The skies become clearer as the refreshing, crisp air blows in. The crowds that are here in the summer thin out in the fall, allowing you to experience Haleakala differently. Visitors can stand on the peak of the volcanic shield and take in a magical sight as the skies fill with amber and violet hues.
Have relaxing walks along the Sliding Sands Trail without having to worry about the heat of the day. You will see amazing bursts of wildflowers during the day and a sky filled with a canvas of stars at night. The cool air makes the sky so visible you can count the shooting stars you see. A visit to Haleakala in the fall will be an unforgettable trip you will talk about for years to come.
Pahoa
Map of Kilauea in Pahoa, HI. Editorial credit: Alexandre.ROSA / Shutterstock.com
The Big Island of Hawaii has a vibrant hidden gem that offers a unique experience in the fall: Pahoa. Known for its Bohemian atmosphere, quirky shops, art studios, and delicious restaurants, Pahoa has a more relaxed energy when the tourist season is over. Visitors can connect more personally with locals and experience the area’s unique charm.
The more comfortable weather lends an excellent opportunity to visit outdoor attractions like the Lava Tree State Monument, where you can explore Hawaii’s fascinating volcanic history. Take a walk through an eerie landscape of lava trees that were formed by volcanic eruptions over millions of years. A quiet hike through the trails will allow you to appreciate these natural formations and take beautiful pictures without other visitors getting in the way. The quieter side of Pahoa is what you can experience in the fall and is the perfect place to experience an enchanting fall season.
Kapa’au
King Kamehameha’s statue is covered with leis. By Daniel Ramirez, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Visitors who want an authentic Hawaiian experience should visit the town of Kapa’au when the summer tourist season is over. This little town is filled with a rich history and culture you can hear about in more detail once the crowds thin out. Visit the statue of King Kamehameha, who was born there. You will also be able to see all the shops and art galleries without having to wait in line or deal with crowds. The cooler weather gives visitors a chance to take a hike through Pololu Valley and see a beautiful view of the coast in the crisp autumn air.
A beautiful experience waits for you from September to November. The relaxed vibe and peaceful quiet make this little town one of Hawaii’s hidden gems and is especially enjoyable in the fall.
Hawaii in Fall: A Unique Island Adventure
Hawaii is a destination for millions of tourists throughout the summer, offering culture, cuisine, and pristine beaches. However, the islands come alive in the fall when the tourists come home. Visiting Hawaii in the fall allows you to see the natural beauty absent in the summer. It also offers a chance to see the genuine people. When the persona of what the tourists expect to see is gone, you will enjoy seeing culturally significant art and tasting authentic food. There are also more chances to explore as the cooler temperatures make the outdoors more inviting. Whether you want to relax, immerse yourself in culture, or see the natural beauty of the rainforests and volcanoes, Hawaii has plenty of treasures in the fall. Be sure to make a trip to Hawaii in the fall, something you do in your lifetime.
A boy was killed after being struck by a vehicle today in Hawaii Kai, police said.
At about 11:02 a.m., a 37-year-old woman “was attempting to travel northbound” on Kukuau Place when the vehicle hit a boy who was in the road in front of the vehicle, according to a Honolulu Police Department’s Traffic Division news release. The child was taken to a hospital in critical conition where he was pronounced dead.
The driver remained at the scene and was uninjured, police said.
HPD did not release the boy’s age or say whether speed, drugs or alcohol were possible factors in the collision.
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This was Oahu’s ninth fatality in 2026, compared with 15 at the same time last year.
Leaders from Pacific Island nations and territories gathered this week at the East-West Center in Manoa for an inaugural diplomatic and business summit aimed at promoting private sector investments and contracts across island communities in Oceania.
Through Monday and Tuesday the Pacific Agenda summit brought representatives from more than a dozen countries and more than 80 companies, as presidents and prime ministers from across the region rubbed shoulders and held meetings with American corporate executives, investors and experts to discuss everything from infrastructure, energy, tourism, telecommunications and satellite technology.
Among the companies participating were national giants like Salesforce, Boeing, Google, SpaceX and JP Morgan along with local companies like L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Hawaiian Airlines and Hawaiian Electric.
“Over these past two days, we have listened and shared through the roundtables and dialogues,” said Solomon Islands Prime Minister and Pacific Islands Forum Chair Jeremiah Manele as the summit wrapped up Tuesday evening. “I have noted some candid and frank discussions centered on the topics of this summit. Whilst the past and present may have influenced our perspectives, what we take forward as partners in commercial diplomacy following this summit is critical. Indeed, investment and security are inseparable and critical for prosperity.”
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The summit was hosted and co-organized by the East-West Center, U.S. State Department and Oahu-based U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. It’s part of a long effort that is in part aimed at countering China’s growing influence across the Pacific Islands as the U.S. and its allies work to maintain a footing in strategically important island chains.
Many Pacific Island countries have signed onto China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a series of Beijing-funded infrastructure projects aimed at promoting trade with China. Some analysts argue that many of the projects are “dual use” endeavors that also may be supporting Chinese intelligence and military operations in the region.
“We’ve seen other countries coming in the Pacific in quite an aggressive manner,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. “And in a sense, maybe that’s not a bad thing, and it’s given us a little bit of a kick in the butt to up our game in this region.”
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that it’s been something he’s brought up frequently with American officials, saying that U.S. government agencies are “helping us build infrastructure, schools, health care facilities, roads. But when it comes to private sector, we don’t see you. You’re absent, but China’s there. So what we want to see is we want to see U.S. investment. We want to see Taiwanese investment. We want to see Japanese investment in our islands. We want to see Australian investment.”
The U.S. military has been investing heavily in Palau on infrastructure to support its operations as it pursues port renovations, building radars and stockpiling weapons and equipment for a potential Pacific conflict.
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It also has begun building a new fuel depot in Papua New Guinea to offset effects of the ongoing shutdown of Red Hill and working on airstrips and other facilities across the region.
INDOPACOM Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo told attendees and the summit “we do need you in the private sector to move in and to help us build the vibrant commerce that brings this infrastructure to life. I ask you to work with our partners to develop and connect markets, to lower risk, to enhance transparency and to ensure a level playing field.”
As the summit concluded, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency announced it would fund a “hospital relocation project feasibility study” around Palau’s Belau National Hospital — the only hospital in the small island nation — in hopes of rebuilding and modernizing the aging facility, with local company Architects Hawaii Ltd. taking on the work.
Several other Pacific Island leaders told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser they had reached memorandums of understanding with companies to work on future projects across the region. Manele said top issues for island communities included “whether our child has electricity to study at night and whether farmers can reach markets, whether digital connections allow young people to participate in the global economy.”
Gov. Josh Green, who sits on the EWC’s board of governors, called the summit “an extraordinary success from the East-West Center perspective to gather all of these leaders … a lot of serious business partners that are interested in looking at Hawaii as a potential bridge deep into the Pacific.”
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Landau said that he foresees looking to the EWC more to engage with Pacific Island nations, saying “the location here in Hawaii makes it a natural choice.” But he said that it would ultimately take years as deals discussed at the summit actually take shape before anyone can measure the impact of the summit.
“We welcome the realignment of foreign policy, and this is the first step in engaging us,” Tongan Prime Minister Fatafehi Fakafanua told the Star-Advertiser. “I think it’s a smart move to use the private sector to encourage investment into the Pacific. Evidently, there is not that much U.S. investment in the Pacific Islands, and we think this is a great catalyst for us to deepen our relationship.”
During closing remarks, Manele told Landau he would like him to “to help us with the establishment of a Pacific trade investment office in the U.S. similar to those that we have in New Zealand, Australia, China, Japan and in Geneva. It will greatly help our efforts in connecting trade and investment opportunities for us into the future.”
But while Pacific Island leaders welcomed the attention of American officials and companies, many still have deep disagreements with the United States. This month President Donald Trump’s administration rescinded the 2009 Endangerment Finding, which allowed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
Trump and much of his Cabinet have insisted that climate change is a hoax. The White House has been rolling back environmental regulations while seeking to boost production of fossil fuels, encouraging other countries to import American oil and coal and deriding renewable energy sources.
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In a keynote opening the summit, Manele said “climate change remains the greatest security threat impacting our livelihoods, communities and economic prosperity. Rising seas and intensifying disasters erode development gains and strain national budgets. A flooded school or damaged hospital is not only a humanitarian issue, that is strategic one.”
Fakafanua said that during the conference his delegation had conversations with an American company on the prospect of underwater geothermal energy, a renewable source that could help Tonga become less dependent on imported fossil fuels.
“United States administration has prioritized some key areas that they’re focusing on,” Fakafanua said. “But at the same time, it’s a free conversation, and we’re also putting on the table our own priorities.”
The third-ranked Hawaii men’s volleyball team had no problem recording its 11th sweep of the season, handling No. 6 BYU 25-18, 25-21, 25-16 tonight at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
A crowd of 6,493 watched the Rainbow Warriors (14-1) roll right through the Cougars (13-4) for their 11th straight win.
Louis Sakanoko put down a match-high 15 kills and Adrien Roure added 11 kills in 18 attempts. Roure has hit .500 or better in three of his past four matches.
Junior Tread Rosenthal had a match-high 32 assists and guided Hawaii to a .446 hitting percentage.
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UH hit .500 in the first set, marking the third time in two matches against BYU it hit .500 or better in a set.
Hawaii has won seven of the past eight meetings against the Cougars (13-4), whose only two losses prior to playing UH were in five sets.
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Hawaii has lost six sets all season, with five of those sets going to deuce.
UH returns to the home court next week for matches Wednesday and Friday against No. 7 Pepperdine.
