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

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

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.

Lahaina

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Hawaii County could change how it defines “affordable rental,” which could raise the cost of rent for some low-income residents.

Kailua-Kona Councilman Holeka Inaba introduced at Thursday’s meeting of the council’s Finance Committee a measure that would amend the County Code’s definition of “affordable rental rate” in an effort to get more housing units qualified as affordable housing islandwide.

The county currently defines affordable rentals as having monthly rents that don’t exceed 75% of payment standards set by the Office of Housing and Community Development.

But the the amended definition would change that threshold to a wholly different standard, namely “a monthly rent (not exceeding) the most recent affordable rental guidelines for 100% of the area median income of the county,” which would be determined using data from the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation.

County Housing Specialist Kehaulani Costa told the committee the affordable rental definition is used to determine standards for county housing assistance programs. The 2024 affordable rental housing rates for most of the county ranged from $1,202 for a studio apartment to $3,061 for a six-bedroom home.

“The level that we set the payment standard at directly affects the payment to the landlords … and the rental amounts that our tenants pay,” Costa said.

By amending the definition, Costa said landlords whose properties might not currently qualify as affordable units could become eligible for housing assistance programs.

“No one else, for the most part, is using the payment standard,” Inaba said. “That’s not a number or a system we normally work with. (But) we see our (area median income) charts that are published on an annual basis. … We always talk in AMI, and when we’re able to provide that resource very clearly in a chart that’s always outlined, I think that’s to the benefit not only of the council but more importantly to those who are trying to get into the program.”

But there were some concerns Thursday about unintended consequences caused by the bill.

Wesley Takai, a former administrator for the county’s Real Property Tax Division, testified against the measure, saying that the current definition of affordable rental rates was arrived at deliberately, and that changing it could end up raising rents in some places around the island.

Takai posited that an East Hawaii landlord offering a three-bedroom house could charge no more than $2,134 a month to qualify for the affordable rental housing program under the current definition. But if the definition is changed, the landlord could charge up to $2,845 per month.

“Isn’t there a rule of thumb that mentions not more than 30% of a family’s income should be spent on rent?” Takai wrote in a letter to the council, adding that $2,134 a month is likely already out of reach for many on the island, who would need to make more than $7,000 a month to keep up with the “30% of monthly income” heuristic.

“If the goal of this bill is to increase the inventory of affordable rental units available in the county, how will converting the rates of the rental schedule to 100% do this, as the present rates at 75% seem to already be too high for many of today’s renters?” Takai wrote.

Inaba said Thursday that he does not want to do harm to tenants currently within the affordable rental housing program.

While current Real Property Tax Administrator Lisa Miura said there are still questions about how the proposed change would impact current beneficiaries of the program, she suggested the majority of tenants shouldn’t see their rent increase.

Nonetheless, Inaba elected to postpone any action on the bill Thursday pending further research. He said he may reintroduce the measure in a new form once its impacts become clearer.

Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com.

The UNLV Rebels, led by quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams, face the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, led by quarterback Brayden Schager on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 (11/9/24) at Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu.

How to watch: Fans can watch the game for free via a trial of DirecTV Stream or fuboTV. You can also watch via a subscription to Sling TV, which is offering half off your first month.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: NCAA Football, Week 11

Who: UNLV vs. Hawaii

When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024

Where: Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex

Time: 9 p.m. ET

TV: CBS Sports Network

Live stream: fuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial)

***

Here are the best streaming options for college football this season:

Fubo TV (free trial): fuboTV carries ESPN, FOX, ABC, NBC and CBS.

DirecTV Stream (free trial): DirecTV Stream carries ESPN, FOX, NBC and CBS.

Sling TV ($25 off the first month)– Sling TV carries ESPN, FOX, ABC and NBC.

ESPN+($9.99 a month): ESPN+ carries college football games each weekend for only $9.99 a month. These games are exclusive to the platform.

Peacock TV ($5.99 a month): Peacock will simulstream all of NBC Sports’ college football games airing on the NBC broadcast network this season, including Big Ten Saturday Night. Peacock will also stream Notre Dame home games. Certain games will be streamed exclusively on Peacock this year as well.

Paramount+ (free trial): Paramount Plus will live stream college football games airing on CBS this year.

***

Here’s a college football story via the Associated Press:

Scores of schools have changed conference affiliation over the past century, but the pace has quickened as schools search for more stability and more revenue in the college athletics arms race.

In July and August, a dozen more schools officially changed affiliation, changing the lineups of all four major conferences and leaving the Pac-12 with just two teams — but not for long. The moves continued into the fall as the Pac-12 raided the Mountain West.

A look at football membership in the Power Four and the Group of Five, largely dating to the launch of the Big 12 in 1996:

ACC

1996 (9): Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Wake Forest, Virginia.

2023 (14): Boston College, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest.

2024 (17): Boston College, California, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Pittsburgh, SMU, Stanford, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest.

BIG TEN

1996 (11): Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin.

2023 (14): Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, Wisconsin.

2024 (18): Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, Southern California, UCLA, Washington, Wisconsin.

BIG 12

1996 (12): Baylor, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech.

2023 (14): BYU, Baylor, Cincinnati, Central Florida, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas, Texas Tech, West Virginia.

2024 (16): Arizona, Arizona State, BYU, Baylor, Cincinnati, Central Florida, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, Utah, West Virginia.

PAC-12

1996 (10): Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon, Oregon State, Southern California, Stanford, UCLA, Washington, Washington State.

2023 (12): Arizona, Arizona State, California, Colorado, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, Southern California, UCLA, Utah, Washington, Washington State.

2024 (2): Oregon State, Washington State.

2026 (8): Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga (non-football), Oregon State, San Diego State, Utah State, Washington State.

SEC

1996 (12): Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt.

2023 (14): Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt.

2024 (16): Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt.

AMERICAN ATHLETIC

2013 (10, first season): Central Florida, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Houston, Louisville, Memphis, Rutgers, SMU, South Florida, Temple.

2023 (14): Charlotte, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, Navy, North Texas, Rice, SMU, South Florida, Temple, Tulane, Tulsa, UAB, UTSA.

2024 (14): Army, Charlotte, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, Navy, North Texas, Rice, South Florida, Temple, Tulane, Tulsa, UAB, UTSA.

CONFERENCE USA

1996 (6): Cincinnati, Houston, Louisville, Memphis, Southern Mississippi, Tulane.

2023 (9): Florida International, Jacksonville State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee State, New Mexico State, Sam Houston State, UTEP, Western Kentucky.

2024 (10): Florida International, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee State, New Mexico State, Sam Houston State, UTEP, Western Kentucky.

2025 (11): Delaware, Florida International, Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State, Liberty, Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee State, New Mexico State, Sam Houston State, UTEP, Western Kentucky.

MID-AMERICAN

1996 (10): Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Ohio, Toledo, Western Michigan.

2023 (12): Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Ohio, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Western Michigan.

2025 (13): Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Massachusetts, Miami (Ohio), Ohio, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Western Michigan.

BIG WEST/WAC/MOUNTAIN WEST

1996 (Big West, 6): Boise State, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico State, North Texas, Utah State.

1996 (WAC, 16): Air Force, BYU, Colorado State, Fresno State, Hawaii, New Mexico, Rice, San Diego State, San Jose State, SMU, TCU, Tulsa, UNLV, Utah, UTEP, Wyoming.

2024 (MWC, 12): Air Force, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV, Utah State, Wyoming.

2026 (MWC, 9): Air Force, Grand Canyon (basketball), Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, San Jose State, UNLV, UTEP, Wyoming.

SUN BELT

2001 (7, first season): Arkansas State, Idaho, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Middle Tennessee State, New Mexico State, North Texas.

2024 (14): Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, James Madison, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Marshall, Old Dominion, South Alabama, Southern Mississippi, Texas State, Troy.

INDEPENDENTS

1996 (11): Arkansas State, Army, Central Florida, East Carolina, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Navy, Northern Illinois, Notre Dame, UAB.

2023 (4): Army, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Notre Dame.

2024 (3): Connecticut, Massachusetts, Notre Dame.

2025 (2): Connecticut, Notre Dame.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)

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