If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii around Memorial Day, you’ll probably enjoy warm, pleasant weather. By late May, the islands sit at the edge of the dry season, so you can usually expect lots of sunshine with just a few quick showers.
Average daytime temperatures hover in the low to mid-80s Fahrenheit, and nights stay comfortable in the low to mid-70s.
Steady trade winds blow in and keep the air from feeling too hot, especially along the coasts. Rain might show up, but it usually comes in quick bursts and clears out fast, leaving behind bright skies.
This mix of warmth, breezes, and light rain makes Memorial Day one of the more comfortable times to explore Hawaii.
Knowing what to expect with temperature, cloud cover, and regional differences helps you plan your activities with less guesswork. Whether you want to hit the beach, hike a trail, or just relax in the garden, it helps to understand the weather patterns around Memorial Day.
Typical Weather Conditions on Memorial Day in Hawaii
You can expect warm temperatures, moderate humidity, and steady trade winds across the Hawaiian Islands in late May. Rainfall is usually light, but some areas, especially windward slopes, see more showers than leeward coasts.
Average Temperatures Across the Hawaiian Islands
Around Memorial Day, temperatures in Hawaii stay pretty comfortable and don’t swing much. On most islands, daytime highs reach 27–29 °C (81–84 °F), and nighttime lows dip to about 20–22 °C (68–72 °F).
Honolulu and Maui tend to be warmer, while Hilo and the Big Island’s higher spots stay cooler. If you’re heading to the coast, you’ll find ocean temperatures near 25–26 °C (77–79 °F), which feels great for swimming and snorkeling.
Hawaii’s tropical climate is moderated by the Pacific Ocean, so you won’t see big temperature changes between day and night. Still, bring a light layer for the evenings, especially if you’re staying in upland areas like Volcano or Waimea.
Rainfall Patterns and Precipitation Chances
Late May lands in Hawaii’s drier season. On average, Honolulu gets about 20 mm (less than 1 inch) of rain for the month, with only 3–4 wet days.
Maui and Kauai’s leeward coasts see similar dry conditions. Windward sides, like Hilo on the Big Island, can still get heavier showers. Hilo averages around 150 mm (6 inches) in May, but showers tend to be brief and scattered.
Rain usually comes as short-lived showers, often overnight or early in the morning. If you’re staying near the mountains or in lush valleys, you’re more likely to see rain, while beaches and resorts on the leeward side remain mostly dry.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity in Hawaii during late May feels noticeable but not overwhelming. Dew points often sit in the 18–21 °C (64–70 °F) range, which is humid but manageable.
The northeast trade winds make a big difference. These winds blow steadily across the islands, averaging 15–25 km/h (9–15 mph), and get stronger along the coasts and ridges.
The trade winds help keep skies clear and temperatures steady. Without them, the air can feel muggy, but late May usually brings reliable breezes that balance the tropical climate and make outdoor activities more comfortable.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover During Late May
Late May in Hawaii usually means lots of bright days with limited rainfall. You’ll get a mix of sunny skies and light clouds, plus long daylight hours for enjoying the outdoors.
Sunny and Partly Cloudy Days
By late May, Hawaii sees some of its clearest skies of the year. On average, cloud cover stays between 25% and 35%, so most daylight hours are sunny or partly cloudy.
Honolulu often logs about 270 hours of sunshine in May, and Maui and Kauai see similar patterns. Showers might pass through, but they’re usually brief and local, especially on windward coasts.
Leeward areas like Waikiki or Kona are typically drier and sunnier, while windward regions like Hilo or Kailua get more passing clouds. Even when showers pop up, skies usually clear fast, so you end up with plenty of sunshine.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, mornings are often the clearest. Trade winds can bring in some afternoon clouds, but they rarely block out the sun for long.
Daylight Hours and Sunset Times
Hawaii’s spot near the tropics means daylight hours don’t shift much through the year. In late May, you’ll get about 13 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:45 a.m. and sunset close to 7:05 p.m.
This long window gives you lots of time for the beach, hiking, or just hanging out without rushing. Evenings stay light enough for dinner outside or a walk by the water before sunset.
Sunset times vary a little by island, but only by a few minutes. The later sunsets and clear skies often make for some pretty spectacular colors over the Pacific.
Regional Weather Variations in Hawaii
Hawaii’s weather can change fast depending on where you are. The mountains, trade winds, and ocean exposure create big differences in rainfall, temperature, and sunshine, even over short distances.
Differences Between Windward and Leeward Sides
Each Hawaiian island has a windward side facing the northeast trade winds and a leeward side that’s shielded from them. The windward side gets wetter, cooler, and greener because of frequent rain. The leeward side is drier, sunnier, and often hotter.
On Oahu, for example, the windward coast near Kailua and Kaneohe gets regular showers that keep things lush. The leeward coast near Waianae and Kapolei stays much drier, with far fewer rainy days.
You’ll see this pattern on other islands too:
- Maui: Windward Hana is wet and tropical, while Lahaina on the leeward side is dry and sunny.
- Big Island: Hilo on the windward side is the wettest city in the U.S., while Kona on the leeward coast is much drier.
When you plan outdoor activities, keep this contrast in mind. Hiking, sightseeing, or beach days will feel different depending on which side of the island you visit.
Microclimates of Major Islands
Hawaii’s volcanic landscape creates microclimates that can change a lot even within a few miles. Elevation matters too. Temperatures drop as you go higher, and some peaks even get snow in winter.
On the Big Island, you can drive from sunny beaches in Kona to cool rainforests near Volcano Village in less than two hours. At the summit of Mauna Kea, it can be near freezing, while the coast stays in the 80s.
Maui has strong variation as well. Haleakalā’s summit is cool and windy, while the central valley around Kahului is much warmer. Hana’s rainforest climate is a big contrast to Lahaina’s dry coast.
Even smaller islands like Kauai show dramatic shifts. Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest spots on Earth, sits only about 20 miles from Poipu’s dry beaches.
These microclimates mean you should be ready for different conditions, especially if you’re exploring more than one part of an island in a single day.
Travel Considerations for Memorial Day
Daytime temperatures in Hawaii around Memorial Day usually sit in the low to mid-80s °F, and evenings drop into the upper 60s to low 70s. Rain is less frequent than in winter, but short showers can still happen, especially on windward coasts.
These conditions shape the kinds of activities you’ll enjoy and what you should pack.
Best Activities for the Weather
Warm days and mild evenings let you spend most of your time outside. Beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding since the ocean temperature stays in the mid to upper 70s °F.
Early mornings are best for hiking trails like Diamond Head or Waimea Valley, since the midday sun can feel intense.
If you want to avoid crowds, try less busy beaches or head inland to explore gardens and waterfalls. Memorial Day weekend brings more visitors, so expect popular spots to fill up fast. Booking tours or activities ahead of time helps you lock in your plans.
Evenings are nice for outdoor dining or catching a cultural event. A light jacket might be handy if you’re out late, but most nights are mild enough for short sleeves.
Packing Tips for Hawaii’s Climate
Pack lightweight, breathable clothes—think shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. You’ll need a swimsuit, maybe more than one if you plan to swim every day. Toss in a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially if you’ll be near the water after dark.
Sun protection is a must. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with good grip work for both city streets and hiking trails.
Showers can be brief, but a compact umbrella or light rain jacket is practical. A reusable water bottle helps you stay hydrated in the warm weather. Keeping your clothing and gear simple and versatile makes it easier to handle changing conditions.
Impact of Memorial Day Weather on Home and Garden
Warm, humid air and passing showers are common during late May in Hawaii. These patterns affect how you care for your garden and keep your home ready for the tropical climate.
Seasonal Gardening and Outdoor Projects
Your garden grows fast in late May thanks to longer days, warm temperatures, and steady moisture. It’s a good time to plant heat-tolerant vegetables like sweet potatoes, peppers, and eggplant.
Tropical flowers such as hibiscus and plumeria also do well with the extra sun. Because showers happen often, check soil drainage. Poor drainage can cause root rot, especially in raised beds or pots.
Adding mulch helps conserve moisture and keeps weeds down. Outdoor chores like fixing fences, cleaning lanais, or putting up shade cloths work best in the mornings before afternoon showers.
If you’re installing irrigation, drip systems cut down water waste and help avoid fungal growth on leaves. Here’s a simple checklist:
- Plant warm-season crops
- Apply mulch for soil protection
- Inspect drainage after rain
- Schedule outdoor work early in the day
Home Maintenance Tips for Tropical Weather
Moisture and humidity affect your home too. Check your roof for loose shingles or tiles, since brief but heavy showers are common. Clear gutters to keep water from pooling near the foundation.
Inside, control humidity with ceiling fans or dehumidifiers to reduce the risk of mold. Pay attention to windows and doors, sealing any gaps where damp air sneaks in.
Outdoor areas need care as well. Treat wooden decks or railings with weather-resistant sealant to prevent swelling or rot. Cover or store patio furniture when showers roll through.
Key steps include:
- Inspect roof and gutters
- Seal gaps and cracks
- Control indoor humidity
- Protect wooden surfaces outdoors
Influence of Trade Winds and Ocean Breezes
Hawaii’s weather in late May really depends on steady winds from the northeast and how the ocean moderates temperature. These factors shape how warm it feels during the day and how comfortable evenings are when humidity rises.
How Trade Winds Affect Comfort Levels
Trade winds sweep across Hawaii from the east and northeast about 70% of the time. Around Memorial Day, you’ll usually notice these winds holding steady, blowing at speeds between 5 and 20 mph.
You’ll probably feel them strongest along windward coasts and in the valleys. These breezes do more than just move the air around.
They help keep things from getting too hot by whisking away surface heat and cutting down on moisture buildup. If the trades die down, it doesn’t take long for everything to get muggy, especially in leeward spots where the mountains block the airflow.
On bigger islands like Maui and the Big Island, those tall peaks really split things up. Windward slopes stay cooler and catch more showers, while leeward sides can get pretty warm when the wind slacks off.
So, the trade winds play a big role in how comfortable the air feels and even in the air quality from day to day.
Cooling Effects on Memorial Day
By late May, Hawaii’s daytime highs usually land somewhere in the upper 70s to mid-80s °F. The ocean keeps temperatures from swinging too much between day and night, which is honestly one of the best perks of island life.
When the trade winds blow steadily, you get this mix of mild air and sea influence that really helps prevent the sticky heat you might expect in a tropical place. It’s not as sweltering as you’d think.
At night, those winds often push shallow clouds and light showers onto the windward slopes. These quick showers cool things down before sunrise.
On leeward beaches, the same winds keep air moving. That makes outdoor gatherings or ceremonies a lot more comfortable.
If the trades die down, local sea breezes tend to take over. That shift can raise the humidity and make the afternoons warmer, especially inland.
For Memorial Day events, you’ll probably notice the difference. Whether you get steady trades or not often decides if the day feels fresh or just kind of sticky.