Visitors to Hawaii in August will enjoy summertime weather and the beautiful trade wind breezes we get year-round here in Hawaii. Surf is up on the south shores and summer is still in full swing. Due to year-round school schedules, many of the local kids will have gone back to school, meaning you may find slightly less crowded beaches and attractions than in June or July. However, it is still the peak season, so airfares and accommodation prices will probably be a tad higher than the rest of the year, but you’ll also enjoy more sunshine and less rain than when visiting in winter.
Average high temperatures in Hawaii in August hover in the upper 80′s, with lows in the mid 70′s. You can expect cooling tradewind breezes most of the time, and less rain than during the winter. If you’ll be heading to upper elevations, keep in mind that the change in elevation will influence the temperatures and you may want to pack a light sweater for the evenings. Windward sides (North/East) of the islands will usually experience a few more passing tradewind showers than the leeward sides (South/West).
8/20 – Rain Forest Runs – Runners in the half marathon, 10k, and 5k races from the Volcano Village, right near Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. The 4,000 ft elevation means that conditions will be cool and the views spectacular. Details here. (Big Island)
8/19 to 8/21 – Made in Hawaii Festival – This popular event takes place annually at the Neal S. Blaidsell Exhibition Hall in downtown Honolulu. It’s a great opportunity to find products made only in Hawaii, including food booths and demonstrations, entertainment, and more. Details here. (Oahu)
8/21 – Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival - This multi-island festival comes to Oahu in August, held at Kapiolani park from noon to 6pm on August 21. Enjoy food, artists, and of course beautiful slack key guitar music. Festivals are also held at various times of year on Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Details here. (Oahu)
8/21 – Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s Farmers Market Brunch – Featuring local ingredients grown from 220 miles from the Royal Hawaiian Hotel or less, this brunch shows off Hawaii’s farm to table movement. A bit pricey, at $48 per adult, $32 per child. Review from last month’s event here. (Oahu)
8/21 to 8/28 – Duke Kahanamoku Ocean Fest 2011 – This week-long festival held on Waikiki Beach features all types of ocean sports, including surfing, stand up paddle boarding, beach volleyball, and even surfboard water polo! Proceeds benefit the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundations programs to benefit scholar athletes in Hawaii. Details here. (Oahu)
8/25 to 8/28 – Kauai County Farm Fair – The popular Kauai Farm Fair is held at Vidinha Stadium in Lihue each year, featuring produce and livestock displays, entertainment, crafter exhibits, food, and more. The first 200 children each day get in free! Details here. (Kauai)
8/27 & 8/28 – Greek Festival 2011 – One of Oahu’s most popular summer festivals, this lively celebration takes place annually at the McCoy Pavilion of Ala Moana Beach Park. Go during the day for family friendly entertainment, games, crafts and of course food. During the evenings, come prepared to dance! Details here. (Oahu)
