In May, the lava fields along the Kohala coast bake under a clear sky, and by mid-morning the black rock shimmers against a very blue sea. Early walkers pass the ancient fishponds before the heat builds, and by late afternoon the lawns of the resorts fill with families heading to the water for a last swim. May is a dry, bright and unhurried month here, for beach days, snorkeling and slow evenings outdoors.
What is the weather like in Waikoloa in May?
May is warm, sunny and very dry in Waikoloa, with hot afternoons, soft evenings and almost no rain.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Rain days | Sea (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 85.0 | 70.8 | 0.8 | 78.0 |
| May | 85.5 | 72.2 | 1.4 | 79.7 |
| June | 87.0 | 73.6 | 1.3 | 80.5 |
Waikoloa sits on the leeward Kohala coast, in the rain shadow of the big volcanoes, and that is why the sky stays so reliably open. The few showers that do pass are short and light, and they tend to fall in the hills or at night rather than over the beach.
The same month in Hilo, on the windward side, is a very different story, with rain on most days. If you are staying on the dry coast, a gray day is the exception.
Mornings are the most comfortable hours for walking, golf and anything on the lava. By noon the sun is strong and the black rock throws heat back at you, so the middle of the day belongs to the pool, the shade of a palm or the water. Come evening, the air remains gentle enough to eat outdoors in a light shirt, and the trade winds stop it from turning muggy.
Days are long, with about thirteen hours of daylight in the middle of the month, so there is room for an early swim and a late sunset. Pack for sun first and rain a distant second: a hat, sunglasses and a light layer for breezy evenings on the water. The sea is warm and the light is clean and high, which makes for vivid photographs in the early and late hours.
Can you swim in Waikoloa in May?
Yes, the sea is warm enough for a long, comfortable swim, and most people stay in the water well past the first dip. According to the marine data, the sea off Waikoloa is close to 80°F this month, which feels refreshing in the afternoon heat rather than cold.
May usually sits between the big winter surf and the summer season, and the leeward beaches here are often gentle, with clear water for snorkeling. Anaehoomalu Bay, which locals call A-Bay, is a long curve of sand with shade trees and a protected feel, and it is a favorite for beginners, paddleboarders and families.
Hapuna Beach, a wide stretch of pale sand just up the coast, is a classic for body boarding and long walks, though its shore break can pick up on some days. Fish are plentiful along the rocky edges, and green sea turtles often rest near the shoreline, so keep a respectful distance and never touch them.
Nervous swimmers and parents of small children should start in the calmest corner of a bay and stay near a lifeguard. Because the water may be different tomorrow than it is today, check the beach signs, obey the flags and talk with the lifeguard before you enter. Bring a mask and snorkel, a rash guard for the strong sun and plenty of water.
What to do in Waikoloa in May
May has its own small traditions across the islands. Lei Day on May 1 turns the month into a celebration of flower garlands, with hula performances, lei contests and fresh blossoms threaded into every shape and color. Resorts and cultural centers on the Kohala coast often mark it with lei-making demonstrations and music, and it is a lovely moment to learn the meaning of the gift.
Beyond the holiday, the month suits outdoor life from dawn until dusk. The dry weather is ideal for the coast’s open spaces, the sea is warm and the evenings are made for long dinners on a terrace. It is an easy month to build a day around the water in the morning, a rest in the shade at midday and a walk in the evening.
Anaehoomalu Bay and the fishponds
A-Bay is the heart of the coast for a day outdoors. A short walk along the sand brings you to ancient fishponds, where the water is still and herons sometimes stand in the shallows. The shaded lawn behind the beach is a pleasant place for a picnic, and the bay is a favorite for snorkeling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Morning is the best moment, when the light is soft, the wind is light and the water is usually at its clearest. Bring water shoes for the rocky edges and a hat for the open stretches. It suits families, beginners and anyone who likes a beach with a bit of history behind it.
Petroglyph fields and lava walks
Near the resorts, old trails cross black lava fields where Hawaiians carved figures into the stone long ago. Walking among them is quiet and a little humbling, with the ocean glinting beyond the rock. Stay on the marked path, do not step on the carvings and treat the place as the sacred ground it is.
Go early or in the last hour of daylight, because the black lava holds heat and gives no shade. Wear sturdy shoes, carry water and take your time. The walk suits curious travelers and photographers, and it pairs well with a swim afterward.
Hapuna Beach and the coast road
Hapuna is one of the great beaches of the Big Island, a broad arc of pale sand with a gentle slope into the water. In May it is a good place for walking the shore, reading under an umbrella and watching the bodyboarders when the waves are lively. Snack stands and shade make it an easy full day.
Come in the morning for a quieter stretch of sand, and watch the signs about surf and currents before going in. Afterward, the drive along the coast road gives you views of the dry hills, the lava and the ocean in turn. It suits families, couples and anyone who wants a classic beach day.
Evenings are for sunsets, which are long and golden over the water. Many travelers end the day with fresh fish, poke or a plate of local fruit at a resort restaurant or a casual spot near the shops. A shave ice on a hot afternoon is a small tradition worth keeping.
A two-day itinerary for Waikoloa in May
Day 1 begins early, with a walk along the shore at A-Bay before the sun climbs. The air is cool, the fishponds are still and you may see turtles near the water. Swim and snorkel until late morning, then retreat to shade for lunch at a casual beachside spot.
In the afternoon, rest by the pool during the hottest hours, then head out as the light softens to wander the lava trail and its carvings. Dinner on an open-air terrace fits the warm evening, and the sky usually stays clear for stars afterward. If a rare shower passes, a cultural talk, a spa treatment or a browse through the resort shops fills the gap.
Day 2 belongs to Hapuna Beach. Arrive in the morning for walking and body boarding if the surf is up, and pick a shady spot for a long lunch. The ocean is warm, and the afternoon is a good time to read or nap under an umbrella.
Late in the day, drive the coast road and stop at a lookout for the sunset, which shapes the evening. Finish with fresh fish at a restaurant by the water, or a simple plate of poke and fruit if you prefer something relaxed. On a gray day, a museum, a local market or a slow coffee fills the hours.
Is Waikoloa busy in May?
Waikoloa is moderately busy in May, calmer than the holiday weeks and spring break, though still lively on weekends.
The early part of the month can see some leftover spring travelers, and Lei Day brings a festive mood. Later weeks tend to be quieter, before summer family vacations begin to fill the resorts. Beaches such as A-Bay and Hapuna are busiest around midday and calmer in the early morning or late afternoon.
Rooms and rental cars are generally easier to find than in the holiday weeks, and restaurant tables are usually available, though popular dinner spots still fill on weekends. As a habit, book early for any trip that overlaps a holiday weekend, and a little later for the quiet middle of the month. Rental cars on the island go quickly, so reserve ahead whatever the week.
If you plan to visit a state park or a site that requires a reservation, secure it as soon as your dates are set. Check the official park pages for the current rules before you go.
What to pack for Waikoloa in May
Pack light for sun and sea, with one layer for breezy evenings on the coast.
- A wide-brim hat and sunglasses, because the sun is strong on open sand and lava.
- Mineral sunscreen and a rash guard for long hours in the water.
- Water shoes for rocky edges and entry points.
- Sturdy sandals or light shoes for the lava trails.
- A light jacket or wrap for breezy evenings.
- A refillable water bottle for hot, dry days.
Good to know before you go
May falls just before the Central Pacific hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, so the month is outside the official season. A car is the easiest way to reach beaches and trails along the coast, and it pays to book it early. Lodging taxes add to the bill, so plan for them when you budget.
| Fee | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| State Transient Accommodations Tax | 11.00% | Guests of hotels and short-term rentals |
| County of Hawaii Transient Accommodations Tax | 3% | Guests of hotels and short-term rentals on the Big Island |
| General Excise Tax pass-on (county) | 4.7120% maximum | Customers of businesses that pass it on |
Waikoloa in May vs April and June
Moving the trip to April means a slightly cooler sea and a little less sun, with the tail end of spring break still filling some rooms. The air is similar and the rain is just as scarce, so April works well for anyone who prefers fewer hot afternoons.
June is a touch hotter, and the sea is a little warmer, which suits long swims. School is out and families arrive, so the beaches and resorts get busier, and the hurricane season begins on June 1. Lei Day is gone by then, but summer brings its own festivals, including Kamehameha Day on June 11.
Choose May if you want a balance of warm sea, bright weather and a quieter pace. Pick April for slightly cooler days and June for the warmest water and a livelier summer mood.
Is May a good time to visit Waikoloa?
Absolutely, May suits beach lovers, snorkelers, families, and anyone craving sunshine minus the holiday week crowds. The weather is dry, the sea is warm and the days are long enough for both a morning swim and a sunset dinner.
It is less ideal for travelers who want green waterfalls and lush rainforest, since the leeward coast is dry and the best of that scenery lies on the windward side. Surfers chasing big waves will find the best swells in winter on other shores.
On arrival, start with a morning at A-Bay to get used to the sun and the water, and ask the lifeguard how the sea looks that day. May in Waikoloa is lava, lei and warm turquoise water, all under a sky that rarely clouds over.
Sources
- NOAA NCEI, monthly normals 1991-2020, station USC00518422, checked September 8, 2026
- Open-Meteo Marine API, average 2015-2024, checked September 8, 2026
- sunrise-sunset.org, sunrise and sunset calculated for the 15th of the month, checked September 8, 2026
- Hawaii Department of Taxation, Tax Announcement No. 2025-03 (Transient Accommodations Tax Law Changes from 2025 Legislative Session), files.hawaii.gov/tax/news/announce/ann25-03.pdf, checked September 24, 2026
- County of Hawaii, Department of Finance, Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) page, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/finance/transient-accommodations-tax-tat (live returned HTTP 403 on request, read via Internet Archive Wayback Machine snapshot dated August 14, 2026, same official content), checked September 25, 2026
- Hawaii Department of Taxation, County Surcharge on General Excise and Use Tax page, tax.hawaii.gov/geninfo/countysurcharge/, checked September 25, 2026
- NOAA NCEI, monthly normals 1991-2020, station USW00021510
- NOAA NCEI, monthly normals 1991-2020, station USW00021504
- NWS Honolulu / Central Pacific Hurricane Center, « 2026 Central Pacific Hurricane Season Outlook », weather.gov/hfo/hurricaneOutlook2026, checked September 24, 2026