Hawaii tours discovery guide

Hawaii has a warm, tropical climate year-round, so you can expect pleasant temperatures whenever you go. If you’re an amateur surfer or whale watcher, plan for winter: Big waves and migrating humpbacks arrive between December and March. The spring and fall shoulder seasons also enjoy great weather with fewer crowds.

Our Hawaii tours are moderate, steady-paced tours. You can expect casual walks and plenty of time to explore throughout the course of the tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• Most days full of included activities in a row (more if you add excursions)
• Most transportation by motor coach, some by commercial flight
• About two hours of bus time daily

Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements

• Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day on city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
• Stone pathways can become slick when wet.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
• Please note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on tour.

Climate Considerations

• During warmer months (April–June), temperatures often range from 85 F to 90 F. The weather is generally sunny and warm, perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures.
• During cooler months (October–March), expect lower temperatures from 65 F to 80 F. This period is ideal for hiking and exploring the islands without the intense heat.
• During the rainy season (June–September), expect high levels of humidity, short and intense bursts of rainfall, and temperatures ranging from 75 F to 85 F.
• Please be aware that you may be traveling to altitudes as high as 9,700 feet above sea level on some activities. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.

EF Go Ahead’s Hawaii tours visit the Big Island, Maui, Kauai, and Oahu.

Here are a few items we recommend packing to help make your Hawaii tour that much more enjoyable:

• Light, breathable clothing for warm weather: Think shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, and sundresses.
• Sturdy walking shoes for hikes and outdoor adventures, as well as flip-flops or sandals for the beach.
• Sun protection like a sun hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen.
• A light rain jacket (brief showers are common). If you’re heading to higher elevations like Haleakala, throw in a warmer layer—it can get chilly up there.

Before you travel to Hawaii, know that while it’s part of the United States, it has a unique cultural identity and deep Indigenous roots worth respecting and exploring. Be mindful of local customs and natural spaces—many sites are sacred, so tread carefully and travel with respect.

Exploring Hawaii on a guided tour has so many benefits, but perhaps the biggest perk is that our travel experts do all the planning for you. Our guided tours of Hawaii include comfortable transportation, accommodations, local guides, and many meals, so all you have to do is enjoy your Hawaii vacation!