mid-late sept vs mid-late oct for HNL and KOA?

[elaine]

hi. planning a 2021 trip to HNL and KOA. Ironman is OCt 9 at KOA. Want to avoid for crowds and also likely higher flights prices, etc. Which is better, mid-late sept or mid-late Oct? I wanted late Sept-early Oct--but I think that is out.
We are snorkelers, so higher wave action would be a factor.

 

[SmithOp]

The triathletes usually arrive a week or so early to practice and acclimate to the climate. I was in Waikoloa this past October and it really wasn’t that bad, the day of the race we stayed at the resort and had a pool day. It was fun to watch the start live on TV that morning.

I dont think the weather changes much in those months so wave action is not going to bother your snorkeling. We like Kikaua Point, its a small protected lagoon with an outer lava ring so waves are not an issue, just watch the current when tide is going out.


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[elaine]

hmm. good to know.

 

[tompalm]

September is one of the hottest months of the year because the water is warmer. So if you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach or in the water, September is good. By the end of the month, it is not so hot and I recommend that. One thing to worry about is the public school system has a fall break in September or maybe early October and flights get full and the price goes up. You can figure that out when shopping for tickets.

 

[JulieAB]

We were on big island during ironman and didn't notice except the high car rental prices. The heat was intense though, so I'd go in a later month for sure!

 

[elaine]

now thinking mid-late Oct. right after Ironman. Fall break for HAwaii is 1st week in Oct (thanks for heads up). Is it still warm--so we're comfortable in the water and on the beach? I'm worried about it getting rainy.