September is a wonderful time to visit Hawaii, with the perfect mix of summer-like weather and fewer crowds, particularly after Labor Day. September is the start of the “shoulder season” in Hawaii which goes right up until the holidays. This is a great time to look for travel deals to Hawaii and to score extras like lower prices on hotel rooms, specials for longer stays, and last minute spots for your favorite activities.
Average high temperatures in Hawaii in September 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).
9/3 & 9/4 – Okinawan Festival - Thousands come out to this two-day festival at Kapiolani Park over Labor Day weekend for the entertainment and food, which includes the Oki dog, sushi, yakitori, and of course, the freshly fried andagi. There is a even a bon dance held on Saturday evening. Details here. (Oahu)
9/3 – Maui Masters Channel Swim - Watch as amazing athletes take on the open ocean in this race where swimmers in teams of six start at the island of Lanai and arrive on Maui’s Kaanapali coast! Details here. (Lanai/Maui)
9/8 to 9/11 – Fashion’s Night Out – Ala Moana Center will join the fashion capitals of the world in celebrating Fashion’s Night Out with a weekend of in-store events, special savings, gifts-with-purchase, refreshments, live entertainment, and fashion. Details here. (Oahu)
9/9 – Festivals of Aloha at Maui Mall - The Maui Mall warmly welcomes all to take part in their Festivals of Aloha Maui Nui Style event. Home grown activities featuring keiki (children) entertainment, cultural projects, educational demonstrations. Details here. (Maui)
9/11 – 2nd Annual Rice Festival - Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach park will once again play host to this festival celebrating the beloved staple of islanders’ diet – rice! There will be great live music, including Kapena, celebrity cooking demos, even a SPAM musubi eating contest. Details here. (Oahu)
9/17 & 9/24 – Aloha Festivals – The oldest and largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the United States. The festival celebrates Hawaii’s music, dance, and history and is meant to preserve our unique island traditions. The 2011 Theme is “Mele Ailana: Celebrate Island Music” and festivities include a Ho’olaule’a on September 17th and Floral Parade on September 24th. – Details here. (Oahu)
9/18 – 9/24 – Kau Kau Kailua Restaurant Week - The second annual event gives both kama’aina and visitors a reason to enjoy the many dining options in Kailua Village. Selected restaurants will be offering 3 course menus for only $20 to $40. Details here. (Big Island)
9/28 – 10/1 – Hawaii Food & Wine Festival - This three-day festival includes culinary-focused events and evening receptions featuring dishes prepared by an all-star lineups of chefs from Hawaii and around the world, using locally sourced ingredients. Details here. (Oahu)
Here’s a video from last year’s 1st Annual Rice Fest:
