Best Time to See Cardinals in Hawaii
March, May and April is the best time to see cardinals in Hawaii. Based on 2,271 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when cardinals are most active across the year in Hawaii.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Northern Cardinal · Damien Wallace CC BY
Northern Cardinal · Public domain CC0
Northern Cardinal · Public domain CC0
2,271 verified observations of cardinals in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When cardinals are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
March
298 records (13.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 206 | 9.1% |
| February | 218 | 9.6% |
| Marchpeak | 298 | 13.1% |
| Aprilpeak | 248 | 10.9% |
| Maypeak | 256 | 11.3% |
| June | 240 | 10.6% |
| July | 192 | 8.5% |
| August | 123 | 5.4% |
| September | 86 | 3.8% |
| October | 104 | 4.6% |
| November | 130 | 5.7% |
| December | 170 | 7.5% |
Cardinals you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Northern Cardinal | 2,271 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Hawaii
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when cardinals are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for cardinals sit around 57 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 69°F | 57°F | 8.6" |
| Feb | 68°F | 56°F | 15.6" |
| Marbest time | 70°F | 57°F | 11.5" |
| Aprbest time | 71°F | 58°F | 15.1" |
| Maybest time | 72°F | 59°F | 17.2" |
| Jun | 74°F | 61°F | 18.8" |
| Jul | 76°F | 62°F | 18.1" |
| Aug | 76°F | 62°F | 16" |
| Sep | 76°F | 62°F | 19.4" |
| Oct | 75°F | 62°F | 11.3" |
| Nov | 73°F | 60°F | 10" |
| Dec | 71°F | 58°F | 13.7" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Hawaii. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on cardinals in Hawaii:
Sightings of cardinals in Hawaii peak in March, when 298 of the year's 2,271 verified observations are logged — about 13.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, May and April.
The quietest stretch is September, October and August, when cardinals are hardest to find — September sees just 86 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The cardinals you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Northern Cardinal — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see cardinals in Hawaii
- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — National Park
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Haleakalā National Park — National Park
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see cardinals in Hawaii?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, May and April, based on 2,271 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are cardinals hardest to see in Hawaii?+
September is the quietest month for cardinals in Hawaii, with only 86 verified records.
Are cardinals active year-round in Hawaii?+
Cardinals are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.
More places to see cardinals
More wildlife in Hawaii