Best Time to See Dragonflies in Hawaii

June, May and October is the best time to see dragonflies in Hawaii. Based on 2,723 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dragonflies are most active across the year in Hawaii.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Blackburn's Hawaiian Damselfly photographed in HawaiiKauai Bog Damselfly photographed in HawaiiBeautiful Hawaiian Damselfly photographed in Hawaii
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.
Best months: June, May, October

2,723 verified observations of dragonflies in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When dragonflies are recorded in Hawaii

Peak month

June

312 records (11.5% of the year)

Quietest month

November

161 records

MonthObservationsShare
January2147.9%
February1636%
March2017.4%
April2258.3%
Maypeak28110.3%
Junepeak31211.5%
July2428.9%
August2378.7%
September2368.7%
Octoberpeak2549.3%
November1615.9%
December1977.2%

Dragonflies you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Rambur's Forktail380
Roseate Skimmer246
Scarlet Skimmer234
Wandering Glider222
Common Green Darner213
Giant Hawaiian Darner122
Slender Kauai Damselfly114
Hawaiian Upland Damselfly86

Sightings of dragonflies in Hawaii peak in June, when 312 of the year's 2,723 verified observations are logged — about 11.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, May and October.

The quietest stretch is November, February and December, when dragonflies are hardest to find — November sees just 161 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.

The dragonflies you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Rambur's Forktail, Roseate Skimmer and Scarlet Skimmer — 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 dragonflies in Hawaii

  • Ala Kahakai National Historic TrailNational Historic Trail
  • Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkNational Park
  • Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical ParkNational Historical Park
  • Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical ParkNational Historical Park
  • Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic SiteNational Historic Site
  • Haleakalā National ParkNational Park
Plan your tripAla Kahakai National Historic Trail

Plan your dragonfly trip in Hawaii

Start with live tours near Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to see dragonflies in Hawaii?+

June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, May and October, based on 2,723 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are dragonflies hardest to see in Hawaii?+

November is the quietest month for dragonflies in Hawaii, with only 161 verified records.

Are dragonflies active year-round in Hawaii?+

Dragonflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.