Best Time to See Great White Sharks in Hawaii
November is the best time to see great white sharks in Hawaii. Based on 1 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when great white sharks 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 10, 2026.
1 verified observations of great white sharks in Hawaii, recorded across 1 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When great white sharks are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
November
1 records (100% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| May | 0 | 0% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| July | 0 | 0% |
| August | 0 | 0% |
| September | 0 | 0% |
| October | 0 | 0% |
| Novemberpeak | 1 | 100% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Great White Sharks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Great White Shark | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Hawaii
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when great white sharks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for great white sharks sit around 60 to 73 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" |
| Mar | 70°F | 57°F | 11.5" |
| Apr | 71°F | 58°F | 15.1" |
| May | 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" |
| Novbest time | 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 great white sharks in Hawaii:
Sightings of great white sharks in Hawaii peak in November, when 1 of the year's 1 verified observations are logged — about 100% of the annual total.
The quietest stretch is January, February and March, when great white sharks are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The great white sharks you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Great White Shark — 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 great white sharks 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see great white sharks in Hawaii?+
November is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through November, based on 1 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are great white sharks hardest to see in Hawaii?+
January is the quietest month for great white sharks in Hawaii, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are great white sharks active year-round in Hawaii?+
Great white sharks are recorded in 1 of 12 months in Hawaii, concentrated around November.
More places to see great white sharks
More wildlife in Hawaii