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 |
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
Plan your great white shark 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.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main great white shark viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best great white shark viewing area in Hawaii.
Viator
Broader backupBook a great white shark tour in Hawaii
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
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.