Best Time to See Hammerhead Sharks in Hawaii
March, April and May is the best time to see hammerhead sharks in Hawaii. Based on 61 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hammerhead 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.
Scalloped Hammerhead · Jared Shorma CC BY
Scalloped Hammerhead · reagan peschke CC BY
Scalloped Hammerhead · Ryan Donnelly CC BY
61 verified observations of hammerhead sharks in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hammerhead sharks are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
March
9 records (14.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3 | 4.9% |
| February | 1 | 1.6% |
| Marchpeak | 9 | 14.8% |
| Aprilpeak | 7 | 11.5% |
| Maypeak | 7 | 11.5% |
| June | 7 | 11.5% |
| July | 7 | 11.5% |
| August | 4 | 6.6% |
| September | 4 | 6.6% |
| October | 3 | 4.9% |
| November | 4 | 6.6% |
| December | 5 | 8.2% |
Hammerhead Sharks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Scalloped Hammerhead | 59 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Hawaii
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when hammerhead sharks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for hammerhead sharks 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 hammerhead sharks in Hawaii:
Sightings of hammerhead sharks in Hawaii peak in March, when 9 of the year's 61 verified observations are logged — about 14.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, April and May.
The quietest stretch is February, when hammerhead sharks are hardest to find — February sees just 1 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The hammerhead sharks you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Scalloped Hammerhead — 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 hammerhead 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
Go see them · Hawaii
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see hammerhead sharks in Hawaii?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, April and May, based on 61 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hammerhead sharks hardest to see in Hawaii?+
February is the quietest month for hammerhead sharks in Hawaii, with only 1 verified records.
Are hammerhead sharks active year-round in Hawaii?+
Hammerhead sharks 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 hammerhead sharks
More wildlife in Hawaii