Best Time to See Hawks in Hawaii
January, March and October is the best time to see hawks in Hawaii. Based on 573 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hawks 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.
Hawaiian Hawk · Public domain CC0
Hawaiian Hawk · Alison Copeland CC BY
Hawaiian Hawk · Tuoichen CC BY
573 verified observations of hawks in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hawks are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
January
83 records (14.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 83 | 14.5% |
| February | 52 | 9.1% |
| Marchpeak | 72 | 12.6% |
| April | 33 | 5.8% |
| May | 35 | 6.1% |
| June | 28 | 4.9% |
| July | 36 | 6.3% |
| August | 28 | 4.9% |
| September | 45 | 7.9% |
| Octoberpeak | 69 | 12% |
| November | 53 | 9.2% |
| December | 39 | 6.8% |
Hawks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Hawaiian Hawk | 571 |
| Northern Harrier | 2 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Hawaii
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when hawks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for hawks sit around 57 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 69°F | 57°F | 8.6" |
| Feb | 68°F | 56°F | 15.6" |
| Marbest time | 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" |
| Octbest time | 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 hawks in Hawaii:
Sightings of hawks in Hawaii peak in January, when 83 of the year's 573 verified observations are logged — about 14.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January, March and October.
The quietest stretch is June, August and April, when hawks are hardest to find — June sees just 28 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The hawks you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Hawaiian Hawk and Northern Harrier — 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 hawks 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 hawks in Hawaii?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, March and October, based on 573 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hawks hardest to see in Hawaii?+
June is the quietest month for hawks in Hawaii, with only 28 verified records.
Are hawks active year-round in Hawaii?+
Hawks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in January.
More places to see hawks
More wildlife in Hawaii