Best Time to See Monarch Butterflies in Hawaii
January, February and December is the best time to see monarch butterflies in Hawaii. Based on 1,837 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when monarch butterflies 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.
1,837 verified observations of monarch butterflies in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
January
375 records (20.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 375 | 20.4% |
| Februarypeak | 243 | 13.2% |
| March | 215 | 11.7% |
| April | 160 | 8.7% |
| May | 151 | 8.2% |
| June | 106 | 5.8% |
| July | 60 | 3.3% |
| August | 63 | 3.4% |
| September | 48 | 2.6% |
| October | 61 | 3.3% |
| November | 117 | 6.4% |
| Decemberpeak | 238 | 13% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 1,837 |
Sightings of monarch butterflies in Hawaii peak in January, when 375 of the year's 1,837 verified observations are logged — about 20.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through January, February and December.
The quietest stretch is September, July and October, when monarch butterflies are hardest to find — September sees just 48 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The monarch butterflies you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Monarch — 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 monarch butterflies 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 monarch butterfly 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 monarch butterfly viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best monarch butterfly viewing area in Hawaii.
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Broader backupBook a monarch butterfly 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 monarch butterflies in Hawaii?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, February and December, based on 1,837 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are monarch butterflies hardest to see in Hawaii?+
September is the quietest month for monarch butterflies in Hawaii, with only 48 verified records.
Are monarch butterflies active year-round in Hawaii?+
Monarch butterflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in January.
More wildlife in Hawaii