Best Time to See Pelicans in Hawaii
January is the best time to see pelicans in Hawaii. Based on 2 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when pelicans 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 June 28, 2026.
2 verified observations of pelicans in Hawaii, recorded across 1 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When pelicans are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
January
2 records (100% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 2 | 100% |
| 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% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Pelicans you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Brown Pelican | 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 pelicans are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for pelicans sit around 57 to 69 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" |
| 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" |
| 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.
Sightings of pelicans in Hawaii peak in January, when 2 of the year's 2 verified observations are logged — about 100% of the annual total.
The quietest stretch is February, March and April, when pelicans are hardest to find — no verified records exist for February. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The pelicans you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Brown Pelican — 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 pelicans 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 pelicans in Hawaii?+
January is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through January, based on 2 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are pelicans hardest to see in Hawaii?+
February is the quietest month for pelicans in Hawaii, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are pelicans active year-round in Hawaii?+
Pelicans are recorded in 1 of 12 months in Hawaii, concentrated around January.
More places to see pelicans
More wildlife in Hawaii