Best Time to See Sharks in Hawaii
December, June and September is the best time to see sharks in Hawaii. Based on 1,987 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when 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 June 28, 2026.
Grey Reef Shark · cello caruso-turiello CC BY
Grey Reef Shark · norcalmc CC BY
Whitetip Reef Shark · Lexi Amico CC BY
1,987 verified observations of sharks in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sharks are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
December
208 records (10.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 158 | 8% |
| February | 126 | 6.3% |
| March | 155 | 7.8% |
| April | 162 | 8.2% |
| May | 176 | 8.9% |
| Junepeak | 182 | 9.2% |
| July | 172 | 8.7% |
| August | 174 | 8.8% |
| Septemberpeak | 179 | 9% |
| October | 139 | 7% |
| November | 156 | 7.9% |
| Decemberpeak | 208 | 10.5% |
Sharks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Reef Manta Ray | 592 |
| Whitetip Reef Shark | 470 |
| White-spotted Eagle Ray | 415 |
| Galápagos Shark | 116 |
| Sandbar Shark | 70 |
| Scalloped Hammerhead | 59 |
| Tiger Shark | 49 |
| Black Stingray | 35 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Hawaii
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when sharks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for sharks sit around 58 to 76 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" |
| Mar | 70°F | 57°F | 11.5" |
| Apr | 71°F | 58°F | 15.1" |
| May | 72°F | 59°F | 17.2" |
| Junbest time | 74°F | 61°F | 18.8" |
| Jul | 76°F | 62°F | 18.1" |
| Aug | 76°F | 62°F | 16" |
| Sepbest time | 76°F | 62°F | 19.4" |
| Oct | 75°F | 62°F | 11.3" |
| Nov | 73°F | 60°F | 10" |
| Decbest time | 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 sharks in Hawaii peak in December, when 208 of the year's 1,987 verified observations are logged — about 10.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through December, June and September.
The quietest stretch is February, October and March, when sharks are hardest to find — February sees just 126 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The sharks you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Reef Manta Ray, Whitetip Reef Shark and White-spotted Eagle Ray — 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 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
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see sharks in Hawaii?+
December is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through December, June and September, based on 1,987 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are sharks hardest to see in Hawaii?+
February is the quietest month for sharks in Hawaii, with only 126 verified records.
Are sharks active year-round in Hawaii?+
Sharks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in December.
More places to see sharks
More wildlife in Hawaii