When Is The Next Full Moon In Hawaii?

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and hoping to catch a glimpse of the moon in all its glory, you’ll want to know exactly when the next full moon is. The good news is that Hawaii’s year-round tropical climate means most nights offer good moon viewing. But the full moon holds special allure.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The next full moon in Hawaii is on March 7, 2023.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about spotting the next full moon from the Hawaiian islands, including the best locations, dates for all full moons through 2025, moonrise and moonset times, and Hawaiian moon viewing folklore and traditions.

Upcoming Full Moon Dates in Hawaii

2023 Full Moon Dates

The Aloha State will have 12 full moons in 2023. According to the U.S. naval observatory lunar almanac, the first full moon of the year is the Wolf Moon on January 6. Known for its bright glow illuminating the cold winter months, this moon was named by Native American tribes who heard packs of wolves howling outside villages on such nights.

Here are the rest of Hawaii’s 2023 full moon dates:

• Snow Moon – February 5
• Worm Moon – March 7
• Pink Moon – April 6
• Flower Moon – May 5
• Strawberry Moon – June 3
• Buck Moon – July 3
• Sturgeon Moon – August 1
• Harvest Moon – August 31
• Hunter’s Moon – September 29
• Beaver Moon – October 28
• Cold Moon – November 27
• Long Nights Moon – December 26

The Snow Moon in February is named by Native American tribes for the heavy snowfall that occurs in midwinter. March’s Worm Moon refers to the earthworm casts appearing as the ground thaws. April’s Pink Moon gets its pretty name from creeping phlox flowers blooming at that time.

The Flower Moon in May is named for spring flowers in full bloom then. Other summer and fall moons were named for seasonal events by American Indian tribes who tracked the seasons by lunar months.

2024 Full Moon Dates

In 2024, Hawaii will have 12 splendid full moons. The first full moon is the enchanting Wolf Moon on January 22. Here are the remaining 2024 full moon dates for Hawaii:

• Snow Moon – February 20
• Worm Moon – March 21
• Pink Moon – April 19
• Flower Moon – May 18
• Strawberry Moon – June 16
• Buck Moon – July 15
• Sturgeon Moon – August 13
• Harvest Moon – September 12
• Hunter’s Moon – October 11
• Beaver Moon – November 9
• Cold Moon – December 8
• Long Nights Moon – January 6, 2025

A notable full moon for Hawaii in 2024 is the Strawberry Moon on June 16. This romantic summer moon signals the ripening of strawberries and other fruits in the islands. The Harvest and Hunter’s moons in the fall mark prime times for agricultural harvests and hunts for fresh meat to get through the winter.

2025 Full Moon Dates

The following are Hawaii’s dazzling full moon dates for 2025:

• Wolf Moon – January 5
• Snow Moon – February 4
• Worm Moon – March 5
• Pink Moon – April 3
• Flower Moon – May 2
• Strawberry Moon – June 1
• Buck Moon – June 30
• Sturgeon Moon – July 30
• Harvest Moon – August 29
• Hunter’s Moon – September 27
• Beaver Moon – October 27
• Cold Moon – November 25
• Long Nights Moon – December 25

A blue moon, which is the 2nd full moon in a calendar month, will occur on August 29, 2025 for Hawaii’s Harvest Moon. Blue moons happen roughly once every 3 years. According to Hawaiian mythology, the demigod Maui tried to slow down the sun by capturing it with a rope, making this blue moon a unique event for Hawaiian culture.

Best Places to View the Full Moon in Hawaii

Waikiki Beach (Oahu)

Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu is one of the most popular places for visitors to view the full moon in Hawaii. Located in bustling Honolulu, Waikiki offers a vibrant backdrop as the moon rises over the ocean.

The soft sand, swaying palm trees, and glowing hotel high-rises create a serene scene under the moonlight. Many hotels and restaurants in Waikiki host special events on full moon nights with music, hula dancers, and tiki torches adding to the festive ambiance.

The weather is generally perfect for moon viewing as gentle trade winds keep conditions comfortable year-round.

Haleakala Crater (Maui)

Watching the full moon rise over the massive Haleakala crater on Maui is an awe-inspiring experience. At over 10,000 feet above sea level, Haleakala offers unobstructed, panoramic views as the moon emerges over the horizon and bathes the lunar-like landscape in a soft glow.

The National Park Service often hosts moonlight events at the summit on full moon nights. Visitors can hike or bike down into the crater as the moon lights the way and illuminates unique geological formations that are usually hidden in darkness.

Early reservations are recommended as this is a popular lookout to watch the full moon rise over East Maui and reflect beautifully on the clouds and Pacific Ocean below.

Mauna Kea (Big Island)

The tallest sea mountain in the world, Mauna Kea on the Big Island reaches nearly 14,000 feet above sea level. This is an ideal vantage point as the full moon rises each month, showcasing jaw-dropping 360-degree views.

With little light pollution and exceptionally clear skies, star gazing on Mauna Kea is world-renown. A sparkling blanket of stars accompanies the glowing full moon as it ascends from the horizon. For ultimate enchantment, plan your visit during a full moon that aligns with the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower in mid-August.

Watching dazzling shooting stars streak across the sky while the full moon lights up the mountain landscape makes for an unforgettable night atop Mauna Kea.

Kauai’s North Shore

Kauai’s magical North Shore, with its lush jungle backdrop and picturesque beaches, creates exceptional views when the full moon is on display. For a elevated lookout, head to Kilauea Lighthouse where sweeping vista showcase the entire North Shore region glowing under a full moon.

During winter months when waters are calm, the moonlight reflecting on the ocean creates a glittering pathway to the horizon. Or grab a blanket, some pillows, and warm layers and post up right on a North Shore beach as the full moon rises.

Tunnels Beach, Hanalei Bay, and Polihale State Park are prime spots to take in the regional beauty from sea to summit as the full moon lights up the tropical landscape.

Moonrise and Moonset Times in Hawaii

The moonrise and moonset times in Hawaii vary depending on the island and location. However, some general patterns can be seen.

Moonrise Times

On most days, the moon rises between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm local Hawaii time across the islands. Here are some examples:

• Honolulu (Oahu): Moonrise is typically between 6:15 pm and 7:00 pm.
• Kahului (Maui): Moonrise is often between 6:30 pm and 7:15 pm.
• Hilo (Big Island): Earlier moonrise between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm due to its eastern location.

During the summer months, the moon rises slightly later, closer to 7:30 pm at most locations.

Moonset Times

The moonset happens earlier in the morning in Hawaii, typically between 5:00 am and 7:00 am local time.

• Honolulu: Moonset is often just before 6:30 am.
• Lahaina (Maui): Between 5:30 am and 6:15 am.
• Kona (Big Island): Later moonset between 6:30 am and 7:15 am due to its western location.

In the summer, moonset can happen slightly later in the morning around 7:00 am before the sun rises.

Best Views

For the most beautiful moon views, west and south-facing beaches see incredible moonrises over the ocean. Meanwhile, east-facing shores showcase dazzling moonsets in the early morning. Just be mindful of the strong tides and waves when enjoying beach moon viewing.

The nearly full moon phase offers the most stunning luminance. During the full moon, popular Hawaii spots like Diamond Head, Haleakala, and Mauna Kea see swarms of moon gazers hoping to glimpse its majesty. 😍

The Moon in Hawaiian Culture and Folklore

The Moon in Hawaiian Myths

The Moon played an important role in ancient Hawaiian myths and legends. According to one legend, the Hawaiian islands were created when the offspring of the Moon and Sun threw rocks into the ocean. The Moon was also associated with Hina, an important Hawaiian goddess.

There are myths about Hina collecting moonbeams to make tapa cloth and stories of her escaping to the Moon after arguments with her husband.

Moon Phases and Ancient Hawaiian Agriculture

The ancient Hawaiians carefully observed the phases of the Moon and aligned many activities with its cycles. The lunar calendar was used to guide agricultural practices – farmers would time the planting and harvesting of crops according to moon phases.

For example, sweet potatoes were often planted when the Moon was full so they could benefit from maximum moonlight. Moonlight was thought to help plants grow strong and healthy.

Modern Moon Festivals and Celebrations

The Moon continues to inspire celebrations and cultural events in modern Hawaii. Aloha Festivals, a statewide cultural event held each September, coincides with the full Moon. The iconic torch lighting ceremony symbolizes the connection between moonlight and Hawaiian culture.

Many towns and communities also organize Moon Festivals with traditional hula dances, arts & crafts fairs, and fireworks displays under the full Moon.

Conclusion

The luminous full moon has captivated people in Hawaii for centuries, from ancient moon calendar keepers to modern tourists and astronomers. By understanding the moon cycle and timing your Hawaii trip to coincide with the full moon phase, you’re sure to have a magical and memorable experience, whether you’re gazing at the vast crater moonscape of Haleakala or watching the moonrise over Waikiki Beach.

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