A group of us are planning a trip to Hawaii and the only 2 months we can all make it is either July or October. Has anyone been there in either July or October and which month is better? I had been told that the UV rays are very intense if you go in the summer months and can put a damper on things. Please let me know your input.

Definitely October...It's slightly cooler than July plus a whole lot less crowded in October.

We just returned from Hawaii - July 18-25. It was amazing and the weather was perfect. I'd never been before, so I can't comment on the sun in the winter, but if you bring and use sunscreen, you'll be fine. The water is calmer and better for swimming and snorkeling in the summer! Have a great time!

I would vote for October. It will definitely be quieter and to me that is the most important thing.

We were glad we went in July, 1999, we avoided a heat wave back in Boston. It might be a little cooler in October, but it never gets really hot (over 90) in Hawaii, according to my cousins who live there.

You should be protecting yourself against UV rays regardless of the season, the closer you get to the equator the less the rays change from one month to the next, they're pretty direct all the time.

I was there in the beginning of July.
I read that the three weeks before and after the summer solstice are the worst for the intensity of the sun's rays. Parking was difficult at local beaches if you got there after 11:00 on both Big Island & Kauai. We did beach stuff about every other day & did sightseeing on the other days to stay out of the sun. I would imagine places would not be so crowded when kids are back in school in Oct.

It depends on what you are looking for. Every place is more crowded in July, but if you looking to hang out with young singles, it may be a better time as it is summer break. The only students there are those at summer school at the University of Hawaii who are always up for a party.

October is less hectic, though people watching is still quite good.

My wife and I went in July. The temperature was very pleasant, although you are right about the intensity of the sun. We wore sunblock, and didn't have a problem at all.