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Heading to Hawaii in December? I don’t blame you. It’s a paradise on earth with its white-sand beaches, crystal blue waters, lush tropical rainforests, and stunning landscapes. If you’re planning on arriving on the islands in December, here’s everything you need to know.
There’s nothing quite like spending the holidays in beautiful Hawaii. You can take in stunning light displays, and enjoy traditional luau meals with your family. But December in Hawaii is also crowded. You aren’t the only one who had the idea of spending Christmas in paradise! It’s also more expensive compared to other times of the year.
No matter when you decide to visit, we have resources for all your planning needs!
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Is December a Good Time to go to Hawaii?
December is a pretty good time to visit Hawaii, especially in the first two weeks of the month, before the holiday rush. The closer it gets to Christmas, the more expensive hotel rooms get, and the massive influx of tourists can make it challenging to get around.
Reasons to go to Hawaii in December
The most obvious reason to go to Hawaii in December is the pleasant weather. Hurricane season is over, and temperatures hover around 71 degrees Fahrenheit. And since it’s winter, you’ll experience spectacular sunsets with high waves crashing against the shore.
Another reason to come in December is to experience unique holiday events like Honolulu City Lights, an annual light show that celebrates the spirit of Christmas and features live music, festive decorations, and a fireworks display. These holiday events make Hawaii even more magical.
If you’re heading to Hawaii in December (or any time of year) make sure to check out our cheat sheets which give you the need-to-know information like can’t miss spots and the best places to eat.
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Reasons to not go to Hawaii in December
Of course, December in Hawaii isn’t for everyone. If you’re not a fan of crowds, you may want to come during the mid-winter lull of February or wait until early fall. That’s because before the pandemic, December crowds rivaled peak summer months for the number of visitors. And though not as many people spent the holidays in Hawaii in 2022, the numbers are starting to increase again.
Thus, planning a last-minute trip to Hawaii in December is tough. You’ll need to book your flights and hotel rooms several months in advance. If you have some flexibility with your schedule, check out the best time to visit Hawaii. You may also want to consider going to Hawaii in January, after the big holiday rush.
If you do decide to brave the crowds, expect to pay more for transportation and accommodations. Prices spike during the holiday season, with hotel rooms costing much more than at other times.
Our Where to Stay section will help you navigate finding a great hotel or vacation rental.
Is Hawaii Nice in December: Weather Data
Unlike most of the United States, Hawaii has only two seasons: winter and summer. December falls in winter, but it’s probably not like the winter you’ll be leaving behind. Instead of snow and ice, the island’s tropical climate will offer warm and balmy days.
To help you know how to pack for your December trip to Hawaii, let’s look more closely at the weather data.
Is Hawaii Rainy in December?
December is the rainiest month of the year in Hawaii, with an average rainfall of 1.85 inches during the month. The good news is that showers are usually short and don’t last all day. So as long as you bring an umbrella and a waterproof jacket, you can still enjoy all that Hawaii offers.
Of course, the amount of rain you can expect varies from island to island. Maui is your best bet to avoid as much rain as possible. It’s the driest of the main islands, with an average rainfall of 0.87 inches in December. So if Maui is on your short-list of places to visit, our full Maui Guide will make your trip planning easy.
Here’s a look at four different island destinations and their average monthly rainfall in December.
| Destination | Average December Rainfall in Inches |
| Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | 2.8 |
| Kihei, Maui | 0.87 |
| Poipu. Kauai | 2.2 |
| Honolulu, Oahu | 1.54 |
You can see how December compares to the other months in the chart below. If you really want to avoid the rain, a December trip to Hawaii might not be a good fit.
Instead, consider coming in July or September, the two driest months of the year.
Of course, no article on rainfall in Hawaii would be complete without mentioning the meteorological differences between the windward side and the leeward side of each island. The windward side typically experiences more rain than the leeward side. So if you’re visiting Oahu, you’ll want to head to the leeward side of the island for better weather and less rainfall.
How Warm Is It in Hawaii in December?
As mentioned above, December is winter in Hawaii. But you don’t have to worry about the cold weather that often accompanies winter in other parts of the world. Instead, you’ll be treated to mild temperatures and balmy breezes.
Thanks to its location in the tropics, the average high temperature in December is 77°F. The average low temperature is just over 71°F. If you’re visiting from a colder part of the world, that may feel warm for winter.
Keep in mind that temperatures fluctuate by location. For instance, if you want to soak in as much heat as possible, you’ll want to visit Kailua-Kona. The monthly high there is 83 degrees. But it also has the lowest average low temperature, at 69 degrees Fahrenheit. So you’ll want a jacket if you spend time outside in the evenings.
If spending time in the balmy Kailua-Kona sound good to you, check out our list of the 21 best things to do in Kailua-Kona.
Here’s a look at the average high and low temperatures for December at four popular destinations.
| Destination | Average High Temperature (F) | Average Low Temperature (F) |
| Kailua-Kona, Hawaii | 83 | 69 |
| Kihei, Maui | 76 | 73 |
| Poipu. Kauai | 75 | 72 |
| Honolulu, Oahu | 77 | 71 |
This chart can help you see how the December temperatures compare to the other months of the year. Remember that tropical climates don’t see nearly the amount of temperature fluctuations that other places do, so temperatures are pretty nice all year.
Another thing to keep in mind is that December is the month with the least amount of sunlight. The days are a bit shorter, and the sky often has more clouds, making outdoor activities slightly less enjoyable.
So if you’re planning a trip and want plenty of sunshine, it might be best to wait until summertime when Hawaii boasts its longest days of the year.
Can You Swim in Hawaii in December?
No trip to Hawaii is complete without a dip in the ocean, and December is no exception. This month’s average ocean temperature is 78°F, so it’s warm enough to swim and enjoy some of the island’s other aquatic activities like snorkeling and diving.
With so many beaches to choose from, the hardest part can be picking the best ones to try. That’s why we compiled this list of the best 24 beaches in Hawaii for you!
What Are the Ocean Conditions Like in December?
While the ocean is warm year-round in Hawaii, the Pacific Ocean tends to be rougher in the winter. This is due to higher winds and larger swells, which can make for bumpier boat rides and choppier swimming conditions.
It’s also why many surfing competitions take place this time of year. You can catch some huge waves!
Of course, the ocean is fierce, and conditions can change rapidly. That’s why it’s essential to check the flag conditions before entering the water.
When is Hawaii Hurricane Season?
Hawaii is usually spared from hurricanes, but the islands have been hit in the past. The peak season runs from June to November, so you shouldn’t have trouble avoiding them in December.
How Busy is Hawaii in December?
There’s something special about white-sand beaches and palm trees in December! With the holidays just around the corner, many tourists flock to Hawaii during this time of year. Historically, it is one of the busiest times for tourism on the islands.
For example, in December 2019, 942,969 people came to the state. However, the pandemic greatly impacted travel, and though Hawaii has removed its restrictions, it’s not yet getting as many tourists as before. December 2021 saw only 753,670 people visit here, a decrease of nearly 190,000 from two years ago.
It’s too early to tell whether or not this trend will stick. Since Hawaii is such a fun place to spend the holidays, something tells me it won’t take long before December becomes one of the busiest months again.
But even in active years, the crowds don’t tend to start piling up until closer to Christmas. So if you come in early December, you can still enjoy some festivities and lights and not have to fight the crowds as much.
If you prefer not to deal with as many people, January or September might be better months to travel to Hawaii. Here’s a look at how the months compare in terms of visitors.
Which Hawaiian Islands Are the Busiest in December?
Some of the islands are more crowded than others. If you love people and want to be around as many of your fellow humans as possible, Oahu is the place to be. In December 2021, Oahu saw 391,521 visitors arrive there.
But if you prefer a little more seclusion to your Hawaiian vacation, Kauai is the least crowded of the main islands with just 101,425 visitors in December 2021. Our Kauai travel guide will help you plan that trip.
Here’s a peek at how different islands compare in terms of visitors over the holidays.
| Island | Number of Visitors in December 2021 |
| Oahu | 391,521 |
| Maui | 240,198 |
| Island of Hawaii | 143,897 |
| Kauai | 101,425 |
| Lanai | 5,559 |
| Molokai | 3,359 |
And this chart shows you what you can expect in terms of crowds on the islands no matter which month you visit.
Is Hawaii Cheaper in December?
No, Hawaii isn’t cheaper in December. Historically, huge crowds gathered to celebrate the holidays on the islands, and as the number of people went up, so did the prices.
Hotel rooms are exceptionally pricey in December. On average, a room ranged from $320-734 a night. If you’re planning a multi-night trip, you can see how that’d quickly add up, especially if you’re staying on Maui. The least expensive rooms are in Oahu, but those are still over $300 a night.
Here’s a look at the nightly numbers for four of the most popular islands, to help you decide where you’d like to stay:
| Island | Average Daily Rate for a Hotel Room |
| Maui | $734 |
| Island of Hawaii | $479 |
| Kauai | $444 |
| Oahu | $320 |
And here’s a chart comparing hotel room rates throughout the year. December is the most expensive for almost all of the data points. However, on Kauai, rooms cost more in July than in December.
This article further breaks down some of the costs associated with visiting Hawaii in December: The Best and Cheapest Hawaiian Island for Christmas
Things to Do in Hawaii in December
December is the most wonderful time of the year for a reason. Despite the crowds and the (slightly) cooler weather, you’ll find plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to make your trip to Hawaii special.
A few of the most popular things to do in December include:
- Joining in a Holiday Luau at Paradise Cove
- Enjoying the sights and sounds of the Chinatown Winter Walk on Oahu
- Visiting the Honolulu City Lights displays
- Participating in a Pearl Harbor memorial event
- Running in the Honolulu Marathon
- Going on a whale watching tour
- Seeing decorated palm trees
- Taking in the Lahaina Christmas parade
With so many exciting activities to explore, you’ll never be bored in Hawaii during the winter months. So grab your sunscreen and enjoy the sunshine!
Related reads:
The 59 Best Things to do in Hawaii: Your Ultimate Bucket List
Things to Do in Hawaii During Christmas (by island)
Christmas Magic in Hawaii: 19 Tips to Plan Your Hawaii Christmas Vacation
If you’re heading to Hawaii in December or any time, download our free Hawaii cheat sheets. On each, you’ll find an easy-to-read map, can’t miss activities, need-to-know information for planning your trip, and a few of our favorite grindz (places to eat!) for each island. So pick one or grab them all – your perfect vacation is waiting!
Plus, you’ll join nearly 45,000 Hawaii visitors in receiving our bi-weekly newsletter. We stuff it full of real-time updates, tips and tricks, insider information, and fun facts to prepare you for your trip. And sometimes we share exclusive discount codes for some of our favorite activities. You don’t want to miss out!
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Hawaiian Island Cheat Sheets
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