Hawaii in December: Your guide to weather, events & travel

Hawaii in December is everything you’ve dreamed of — and better than anything you’ve imagined. It’s that time of the year when the locals start stringing holiday lights on palm trees, and if you’re lucky, you may even stumble across some late plumeria blooms.

The early humpback whale season is also just warming up, so you can spot eager spouts from the shore or take a guided catamaran tour out of Maui. Up on O‘ahu’s North Shore, the waves get massive and the surfers get serious. Whether you want to have a laid-back holiday or immerse yourself in all the action, this is a great month to be in Hawaii.

If you’re not sure how to time it all, an agent on TravelJoy can help you plan it just right.

Absolutely. December strikes a great balance on the islands. Daytime temperatures hover in the low 80s. The nights, however, are chillier as the temperature dips to the high 60s. The rains also pick up in Hawaii in December (it’s the region’s rainiest month, after all). But we’re talking short, refreshing bursts, mainly on windward sides or at night. You don’t have to worry though, because morning sunshine averages around 6-8 hours a day. This means your beach plans and adventure activities stay intact.

Early in the month, the weather can be calm, thanks to the shoulder season. This is good news for you, with fewer tourists, less crowded beaches, and maybe even better upgrades as the islands prepare for the peak holiday weeks.

By mid-December, the prices and the crowds tick upward. Flights are packed and hotels are almost fully booked. Still, even at the height of the holiday rush, December can feel relaxed if you plan your trip well. That’s where an advisor on TravelJoy can make all the difference. They can help you time your trip just right, find stays that still feel like a quiet retreat, and unlock festive extras like tree-lighting dinners, private whale-watching tours, or a beachfront room with early check-in and sunset views.