TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDES

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

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Written by

Matt Byrd

Last updated

July 2, 2025

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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.

Is December a good time to visit Hawaii?

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.

High temperature
81°F / 27°C
Low temperature
68°F / 20°C
Rainfall
3.1 in / 80 mm
Sun & daylight
7 hours / 10.8 hours
Seasonal tips

- Holiday season begins

- Warm with occasional rain

- Crowds increase mid-month

- Light layers and umbrella

- Whale watching improves

Where to go in Hawaii in December

Downtown Honolulu
If you’re visiting Hawaii in December, don’t miss the lights downtown. Honolulu Hale goes all out, with a 50-foot tree, light parades, live music, and food trucks everywhere. You can even hop on a trolley tour at night to ride through the lit-up streets.
O‘ahu North Shore
Even if you don’t surf, December on the North Shore is wild — in a good way. This is when the biggest waves of the year roll in, and pro surfers from around the world show up to ride them. Pipeline and Waimea Bay turn into natural stadiums. There’s something unforgettable about the experience, even if you’re just watching from the sidelines.
Kailua Town
Kailua turns into a little holiday postcard in early December. There’s a nighttime street fair with Hawaiian music and food stands and the whole bay lights up with decorated boats in a floating parade. It’s sweet, it’s local, and it’s a really fun way to ease into the season.
Lihue, Kauaʻi
Quieter than its island neighbors, Lihue can be a charming detour. Its historic County Building lights up for the Festival of Lights, and all the trees are made from recycled materials like Spam cans and CDs. The vibe is relaxed and comforting, and some nights even include live music and visits from Santa in an outrigger canoe.

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Things to do in Hawaii in December

Event
Location
Timing
Honolulu City Lights
Holiday lights parade kicks off season in Honolulu
Honolulu
Early December
Waikiki Holiday Surf Series
Youth surf series brings festive fun to Waikiki
Waikiki
Mid-December
Kauai Festival of Lights
Kauai gardens shine with Christmas light displays
Kauai
All December
Big Island King Tides Festival
Tide awareness and ocean education in Hilo
Hilo
Mid-December
Hawaiian Music Holiday Bash
Island carols fill the air at music holiday bash
Oahu
December weekends
Lahaina Banyan Tree Lighting
Lahaina tree lighting draws festive crowds
Lahaina
First Saturday
Volcano Winter Crafts Expo
Volcano hosts seasonal crafts at winter expo
Volcano
December 15–20

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