Hawaii in December: Holiday Rush and Early Winter

December in Hawaii follows a clear pattern: quiet and affordable until around December 18, then one of the most expensive and crowded travel periods of the entire year through New Year's Day. If your trip straddles that boundary, be prepared for the shift. Early December is genuinely good value while Christmas week rivals peak summer for price and demand.

Weather in December

December is Hawaii's coolest month by a modest margin, though "cool" is relative: coastal temperatures average 77-81°F (25-27°C), which remains warm by most standards. Overnight lows drop to around 65-68°F (18-20°C), cool enough that long sleeves feel comfortable in the evening. Trade winds are variable, and Kona wind days (warm, humid, southerly air) occur more often than in summer. Rain on windward coasts reaches its winter peak, with frequent brief showers. Leeward coasts - Kona Coast on the Big Island, South Maui, Pōʻipū on Kauaʻi, and the leeward Oʻahu coast - stay predominantly sunny with occasional passing showers.

Ocean temperature is around 74-75°F (23-24°C), cooler than summer but still comfortable for swimming. Many visitors appreciate a wetsuit or rash guard for extended snorkeling. December brings the year's earliest sunsets (around 5:55 pm) and shortest days. The low winter sun angle creates dramatic lighting at beach and volcanic landscapes in the early morning and late afternoon, making it excellent for photography despite the shorter daylight hours.

Crowds and prices

Early December through around December 18 is one of the best shoulder season windows of the year, with prices often comparable to November and significantly lower than the holiday peak. After December 18, prices jump sharply and stay elevated through New Year's Day. Christmas week and New Year's week are peak season across all islands - among the most expensive and crowded periods of the entire year.

Accommodation on Maui, Kauaʻi, and in Waikīkī reaches maximum occupancy during the holidays. Rental cars sell out weeks in advance, often with minimum rental periods (5-7 days) enforced. Flights are at annual peak pricing. Popular restaurants require reservations made weeks ahead. If you are traveling during Christmas-New Year, book everything 4-6 months in advance. Hotels often require minimum night stays (7-10 nights) over the holiday period, and cancellation policies become more restrictive.

For managing costs during peak season, see Hawaii on a budget. For general trip planning logistics, see first time in Hawaii.

December highlights

Whale season begins: Humpback whale numbers increase significantly through December, with the first arrivals appearing in November and building through the month. By late December, reliable sightings from boat tours and coastal viewpoints around Maui are common. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary waters between Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokaʻi are the primary gathering zone. Boat tours book up quickly in late December as whale activity increases. See our whale watching guide for complete details on when and where to see them.

Honolulu Marathon (early December): The Honolulu Marathon, one of the largest marathons in the world, is held in early December (typically the second Sunday of the month). The course runs from Ala Moana through Hawaiʻi Kai and back to Kapiʻolani Park. It attracts tens of thousands of runners and significant numbers of spectators, particularly from Japan where the Honolulu Marathon is extremely popular. Kalākaua Avenue and other race route roads close early Sunday morning. If you are staying in Waikīkī during marathon weekend, expect road closures, crowds, and a festive but hectic atmosphere.

Mele Kalikimaka: Hawaii celebrates Christmas with its own traditions, including Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas in Hawaiian), elaborate light displays in neighborhoods like Honolulu's Kalama Valley, and community events across all islands. Hotel resorts stage special holiday luau shows and Christmas Eve dinners. Many local families celebrate with a mix of mainland Christmas traditions and distinctly Hawaiian elements like kalua pig alongside turkey. The blend of tropical setting and holiday decorations - palm trees wrapped in lights, Santa arriving by outrigger canoe - is charming if you embrace it.