December in Hawaii means Christmas lights on palm trees, Santa arriving by outrigger canoe and the most famous waves in the world breaking at Pipeline. Humpback whales return in growing numbers, and the islands fill up for the holidays. Here is everything you need to know.
What is the weather like in Hawaii in December?
December is warm, with an average high of about 82°F (28°C) and a low of about 69°F (21°C) in Honolulu. It is one of the rainiest months in town, with around nine days of showers, and the cloudiest, with the fewest hours of sunshine. Most rain falls on windward coasts and in the mountains, and the leeward sides of the islands usually stay sunny. Kona-low storms can occasionally bring heavy rain statewide.
The summits are cold: Haleakalā regularly drops towards freezing at dawn, and snow can fall on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
Is December a good time to visit Hawaii?
It depends on the dates. The first two weeks of December are one of the year's best-kept secrets: few crowds, lower prices, whales arriving and big surf on the North Shore. From around 20 December to New Year, it is the busiest and most expensive time of the year, with hotels, flights and rental cars often booked out months ahead. Since January 2026, Hawaii's Green Fee has also raised the state hotel tax to 11%.
What is the ocean like in Hawaii in December?
The water is about 77°F (25°C). December is peak big-wave season, with giant swells on north-facing coasts. Watching Pipeline or Waimea Bay on a big day is unforgettable, but north shores are dangerous for swimming. Snorkel and swim on sheltered south and west shores, and always ask the lifeguard.
Can you see whales in Hawaii in December?
Yes. Humpback numbers grow quickly through December, and by Christmas, sightings from boats and shore are common, especially around Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi and the Kona coast. The peak of the season is January to March.
What is on in Hawaii in December?
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on 7 December is especially significant in 2026, marking 85 years since the attack. Ceremonies take place at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The Honolulu Marathon, one of the largest marathons in the United States, starts before dawn on 13 December 2026. Honolulu City Lights decorates the city hall and civic center with lights and displays throughout the month.
On the North Shore, the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing traditionally culminates with the Pipe Masters, and the holding period for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay opens in December. The year ends with fireworks across the islands on New Year's Eve.
Which Hawaiian island is best in December?
Oʻahu for Pipeline, Christmas in Honolulu and Pearl Harbor. Maui for whales and sunny Kīhei and Wailea. The Big Island for dry, sunny Kona weather, Christmas with snow on Mauna Kea and volcano views. Kauaʻi is lush and quiet; stay on the sunny south shore.
What should you pack for Hawaii in December?
Summer clothes and swimwear, reef-safe mineral sunscreen, a light rain jacket and a warm layer for evenings. If you plan to see the sunrise at Haleakalā or the stars on Mauna Kea, bring a winter jacket, hat and gloves. Binoculars are great for whale watching.
Things to do in Hawaii in December
- Watch Pipeline. The most famous wave in the world at its most powerful.
- Visit Pearl Harbor on 7 December. Remembrance ceremonies mark 85 years in 2026.
- See Honolulu City Lights. Christmas displays at Honolulu Hale all month.
- Run or cheer the Honolulu Marathon. 13 December 2026.
- Go whale watching. Humpbacks return in growing numbers.
- Celebrate New Year's Eve. Fireworks over Waikīkī and across the islands.
Daylight in December: the sun rises around 7:01 am and sets around 5:51 pm in Honolulu, giving about 11 hours of daylight. Hawaii does not use daylight saving time.
How expensive is Hawaii in December?
December has two price levels. The first two weeks are quiet and good value. From around 20 December to New Year, it is the most expensive time of the whole year, with resorts often requiring minimum stays and rental cars booked out. If you want Christmas in Hawaii, book six months or more ahead.
Hawaii in December with kids
Christmas in Hawaii is a family classic, but book early. Children love Honolulu City Lights, whale watching and the beach resorts where Santa arrives by outrigger canoe. Keep small children well away from north-shore surf, which is at its most powerful.
Tips for visiting Hawaii in December
- Book Christmas and New Year trips six months or more ahead.
- Travel in the first two weeks of December for value.
- Book Pearl Harbor tickets early, especially around 7 December.
- Expect road closures in Honolulu on marathon morning.
- Watch the surf at Pipeline from the beach, not the water.
What season is December in Hawaii?
In the old Hawaiian calendar the year had two seasons: Kau, the warm, dry season of long days, roughly May to October, and Hoʻoilo, the cooler, wetter season, roughly November to April, when the trade winds weaken, storms arrive and the Makahiki harvest festival honoured the god Lono. December falls in Hoʻoilo, the wet season: expect more showers on windward coasts, big north swells and, from November to April, humpback whales.
Quick answers: Hawaii in December
What is the weather like in Hawaii in December?
Warm: about 82°F (28°C) by day and 69°F (21°C) at night in Honolulu, with occasional showers. Leeward coasts are sunnier.
Is December a good time to visit Hawaii?
Early December is quiet and good value; Christmas to New Year is the busiest and most expensive time of the year.
Can you see whales in Hawaii in December?
Yes. Humpbacks return from November and are common by late December.
When is the Honolulu Marathon?
The 2026 Honolulu Marathon is on Sunday 13 December.
Hawaii month by month
| Month | Avg high | Ocean | Rain (Honolulu) | Crowds | North Shore surf | Whales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F | 1.8 in | High | Huge | Peak |
| February | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F | 1.9 in | High | Big | Peak |
| March | 81°F / 27°C | 76°F | 2.4 in | High | Big | Peak |
| April | 83°F / 28°C | 77°F | 0.8 in | Medium | Fading | Leaving |
| May | 85°F / 29°C | 78°F | 0.8 in | Low | Small | None |
| June | 87°F / 31°C | 79°F | 0.5 in | High | Flat | None |
| July | 88°F / 31°C | 79°F | 0.5 in | Very high | Flat | None |
| August | 89°F / 32°C | 80°F | 0.8 in | High | Flat | None |
| September | 88°F / 31°C | 80°F | 0.9 in | Low | Small | None |
| October | 87°F / 31°C | 80°F | 1.5 in | Low | Building | None |
| November | 84°F / 29°C | 78°F | 2.2 in | Low–medium | Big | Arriving |
| December | 82°F / 28°C | 77°F | 2.2 in | Very high | Huge | Growing |
Temperatures and rainfall: Honolulu International Airport, NOAA 1991–2020 normals. Ocean: average sea temperature off Honolulu. Rain is much higher on windward coasts and in the mountains.
Planning around a different month? Read Hawaii in November or Hawaii in January, and our guide to the best time to visit Hawaii.
Facts checked October 2026. Event dates change from year to year, so confirm with the organisers before you book.
