In case your travels carry you to Hawaii in December, you’re in for a deal with. With heat climate and Christmas vacation cheer, December is an particularly pretty time for a trip within the Hawaiian Islands. Let’s discover all the most effective info that it’s best to know for a December 2025 Hawaii trip.
What’s Hawaii’s climate like in December?
Whereas December 21st marks the official begin of winter within the Northern Hemisphere, Hawaii’s heat climate will appear and feel like summer season. Whereas the bleakness of winter has begun within the Northern Hemisphere, Hawaii is lush and inexperienced with tropical flowers in bloom. To my amazement, I discovered that even poinsettias bloom outdoors in Hawaii.
You’ll be able to count on the daytime excessive temperatures to common to about 82°F (or round 28°C) for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii (Large) Island. Kauai’s winter temps are sometimes a number of levels decrease. Nighttime temps solely dip to the mid-to-upper 60 levels Fahrenheit, which is roughly round 20°C. See our Hawaii weather guide for extra particulars by island.
Don’t be too alarmed, however it’s best to know that December is considered one of Hawaii’s rainier months. That doesn’t imply that it rains consistently, although. We’ve loved loads of stunning sunny days in Hawaii in December. In reality, we’ve skilled much more solar than rain on our December journeys to the Hawaiian Islands. Simply be ready for a passing bathe by carrying quick-drying garments and sneakers and a breathable, waterproof rain jacket. (Learn our article: Will it rain during my Hawaii vacation for extra insights and recommendation.)
Hawaii ocean circumstances in December
Ocean safety is one thing to bear in mind year-round when visiting Hawaii’s seashores. Through the winter months, it turns into particularly vital as large swells crash onto the north-facing shores. The sheer peak and energy of those waves are breathtaking to witness— however they demand respect. The most secure method to get pleasure from them is from a distance, the place you possibly can marvel with out threat.
For an unforgettable expertise, think about watching an enormous wave browsing contest. The North Shore of Oahu is world-renowned for internet hosting these competitions, the place elite surfers tackle a number of the planet’s most formidable waves.
When the waves are excessive on the north shore, the ocean tends to be calmer on the south shorelines. Basically, water sports activities like swimming and snorkeling can nonetheless be loved in December when and the place circumstances are calm. Consultants advise swimming at seashores with lifeguards. For snorkeling, I like to recommend you select an organized-tour firm as they’re extra knowledgeable of the safer spots and have a tendency to maintain a secure eye on their snorkelers.
When you’re questioning if the ocean is heat sufficient for swimming in December, the reply is sure. You’ll be able to count on ocean temperatures at about 75-ish levels Fahrenheit. Be taught extra about ocean temperatures in Hawaii here.
What do you have to pack for a Hawaii trip in December?
As beforehand talked about, you’ll wish to be ready for summer season climate and maybe a bit of rain. So, swimsuits, quick-drying shorts, tops and sneakers will work properly for daytime put on. A breathable, waterproof jacket can be advisable.
For evenings, you may wish to have a lightweight sweater available in case of a “chilly” night. See extra detailed Hawaii vacation packing tips.
Pure occurrences in December in Hawaii
Large Waves
As we’ve already talked about, the massive ocean swells roll in to the north-facing shores. The large ones can attain 30 toes (9 meters) and even increased.
Humpback Whales
Because the month of December progresses, increasingly more humpback whales arrive in Hawaii’s waters. You probably have the time, curiosity and price range, attempt to plan taking a whale watching cruise.
Snow
A remaining pure prevalence that sometimes occurs is that the very best mountain tops can get snow. Sure, that’s proper, it does snow in Hawaii, however solely on the very highest summits — like Mauna Kea (Large Island), Mauna Loa (Large Island) and generally on Haleakala (Maui). It’s commonplace to see a snow-capped Mauna Kea within the winter months.
Astronomy Occasions in December
Hawaii is a tremendous place for observing astronomy events. Right here’s what’s occurring this December:
- December 7-17: Geminids Meteor Bathe with the height happening the evening/morning of December 13 and 14
- December 20 is the brand new moon and subsequently the darkest and finest night to stargaze.
- December 17-25: Ursids Meteor Bathe with the night and morning of 21 and 22 being the height interval
Particular occasions for a December 2025 journey to Hawaii
All through the month of December, there are numerous particular vacation parades, live shows and extra. We checklist these occasions highlights by island.
Oahu Particular Occasions & Performances
All through December: Honolulu City Lights
December 4: Holiday Brass performance
December 5: Free Christmas in Hawaii Kimie Miner concert at International Marketplace
December 6: Kapolei City Lights Celebration (Be aware that this location is most handy for guests staying in Ko Olina.)
December 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – 2025 marks the 84th anniversary of the assault on Pearl Harbor. Ceremonies are held at Pearl Harbor from December 6-8.
December 7: Ka Pa Hula O Ka Lei Hula Hiwa vacation efficiency at 5:30 at Honolulu Hale as a part of the Honolulu Metropolis Lights
December 12: Hale’iwa Christmas Parade
December 14: Honolulu Marathon
December 24: Hawaii Bowl school soccer bowl recreation
Varied dates in December close to and on Christmas – Waikiki & Honolulu Christmas events, special things to see and do (Be aware that this web page is within the progress of being up to date as venues make their bulletins.)
December 31 – Waikiki & Honolulu New Year’s Eve events (Be aware that this web page is within the progress of being up to date as venues make bulletins.)
Maui Particular Occasions & Performances
December 5-14: The Reluctant Elf
December 16: Anthony Pfluke “Home for the Holidays”
December 20: Jake Shimabukuro’s Holidays in Hawaii concert
Varied dates in December across the Christmas vacation time – Maui Christmas events and things to do. (Be aware that this web page is within the progress of being up to date as venues announce their occasions.)
December 31: Maui New Year’s Eve (Be aware that this web page is within the progress of being up to date.)
Kauai Particular Occasions & Performances
We suggest you are taking a peek on the Kauai Festivals & Events calendar. We’ll spotlight a few of these occasions together with extra ones on this checklist.
TBD: Kauai Pageant of Lights – On the time of writing, their web site doesn’t look like updated. Please test their website for updates.
December 6: Annual Kauai Made Holly Jolly Holiday Fair
December 7: Kauai Neighborhood School Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert
December 7: Holiday Hula 2025
December 14: Jake Shimabukuro’s Holidays in Hawaii concert
December 19: Kauai Neighborhood School Jazz Ensemble & Wind Symphony Winter Concert
December 20: Annual Waimea Light Parade
December 31: New 12 months’s Eve on Kauai has been comparatively quiet the previous couple of years. Please test our Kauai New Year’s Eve web page for occasions. We’ll replace the web page as occasions are introduced.
Hawaii, Large Island Particular Occasions & Performances
We suggest you are taking a peek on the Kona Web calendar. We’ll spotlight a few of these occasions together with extra ones on this checklist.
December 6: Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade
December 6: Annual Holualoa Village Music and Light Festival
December 7: Kokua Kailua Monthly Stroll adopted by the 10th Annual Lighted Boat Parade
December 13: Kailua-Kona Neighborhood Christmas Parade
December 23: Nutcracker Ballet
December 24-25: Annual Christmas within the Park “Backyard Enchantment” at Lili’uokalani Gardens in Hilo
December 31: Hawaii (Big) Island New Year’s Eve (Be aware that this web page is within the progress of being up to date.)
Extra info that will help you make your Hawaii trip plans:
- Don’t overlook that reservations wanted to entry parks and different actions. Reservations are significantly necessary if you’re visiting over Christmas and the New 12 months holidays.
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