What the weather is like in December
December is one of the wetter months in Honolulu (55mm) and the shortest on sunshine (6.4 hours). It is also the most expensive: from roughly December 20 to January 5, hotel rates commonly soar well above normal, and Maui resorts sell out months ahead. Whale season begins.
Against November, December runs 1°C cooler with much the same rainfall.
These December averages are station normals for Honolulu International Airport (NOAA NCEI normals, 1991-2020); other parts of Hawaii vary. Full sources below.
Hawaii in December, on the ground
December brings Hawaii its winter pattern: big surf on the north shores, more frequent showers on the windward sides, and sunny, calm conditions on the leeward coasts. Humpback whales begin arriving in Hawaiian waters.
Crowds and prices in December
Early December is one of Hawaii’s better-value windows. From about the 20th to early January, it is the most expensive time of the year, with holiday rates and limited availability.
What to do in December
- See Honolulu City Lights, the holiday lights and displays around Honolulu Hale in December.
- Snorkel the calm leeward bays, such as Hanauma Bay on Oʻahu, while the north shores are rough.
- Book a whale-watching trip from Maui, where the season begins.
Before you book: North-shore beaches have dangerous surf in winter; swim on the south and west shores and obey warning flags.
What to pack for Hawaii in December
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Sun hat & high-SPF sunscreen
- Swimwear
What's on in December
- Vans Triple Crown of Surfing (North Shore, Oʻahu) — Pro surfing on the North Shore's winter swells; Pipeline is the finale. Traffic on Kamehameha Highway is heavy on contest days.
- Honolulu Marathon (Honolulu) — Second Sunday of December; 20,000+ runners, heavy Japanese visitor demand for that week.
Is December the right month?
Hawaii's best month, May, is five months after December; the toughest, September, is three months before. If your dates can move, November is the nearest best-season month. For the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds, aim for January. See the full month-by-month breakdown for Hawaii, or where else to go in December.
Where to stay in December
December is a shoulder month for weather in Hawaii, but not for price — demand peaks regardless. Book early and take a rate you can cancel.
- Waikīkī, Oʻahu$$First-timers, walkability, restaurantsDense, lively, and dry year-round on the leeward side. The best base if you want to skip a rental car.See hotels in Honolulu for 12–18 Dec 2026
- Kāʻanapali / Wailea, Maui$$$Resort beaches, whale watching, couplesLeeward Maui's resort strips: reliably sunny, calm winter water on the south shore. Book far ahead for December–March.See Kāʻanapali / Wailea, Maui hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026
- Kona coast, Big Island$$Snorkelling, volcano day trips, valueThe driest resort coast in the state. Ninety minutes from Volcanoes National Park; avoid Ironman week in mid-October unless you are racing.See Kona coast, Big Island hotels for 12–18 Dec 2026
Links open a hotel search for 12–18 Dec 2026; you can change the dates there. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Before you go
Book the rest of your December trip
Tours and tickets
Day trips, attraction tickets and guided tours in Hawaii.
Browse Hawaii on KlookAirport transfer
A fixed-price car from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu, HNL) to your hotel, booked before you land.
Book a transfer on KiwitaxiMobile data
An eSIM for US installs before you fly, so you have data when you land. Check your phone supports eSIM first.
See US plans on AiraloCar hire
Compare rental car prices in Honolulu.
Compare cars on EconomyBookings
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Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Hawaii?
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Does it rain in Hawaii in December?
What should I pack for Hawaii in December?
How does December compare with November in Hawaii?
Sources: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority — GoHawaii · NOAA NCEI normals: Honolulu International Airport, 1991-2020 · NOAA Central Pacific Hurricane Center · NWS Honolulu: 2026 Central Pacific Hurricane Season Outlook · NWS Honolulu: 2023 Central Pacific Hurricane Season Summary · Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency: History · NHC / CPHC Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Lane (2018) · Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources — Ocean Safety. Full provenance on the Hawaii guide.
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