If you’re planning a trip to the islands of Hawaii in December, it can be difficult to decide which island to visit. Whether you’re looking for pristine beaches and outdoor activities or more cultural experiences and urban attractions, all six Hawaiian Islands have something to offer every kind of traveler.
The Big Island is the top pick for December visitors who want the best of both worlds. With both snow-capped mountains and sand-lined beaches, the temperatures of the Big Island are impressive, with lows in the high 50s and December rainfall averages coming in at a pleasant five inches. You'll also find dedicated riders hitting up big waves during winter surfing months and plenty of waterfalls to explore along with stunning sunsets each night.
Another great place to visit in December is Kauai, which is known as the Garden Isle due its abundance of tropical plants and colorful flowers like hibiscus and bougainvilleas all over the island year-round. Here you can explore untouched landscape like Waimea Canyon's vibrant red rock terraces, hike up Hanakapiai Falls or take advantage of Honolulu weekend getaway deal stopping along Kauai’s North Shore beach towns like Kapaa or Hanalei Bay. On top of that, all sorts of water activity awaits you in Kauai such as snorkeling, paddle boarding or whale watching if you choose to take off during December months when humpback whales are frequent visitors in Hawaiian waters.
If your idea of a vacation includes close encounters with culture then head over to Oahu; while there’s plenty of beaches on this island too (Waikiki Beach being one such popular spot) it’s also packed with town attractions; so shop till you drop at Honolulu’s Chinatown district, get traditional Hawaiian lessons from locals at Polynesian Cultural Center (complete with luaus!), snap selfies near Diamond Head crater or just enjoy beautiful architecture from times gone past at Iolani Palace. Other great excursion options include catamaran trips against sunset backdrop in Kailua Bay or catching Diamond Head Lighthouse illuminating Honolulu harbor in late evenings making for a truly romantic experience!
Making up your mind between these exciting offerings could be difficult – but that’s exactly why doing some research upfront before visiting these wonderful destinations will pay off!
What are the best outdoor activities to do in Hawaii during December?
Hawaii is a truly special place, and December is an ideal time of year to explore its beauty and culture. Although the winter months tend to be cooler compared to the summer months, temperatures during December average in the pleasant low- to mid- 70s. With this in mind, here are the 6 best outdoor activities you can experience in Hawaii during December:
1. Swimming with sea turtles - you can’t walk away from Hawaii without having experienced one of its greatest natural attractions: swimming with sea turtles! The Hawaiian Islands offer some prime opportunities for swimming with these ancient creatures and there’s no time like December to do so. Plus, as the sea temperatures are at their lowest it’s likely that you won’t run into too many other enthusiastic swimmers out there!
2. Volcanic exploration - pay a visit to the Big Island and take a tour of Kilauea volcano. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and it offers some breathtaking views along its various trails. The park maintains a diversity of unusual geologic features as well; such as colorful fields filled with different lava rocks and craters that reach depths of over 500 feet!
3. Activities at Waimea Canyon – located on Kauai Island, Waimea Canyon is one of Hawaii’s most impressive natural sights – offering stunning views over red steep cliffs that lead down into 3000 feet deep valleys that sometimes turn lush green during rainfalls in December. There are hikes through jungle forests and river crossings around each corner; so make sure you come prepared for an exciting outdoor adventure.
4. Boating around Kealakekua Bay – venture out from your hotel or spot along shore by kayak or canoe, then drop anchor in Kealakekua Bay – one of Hawaii’s most popular snorkeling spots due to the abundant amount of fish present all year round! The bay is also known for its fascinating cultural history; here lie several remnants from ancient Hawaiian settlements scenes, such as temple-building sites and petroglyphs carved into lava rocks hundreds of years ago.
5. Whale watching - during December humpback whales take refuge off the islands coast which make it an ideal time to go out on boat AdventureOahu provides fantastic whale watching tours with knowledgeable guides who share ancestral stories about these incredible mammals too! It is sure create an unforgettable experience you will never forget!
6 Beach time - winter may not seem like beach season; yet Hawaiihas some great public access beaches located all over each island so why not lay down your toweland try & catch some much deservedsunshine? It's a great way to relaxbefore dinner or heading back home after an adventurous day full of exploring spectacular views & meeting new friends!
Are there seasonal events or festivals to attend in Hawaii during December?
Hawaii is full of amazing culture and opportunities to explore its many seasonal events and festivals. December brings an abundance of activities on each of the islands. Whether you’re searching for a fun and entertaining festival or an intense athletic event, Hawaii has something for everyone during this festive time of year.
On Oahu, you can attend the Honolulu Marathon, which attracts runners from all over the world. Locals and visitors alike have the opportunity to compete in one of the many events, including a 5K and 10K race on non-marathon days or even compete in all three events on marathon day. You can end your marathon journey with a celebratory run along Waikiki beach.
Maui offers energetic parties through its festivals, like ‘Ulalena, which combines theatrical performances with Hawaiian cultural artifacts such as music, costumes and more! Hulopo'e Beach Park is also host to an annual Holokai Challenge as well as Hawaiian Water Wellness Power Plantation Field Day – both involve various competitions that involve running swimming, eating food and storytelling about Hawaiian culture-all completely free!
On Kauai, you can join locals in their holiday tradition of parading down the main street in brightly colored floats beneath festive holiday decorations at Lihue's Festival of Lights Parade or take part in a one-of-a-kind music festival called Ukulele Hale where locals come together to embrace both traditional and modern ukulele music.
For a unique Christmas celebration, The Big Island even hosts an outdoor ice skating rink at Royal Kona Resort’s Winter Wonderland Santa Party & Skating Spectacular complete with Santa Claus himself! With its open air breeze making it almost feel wintery enough despite just the tropical weather around it. Finally, all four islands are sure to have wonderful farmers markets crafted by local artisans throughout December where local produce and handcrafted items will be available for purchase.
In summary, Hawaii has tons to offer for those looking for exciting experiences during December; from marathons to festivals to outdoor ice skating rinks hosted by some unique locations – there’s truly something in store for everyone!
What cities should I visit in Hawaii during December?
Hawaii is an incredibly popular destination for travelers in December due its tropical climate, picturesque beaches, and numerous attractions. Whether you are looking for an adventure-filled escape or a relaxing holiday in paradise, the islands of Hawaii offer something for everyone.
If you are looking for an exciting city to explore with lots of activities, Honolulu is a perfect choice. Some of the must-see sights include Waikiki Beach, the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor, and the Polynesian Cultural Center. December is also when many cultural events like dances and festivals take place in Honolulu--so you’ll have a chance to experience true Hawaiian culture while you’re there.
If there are only a few days available in your travel schedule, the island of Maui can fit everything into a single day trip. Some of Maui’s “must see” attractions are Haleakala National Park and its stunning sunrises during December; upcountry scenic drives with views of Hana Highway; and walks through the village of Lahaina brimming with art galleries and shops.
Finally, don’t forget about the Big Island! With its ancient volcanoes and black sand beaches, there is no shortage of things to see here—including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hapuna Beach State Park, Akaka Falls State Park plus historic sites like Puuhonua O Honaunau which was once used as a refuge from warring tribes in ancient times. Sunrise hikes on Mauna Kea should be on your checklist too!
No matter which cities in Hawaii you decide to visit during December – it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience that will leave lasting impressions on your mind!
Can I expect good weather during my visit to Hawaii in December?
Wintertime in Hawaii means beautiful sunny days, hardly any rain and temperatures that average around 75º F or higher. Frames of swaying palm trees, endless stretches of bright white sand and serene blue waters make it the perfect vacation spot.
Visiting Hawaii in December is a great time to go if you’re looking for warm weather. Generally speaking, December in Hawaii is considered part of the dry season (November through April) meaning mild temperatures and limited rain. Most likely you won’t need much more than a light jacket for the chilly mornings and don’t forget your sunscreen—Hawaii is known for its glaring sunshine!
You might experience the occasional afternoon shower here and there but it can easily be avoided with a little prep. Bring a light raincoat or umbrella just in case and you’ll be prepared if the clouds decide to show up during your visit. Overall, though you can feel secure in knowing that December will bring mostly warm days filled with sunshine no matter what part of the Islands you decide to explore.
What type of accommodation should I look for in Hawaii in December?
When planning a trip to one of the most beautiful, yet sometimes expensive, destinations in the world — like Hawaii — it’s important to maximize your budget. You need to take into consideration a number of factors, such as destination airports, transportation costs, and accommodation. Accommodation can be one of the most pricey parts of planning a trip, but with some researching and knowing exactly what you need you can find a suitable option that will still leave extra cash for more fun activities.
When visiting Hawaii in December, your best bet is to look for an Airbnb or a timeshare condo rental. These accommodations are usually more spacious and come with amenities like cable TV and high-speed internet. They often provide the same comforts as if you were at home. Plus when visiting Hawaii in December there are often appliance specials available that include free guest Wi-Fi plus discounts on other local experiences or travel related activities.
Another great way to save money when booking accommodation in Hawaii in December is to book during off-peak times such as midweek or late afternoon hours when prices tend to be lower due to decreased demand. Plus if you book through Airbnb, you might even be able to save additional money by using vouchers from the company or special discounts.
By doing your research beforehand, you can easily find the perfect accommodation for your trip in Hawaii during December that won’t bust your budget. So start looking at those rental offers soon and prepare for an amazing getaway experience this winter season!
