If your travels bring you to Hawaii in December, you’re in for a treat. With warm weather and Christmas holiday cheer, December is an especially lovely time for a vacation in the Hawaiian Islands. Let’s explore all the best information that you should know for a December 2025 Hawaii vacation.
What’s Hawaii’s weather like in December?
While December 21st marks the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, Hawaii’s warm weather will look and feel like summer. While the bleakness of winter has begun in the Northern Hemisphere, Hawaii is lush and green with tropical flowers in bloom. To my amazement, I found that even poinsettias bloom outdoors in Hawaii.
You can expect the daytime high temperatures to average to about 82°F (or around 28°C) for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii (Big) Island. Kauai’s winter temps are typically a few degrees lower. Nighttime temps only dip to the mid-to-upper 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is roughly around 20°C. See our Hawaii weather guide for more details by island.
Don’t be too alarmed, but you should know that December is one of Hawaii’s rainier months. That doesn’t mean that it rains constantly, though. We’ve enjoyed plenty of beautiful sunny days in Hawaii in December. In fact, we’ve experienced far more sun than rain on our December trips to the Hawaiian Islands. Just be prepared for a passing shower by wearing quick-drying clothes and shoes and a breathable, waterproof rain jacket. (Read our article: Will it rain during my Hawaii vacation for more insights and advice.)
Hawaii ocean conditions in December
Ocean safety is something to keep in mind year-round when visiting Hawaii’s beaches. During the winter months, it becomes especially critical as massive swells crash onto the north-facing shores. The sheer height and power of these waves are breathtaking to witness— but they demand respect. The safest way to enjoy them is from a distance, where you can marvel without risk.
For an unforgettable experience, consider watching a big wave surfing contest. The North Shore of Oahu is world-renowned for hosting these competitions, where elite surfers take on some of the planet’s most formidable waves.
When the waves are high on the north shore, the ocean tends to be calmer on the south shorelines. In general, water sports like swimming and snorkeling can still be enjoyed in December when and where conditions are calm. Experts advise swimming at beaches with lifeguards. For snorkeling, I recommend you choose an organized-tour company as they are more informed of the safer spots and tend to keep a safe eye on their snorkelers.
If you’re wondering if the ocean is warm enough for swimming in December, the answer is yes. You can expect ocean temperatures at about 75-ish degrees Fahrenheit. Learn more about ocean temperatures in Hawaii here.
What should you pack for a Hawaii vacation in December?
As previously mentioned, you’ll want to be prepared for summer weather and perhaps a little rain. So, swimsuits, quick-drying shorts, tops and shoes will work nicely for daytime wear. A breathable, waterproof jacket is also recommended.
For evenings, you might want to have a light sweater on hand in case of a “chilly” evening. See more detailed Hawaii vacation packing tips.
Natural occurrences in December in Hawaii
Big Waves
As we’ve already mentioned, the big ocean swells roll in to the north-facing shores. The big ones can reach 30 feet (9 meters) and even higher.
Humpback Whales
As the month of December progresses, more and more humpback whales arrive in Hawaii’s waters. If you have the time, interest and budget, try to plan taking a whale watching cruise.
Snow
A final natural occurrence that typically happens is that the highest mountain tops can get snow. Yes, that’s right, it does snow in Hawaii, but only on the very highest summits — like Mauna Kea (Big Island), Mauna Loa (Big Island) and sometimes on Haleakala (Maui). It’s not unusual to see a snow-capped Mauna Kea in the winter months.
Astronomy Events in December
Hawaii is an amazing place for observing astronomy events. Here’s what’s happening this December:
- December 7-17: Geminids Meteor Shower with the peak taking place the night/morning of December 13 and 14
- December 20 is the new moon and therefore the darkest and best evening to stargaze.
- December 17-25: Ursids Meteor Shower with the evening and morning of 21 and 22 being the peak period
Special events for a December 2025 trip to Hawaii
Throughout the month of December, there are many special holiday parades, concerts and more. We list these events highlights by island.
Oahu Special Events & Performances
Throughout 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 (Note that this location is most convenient for visitors staying in Ko Olina.)
December 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day – 2025 marks the 84th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Ceremonies are held at Pearl Harbor from December 6-8.
December 7: Ka Pa Hula O Ka Lei Hula Hiwa holiday performance at 5:30 at Honolulu Hale as part of the Honolulu City Lights
December 12: Hale’iwa Christmas Parade
December 14: Honolulu Marathon
December 24: Hawaii Bowl college football bowl game
Various dates in December near and on Christmas – Waikiki & Honolulu Christmas events, special things to see and do (Note that this page is in the progress of being updated as venues make their announcements.)
December 31 – Waikiki & Honolulu New Year’s Eve events (Note that this page is in the progress of being updated as venues make announcements.)
Maui Special Events & Performances
December 5-14: The Reluctant Elf
December 16: Anthony Pfluke “Home for the Holidays”
December 20: Jake Shimabukuro’s Holidays in Hawaii concert
Various dates in December around the Christmas holiday time – Maui Christmas events and things to do. (Note that this page is in the progress of being updated as venues announce their events.)
December 31: Maui New Year’s Eve (Note that this page is in the progress of being updated.)
Kauai Special Events & Performances
We recommend you take a peek at the Kauai Festivals & Events calendar. We’ll highlight some of those events along with additional ones in this list.
TBD: Kauai Festival of Lights – At the time of writing, their website does not appear to be up to date. Please check their website for updates.
December 6: Annual Kauai Made Holly Jolly Holiday Fair
December 7: Kauai Community College Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert
December 7: Holiday Hula 2025
December 14: Jake Shimabukuro’s Holidays in Hawaii concert
December 19: Kauai Community College Jazz Ensemble & Wind Symphony Winter Concert
December 20: Annual Waimea Light Parade
December 31: New Year’s Eve on Kauai has been relatively quiet the past couple of years. Please check our Kauai New Year’s Eve page for events. We’ll update the page as events are announced.
Hawaii, Big Island Special Events & Performances
We recommend you take a peek at the Kona Web calendar. We’ll highlight some of those events along with additional ones in this list.
December 6: Waimea Twilight Christmas Parade
December 6: Annual Holualoa Village Music and Light Festival
December 7: Kokua Kailua Monthly Stroll followed by the 10th Annual Lighted Boat Parade
December 13: Kailua-Kona Community Christmas Parade
December 23: Nutcracker Ballet
December 24-25: Annual Christmas in the Park “Garden Enchantment” at Lili’uokalani Gardens in Hilo
December 31: Hawaii (Big) Island New Year’s Eve (Note that this page is in the progress of being updated.)
More information to help you make your Hawaii vacation plans:
- Our tried-and-true Hawaii vacation itineraries
- Is this your first time visiting Hawaii? If so, check out our first-time visitor’s guide to the Hawaiian Islands.
- Don’t forget that reservations needed to access parks and other activities. Reservations are particularly important if you are visiting over Christmas and the New Year holidays.
Sheila Beal
