Located in the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes. With its unique culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, Hawaii attracts millions of visitors each year. When planning a trip to Hawaii, one of the most important factors to consider is the time of year you visit. In this article, we’ll explore whether December is a good time to visit Hawaii, and what you can expect during this time of year.
Hawaii’s tropical climate means that the weather is warm and sunny year-round, but the temperature and humidity levels can vary depending on the time of year. December is one of the cooler months in Hawaii, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (23-30°C). This makes it an ideal time to visit if you prefer milder weather and smaller crowds.
Weather in December
December is one of the cooler months in Hawaii, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (23-30°C). The weather is generally mild and sunny, with an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day. However, it’s not uncommon for the temperature to drop to the mid-60s (18-20°C) at night, especially in the mountains.
The trade winds, which blow from the northeast, bring cooler air from the ocean and help to keep the temperature down. This makes December a great time to visit if you prefer milder weather and smaller crowds. However, it’s worth noting that the weather can be unpredictable, and it’s not uncommon for sudden rain showers to occur.
Temperature and Humidity
Here’s a breakdown of the average temperature and humidity levels in Hawaii during December:
| Location | Temperature (F) | Temperature (C) | Humidity (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | 78 | 25 | 64 |
| Kahului | 75 | 24 | 65 |
| Maui | 74 | 23 | 66 |
| Big Island | 73 | 23 | 67 |
Rainfall
December is one of the drier months in Hawaii, with an average of 2-3 inches (50-75 mm) of rainfall throughout the islands. However, it’s not uncommon for sudden rain showers to occur, especially in the mountains. The rainforests are lush and green during this time of year, making it a great time to visit if you enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors.
Events and Festivals
Events and Festivals
December is a great time to visit Hawaii if you enjoy festivals and events. Here are some of the top events and festivals that take place during this time of year:
Holiday Festivals
Hawaii celebrates the holiday season with a variety of festivals and events. Some of the top events include: (See Also: Best Time to Visit Guinea – Unforgettable West African Adventure)
- Honolulu City Lights: A festive light display that takes place in Honolulu’s downtown area.
- Maui Christmas Parade: A fun and festive parade that takes place in Lahaina, Maui.
- Big Island Christmas Parade: A festive parade that takes place in Hilo, Big Island.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Hawaii knows how to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style. Here are some of the top New Year’s Eve celebrations that take place throughout the islands:
- Waikiki New Year’s Eve Celebration: A fireworks display and live music event that takes place in Waikiki, Oahu.
- Maui New Year’s Eve Celebration: A fireworks display and live music event that takes place in Lahaina, Maui.
- Big Island New Year’s Eve Celebration: A fireworks display and live music event that takes place in Hilo, Big Island.
Other Events and Festivals
In addition to holiday festivals and New Year’s Eve celebrations, Hawaii also hosts a variety of other events and festivals during December. Some of the top events include:
- Hawaii Food and Wine Festival: A culinary festival that takes place in Honolulu, Oahu.
- Maui Film Festival: A film festival that takes place in Lahaina, Maui.
- Big Island Film Festival: A film festival that takes place in Kailua-Kona, Big Island.
Outdoor Activities
December is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities in Hawaii. The weather is mild and sunny, making it perfect for hiking, surfing, and other outdoor pursuits. Here are some of the top outdoor activities to enjoy in Hawaii during December:
Hiking
Hawaii is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging hiking trails in the world. December is a great time to hike in Hawaii, with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. Some of the top hiking trails to enjoy in Hawaii include:
- Manoa Falls Trail: A 1.6-mile hike that takes you through a lush rainforest and ends at a beautiful waterfall.
- Waimea Canyon Trail: A 1.8-mile hike that takes you through a stunning canyon and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Mauna Kea Summit Trail: A challenging 4-mile hike that takes you to the summit of Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii.
Surfing
Hawaii is famous for its world-class surfing, and December is a great time to catch some waves. The surf is generally smaller during this time of year, making it perfect for beginners. Some of the top surf spots in Hawaii include:
- Waikiki Beach: A popular surf spot in Honolulu, Oahu.
- Hookipa Beach: A world-class surf spot on Maui.
- White Plains Beach: A popular surf spot on the Big Island.
Accommodations
December is a popular time to visit Hawaii, and accommodations can fill up quickly. Here are some tips for finding the best accommodations in Hawaii during December:
Hotels
Hawaii has a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets and preferences. Some of the top hotels in Hawaii include:
- The Royal Hawaiian: A luxurious hotel in Waikiki, Oahu.
- The Montage Kapalua Bay: A luxurious hotel on Maui.
- The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: A luxurious hotel on the Big Island.
Condominiums and Vacation Rentals (See Also: When Is a Good Time to Visit Colleges – Planning Your Perfect College Tour)
Condominiums and Vacation Rentals
Condominiums and vacation rentals are a great option for those who want to experience the local culture and have more space than a hotel room. Some of the top condominiums and vacation rentals in Hawaii include:
- Aqua Waikiki Wave: A condominium complex in Waikiki, Oahu.
- The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas: A condominium complex on Maui.
- The Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo: A condominium complex on the Big Island.
Transportation
Getting around Hawaii can be easy and convenient. Here are some options for transportation in Hawaii:
Car Rentals
Car rentals are a great way to get around Hawaii, especially if you plan to explore the islands. Some of the top car rental companies in Hawaii include:
- Alamo Rent a Car
- Avis Car Rental
- Hertz Car Rental
Public Transportation
Hawaii has a public transportation system that includes buses and shuttles. Some of the top public transportation options in Hawaii include:
- TheBus: A public bus system in Oahu.
- Maui Bus: A public bus system in Maui.
- Hele-On Bus: A public bus system in the Big Island.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available in Hawaii. Some of the top taxi and ride-sharing companies in Hawaii include:
- Yellow Cab
- Uber
- Lyft
Recap
December is a great time to visit Hawaii, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The islands are filled with festive events and festivals, and outdoor activities like hiking and surfing are in full swing. With a wide range of accommodations and transportation options available, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, Hawaii has something for everyone.
FAQs
Is December a good time to visit Hawaii?
Yes, December is a great time to visit Hawaii. The weather is mild and sunny, and the islands are filled with festive events and festivals. (See Also: Is December a Bad Time to Visit Bali – The Hidden Truth Revealed)
What is the average temperature in Hawaii in December?
The average temperature in Hawaii in December is in the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (23-30°C).
What are some of the top events and festivals in Hawaii in December?
Some of the top events and festivals in Hawaii in December include the Honolulu City Lights, Maui Christmas Parade, and Big Island Christmas Parade.
What are some of the top outdoor activities in Hawaii in December?
Some of the top outdoor activities in Hawaii in December include hiking, surfing, and snorkeling.
What are some of the top accommodations in Hawaii?
Some of the top accommodations in Hawaii include hotels, condominiums, and vacation rentals.
How do I get around Hawaii?
There are several options for getting around Hawaii, including car rentals, public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing services.