How crowded is Hawaii in December and how far in advance should I book?

December ranks as one of the peak travel periods in Hawaii with hotels and activities reaching full capacity particularly during the holiday weeks. The most sought-after properties such as the Hyatt Regency Maui need bookings 6 to 9 months ahead. Popular attractions like Pearl Harbor tours and traditional luaus regularly sell out weeks in advance. Data from TourRadar shows most December visitors book their trips 4 to 6 months before arrival. A traveler shares: "Book early for December - we secured our hotel and activities 6 months out and some options were already limited."

What are the best islands to visit in Hawaii during December?

Maui and Oahu stand out as prime December destinations. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort provides front-row seats to whale watching and holiday celebrations. Waikiki Beach on Oahu maintains calm swimming conditions while the North Shore draws professional surfers to its winter waves. The Big Island's Kona Coast offers protected waters ideal for activities like nighttime manta ray encounters near the Outrigger Kona Resort. A TourRadar guest notes: "December offered the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation across multiple islands."

What unique cultural events happen in Hawaii during December?

The month brings special Hawaiian holiday traditions to life. Honolulu City Lights showcases a towering 50-foot Christmas tree and intricate light displays. Select properties like the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort present holiday-themed luaus that blend Hawaiian culture with seasonal festivities. Pearl Harbor National Memorial hosts significant December 7th remembrance events. A TourRadar visitor shares: "The December cultural events gave us an amazing insight into both Hawaiian traditions and their modern holiday celebrations."

Is December good for snorkeling and water activities in Hawaii?

Protected southern and western coastlines provide excellent December snorkeling especially at Kealakekua Bay and near the Hyatt Regency Maui at Kaanapali Beach. Manta ray night snorkeling continues year-round at Keauhou Bay. While north shore waters see larger swells Waikiki and Poipu Beach maintain calm conditions. One TourRadar guest reports: "even in December the water was perfect for snorkeling with sea turtles and tropical fish at Kahalu'u Beach Park."

What's the weather like in Hawaii during December?

Temperatures stay comfortable ranging from 75-80°F (24-27°C) throughout the islands. North Shore Oahu sees larger waves ideal for surf watching while Maui's Kaanapali Beach remains suitable for swimming. Properties like the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa offer views of brief rain showers that create rainbows. A TourRadar visitor notes: "Even with occasional December showers we had plenty of sunshine for beach time and outdoor activities."

Is December a good time for whale watching in Hawaii?

The month signals the start of prime whale watching especially around Maui. The channel between Lahaina and Kaanapali Beach becomes a highway for migrating humpback whales. The Hyatt Regency Maui's oceanfront setting provides excellent viewing opportunities. According to TourRadar reviews: "We saw so many whales breaching during our December visit - it was an unforgettable experience."

Hawaii Tours in December 2026

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10 best Hawaii tour packages in December

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Island Hopping
Best of Hawaii (Intra Tour Air Hawaii 2 Flights)
"Our tour of the Canadian Rockies was outstanding. Our tour director, Ben Hutchinson,"
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Waikiki, Oahu, Pearl Harbor, Island of Hawai‘i,Hilo,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Kailua Kona,Maui,Kaanapali,Kahului+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
From
US$4,850per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Trafalgar offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $243
9 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Island Hopping
Hawaiian Islands Luxury Escape: A 10-Day Ultra-Premium Inter-Island Journey
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Kahului, Maui, Hana, Kauai Island,Na Pali Coast State Park,Island of Hawai‘i,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Oahu,Honolulu,Waikiki+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Caribbean Excursions
From
US$9,999per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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City & Culture
5-Day Classic Hawaii Experience
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Honolulu
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intertrips
From
US$1,099per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
4 Day Hawaii Experience: Discover Oahu (Bilingual: Chinese, English)
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Honolulu
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English, Chinese
Operator
Intertrips
From
US$649per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
Island dreams Hawaii (19 nights)
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Oahu, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Lihue, Kauai Island,Wailua Cove,Hanalei,Waimea,Na Pali Coast State Park,Island of Hawai‘i,Kailua Kona,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Maui,Kaanapali,Lahaina,Haleakala National Park,Hana,Kahului+13 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
Only: German
Operator
DERTOUR
From
US$3,714per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Island Hopping
Hawaiian Discovery (Intra Tour Air Hawaii 3 Flights)
4.0 (2 reviews)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Hilo,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Kailua Kona,Island of Hawai‘i,Maui,Kaanapali,Kauai Island,Lihue,Waimea Canyon State Park+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
From
US$5,995per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Trafalgar offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $300
11 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
Kauaʻi - a Journey to the Heart of Hawaiian Nature
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Kauai Island, Waimea Canyon State Park,Na Pali Coast State Park,Hanalei,Lihue+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Hawaii
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
From
US$1,202per person
+$3,278 upfront costs
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Island Hopping
Hawaii Four Island Adventure (Intra Tour Air Hawaii 3 Flights, Moderate Cruise)
3.7 (6 reviews)
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Waikiki, Oahu, Pearl Harbor, Hilo,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Kailua Kona,Island of Hawai‘i,Maui,Kaanapali,Kauai Island,Lihue,Waimea Canyon State Park+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
From
US$5,995per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Trafalgar offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $300
9 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Island Hopping
Hawaii Four Island Adventure (Intra Tour Air Hawaii 3 Flights, Premium Cruise)
3.7 (6 reviews)
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Waikiki, Oahu, Pearl Harbor, Hilo,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Kailua Kona,Island of Hawai‘i,Maui,Kaanapali,Kauai Island,Lihue,Waimea Canyon State Park+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
From
US$6,725per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
Trafalgar offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $336
9 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Island Hopping
Hawaii Luxury Itinerary — Best Resorts, Beaches & Nature Experiences
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Maui, Hana, Kauai Island, Na Pali Coast State Park,Island of Hawai‘i,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Oahu,Honolulu,Waikiki+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Across Africa Tours & Travel
From
US$11,875per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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City & Culture
Honolulu Hawaii Experience 7D/6N
2.8 (4 reviews)
"The trip was as I expected. The local tour group could be improved."
Nhu, traveled in January
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Honolulu
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
From
US$1,429per person
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Price based on Shared Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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City & Culture
3-Day Hawaiian Escapade
5.0 (1 review)
"All went as planned and promised. Staff courteous."
Robert, traveled in April
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Honolulu
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intertrips
From
US$599per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Road Trip & Self-Drive
Two Worlds of Hawaii: Big Island and Kauai
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Island of Hawai‘i, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Kauai Island,Wailua Cove,Waimea Canyon State Park,Na Pali Coast State Park,Hanalei,Lihue+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Hawaii
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
15% off
From $2,427
US$2,063per person
+$2,543 upfront costs
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Price based on Private Double Room
2 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
4 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Nature & Wildlife
USA – Hawaii Big Island Volcanoes & Beaches
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Kailua Kona, Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
15% off
From
US$3,590per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
USA - Hawai: Tropical Dreams - 5 days
5.0 (1 review)
"a wonderful experience throughout. The stay felt personal and laid-back rather than corporate"
Kathy, traveled in May
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Waikiki
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English, Chinese
Operator
Aborigen Tours
10% off
From $1,299
US$1,169per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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