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

10 best Hawaii tour packages in December

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Explorer
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
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
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
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Hawaiian Discovery (Intra Tour Air Hawaii 3 Flights)
4.0 (2 traveler 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
9% Off
From $5,995
US$5,442per person
Price based on Private Double Room
6 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
11 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Explorer
Hawaii Four Island Adventure (Intra Tour Air Hawaii 3 Flights, First Class Cruise)
3.7 (6 traveler 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
14% Off
From $6,325
US$5,446per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Explorer
Best of the Hawaiian Islands with Upgraded Room Categories
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Kailua Kona,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Maui,Kaanapali,Hana+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
4% Off
From $5,889
US$5,639per person
+$364 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Explorer
Hawaii Four Island Adventure (Intra Tour Air Hawaii 3 Flights, Moderate Cruise)
3.7 (6 traveler reviews)
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Waikiki, Oahu, Pearl Harbor, Hilo,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Kailua Kona,Island of Hawai‘i,Maui,Kauai Island,Lihue,Waimea Canyon State Park+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
14% Off
From $5,995
US$5,166per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Explorer
Hawaii Four Island Adventure (Intra Tour Air Hawaii 3 Flights, Premium Cruise)
3.7 (6 traveler 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
9% Off
From $6,725
US$6,099per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Explorer
USA – Hawaii – Honolulu Oahu Island Adventure
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Oahu, Pearl Harbor
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
9% Off
From
US$3,790per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Grand Hawaii Vacation with Upgraded Room Categories
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Oahu, Pearl Harbor, Hilo,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Kailua Kona,Kauai Island,Waimea,Maui,Kaanapali,Hana+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
4% Off
From $6,789
US$6,539per person
+$552 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Sightseeing
3-Day Hawaiian Escapade
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Honolulu
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intertrips
4% Off
From
US$599per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Best of Hawaii (Intra Tour Air Hawaii 2 Flights)
"I was traveling alone and two days before my trip was to begin, I hurt my foot, I"
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Waikiki, Oahu, Pearl Harbor, Hilo,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Kailua Kona,Island of Hawai‘i,Maui,Kaanapali,Kahului+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
9% Off
From $4,850
US$4,394per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
USA - Hawai: Tropical Dreams - 5 days
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
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Hawaii with Oahu, Maui & the Big Island (Classic, With The Big Island)
4.9 (7 traveler reviews)
"Loved not planning any of the details. We just showed up. Definitely recommend this tour!"
Richard, traveled in August
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Oahu, Kahului, Maui,Island of Hawai‘i,Kailua Kona,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Insight Vacations
10% Off
From $6,416
US$5,774per person
+$234 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Explorer
7 Day Hawaii Experience (Bilingual: Chinese, English)
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Oahu, Island of Hawai‘i,Hilo,Kailua Kona,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Maui,Kaanapali+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English, Chinese
Operator
Intertrips
10% Off
From
US$1,999per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Island Hopping
Grand Hawaii Vacation
5.0 (326 traveler reviews)
"The entire trip was well planned and thought out, from accommodations to the sightseeing excursions."
Susan, traveled in August
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Oahu, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Hilo,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Kailua Kona,Kauai Island,Waimea,Waimea Canyon State Park,Maui,Kaanapali,Hana+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
4% Off
From $6,059
US$5,809per person
+$552 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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