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

$Hawaiian Adventure Three Islands featuring O\'ahu, Big Island and Maui (Honolulu, HI to Maui, HI) (2026) Tour$
$Hawaiian Adventure Three Islands featuring O\'ahu, Big Island and Maui (Honolulu, HI to Maui, HI) (2026) - 3 destinations$
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In-depth Cultural
Hawaiian Adventure Three Islands featuring O'ahu, Big Island and Maui (Honolulu, HI to Maui, HI) (2026)
4.7 (204 traveler reviews)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Oahu, Kailua Kona, Maui
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
5% Off
From $4,599
US$4,349per person
+$350 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
View tour
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Explorer
Best of Hawaii (Intra Tour Air Hawaii 2 Flights, Premium Cruise)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Waikiki, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Hilo,Keauhou,Kailua Kona,Kailua,Maui,Kaanapali+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
14% Off
From $4,850
US$4,166per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
View tour
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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
14% Off
From
US$1,099per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Hawaiian Discovery (Intra Tour Air Hawaii 3 Flights)
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Oahu, Island of Hawai‘i, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Hilo,Keauhou,Kailua Kona,Kailua,Maui,Kahului,Kaanapali,Kauai Island,Lihue,Kapaa,Waimea Canyon State Park,Waimea+13 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
6 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
11 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Hawaii Four Island Adventure (Intra Tour Air Hawaii 3 Flights, First Class Cruise)
3.7 (6 traveler reviews)
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hilo,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Keauhou,Kailua Kona,Kahului,Kaanapali,Waimea Canyon State Park,Lihue,Kapaa+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
View tour
$Grand Hawaiian Adventure Four Islands featuring O\'ahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauai (Honolulu, HI to Lihue, HI) (2026) Tour$
$Grand Hawaiian Adventure Four Islands featuring O\'ahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauai (Honolulu, HI to Lihue, HI) (2026) - 8 destinations$
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In-depth Cultural
Grand Hawaiian Adventure Four Islands featuring O'ahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauai (Honolulu, HI to Lihue, HI) (2026)
4.7 (204 traveler reviews)
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Oahu, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Waikiki, Kailua Kona, Kahului,Kauai Island,Lihue+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
4% Off
From $6,349
US$6,099per person
+$550 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Best of Hawaii (Intra Tour Air Hawaii 2 Flights, Moderate Cruise)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hilo,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Keauhou,Kailua Kona,Kahului,Kaanapali+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
14% Off
From $4,325
US$3,720per person
Price based on Private Double Room
4 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
USA – Hawaii Big Island Volcanoes & Beaches
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Kailua Kona, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hilo
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
14% Off
From
US$3,590per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Best of the Hawaiian Islands with Upgraded Room Categories
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Kailua Kona, Maui
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
3% Off
From $5,499
US$5,349per person
+$364 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Hawaii Four Island Adventure (Intra Tour Air Hawaii 3 Flights, Moderate Cruise)
3.7 (6 traveler reviews)
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hilo,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Keauhou,Kailua Kona,Kahului,Kaanapali,Lihue,Kapaa,Waimea Canyon State Park,Kauai Island+9 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
View tour
View Map
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, Spanish
Operator
Receptivo Aborigen Tours
14% Off
From
US$1,005per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
7 Day Hawaii Experience (Bilingual: Chinese, English)
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Maui
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English, Chinese
Operator
Intertrips
14% Off
From
US$1,999per person
Price based on Private Double Room
7 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Island Hopping
Grand Hawaii Vacation
5.0 (326 traveler reviews)
"Globus organized a unique trip in order to experience the best of each island. I would definitely recommend Globus."
Deborah, traveled in June
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Kailua Kona,Kauai Island,Lahaina,Haleakala National Park+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
8% Off
From $6,039
US$5,539per person
+$552 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
View tour
View Map
Active
Hawaii – Kauai & Maui Islands Adventure
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kauai Island, Maui
Age Range
Ages 8+
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
8% Off
From
US$3,990per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Hawaii with Oahu, Maui & the Big Island (Classic, With The Big Island, Intra Tour Air Hawaii 2 Flights)
4.9 (7 traveler reviews)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki, Kahului, Maui, Lahaina,Kaanapali,Waikoloa,Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,Kailua Kona+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Pacific Western USAHawaii+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Insight Vacations
8% Off
From
US$6,416per person
+$234 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
View tour

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