You’ll feel the trade winds, chase blue-sky breaks, and time your days around quick showers when you hit Honolulu in December. Expect highs near 79°F, cooler evenings, and busier Waikīkī sidewalks after mid-month, so start early, think before 8 a.m., and bring a light windbreaker plus reef-safe sunscreen. Reserve Hanauma Bay and other timed entries days ahead, and skip sleepy midday snorkeling when the water chops up. The best plan depends on where you stay, and that’s where it gets interesting…
Key Takeaways
- Expect highs near 79°F, lows around 68°F, trade winds, and brief showers; bring a light layer and compact rain shell.
- Ocean water stays around 76°F; use reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, and water shoes, and check daily surf forecasts.
- Crowds surge after Dec 15 and around holidays; start beaches, hikes, and major sights early for calmer conditions.
- Reserve timed-entry attractions in advance: Diamond Head, USS Arizona Memorial, and Hanauma Bay (reservation plus $25 entry fee).
- Plan activities by coast: south-shore mornings are calmest; avoid north-shore swimming during winter swell and watch big surf from shore.
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Honolulu Weather in December (Quick Look)
Step outside and you’ll feel why December is a sweet spot in Honolulu: warm, breezy days with a higher chance of quick rain showers.
December in Honolulu feels just right: warm, breezy days with a higher chance of quick, passing rain showers.
Daytime highs hover near 79°F, nights dip to about 68°F, so you can wear tees at noon and a light layer later. The trade winds keep humidity in check, but they can roughen the water, so swim early and walk beaches at sunset.
Ocean temperatures sit near 76°F. You’ll stay fine in a rash guard if you snorkel long. Pack a compact rain jacket, reef-safe sunscreen, and grippy sandals. Bring a brimmed cap. Skip heavy sweaters and big umbrellas that flip.
Most showers pass in 10 minutes and leave clear, bright skies. Expect bigger holiday crowds in December, especially around Waikiki’s busiest stretches. A surf lesson runs about $90 to $140.
Crowds in Honolulu in December (And Where They Concentrate)
Often, December in Honolulu feels calm until it suddenly doesn’t, because holiday travel ramps up fast and concentrates in a few predictable pockets. You’ll notice it in Waikiki late afternoons, when beach paths and Kalakaua Avenue become slow parades.
Go early for Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor, both busiest 9 to 1. Hanauma Bay fills quickly too, so pack reef-safe sunscreen and water, then skip midday. For space, head to Kapiolani or Ala Moana Beach Park for park picnics, shaded and breezy. Local festivals and tree lightings draw people to Downtown, Chinatown, and the Honolulu Hale lawn at dusk. If you’re planning the USS Arizona Memorial program, note that tickets open 8 weeks in advance at 3 pm HST and can fill quickly. If timing’s tight, a Viator small-group tour with verified reviews and hotel pickup can secure entry slots, with free cancellation and reserve now pay later.
Hotel and Flight Prices in December
Because Honolulu runs on holiday demand in December, hotel rates and flights can look reasonable one week, then spike the next as Christmas and New Year’s fill seats and rooms fast.
Honolulu prices can swing wildly in December, holiday demand makes flights and hotels jump fast as Christmas and New Year’s fill up.
Early December often feels like a shoulder season, with midrange Waikiki hotels hovering around $220 to $350 a night and interisland hops from $80.
After about December 15, expect Peak fares, tighter options, and resort fees that sting.
Even with the mild December weather, holiday crowds can push last-minute rates higher, especially around Waikiki.
If you’re flexible, fly midweek and take a carry on to dodge bag charges.
Look for Negotiated packages through airlines or big resorts that bundle breakfast or parking, but read the fine print.
You can add a Viator airport transfer when arrivals clog H1, choose verified reviews, hotel pickup, and free cancellation with reserve-now flexibility.
What to Book Early in Honolulu in December
If you want Honolulu to feel breezy in December, lock in the big-ticket bookings before Thanksgiving, and aim even earlier for travel after December 15. Start with hotels, flights, and a rental car if you’ll drive the North Shore.
Then grab timed-entry tickets for Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor, since lines stack up by 8 a.m. If you’re choosing where to spend your time at the memorial, prioritize Pearl Harbor museums that match your interests so you don’t waste precious morning hours hopping between sites. Popular luaus run $160 to $220, and reservations recommended means you’ll actually get a seat near the stage.
Book dinner in Waikiki a week out, especially for oceanfront tables at sunset. Snorkel cruises and catamaran sails sell out on calm days, so pick a morning slot and consider tour upgrades like smaller groups.
Viator’s Pearl Harbor tour has verified reviews, hotel pickup, free cancellation, reserve now pay later.
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What to Pack for December in Honolulu
December days in Honolulu stay warm, but evenings can turn breezy after sunset, so pack light layers like a thin hoodie or linen shirt and skip the heavy jacket.
You’ll want rain-ready beach essentials too, a compact shell, quick-dry towel, and a dry bag to save your phone when showers roll through and your snorkel gear stays booked out or pricey.
Also, Waikīkī can see trade winds and passing showers this time of year, so plan for quick weather swings between sun and rain.
Finish with comfortable walking footwear for Waikīkī to Diamond Head, think cushy sneakers or supportive sandals, because you’ll rack up miles in crowds and the occasional slick sidewalk.
Light Layers For Evenings
While Honolulu stays warm in the daytime, evenings can turn breezy fast once the sun drops around 6 p.m., especially along Waikīkī Beach and up on Tantalus. Pack a light jacket or a compact windbreaker you can stuff in a day bag, and you’ll thank yourself on sunset walks and open air lanais. In December, expect a bit more rainfall than in summer, so a packable shell can pull double duty. Linen shirts look sharp at dinner, but bring merino layers for cooler rides on TheBus or a scooter after dark.
If you’re booking a Diamond Head and city lights combo, consider a Viator tour with verified reviews, hotel pickup, free cancellation, and reserve now pay later, so you’re not hunting parking. Skip bulky hoodies; they hog suitcase space. Add thin socks and closed shoes for hillside viewpoints. For late-night shave ice.
Rain-Ready Beach Essentials
Because Honolulu’s winter showers can sweep in fast and pass just as quickly, you’ll want beach gear that dries in minutes and keeps your phone and cash safe.
Pack a waterproof tote with a zip pouch, plus a small dry bag for keys.
Bring a quick dry sarong that doubles as a towel, wrap, or picnic blanket when the sand turns damp.
Toss in a rain shell, sunglasses, and reef safe sunscreen that won’t run in your eyes.
A compact snorkel set can save you $15 to $25 a day in rentals at Waikiki kiosks, but skip heavy cotton towels and anything that stays soggy.
After a squall, you’ll be back in the water fast, so always keep a spare swimsuit in your tote.
Since rain is often localized in winter Honolulu, this setup helps you stay flexible without hauling extra gear.
Comfortable Walking Footwear
Often, you’ll walk more in Honolulu than you expect, from Waikiki’s sunrise promenade to the uphill lanes around Diamond Head, so pack footwear that can handle slick sidewalks after a quick shower and still look good at dinner. Bring broken-in sneakers for 5 to 8 miles a day and add arch support insoles if you’re prone to sore heels. For beach hops, athletic sandals with grippy soles beat flimsy flip-flops, which you should skip on wet concrete. If you’re planning the crater hike, consider the bus from Waikiki so you can save your legs for the uphill climb.
| Where you’re headed | Best pick | Quick tip |
|---|---|---|
| Waikiki to Ala Moana | Sneakers | Go early, it’s calmer before 9 a.m. |
| Diamond Head | Trail runners | Entry is $5, start before 8 a.m. |
Rinse sand off at your hotel, and pack blister pads. You’ll thank yourself on busy Saturday nights.
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Best Areas to Stay in Honolulu in December
If you pick your neighborhood with December weather and holiday crowds in mind, Honolulu feels easy and well paced even when Waikīkī’s sidewalks get busy after sunset.
Stay in Waikīkī if you want walkable dining, hotels, and bus links, but book early and expect higher rates around Christmas week.
Use a simple Waikiki map to line up the best beach areas with food streets and other walkable stops before you commit to a hotel block.
For a calmer base, try Ala Moana or Kakaʻako.
You’ll get breezier mornings, newer condos, and easy access to Local markets and food halls without the resort crush.
Chinatown and Downtown suit night owls chasing Nightlife spots, but bring a light jacket for late rides and stick to well lit streets after 10 pm.
Manoa feels leafy and quiet, though you’ll rely on a car.
Skip oceanfront splurges unless the view is your main souvenir.
Best December Beach and Snorkel Conditions
Holiday crowds feel easier once you plan your beach time around December’s surf and wind patterns.
Mornings are usually calmer on south-shore beaches like Waikiki and Ala Moana, so get in by 8 a.m. for clearer visibility and fewer splashy beginners.
Skip north-shore swims when winter swell is pumping, admire it from shore instead.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a light rash guard, and water shoes for rocky entries.
For snorkeling, aim for Marine preserves like Hanauma Bay; reserve your slot, $25 entry, and bring your own mask to avoid rental lines.
Coral spawning is rare but possible around the new moon, and it can cloud water briefly.
Try Night snorkeling only with a guide, and ask about Bioluminescence spots.
Crowds build after 10 a.m.
Check the surf forecast each morning and switch sides of the island if conditions look rough.
December Hikes and Sunrise Views in Honolulu
Set your alarm for a pre-dawn start and you can catch December’s crisp trade winds on sunrise hikes like Diamond Head or Makapu‘u, before the crowds and tour buses roll in.
Non-residents should lock in online reservations up to 30 days ahead and aim for a 6:00–8:00 am start to beat the heat and any check-in lines.
You’ll want grippy shoes, a light rain layer, and a headlamp, since some trails stay slick after overnight showers and the park gate times can make or break your plan, so skip flip-flops and don’t count on cell service.
After you earn the view, you can refuel with a hot plate lunch style breakfast at Rainbow Drive-In or a strong coffee and pastry in Kaimukī, and if you’d rather not juggle timing, a Viator sunrise hike with verified reviews, hotel pickup, free cancellation, and reserve now pay later can smooth out the logistics.
Best December Sunrise Hikes
Although December brings shorter mornings, Honolulu still rewards early risers with clear, cool-air hikes where the sunrise hits Diamond Head, Koko Head, and the Koʻolau ridgeline in soft gold. Aim to start at 5:45 to 6:15 a.m. so you’re on the rim as the city lights fade.
Diamond Head State Monument needs a timed reservation and costs $5 per person plus $10 per car, so book ahead and skip bringing coffee in a spill-prone cup. Entry is limited and timed reservations can sell out, so lock in your slot as soon as your dates are firm.
For Sunrise photography, pack a small tripod and a light layer. At Koko Head, you’ll share the climb with fit locals, then watch surfers and planes below.
For Local birdwatching, try Puʻu Pia above Mānoa; you’ll often spot ʻapapane in the trees. Bring water and skip big lenses.
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Trail Conditions And Safety
Since December trades sticky heat for cooler trade winds and quick bursts of rain, you’ll want to treat Honolulu’s sunrise trails like they’re slick even when the sky looks clear.
Start before 6 a.m. and carry a headlamp, light rain shell, and grippy shoes. Skip cotton and smooth-soled sneakers.
Expect muddy ruts on ridgelines and wet rock near viewpoints. Give hikers coming uphill the right of way, keep voices low at dawn, and pack out every wrapper for Trail etiquette.
December sits in the wetter season, so passing showers can turn valley trails muddy even if the forecast looks decent.
Check the NOAA radar the night before and at the trailhead. If streams rise or you hear thunder, turn around for Flash flood readiness.
Bring 1 liter of water, a snack, and $10 cash for parking or bus fare. Crowds thin after 7 a.m.
Post-Hike Breakfast Spots
Roll into town with salty hair and muddy calves, then aim your appetite at a few breakfast counters that open early enough to reward a pre-6 a.m. sunrise.
In Waikiki, grab a grab-and-go musubi or acai bowl by 7 a.m., about $6 to $12, and eat on the beach before the tour buses stack up.
For an easy dawn stroll, the Waikiki Beach Walk route gives you a front-row sunrise without adding another hike.
If you want real caffeine, follow the smell to Local roasters in Kaimuki or Chinatown for pour-overs and butter mochi.
On Saturdays, time your hike so you hit Farmer’s markets by 8, you’ll score papaya, hot malasadas, and a cheap plate lunch for later.
Bring cash, a light jacket, and wet wipes.
Rinse off, stash your pack, and tip jaristas.
Skip long brunch lines, you’ll lose your morning glow.
Holiday Events in Honolulu in December
When December nights cool off and the trade winds kick in, Honolulu flips the switch on holiday season with beachy flair and surprisingly polished light displays.
Start at Honolulu City Lights at Honolulu Hale, early Dec to New Year’s, free, busiest after 7 pm.
Arrive at dusk for photos, then grab cocoa by Waikiki’s lit palms.
Book festive luaus for seasonal menus and hula, expect $150 to $220, and pack a light jacket.
For a parade fix, you’ll hear about Kauai parades, but Honolulu’s boat parades in the harbor feel easier.
If you’re aiming for street parades, check Waikiki parade routes and stake out a viewing spot early.
Skip last-minute mall Santas, lines stretch forever, too.
If you don’t want to drive, a Viator lights tour with hotel pickup, verified reviews, free cancellation, and reserve now pay later keeps timing simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Honolulu Have Whale-Watching Tours in December?
Yes, you’ll find whale-watching tours in Honolulu in December, since humpbacks arrive during Hawaii’s whale seasons. You can book boat excursions from Waikiki or nearby harbors, and you’ll often spot breaches and tail slaps too.
Are Restaurants and Shops Open on Christmas Day in Honolulu?
Of course everything’s closed, except it isn’t: in Honolulu, many hotels, restaurants, and major shops stay open on Christmas Day. You’ll still hit holiday closures at small businesses, so reserve early for festive dining, to confirm.
Is December a Good Time to Learn Surfing in Waikiki?
Yes, December can work for learning to surf in Waikiki, especially in the mornings. You’ll find gentle beginner lessons and private surf coaching, but you should expect bigger swells occasionally and more crowds near holidays.
Do You Need a Car to Get Around Honolulu in December?
You don’t need a car in Honolulu in December if you stay near Waikiki. Use public transit, walk, or bike for most trips. Call rideshares for late nights, and follow rideshare etiquette with pickups clear.
Are There New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Honolulu?
Yes, you’ll see New Year’s Eve fireworks in Honolulu; can you picture the shoreline flashing at midnight? You can watch from public fireworks locations,private hotel celebrations, or Waikiki beach, but arrive early and follow safety rules.
Conclusion
December in Honolulu feels like soft sun and salty breezes, but you’ve got to plan smart. Start before 8 a.m. for calm snorkels and sunrise summit steps at Diamond Head, then dodge the midday Waikīkī crush. Book Hanauma Bay slots weeks ahead, or use a Viator tour with verified reviews, hotel pickup, free cancellation, and reserve now pay later. Pack reef safe sunscreen, a light windbreaker, and skip heavy layers, budget $20 for parking, snacks.
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