December on the Big Island of Hawai'i is whale season. Humpback whales begin arriving in the waters off the Kohala Coast and Kailua-Kona by mid-month, and on a calm morning you can spot breaches from shore without binoculars. That single fact draws a specific kind of traveler willing to pay peak-season rates for the privilege. Hotels in the Mauna Lani and Waikoloa resort corridors typically sell out their holiday-week inventory by October, and rental cars get scarce enough that some visitors end up on waitlists.
The weather is warm at the coast and cool at elevation. Kailua-Kona and the Kohala resort corridor see December highs around 28°C (82°F) with lows near 19°C (66°F), and the leeward side picks up roughly 50mm of rain for the month, often in brief afternoon showers that clear within 20 minutes. Hilo on the windward side collects 250-300mm in a typical December, so driving from Kona to Hilo can feel like crossing into a different season. Volcano Village at 1,200 meters drops to 12-14°C at night, and Mauna Kea's 4,207-meter summit sees freezing temperatures and occasional snow.
Is December the best month to visit? If budget matters, May or September deliver similar coastal weather at roughly half the nightly hotel rate. But December's calendar holds things those months don't. Greenwell Farms in Kealakekua offers harvest-season tastings of fresh-crop Kona coffee, still bright and aromatic before export processing dulls it. Merriman's in Waimea pairs Big Island grass-fed beef with local produce in a ranch-town setting worth booking 2 weeks ahead. The manta rays off Keauhou Bay show up most nights, with water still at 25°C. And if you're traveling with family, the island's 7.8/10 family friendliness score (see /research/family-friendliness/) reflects strong multigenerational infrastructure, from lifeguarded beach parks to national park ranger programs.
Why visit in December
- Humpback whale season begins in earnest by mid-December, with sightings possible from shore along the west coast between Kawaihae and Keauhou.
- The Kona coast receives roughly 50mm of rain in December, most of it in brief afternoon showers that clear quickly. Visitors based at Kohala Coast resorts or in Kailua-Kona can expect dry mornings on most days.
- Cooler temperatures at elevation make hiking in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and along the Kohala Mountain Road noticeably more comfortable than summer months.
- Fresh-crop Kona coffee from the ongoing harvest is available directly from farms in the Holualoa and Captain Cook corridor, at its peak flavor before export processing.
Worth knowing
- Peak-season pricing hits hard. Expect hotel rates 50-80% above the annual average, particularly during the final two weeks of the month.
- Rental car availability tightens significantly. Booking fewer than 30 days out often means paying double or finding no midsize vehicles at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.
- North and west shore surf can reach dangerous heights from North Pacific winter swells, closing beaches that are swimmable in summer.
- Vog from Kilauea can drift across the Kona side when trade winds weaken, reducing visibility and irritating sensitive airways.
Best for
Think twice if
December sits in the early wet season, but what that means depends on which coast you're standing on. The Kona side, where most visitors stay, receives around 50mm for the month, most of it in brief afternoon showers that clear within 20 minutes. Hilo on the windward side collects 250-300mm, so driving from Kona to Hilo can feel like crossing into a different climate entirely. Mornings on the Kona coast typically start clear, with temperatures reaching 27-28°C by midday and a light breeze off the water keeping the humidity from feeling heavy. Even Hilo often clears by mid-morning. At sea level, evenings stay warm enough for short sleeves. Drive 20 minutes up to Waimea at 800 meters and you'll want a fleece by 6 PM. Volcano Village at 1,200 meters can drop to 12°C at night, with the cool air carrying the scent of damp ohia forest. Trade winds blow most days, which is what keeps the Kona coast dry and comfortable.
Seasonal caution
- Winter swells from the North Pacific can produce 3-5 meter (10-15 foot) waves on north and west-facing shores. Lifeguarded beaches post warning signs, but unguarded spots like Pololu Valley beach become genuinely dangerous. Check the NOAA surf forecast daily.
- Mauna Kea summit temperatures drop below freezing after dark, and snow is possible. The access road above the Visitor Information Station requires 4WD, and altitude sickness affects some visitors at 4,207 meters.
- Flash flooding can occur rapidly in windward valleys and stream crossings, particularly along the Hamakua Coast and in Waipi'o Valley. Stay off valley floors during or immediately after heavy rain.
- Volcanic emissions (vog) from Kilauea can reduce air quality on the Kona side when trade winds die. Travelers with asthma or respiratory conditions should monitor the Hawai'i Interagency Vog Information Dashboard.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15 | 6 | 72 |
| Feb | 14 | 5 | 85 |
| Mar | 14 | 6 | 111 |
| Apr | 15 | 6 | 91 |
| May | 16 | 7 | 77 |
| Jun | 17 | 8 | 25 |
| Jul | 18 | 8 | 54 |
| Aug | 18 | 8 | 87 |
| Sep | 18 | 8 | 53 |
| Oct | 17 | 8 | 76 |
| Nov | 16 | 7 | 86 |
| Dec | 15 | 7 | 65 |
Holidays and festivals in December
Public holidays
- Christmas Day(Christmas Day)25 December 2026
When is Christmas season in 2026?
27 November to 26 December 2026
Christmas season is a major cultural celebration in Big Island. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 26 December 2026.
Headline events
Humpback Whale Season Opening
Mid-November through mid-April, with reliable sightings by mid-December
North Pacific humpback whales migrate to the warm, shallow waters between the Big Island and Maui each winter. By mid-December, mothers with calves appear in the Kohala Coast waters. The season runs through April, but December offers early sightings with fewer boats on the water. Shore-based watching from spots north of Kailua-Kona requires nothing more than patience and a pair of binoculars.
Best things to do in December
Shore-based whale watching along the Kohala Coast
wildlifeHumpback whales arrive in Hawaiian waters for calving season, and the coastline between Kawaihae Harbor and Keauhou Bay offers elevated vantage points. Early December sightings tend to be sporadic, but by the second half of the month, breaches and spouts become a near-daily occurrence. The Spencer Beach Park area and the trail near Pu'ukohola Heiau provide particularly good sightlines.
Mid-December marks the reliable start of humpback whale activity in Big Island waters, with fewer boats and onlookers than the February peak.Booking tipShore watching is free and requires no booking. For boat tours, Dan McSweeney's Whale Watch Learning Adventures operates out of Honokohau Harbor with half-day trips. Book 5-7 days ahead during holiday weeks, as group sizes stay small.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park after-dark viewing
natureIf Kilauea's summit or rift zone is active, the glow appears against the darkening sky from overlooks along Crater Rim Drive, the orange light pulsing as gas plumes shift in the wind. December's earlier sunsets, around 5:50 PM, mean you don't have to stay as late as in summer to see it. The air at 1,200 meters carries a faint sulfur smell and sits around 15°C by 7 PM, cool enough to want a jacket. Check the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory updates before driving out.
Shorter days mean earlier viewing of any volcanic glow, and cooler temperatures at 1,200 meters make the experience more comfortable than summer visits.Booking tipNo booking needed, but the park entrance fee covers 7 consecutive days. Arrive before 4 PM to explore Thurston Lava Tube and the steam vents in daylight before staying for the after-dark viewing.
Kona coffee farm tours
food_and_drinkThe Kona Coffee Belt, a narrow strip along the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa between roughly 200 and 700 meters elevation, is in active harvest during December. Greenwell Farms in Kealakekua and Mountain Thunder in Kaloko both offer walking tours where you can see cherry picking, pulping, and drying in progress. The smell of wet parchment coffee drying on raised beds is particular to harvest season. The experience differs entirely from off-season tours that show empty fields and stored beans.
December falls within the September-to-January harvest window, so farms are actively processing cherries. Tours show the full production cycle rather than dormant equipment.Booking tipMost farm tours run mornings only and cap at 10-15 visitors. Greenwell Farms takes walk-ins on weekdays but books out on holiday-week mornings. Reserve 3-5 days ahead.
Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay
water_sportsThe bay's protected waters and coral reef system make it one of the best snorkeling sites in the state. December's calmer conditions on the Kona side (compared to the rougher windward coast) mean visibility tends to stay good, though it varies day to day. Spinner dolphins frequent the bay in the mornings. Access is by kayak, boat tour, or the steep 1.6-kilometer (1-mile) trail down to the Captain Cook Monument.
Kona-side ocean conditions are generally calmer in winter than summer south swells, and water temperatures remain around 25°C (77°F), comfortable without a wetsuit.Booking tipFair Wind Cruises runs morning and afternoon snorkel trips from Keauhou Bay with gear included. Kayak permits for the bay are limited and regulated by the state. Book guided tours or check permit availability 2-3 weeks ahead for holiday travel.
Waimea town exploration and ranching country
culturalWaimea sits at roughly 800 meters in the saddle between the Kohala Mountains and Mauna Kea. December's cooler temperatures make the town feel distinctly different from the coast, almost like a different island. The Parker Ranch heritage, local restaurants, and Saturday morning farmers market offer a side of the Big Island that most beach-focused visitors miss entirely. The drive up from the Kohala Coast takes about 20 minutes.
December's cooler air makes Waimea's elevation feel crisp rather than merely overcast. The town's holiday decorations and community events give it a small-town warmth that contrasts with the resort coast.Booking tipThe Parker School Saturday morning farmers market runs 7:30 AM to noon. For Merriman's, reserve 1-2 weeks out during the holiday window.
Manta ray night snorkel off Keauhou
wildlifeThe manta ray viewing site off the Keauhou coast operates year-round, but December's calmer Kona-side waters tend to mean fewer cancellations than the rougher summer months. Operators set up lights that attract plankton, which in turn attract reef manta rays with wingspans reaching 3-4 meters. The experience runs about 45 minutes in the water.
Winter's calmer west-coast conditions reduce trip cancellations, and water temperatures remain warm enough to snorkel without a full wetsuit.Booking tipBook at least 7-10 days ahead in December. Operators sell out most nights during the holiday window. Ask about cancellation policies tied to swell conditions, as most offer rebooking for weather cancellations.
Hiking the Pu'u Huluhulu trail to Mauna Kea
hikingThe Pu'u Huluhulu cinder cone trail, located on the saddle between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa at about 2,000 meters, offers panoramic views of both summits. On clear December mornings, you might see snow on Mauna Kea's peak. The trail is short (roughly 30 minutes round trip) but the high-elevation scenery and the kipuka (forest island surrounded by lava) make it worth the stop on the way to or from the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station.
December is one of the months when snow appears on Mauna Kea's summit, creating the surreal combination of tropical island and snow-capped peak visible from this trail.Booking tipNo booking needed. The trailhead sits on Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway) near mile marker 28. If continuing to the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station, check the summit road status online before departure.
What to eat in December
In season: fruit
Lilikoi
Passion fruit tends to peak in the fall-to-winter window on the Big Island. December means lilikoi butter, lilikoi chiffon pie, and lilikoi juice at farmers markets in both Hilo and Kona. The fruit grows wild in some parts of Puna and South Kona, though the cultivated varieties at market stalls are usually sweeter.
Street food peaks
Malasadas
Portuguese-style fried doughnuts rolled in sugar, a staple at holiday gatherings and local bakeries across the island. Tex Drive-In on the Hamakua Coast near Honoka'a is the classic stop. December's community events and church fundraisers often feature fresh batches made to order.
What to drink
Fresh-crop Kona coffee
The Kona coffee harvest runs from roughly September through January, and December sits in the sweet spot. Farms in the Holualoa and Captain Cook belt sell bags within days of roasting. The flavor profile of freshly processed Kona tends to be brighter and more aromatic than what reaches the mainland months later. Several farms along Mamalahoa Highway offer tastings.
Big Island Chocolate
Several cacao farms in the Kona and Hamakua districts produce single-origin chocolate. December's cooler evenings are when hot chocolate made from local cacao becomes a genuine seasonal treat, particularly in Volcano Village and Waimea, where nighttime temperatures drop enough to make a warm cup feel earned.
In markets
Macadamia nuts
Mid-harvest season for Big Island macadamia orchards, which produce roughly 90% of the US crop. The Hamakua Coast between Hilo and Waimea is the main growing region. Fresh-cracked nuts from local processors taste markedly different from the stale versions sold in airport gift shops.
Regular events in December
Kailua-Kona Christmas ParadeFree
The annual Christmas parade runs along Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona, featuring local school groups, community organizations, and decorated floats. The parade draws residents from across the west side of the island and shuts down the main coastal road for several hours.
First or second Saturday of DecemberFestival of Lights at Lili'uokalani GardensFree
Hilo's Japanese-style garden along Banyan Drive hosts a holiday light display each December. The event typically includes taiko drumming, food vendors, and community performances in the park's pavilion areas. It is one of Hilo's larger community gatherings of the year.
Early December, typically first SaturdayWaimea Christmas Twilight ParadeFree
The town of Waimea (Kamuela) hosts its own holiday parade through the town center, with a paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) flavor that reflects the area's ranching heritage. Smaller and more local than the Kona parade, with horseback riders and ranch floats.
Mid-December, typically a Saturday eveningBodhi Day observancesFree
Several Buddhist temples on the Big Island observe Bodhi Day, marking the date of Siddhartha Gautama's enlightenment. The Daifukuji Soto Mission in Kona and temples in the Hilo and Hamakua areas may hold services or community gatherings open to respectful visitors.
December 8Best places this December
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
national_parkThe park's Kilauea summit area sits at roughly 1,200 meters, where December temperatures make the Crater Rim Trail and Devastation Trail more comfortable than the humid summer months. The Thurston Lava Tube stays cool year-round but December's lower visitor pressure (relative to summer) means shorter waits at the entrance. If Kilauea is actively erupting, the after-dark glow viewing benefits from earlier sunsets.
VolcanoHilo Farmers Market
marketThe Wednesday and Saturday morning market on the corner of Mamo Street and Kamehameha Avenue in downtown Hilo is at its best in December. Seasonal lilikoi, fresh-harvest macadamia nuts, Big Island chocolate, and flower lei vendors fill the stalls. Saturday is the larger day. Arrive before 8 AM for the best selection.
HiloPu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
historical_siteThe Place of Refuge, about 30 minutes south of Kailua-Kona, is one of the island's most significant cultural sites. December's mild weather and somewhat lower weekday visitor counts (compared to summer) make for a quieter experience walking the reconstructed temple platform and fishpond walls. The adjacent Two Step snorkeling area is usually accessible when south swells are down.
South KonaAkaka Falls State Park
state_parkThe 135-meter (442-foot) waterfall along the Hamakua Coast flows well in December thanks to the wet-season rains on the windward side. The short loop trail through tropical forest takes about 30 minutes. Morning visits tend to have better light for photography and fewer tour buses.
Hamakua CoastWaipi'o Valley Lookout
viewpointThe viewpoint above Waipi'o Valley offers one of the Big Island's most dramatic overlooks, with the valley floor, black sand beach, and 300-meter (1,000-foot) cliffs visible from the road. December's green, rain-fed landscape makes the valley look lush. Mind you, descending to the valley floor requires 4WD or a guided tour, and flash flooding risk means checking weather before going down.
Hamakua CoastPunalu'u Black Sand Beach
beachGreen sea turtles haul out on this black sand beach on the Ka'u coast year-round, but December's slightly lower visitor traffic means more space. The turtles are federally protected, so maintain the 3-meter distance. The beach itself is backed by coconut palms and a small park area.
Ka'uLili'uokalani Gardens, Hilo
parkThis 12-hectare Japanese-style garden on Banyan Drive in Hilo is worth visiting beyond the December Festival of Lights. The pagodas, stone bridges, and koi ponds make for a quiet morning walk. December's rain keeps everything intensely green. Free entry, open daily.
Hilo
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Insider tips
The Kona side and the Hilo side feel like two different islands in December. Kona gets roughly a fifth of Hilo's rainfall, so if a wet morning forecast has you discouraged in Hilo, the drive over Saddle Road (about 90 minutes) often leads to clear skies. Locals do this routinely.
For whale watching without a tour, drive north of Kailua-Kona along the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway and pull off at any elevated coastal point between the Mauna Lani turnoff and Kawaihae. Late morning tends to produce more surface activity than early morning. Bring a camp chair and patience.
The Hilo Farmers Market is split into two experiences. The Saturday and Wednesday markets are the real deal, with local farmers and prepared food vendors. Other days of the week, the market operates with fewer stalls and more tourist-oriented goods. Time your visit accordingly.
Skip the airport coffee shops. Stop instead at one of the small roasters in Holualoa village (about 10 minutes uphill from Kailua-Kona on Mamalahoa Highway). The elevation, the quiet, and the fresh-crop Kona in the cup set a better tone for the trip than anything at the terminal.
Solo travelers will find the Big Island's 7.8/10 safety score (see /research/solo-safety/) reflects reality. It is a low-crime area by US standards, but rental car break-ins at remote trailheads do happen. Don't leave valuables visible.
For a meal worth the drive to Waimea, Merriman's has served Big Island grass-fed beef and local fish since 1988. Book 1-2 weeks ahead during the holiday window. On the Hilo side, Cafe 100 on Kilauea Avenue has been making loco moco since 1946. The steaming plate of rice, hamburger patty, gravy, and fried egg on a cool December morning is the opposite of resort dining, and better for it.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking only a Kona-side resort and never driving to Hilo. The windward side holds Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, the Hilo Farmers Market, and a completely different climate. Treating the Big Island as a beach resort misses roughly half the island's character.
- Underestimating driving distances. The Big Island covers over 10,400 square kilometers (4,028 square miles). A day trip from the Kohala Coast resort area to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and back is a 4-5 hour round trip of driving alone. Plan overnight stays at Volcano Village if you want to see the park properly.
- Assuming all beaches are swimmable. December's north swells close beaches that are calm in summer. Check the county lifeguard reports before loading the car. Hapuna Beach, one of the island's most popular, can go from flat to overhead shore break in a single day.
- Waiting until arrival to book a rental car during the last two weeks of December. Inventory at Kona airport can genuinely run out. Hilo airport has fewer options but also less demand. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for holiday-week travel.
Practical tips for December
Book accommodations and rental cars 6-8 weeks before a late-December trip. Availability on the Kohala Coast and in Kailua-Kona tightens by early November for the holiday window. Restaurant reservations at resort-area spots should be made 1-2 weeks out for holiday week. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park does not require advance reservations for entry but check USGS updates for any eruption-related closures. The park entrance fee covers 7 days. Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona closes for the Christmas parade on the first or second Saturday of December, so plan around that if you're staying in town. Gas stations are sparse on the southern route between Kona and Volcano (Highway 11 through Ka'u), so fill up in Captain Cook or Kailua-Kona. Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway) between Kona and Hilo is the fastest cross-island route but has no services for most of its length. Cell coverage drops out in several rural stretches. Tipping at restaurants follows US mainland norms at 18-20%.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit the Big Island?
December is a solid but expensive time to visit. Coastal weather stays warm, with Kona-side highs around 28°C (82°F) and minimal rain on the leeward coast. Humpback whale season begins by mid-month, fresh-crop Kona coffee is at its harvest peak, and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park's trails are cooler than in summer. The main drawback is cost. Hotels, rental cars, and flights all reach their annual peak during the last two weeks, with resort rates running 50-80% above the annual average. If your schedule is flexible, May, September, or October offer similar coastal weather at significantly lower cost.
What is the weather like on the Big Island in December?
The answer depends on where you are on the island. Coastal resort areas like Kailua-Kona and the Kohala Coast see highs around 28°C (82°F) and lows near 19°C (66°F), with the leeward side receiving roughly 50mm of rain for the month. Hilo on the windward side gets 250-300mm, making it dramatically wetter. Elevation is the other variable. Volcano Village at 1,200 meters drops to 12-14°C at night, and Mauna Kea's summit sees freezing temperatures and occasional snow. Humidity sits around 69% at the coast. Pack layers if you plan to move between sea level and the highlands.
Is the Big Island crowded in December?
Yes, particularly during the last two weeks. The Kohala Coast resort corridor, Kailua-Kona, and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park see their highest visitor density of the year from roughly December 18 through January 2. Early December (before the 15th) is noticeably less crowded and slightly cheaper. The Hilo side and the Ka'u coast remain less visited even during peak holiday weeks.
Can you swim in the ocean on the Big Island in December?
You can, but beach selection narrows. North Pacific winter swells produce large surf on north and west-facing shores, closing beaches that are calm in summer. Sheltered spots like Kahalu'u Beach Park, Kua Bay on calmer days, and the south-facing beaches near Punalu'u remain accessible. Always check the county lifeguard reports and look for posted warning signs. Water temperature stays around 25°C (77°F), warm enough without a wetsuit.
How many days do you need on the Big Island in December?
A minimum of 5 days to cover the major highlights without feeling rushed. The island's size means significant driving between the Kona coast, Hilo, Waimea, and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. A week allows time for a Kona coffee farm tour, a day in Hilo, a proper Volcanoes National Park visit including after-dark viewing, and whale watching along the Kohala Coast. Two or three nights on each side of the island (Kona and Volcano or Hilo) reduces daily driving.
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