Stay in Kauai in December
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December on Kauai means rain. Expect around 290mm across roughly 26 days of the month, with the north shore near Hanalei and Princeville catching the heaviest downpours. Daytime highs hover around 26°C (79°F) while nighttime lows settle near 19°C (66°F), still warm but noticeably cooler than summer, and damp trade winds after sunset can make a light layer feel welcome. Humidity typically runs around 75%, so even dry stretches feel sticky on your skin.
The trade-off for all that moisture is an island at peak green. Every waterfall runs at full force, including Wailua Falls on the east side. Humpback whales begin arriving off the south shore in November, and by December sightings from the bluffs near Poipu become fairly regular. The Kauai Festival of Lights opens at the Historic County Building in Lihue during the first week of the month, draping the old plantation-era building in hand-built community displays that glow across the lawn through the holidays.
The real cost of a December visit is the price. This is the single most expensive month on Kauai. Mainland families fill south shore condos and Princeville resorts for Christmas and New Year's, with rates running 50-80% above the annual average. If your schedule has any flexibility, the first two weeks before the 20th tend to be slightly less compressed than the holiday stretch that follows.
Why visit in December
- Humpback whale sightings from clifftop lookouts near Poipu become consistent by mid-December, early enough in the migration season that pods are still arriving daily
- The island's waterfalls, from roadside cascades visible without hiking to the narrow chutes inside Waimea Canyon, run at their most powerful after weeks of sustained rain
- The landscape reaches a saturated green that drier summer months cannot produce, making helicopter tours over the Na Pali Coast and interior valleys particularly striking
- The Kauai Festival of Lights and neighborhood holiday gatherings give December a small-town warmth that the larger Hawaiian islands lack
Worth knowing
- Rain falls on the vast majority of December days, sometimes heavy enough to close north shore hiking trails and reduce visibility on winding roads
- The most expensive month for accommodation on the island, with holiday-season demand pushing rates well above what you would pay in any other month
- North shore beaches see dangerous winter swells and rip currents that make swimming unsafe at spots including Hanakapiai Beach
- Trail closures along the Kalalau Trail and at Ha'ena State Park are common after heavy rainfall, sometimes lasting several days
Best for
Think twice if
Deep wet season on Kauai. Most mornings begin with mist hanging in the valleys above Waimea, and showers roll through in bursts that can last 20 minutes or settle in for half a day. The south shore around Poipu typically catches less rain than the north, though no part of the island stays fully dry. The air stays warm through the day, and evenings rarely feel cold despite the trade winds picking up after dark. You might get 2 or 3 genuinely clear afternoons across the entire month.
Seasonal caution
- Flash flood advisories are common on Kauai in December, especially in narrow stream valleys and on the Kalalau Trail. Check the National Weather Service Honolulu office forecasts each morning before heading to trails or river crossings.
- Winter surf on the north shore regularly produces waves above 3 meters (10 feet). Rip currents at exposed beaches have caused fatalities in past years. Swim on the south shore at protected spots like Poipu Beach.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15 | 8 | 210 |
| Feb | 15 | 8 | 218 |
| Mar | 15 | 9 | 298 |
| Apr | 15 | 9 | 386 |
| May | 16 | 10 | 293 |
| Jun | 17 | 11 | 221 |
| Jul | 17 | 12 | 268 |
| Aug | 18 | 12 | 181 |
| Sep | 18 | 12 | 195 |
| Oct | 17 | 11 | 218 |
| Nov | 16 | 10 | 229 |
| Dec | 15 | 9 | 290 |
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 Kauai. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 26 December 2026.
Best things to do in December
Whale watching from Poipu clifftops
natureHumpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaiian waters each winter. From the bluffs above Poipu and along the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail, you can spot spouts and breaches without boarding a boat. Bring binoculars and patience.
Humpbacks begin arriving in November, and by mid-December the south shore sees daily sightings as pods settle into their breeding grounds.Booking tipBoat-based whale watch tours from Port Allen fill quickly in the last two weeks of December. Book at least 10 days ahead.
Waimea Canyon overlook hikes
hikingThe canyon runs 16 km (10 miles) long and over 900 meters (3,000 feet) deep. Several short trails from the main lookouts lead to ridgeline viewpoints where the red and green layers of the canyon walls emerge between cloud breaks.
Rain brings out the deepest contrast between the red canyon walls and green vegetation, and waterfalls appear on cliff faces that are bone-dry in summer.Booking tipArrive before 9am. Clouds typically fill the canyon by late morning, obscuring the views until an afternoon clearing.
Allerton Garden guided tour
gardenThis National Tropical Botanical Garden property, founded in 1986, sits in Lawai Valley on the south shore. The guided walk passes through a series of garden rooms with Moreton Bay fig trees, tropical flowering plants, and the stream valley featured in Jurassic Park.
Winter rains push the garden into full tropical bloom. Several species of heliconia and ginger flower only during the wet months, and the stream runs high enough to fill the reflecting pools.Booking tipTours run daily but group sizes are capped. Reserve online at least a week ahead during December.
Helicopter tour of Na Pali Coast
scenic flightThe sea cliffs and hanging valleys of Na Pali Coast State Park are inaccessible by road and often closed to hikers in winter. A helicopter tour from Lihue covers the coastline in about 55 minutes, passing waterfalls that do not exist during drier weather.
Winter rainfall creates ephemeral waterfalls across the Na Pali cliffs. You will see more falling water in December than in any summer flyover.Booking tipBook morning flights for the best chance of clear skies over the coast. Afternoon cloud cover is more common.
Snorkeling at Poipu Beach
water sportsThe south shore reef stays calmer than north shore beaches during winter. Green sea turtles feed along the rocks, and visibility on good days reaches 15 meters (50 feet). A natural rock breakwater creates a sheltered cove on the western side.
Winter swells redirect to the north and west shores, leaving Poipu's south-facing reef relatively sheltered and sea turtle encounters more frequent.Limahuli Garden and Preserve walk
gardenFounded in 1967 on the north shore near Ha'ena, this preserve holds one of the most intact native Hawaiian plant communities in the state. The self-guided loop trail climbs through terraced taro lo'i and native forest with views down to the coast.
The wet season fills the ancient terraces with running water and pushes the rainforest canopy to its densest. You will hear stream water the entire walk.Booking tipCheck road conditions on Kuhio Highway (Route 560) before driving out. North shore road closures after heavy rain can block access.
Hanapepe Friday Art Walk
cultureEvery Friday evening, galleries along Hanapepe Road in the old town of Hanapepe open their doors. Local painters, ceramicists, and woodworkers show alongside food vendors set up on the sidewalk.
December editions feature holiday-themed work from Kauai-based artists, and the warm evening air makes the outdoor stroll comfortable well past sunset.Booking tipArrive by 5pm to find street parking. The walk runs until about 9pm.
What to eat in December
In season: fruit
Lilikoi (passion fruit)
Winter fruit on Kauai, showing up in chiffon pies, butter, and shave ice syrups at roadside stands along the Coconut Coast near Kapaa.
On menus now
Kalua pig
Slow-roasted in an imu (underground earth oven) wrapped in ti leaves. The pork picks up a faint smoky sweetness from kiawe wood and appears at holiday gatherings throughout the month.
What to drink
Kauai-grown coffee
The Kauai coffee harvest begins in fall and continues through December. Farms in Kalaheo sell freshly roasted single-origin beans during the peak picking weeks.
In markets
Macadamia nuts
Harvest season runs November through January on Kauai. Fresh-cracked nuts from farm stands around Kilauea and Kapaa taste richer and less oily than packaged exports.
Festival food
Haupia
Coconut pudding served at holiday luaus and community potlucks across the island. The texture falls somewhere between firm custard and gelatin, mild rather than cloying.
Regular events in December
Kauai Festival of LightsFree
Community groups build themed light displays at the Historic County Building in Lihue. Opening night features local musicians and food stalls, and the displays remain lit through early January.
First Friday of December through early JanuaryChristmas DayFree
Federal holiday observed island-wide. Most retail shops, grocery stores, and restaurants close for the day. Beach parks stay open but lifeguard coverage may be reduced.
December 25New Year's Eve at Poipu BeachFree
Informal community gathering on the south shore with fireworks visible from the sand. Local families set off their own displays along the coast. The atmosphere is low-key compared to Waikiki on Oahu.
December 31Best places this December
Waimea Canyon State Park
state parkThe red-walled gorge is most dramatic after rain, when waterfalls appear on normally dry cliff faces. The main overlook is accessible by car, but shorter rim trails offer quieter views away from the parking lot.
WaimeaPoipu Beach
beachThe south shore's most reliable swimming and snorkeling spot during winter months, when north shore beaches become too dangerous. A natural rock breakwater creates a sheltered cove on the west end for less confident swimmers.
PoipuAllerton Garden
botanical gardenGuided-tour-only botanical garden in Lawai Valley with Moreton Bay fig trees and tropical flowers at winter peak bloom. Heliconia and ginger species reach their best in the wet months.
KoloaHanapepe town and Swinging Bridge
historic townA small former sugar plantation town with art galleries, a historic swinging bridge over the Hanapepe River, and the Friday Art Walk. The bridge sways noticeably. That is the point.
HanapepeOpaeka'a Falls viewpoint
viewpointA roadside overlook off Kuamoo Road above Kapaa where you can see the 46-meter (151-foot) double waterfall without any hiking. December rainfall keeps it running at full volume.
KapaaLimahuli Garden and Preserve
botanical gardenSelf-guided trail through native Hawaiian forest on the north shore. The preserve protects endangered endemic plant species found nowhere else, and the trail ends at an overlook above Ke'e Beach.
Ha'ena
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Insider tips
The south shore around Poipu gets roughly half the rainfall of the north shore near Princeville. On heavy-rain days, drive south instead of writing off the afternoon. Microclimates on Kauai can mean sunshine 20 minutes from a downpour.
Book Ha'ena State Park entry permits through the state reservation system 30 days in advance. December dates typically sell out the morning they open, and walk-ins are turned away at the gate regardless of arrival time.
The Hanapepe Art Walk happens every Friday year-round, but December editions draw smaller crowds than summer. Arrive by 5pm to park on Hanapepe Road and browse before food vendors run out of their specials.
Skip the resort luaus on the south shore in favor of community-organized holiday potlucks at beach pavilions in Kapaa and Lihue. The food tends to be better and the atmosphere more genuine, though you will likely need a local connection to hear about them.
Avoid these mistakes
- Planning a north shore beach day without checking surf advisories. Winter swells regularly produce waves above 3 meters (10 feet), and rip currents at exposed beaches have caused fatalities. Swim on the south shore in December.
- Assuming rain means a wasted day. Showers on Kauai move through in 20-40 minute bursts more often than not. Drive to a different microclimate rather than staying in your room. The west side around Waimea tends to be driest.
- Waiting until November to book a rental car for a late-December trip. The island has a limited fleet, and holiday-period vehicles sell out weeks earlier than accommodation. Book both at the same time.
- Packing only cotton clothing. The near-constant dampness means cotton stays clammy for hours after each shower. Synthetic quick-dry shirts and pants are far more comfortable, and a packable rain shell sees daily use.
Practical tips for December
Book accommodation and rental cars by mid-October for travel between December 15 and January 2. Restaurants in Poipu and Princeville fill up for dinner during holiday weeks, so make reservations for any sit-down meal. Ha'ena State Park permits open 30 days ahead and December dates sell out quickly. Most shops in Lihue and Kapaa close early on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, so stock up on groceries the day before. If you are planning helicopter tours or boat excursions, book morning departures when weather tends to be clearest. Afternoon rain is more likely, and operators cancel for weather with refunds but not always with rescheduling options. Kuhio Highway (Route 560) to the north shore closes periodically after heavy rain due to rockfalls. Check the Hawaii DOT road conditions page before driving past Princeville.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Kauai?
It depends on what you want. You get whale watching, peak-green scenery, and holiday atmosphere, but you also get rain on nearly every day of the month and the highest accommodation prices of the year. If you have the budget and do not mind wet weather, early December before the 20th offers a less crowded, slightly cheaper window. For beach-focused trips, August and September deliver consistently better conditions.
What is the weather like in Kauai in December?
Wet and warm, though cooler than summer. Daily highs sit around 26°C (79°F), with nighttime lows near 19°C (66°F). Rain falls on the vast majority of December days, though showers tend to arrive in 20-40 minute bursts rather than all-day downpours. The north shore around Hanalei catches the heaviest totals, while the south shore near Poipu stays comparatively drier.
Is Kauai crowded in December?
The last two weeks of December are among the busiest on the island, driven by mainland families on holiday. South shore resorts and Princeville fill up, popular restaurants need reservations, and state parks hit their daily visitor caps most days. Early December (first two weeks) is noticeably calmer, though still busier than the summer months.
Can you hike the Kalalau Trail in December?
Possibly, but do not count on it. The trail along the Na Pali Coast closes frequently after heavy rain due to flash flood risk, landslides, and dangerous stream crossings. Even when open, the surface is muddy and slippery. Check with the Division of State Parks for current conditions, and carry a valid permit for any travel beyond Hanakapiai. For most December visitors, a helicopter or boat tour of the coastline is the more reliable option.
Is the ocean warm enough for swimming in December?
Water temperatures hover around 24°C (75°F), which is comfortable for swimming. The limiting factor is surf, not temperature. North shore beaches see dangerous winter swells, so stick to protected south shore spots. A rash guard helps cut wind chill on boat tours and during longer sessions in the water.
Things to Do in Kauai in December
Free cancellation Koloa Zipline in Kauai
Outdoor experience: 3 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Kauai Airplane Tour: Na Pali Coast, Waterfalls & Window Seats
Outdoor experience: 1.1 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Kauai Eco Adventure Helicopter Tour
Outdoor experience: 50 minutes, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Kauai: NaPali Boat Tour on the Amelia K
Day trip: 5 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Kauai Private Doors Off Helicopter Tour: Ultimate Waterfalls
Outdoor experience: 1.2 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Kauai: Na Pali Coast Super Raft Snorkel Adventure
Cruise: 4.5 hours, free cancellation.
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