Things to Do in Maui in December

Q: Is Maui safe for solo travelers in December?

Maui scores 8.2/10 for solo-traveler safety (see /research/solo-safety/). Standard ocean-safety awareness is the primary concern in December: strong rip currents from winter swells on the North Shore, submerged rocks at places like Wai'anapanapa's black sand beach, and high surf at unguarded beaches. Violent crime against tourists is rare across the island. The usual precautions about car break-ins at remote trailheads, particularly along the Road to Hana, apply year-round regardless of season.

VerdictGood
Ranked#7 of 12
PricesPeak Season

Stay in Maui in December

4 hotels in the Trip.com pool for Maui, from US$221 a night.

Opens Trip.com on Fri 4 Dec to Sun 6 Dec 2026; change the dates there.

Check December rates

December is peak season on Maui, and it is the single most important thing to know before booking. Humpback whales begin arriving in the channel between Maui and Lanai by early November, and by December the sightings become frequent enough that you might spot a breach from a hotel balcony in Kaanapali. That spectacle is the headline draw, and every resort on the island knows it. Accommodation rates hit their yearly ceiling, popular restaurants in Wailea require reservations a week ahead, and rental car fleets sell out unless you book well before Thanksgiving.

The weather runs warm and humid at sea level, with average highs near 27°C (80°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F) along the coast. Elevation is where the real variation lives. The Kihei and Wailea shoreline feels reliably tropical, while upcountry Kula drops into the mid-teens Celsius after dark, and the Haleakalā summit can hit freezing before dawn. Rain falls on roughly 18 of the month's 31 days, mostly as brief afternoon showers that clear within half an hour. Mornings on the leeward side typically start clear and dry.

Mind you, December on Maui carries a warmth that has nothing to do with the thermometer. Plumeria still perfumes the air along the two-lane roads in Paia, holiday lights wrap around storefronts in Wailuku, and local families gather for potluck luaus in their yards. The island feels festive without feeling commercial. North Shore winter swells push the year's largest waves into Ho'okipa Beach Park throughout the month, and the green hillsides above Hana look their most vivid after weeks of seasonal rain.

Why visit in December

Humpback whale season is underway by early December, with mothers and calves visible from shore along the Kihei coastline and from chartered boats departing Lahaina Harbor.
December rains turn the Hana Highway waterfalls, including Makahiku Falls, into full cascades rather than the trickles common in July and August.
The island's south-shore beaches at Makena State Park offer calm, swimmable water even during the wet season, well-suited for younger children and nervous snorkelers.
Winter swells bring 3-5 meter (10-15 foot) waves to the North Shore, making Ho'okipa Beach Park the best spectator spot on Maui for serious surf.

Worth knowing

Peak-season pricing affects everything from accommodation to boat charters. The last two weeks of December command the steepest premiums of the entire year.
Frequent rain on the windward side and around Hana can close trails in Haleakalā National Park and along the Pipiwai Trail for a day or two at a time.
Every sunrise slot at Haleakalā, every whale-watch departure, and most popular restaurants in Wailea and Lahaina book up weeks in advance. Spontaneity is difficult.
Traffic on the two-lane Honoapiilani Highway between Kahului and West Maui slows to a crawl during holiday weeks, adding 30-45 minutes to a drive that normally takes 45.

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 17° / 10°C 186mm rain · 18 rainy days · 91% humidity rains perceptibly ~2.9h/day · 85% of mornings dry

Crowds peak

Pack Pack a light rain jacket for the frequent afternoon showers, a fleece or warm hoodie for Haleakalā summit visits where temperatures can drop below 5°C (41°F) before sunrise, and loose-fitting moisture-wicking shirts for the humid coastal stretches. Reef-safe sunscreen is required by Hawaii state law, and the UV index stays high even under cloud cover at Maui's 20°N latitude.

December sits in Maui's wet season, with roughly 186mm of rainfall spread across the month. Humidity averages around 73%, tempered on most days by the northeast trade winds that keep the air from feeling heavy. Coastal highs reach about 27°C (80°F), though upcountry Kula and the Haleakalā slopes run 5-10°C cooler. Clouds build over the West Maui Mountains by midday, dropping short bursts of rain that pass quickly on the leeward coast. The windward Hana side sees more persistent overcast and heavier rainfall. Ocean temperatures hover near 24°C (75°F), comfortable for long snorkeling sessions without a wetsuit. The leeward-windward split is the key to December planning. Stay south or west for more reliable sun, and expect wet conditions if you drive the Road to Hana.

Seasonal caution

High-surf advisories are common on north-facing and west-facing shores throughout December. Winter swells generate powerful waves with strong rip currents at beaches like Ho'okipa and Fleming Beach in Kapalua. Swim only at lifeguarded beaches when advisories are posted.
Flash flooding can occur in narrow valleys, especially along the Pipiwai Trail in Haleakalā National Park's Kipahulu district and in Iao Valley after sustained heavy rain. Check the National Weather Service's Maui forecast before hiking.
UV index remains elevated (6-8 range) even on overcast December days. Sunburn at this latitude is possible within 30 minutes of unprotected exposure, even under cloud cover.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for Maui
Month	Avg high (°C)	Avg low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
Jan	17	10	165
Feb	16	9	190
Mar	17	10	236
Apr	17	10	285
May	18	11	224
Jun	19	11	139
Jul	20	12	81
Aug	20	12	166
Sep	20	12	122
Oct	19	12	236
Nov	18	11	156
Dec	17	10	186

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 Maui. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 26 December 2026.

Headline events

Regional Free

Humpback Whale Season

November through April, with sightings increasing steadily throughout December

North Pacific humpback whales migrate roughly 5,000 km from Alaska to breed and calve in the shallow, warm waters between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. By December, pods arrive in increasing numbers, and the channel between these islands becomes one of the densest whale-watching corridors in the world. Peak viewing typically runs January through March, but December offers the excitement of the season's opening weeks with smaller crowds on the water.

#MauiWhales

Best things to do in December

Whale watching by boat from Lahaina Harbor

wildlife

Charter boats depart Lahaina Harbor for 2-hour excursions into the Au'au Channel, where humpback whales breach, spy-hop, and slap their tails within viewing distance. Some operators use hydrophones so you can hear the males singing underwater.

Humpback season is ramping up in December, with sightings growing more frequent each week. Boats are busy but not yet at the January-March saturation point.

Booking tipBook at least 1 week ahead for morning departures, which tend to have calmer seas and better visibility.

Sunrise at Haleakalā summit

nature

The drive from sea level to Haleakalā's 3,055-meter (10,023-foot) summit takes about 90 minutes from Kahului. Above the clouds, the volcanic crater catches the first light in silence. Temperatures near the top can hover around 0-5°C (32-41°F) before dawn, so dress as if for a cold autumn morning, not a beach day.

December's shorter days produce dramatic cloud formations below the summit at dawn. The cool, dry air above the inversion layer tends to be clearer than in the summer months.

Booking tipReserve on recreation.gov at least 2-3 weeks ahead. December sunrise slots sell out within hours of their 60-day advance release.

Driving the Road to Hana

scenic drive

The 103-km (64-mile) route from Paia to Hana winds through 59 bridges and roughly 620 curves along Maui's northeast coast. December rain keeps dozens of roadside cascades running strong, visible from pullouts without any hiking. Stop at Wai'anapanapa State Park for the black volcanic sand beach and ocean-carved lava caves.

The surrounding vegetation is at its greenest and most lush, and the waterfalls near Ke'anae and Upper Waikani are audible from the road. The wet windward side is the whole point in December.

Booking tipWai'anapanapa State Park now requires advance parking reservations. Book online before your trip, especially for morning slots.

Snorkeling at Molokini Crater

water sports

This crescent-shaped volcanic islet 4 km (2.5 miles) off Maui's south coast shelters a partially submerged crater with visibility regularly exceeding 30 meters (100 feet). Morning charters from Maalaea Harbor reach the site in about 20 minutes.

Winter mornings on the leeward south side tend to be calm before the trade winds build, offering some of the best snorkel conditions of the year inside the crater's sheltered basin.

Booking tipMorning trips (departing 6:30-7:00 AM) beat the wind. Book 5-7 days ahead in December.

Watching big-wave surfing at Ho'okipa Beach Park

spectator sport

North Shore winter swells send powerful waves into Ho'okipa, where professional surfers and windsurfers perform in conditions that draw photographers from across the Pacific. A bluff-top viewing area at the east end of the beach park offers a clear line of sight.

December swells are typically the first sustained big-wave events of the winter season, with faces reaching 3-5 meters (10-15 feet) on the larger sets.

Hiking the Pipiwai Trail to Makahiku Falls

hiking

This 6.4-km (4-mile) round-trip trail in Haleakalā National Park's Kipahulu district passes through a bamboo forest so dense the stalks creak and knock against each other in the wind. Makahiku Falls, a 61-meter (200-foot) cascade, sits about 800 meters into the hike.

The bamboo forest drips with moisture, the smell of wet earth fills the trail, and Makahiku Falls runs at its most powerful after weeks of December rain. Go early, as the path gets slick by afternoon.

Booking tipNo reservation needed, but the Kipahulu district gate opens at 9 AM. Arrive close to opening to beat the midday crowds and rain.

Upcountry farm tours in Kula

agritourism

The agricultural slopes between 300 and 1,200 meters on Haleakalā's western flank host farms growing Maui lavender, protea flowers, goat cheese, and coffee. Guided tours visit working farms and offer tastings.

December falls in the macadamia and coffee harvest window. Protea flowers bloom heavily in the cooler months, and the farms at this elevation stay green and mild while the coast gets humid.

Booking tipSome farms close on Sundays. Check schedules in advance, especially during the week between Christmas and New Year's when hours can shift.

What to eat in December

In season: fruit

Lilikoi (passion fruit)
The winter crop peaks December through January on Maui. The tart, fragrant pulp shows up in everything from butter spreads at upcountry bakeries to fresh-squeezed juice at roadside stands in Paia.
Breadfruit (ulu)
Tail end of the season, still available at upcountry and Hana-side farmers markets through December. Roasted over coals, the starchy flesh tastes like a cross between potato and fresh bread.

On menus now

Fresh ahi poke
Winter yellowfin tuna catches keep the fish counters well-stocked in December. The cubed raw ahi, seasoned with soy, sesame oil, and limu seaweed, is arguably at its best this time of year at Kahului poke shops.

What to drink

Maui-grown coffee
Beans from the slopes of Haleakalā are harvested October through February, and December pours at cafes near Kula and in Paia come from the freshest local picking. Maui coffee tends toward a lighter, fruitier profile than Big Island Kona.

In markets

Macadamia nuts
Harvest season runs October through January on Maui's upcountry farms around Kula, and December offerings are the freshest of the year. You will find them raw, roasted, and coated in chocolate at farmers markets across the island.

Festival food

Haupia
Coconut-milk pudding cut into firm squares, a centerpiece of holiday luaus across the island throughout December. The texture sits somewhere between gelatin and firm custard, with a clean coconut flavor.

Regular events in December

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services at Waiola ChurchFree

One of Hawaii's oldest congregations, founded in 1823 in Lahaina, holds candlelit Christmas Eve services and a morning Christmas Day service open to visitors. The church's history stretches back to the first Christian mission in the Hawaiian Islands.

December 24-25

New Year's Eve fireworksFree

Fireworks displays visible from the beaches in the Wailea resort area and from Kaanapali Beach. The midnight shows typically last 10-15 minutes and draw large crowds to the sand.

December 31, midnight

First Friday Wailuku TownFree

Monthly art walk and street gathering along Market Street in Wailuku, with local artists, food vendors, and live Hawaiian music. The December edition often features holiday craft vendors and seasonal treats.

First Friday of December, typically 6-9 PM

Upcountry holiday farmers marketsFree

Weekend farmers markets in the Kula and Makawao areas carry locally harvested macadamia nuts, fresh-cut protea bouquets, Maui honey, and holiday baked goods throughout December.

Weekends throughout December, mornings

Best places this December

Haleakalā National Park
national park
The 13,000-hectare (33,000-acre) park, established in 1961, spans from the 3,055-meter summit crater down through cloud forest to the coastal Kipahulu district. December's cooler summit temperatures make the crater hike more comfortable than in summer, and the Kipahulu district's streams and pools fill from the seasonal rains.
Kula
Ho'okipa Beach Park
beach
Maui's premier spectator spot for big-wave surfing and windsurfing. The bluff-top lookout on the east side offers unobstructed views of winter swells rolling into the reef. Green sea turtles haul out on the sand in the late afternoons.
Paia
Makena State Park
beach
Two wide, golden-sand beaches on Maui's south shore with relatively calm December swimming conditions. The north beach (Big Beach) stretches 400 meters and faces west, catching afternoon sun and winter sunsets.
Wailea
Wai'anapanapa State Park
state park
Black volcanic sand beach, sea caves, and a coastal trail through hala and naupaka scrub on Maui's far east coast. December rains turn the surrounding vegetation emerald green, and the freshwater caves behind the beach fill to dramatic levels.
Hana
Lahaina Heritage Museum
museum
A small museum documenting the history of Lahaina as a whaling port and missionary settlement. Good for a rainy afternoon, with exhibits on the town's role in 19th-century Pacific trade.
Lahaina
Kahanu Garden
botanical garden
A 121-hectare (300-acre) tropical botanical garden founded in 1972 on Maui's Hana coast. December moisture keeps the breadfruit, coconut palms, and native species at their most lush. The garden is home to Pi'ilanihale Heiau, one of the largest ancient Hawaiian temples in the state.
Hana
Iao Valley State Monument
state park
A steep, green valley in the West Maui Mountains with a paved trail to the 370-meter (1,200-foot) Iao Needle, a moss-covered basalt pinnacle. December rain makes the valley stream run high and fills the surrounding ridges with mist.
Wailuku

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Light rain jacketAfternoon showers hit on more than half of December's days. A packable jacket that fits in a daypack means you stay dry without cutting a hike short. Shop
Fleece or warm hoodieEssential for the Haleakalā summit, where pre-dawn temperatures drop to 0-5°C (32-41°F). Also useful for breezy evenings in upcountry Kula. Shop
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)Hawaii state law prohibits non-reef-safe formulas. The UV index at Maui's latitude stays in the 6-8 range even on overcast December days. Apply before leaving the car, not after reaching the beach. Shop
Water shoes or sturdy sandalsRocky shorelines at Wai'anapanapa's black sand beach and along the Hana coast can cut bare feet. Reef-safe water shoes also improve footing on wet, mossy rocks. Shop
BinocularsWhale watching from shore is free and effective all along the Kihei and Lahaina coastlines. A pair of 8x or 10x binoculars turns a distant splash into a visible breach. Shop
Moisture-wicking base layerCoastal humidity combined with brief but heavy rain showers means cotton takes a long time to dry. Synthetic or merino base layers recover quickly between downpours and keep you comfortable on walks through Paia or along the Wailea boardwalk. Shop
Dry bag or waterproof phone pouchBrief but heavy downpours can soak a backpack in minutes, especially along the Road to Hana. A 10-liter dry bag protects electronics and documents in the car or on a trail. Shop
Long pants for eveningDecember evenings at sea level settle around 19°C (66°F), and mosquitoes are active in Hana and Iao Valley after sunset. Light long pants handle both. Shop

Insider tips

You do not need a boat to see whales in December. The bluff above McGregor Point, on the highway between Maalaea and Lahaina, offers some of the best shore-based whale watching in Hawaii. Bring binoculars and go in the late morning when the channel surface tends to be calmer and the light is behind you.
Maui scores 9.0/10 for LGBTQ+ friendliness (sourced from TTDI's editorial rubric). The resort communities in Wailea and Kapalua are welcoming year-round, and Paia has a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere with no areas that feel unwelcoming.
The Kihei side of the island gets roughly half the rainfall of the Hana coast. If the forecast looks grim at your hotel in Kahului or Kapalua, drive 20 minutes south to Kihei or Wailea. You will likely find sun.
Leave Kahului for West Maui before 8 AM or after 3 PM during holiday weeks. Midday traffic stacks up around Maalaea Harbor on the Honoapiilani Highway and does not thin until mid-afternoon.
Skip the resort-area convenience stores for groceries. Costco near Kahului Airport and Safeway on East Kamehameha Avenue in Kahului carry the same products at a fraction of the resort-area markup. Stock up on arrival day.

Avoid these mistakes

Only packing swimsuits and sandals. December mornings at Haleakalā's summit hover near freezing, and visitors who show up for the sunrise in shorts and flip-flops spend the entire experience shivering instead of watching the sky.
Driving the Road to Hana in the dark. December sunset falls around 5:45 PM, and the return trip takes 3-4 hours. Leaving Hana after 2 PM means navigating 620 blind curves with no streetlights, minimal guardrails, and no cell service for much of the route.
Assuming every day will be sunny. December is one of Maui's wetter months, and planning an outdoor-only itinerary with no indoor alternatives leads to wasted afternoons. Kahanu Garden's covered pavilion and the Lahaina Heritage Museum make solid rainy-day pivots.
Booking a snorkel tour for the afternoon. Trade winds typically build by midday, churning up the ocean surface and reducing visibility. Morning departures (before 9 AM) consistently offer calmer water and clearer conditions, especially at Molokini Crater.

Practical tips for December

December is the one month where advance booking is not optional on Maui. Reserve your rental car at least 6 weeks ahead; the island's limited fleet gets fully allocated by late November. Haleakalā sunrise reservations open 60 days in advance on recreation.gov and sell out within hours for December dates. Restaurant reservations at popular spots in Wailea and Lahaina should be made 1-2 weeks in advance, particularly for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dinners. Most businesses keep regular hours through December, though some close early on December 25 and January 1. The Maui Bus public transit system runs a reduced holiday schedule from December 24 through 26 and on New Year's Day. Wai'anapanapa State Park requires advance parking reservations, and December weekend slots can fill a week or more out. If you plan to snorkel Molokini, book morning departures from Maalaea Harbor rather than afternoon trips. Pack for two climates: warm and humid at sea level, and cool to cold above 600 meters (2,000 feet) elevation.

FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Maui?

December is a good but expensive time. Humpback whales are the headline draw, the island looks its greenest from seasonal rains, and the holiday atmosphere on Maui is warm without being overly commercial. The tradeoffs are real, though. Accommodation and activity rates hit their yearly peak, crowds at popular sites are the densest of any month, and rain falls on more than half the days. If whale watching is your primary reason for visiting, December is worth the premium. If not, June through September offer better weather, lower rates, and considerably fewer people.

What is the weather like in Maui in December?

Warm and tropical at the coast, with afternoon highs averaging around 27°C (80°F) and overnight lows near 19°C (66°F). The real variation comes from elevation and which side of the island you are on. The leeward south coast around Wailea and Kihei runs warmer and drier. The windward Hana coast and the upcountry slopes above Kula are noticeably cooler and wetter. Rain typically arrives as brief afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours, and mornings on the south and west sides usually start clear. The summit of Haleakalā is a different climate entirely, dropping below 5°C (41°F) before dawn.

Is Maui crowded in December?

Yes. December through the first week of January is the most crowded stretch of the year. Beach parking at popular spots fills before 10 AM, whale-watch tours sell out several days ahead, and traffic between Kahului and West Maui slows considerably during holiday weeks. Booking accommodation, activities, and a rental car well in advance is a requirement, not a suggestion, for a December trip.

Can you see whales in Maui in December?

Humpback whales begin arriving in Hawaii's waters in November, and sightings from Maui's coast become reliable by mid-December. Shore-based watching along the Kihei and Lahaina coastlines is productive with binoculars, and chartered boat excursions encounter whales regularly by mid-month. Peak viewing typically runs January through March, but early-season December offers frequent sightings with less competition for bookings.

Is Maui safe for solo travelers in December?

Maui scores 8.2/10 for solo-traveler safety (see the TTDI Solo-Safety Index). Standard ocean-safety awareness is the primary concern in December: strong rip currents from winter swells on the North Shore, submerged rocks at places like Wai'anapanapa's black sand beach, and high surf at unguarded beaches. Violent crime against tourists is rare across the island. The usual precautions about car break-ins at remote trailheads, particularly along the Road to Hana, apply year-round regardless of season.