Waikiki in December
Not the best time
December brings holiday crowds and holiday prices along with the return of frequent showers. The weather's still pleasant, but your patience and budget will be tested.
Weather
December sees the return of cooler temperatures and increased rainfall as winter weather patterns establish. Trade winds remain steady but rain becomes more frequent, often in afternoon showers. Humidity stays manageable around 68%.
28°C high21°C low10 rain days
Crowds & Cost
peak crowds
~$395/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Honolulu Marathon
- •New Year's Eve fireworks
- •Christmas celebrations
December Tips
- •Book 6+ months ahead as holiday crowds descend
- •Pack layers for cooler mornings and rainy afternoons
- •Expect premium pricing on everything from hotels to restaurants
All Months
April, May, September, October, and November give you the sweet spot — fewer crowds, lower hotel rates, and weather that's still perfect. Ocean temperatures hover around 77°F year-round, so you're never dealing with cold water.
Avoid December through March if you can. Hotel rates double, beaches get packed, and you'll wait 45 minutes for a table at decent restaurants. Plus, this is when the North Shore gets its big waves, which sounds cool but actually makes some beaches too rough for swimming.
Summer (June-August) brings the calmest ocean conditions, perfect for kids and nervous swimmers. But it's also peak family travel season, so expect Disney World-level crowds at popular spots like the Honolulu Zoo and Diamond Head.
Waikiki Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
8/10
Families
9/10
Adventure
6/10
Budget
3/10
Luxury
9/10
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