Christmas in Hawaiʻi | What to Expect + The Best Things to Do on Each Island

Last Updated on December 6, 2025 by Charlotte

Every year, sometime around mid-December, the islands start to buzz with a very specific kind of energy with equal parts holiday cheer, beach day bliss, and barely-controlled traffic chaos. Christmas in Hawaiʻi is its own beast. There are palm trees wrapped in twinkle lights, sandmen instead of snowmen, and Santas riding surfboards instead of sleighs.

It’s easy to see why so many people plan their dream Hawaiian vacation for the holiday season. But if you’re not prepared, you might find yourself fighting for a rental car or waiting two hours for a poke bowl. As someone who’s experienced both wintery traditional mainland Christmases and Hawaii island style Christmases, and who has enjoyed a Christmas on each island, here’s what to expect, and the very best things to do if you’re visiting the Hawaiian Islands in December and January.

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Christmas in Hawaii: A Different Kind of Holiday Magic

Spending the holidays in Hawaiʻi is like stepping into an alternate universe where December doesn’t mean cold toes or peppermint lattes. Instead, we enjoy barefoot evenings, balmy tradewinds, and long beach days with a side of shave ice. Daytime temperatures usually hover in the low-to-mid 80s, with cooler nights dipping just below 70°F (20°C). This time of year, ocean is still warm enough to swim in without flinching, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a humpback whale breaching in the distance while you sip your morning coffee.

But Christmas is also one of the busiest times of year to visit. Hotel prices soar, reservations for rental cars fill up fast, and traffic in touristy areas can be downright miserable. Even local families know to plan ahead and to avoid certain areas altogether.

Still, there’s something undeniably special about this time of year. Maybe it’s the way the sun sets a little earlier, casting everything in gold, or watching locals in Santa hats catching waves at Waikiki. Or maybe it’s the way the islands still feel festive and merry and bright, even without a single flake of snow in sight.

Oʻahu: City Lights, Surf, and Tropical Cheer

Oʻahu is where city energy meets beach bliss, and during Christmas, everything is turned up to eleven. You’ve got world-class surf on the North Shore, skyline views from Diamond Head, and holiday lights strung across downtown Honolulu.

The Best Things to Do on Oahu at Christmas Time

This is the island for travelers who want a little bit of everything—history, shopping, nightlife, nature, and enough food options to satisfy the pickiest in the group. It’s ideal for first-timers, friend groups, or families with teens who need more stimulation than just sandcastles. Just know you won’t be alone, because Oʻahu over the holidays is lively, crowded, and gloriously chaotic.

Watch the Big Winter Surf on the North Shore

Winter brings monster waves to Oʻahu’s North Shore, and December is prime time for the island’s most jaw-dropping surf. Even if you’re not paddling out, watching 30-foot waves crash at Waimea Bay or Banzai Pipeline is pure adrenaline. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational at Waimea Bay!

Indulge in High Tea at the Halekulani

Escape the crowds and step into old Hawaiʻi elegance with a holiday high tea at the Halekulani. Served on the lanai overlooking the ocean, it’s all delicate finger sandwiches, seasonal sweets, and that timeless Waikiki charm.

See the Honolulu City Lights

Downtown Honolulu goes all out with oversized displays, decked-out trees, and Shaka Santa lounging with Mrs. Claus. It’s kitschy, cheerful, completely free to visit, and oddly heartwarming.

Catch the Friday Night Fireworks in Waikīkī

Every Friday, fireworks light up the skies over Waikiki Beach, a tradition that feels even more magical in December. Find a spot in the sand, listen for the first crackle, and let the show cap off your night with a bang. The fireworks are usually set off between 7:45 and 8:00 pm.

Visit a Local Farmer’s Market

Skip the big box stores and pick up handmade gifts, tropical flowers, and local treats at a holiday-season farmer’s market. Bonus: you can snack your way through fresh fruit samples while shopping for some last-minute mac nuts. At the KCC Farmer’s Market, you can enjoy smoked Kukui Sausage and Bahn Mi from Pig & the Lady, while at the Kaka’ako Farmer’s Market we like to get Thai takeaway.

Snorkel at Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is a protected marine sanctuary where you can spot colorful reef fish, turtles, and maybe even a moray eel if you’re lucky. To visit you have to book a timed entry online in advance, but the variety of tropical fish that you can see in just one place is worth it.

Learn to Surf in Waikiki

Waikiki’s gentle rolling waves are where many surfing legends caught their first wave, and you can too! Even in December, the water’s warm and the vibe is pure aloha, with surf schools lining the beach ready to cheer you on and teach you how to steer.

The “Canoes” surf spot in Waikiki is where I learned to surf, and I think it is the perfect spot for beginners because you don’t have to worry about getting in the way of the more advanced surfers.

Maui: Whales, Waterfalls, and Winter Sunsets

Maui is a mix of upscale resorts and rugged coastlines, with just the right amount of wild landscapes. It’s a favorite for honeymooners and multi-generational families alike, where one person can go ziplining while another checks into a lomi lomi massage.

The Best Things to Do on Maui at Christmas Time

December brings the return of the Humpback whales, and honestly? It’s hard to beat sipping coffee on your lanai while watching them breach just offshore. This island is perfect if you want luxury and lava rocks, palm-fringed beaches and a rainforest road trip. Everything’s a bit spread out, but that’s part of the appeal. Here are some of our favorite things to do on Maui at Christmastime.

Go Whale Watching (It’s Peak Whale Season!)

Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate to Maui’s warm, shallow waters to mate and give birth. You can see them breaching from the shore, but a dedicated whale-watching boat tour gets you up close to the action, and sometimes close enough to hear them sing.

One time, a curious baby whale swam underneath our boat on a Maui rafting tour to Lanai! It was one of the coolest experiences, and the closest that I’ve ever been to a Humpback whale. I’ll drop some neat whale tours below:

Snorkel at Molokini Crater or On Lānaʻi

Molokini is a sunken volcanic crater teeming with tropical fish and crystal-clear water, while the rugged coast of Lānaʻi offers snorkeling in shallower water with incredibly healthy corals.

In December, the ride to Molokini or Lanai can get choppy with wind and surf, but when the conditions are right, these snorkel tours are unforgettable. If you’re not game for a bumpy ride, go for the double-hulled catamaran tours rather than the zodiac rafting tours.

Take a Scenic Drive on the Road to Hāna

The waterfalls are flowing strong, the jungle is lush, and the Road to Hāna is as winding and beautiful as ever. Pack snacks, leave early, and make it an all-day meander with holiday tunes if you’re feeling festive.

Watch Sunset from Haleakalā

Watching the sun dip below the clouds from Haleakalā’s summit almost feels like a spiritual experience, and in December, it’s extra chilly and extra dramatic. Bundle up, bring a thermos of something warm, and get ready to whisper “wow” about ten times. Check out our full guide to watching the sunset at Haleakalā.

Lounge at Big Beach and Little Beach

Big Beach lives up to its name with sweeping golden sand and no high-rise in sight. Just over the bluff, clothing-optional Little Beach gets a bit more “free-spirited”, especially on Sunday evenings when drummers and dancers come out.

I took my Mom here and we accidentally had a bit of a traumatic bonding experience when we wandered over to the Little Beach not knowing that it was clothing optional!

Attend a Christmas Luau

Maui’s luaus go all-out during the holidays, with traditional music, Polynesian dance, and menus that sneak in some seasonal flair. It’s a family-friendly way to enjoy local culture and a feast without cooking a single thing.

Walk the Wailea Beach Path

This paved oceanside path winds past some of Maui’s most luxurious resorts and postcard-worthy beaches. Go early for sunrise solitude or stroll it at golden hour with an iced latte or mai tai in hand. On our visit, I was kind of jealous that we weren’t the ones staying in one of the swanky oceanfront hotels! But I guess it was a look at how the other half vacation.

Kauaʻi: Waterfalls, Wilderness, and Beaches

Kauaʻi is Hawaiʻi’s oldest island and feels ancient and lush, overflowing with vines, orchids, and tropical flowers. Kauai chickens wander freely, and the wild beauty of cliffs, canyons, and rainforest is unparalleled.

The Best Things to Do on Kauai at Christmas Time

Kauai is best for travelers who want to unplug, hike, get muddy, and live deeply without the buzz of city life. You’ll still find lovely accommodations and a few festive Christmas touches at the higher-end resorts.

Fly Over the Nā Pali Coast on a Helicopter Tour

In winter, many boat tours are canceled due to rough seas, making a helicopter the best way to see the dramatic cliffs and emerald valleys of the Nā Pali Coast. It’s jaw-droppingly beautiful. If you splurge on one thing in Kauaʻi, let it be this.

Hike the Non-Permit Portion of the Kalalau Trail

You don’t need a permit to hike the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail, which ends at Hanakāpīʻai Beach. It can be muddy, with a lot of ups and downs, but it is 100% worth it! Just wear grippy shoes and don’t push past your comfort zone, or attempt to cross the stream in rainy weather.

Explore Kōkeʻe State Park

High up in the mountains above Waimea Canyon, Kōkeʻe State Park is cool, misty, and full of spectacular hiking trails through native Ohia forest. December mornings are chilly, so bring a jacket and soak up that rare blend of Hawaiian rainforest and alpine mood.

Visit Wailua Falls or ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls

These classic roadside waterfalls are especially photogenic after winter rains, and you don’t need to hike a single step to see them.

Walk the Māhāʻulepū Heritage Trail

This easy coastal walk near Poʻipū weaves past tidepools, limestone caves, and windswept cliffs with crashing waves. It’s uncrowded and deeply peaceful, which is a great antidote to any holiday chaos you may have brought with you. There’s also a tortoise sanctuary along the trail! On my last visit, the tortoises were pretty sleepy and looked more like rocks, but it’s still something fun to see.

Picnic at Anini or Poʻipū Beach

Bring poke, fresh fruit, and something sweet from the local bakery and spend a few hours lounging in the sun. Anini’s calm water is great for swimming, while Poʻipū has more of a family-friendly energy, and even some gentle waves.

Wander Hanalei Town

Wooden storefronts, colorful boutiques, and the ever-present green of misty mountain backdrops make Hanalei feel like a fairytale, even in December. Stop for a coffee or a shave ice, poke around the art galleries, and stroll down to the beach with your shoes in hand.

Should You Spend Christmas in Hawaiʻi?

Spending Christmas in Hawaiʻi is a little bit surreal, but in the best way. There’s something unforgettable about watching the sun set over the ocean on Christmas Eve, or hearing “Mele Kalikimaka” drifting from a beachside café while your mainland group chat is full of snowstorm updates. It’s not the easiest season to visit (or the cheapest), but if you plan ahead and know what to expect, it can be one of the most magical times to visit Hawaii. So whether you’re chasing waves, waterfalls, or a break from winter entirely, each island offers its own version of holiday joy. And honestly? Once you’ve had a Christmas morning swim followed by poke for lunch, it’s hard to go back.

Which island would you choose for a holiday escape? Oʻahu, Maui, or Kauaʻi? Or have you spent Christmas in Hawaiʻi before? I’d love to hear what made it special (or stressful!) in the comments below.

(A little note from me, Charlotte. As you may have noticed, I am SUPER BEHIND on blogging about fun and adventurous things to do in Hawaii! My bad! I am writing as fast as my poor little fingers can type, I think I might have even developed blisters from the clacking of my keyboard. When I get around to writing about fun things, like the road to hana, and how to hike Hanakapiai falls, I will update this post with the hyperlinks. But, until then, go humor yourself by reading the more comical moments from our travels over on my Travel Stories page)