15 Hawaii Favorites Travelers Love in December
December brings gentle weather to Hawaii, so many people plan trips to enjoy warm days near the water. Beaches feel calm in the morning, and trails stay comfortable for walks with family or friends. Island towns add small seasonal touches that make evenings feel relaxed. It is a good month for simple outings, easy views, and time spent outside.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps keep this content free. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Waikiki Beach, Oahu
Many visitors enjoy how Waikiki Beach stays lively from sunrise to sunset with soft sand and calm rolling waves. Shops and small cafes sit just steps from the water, so it feels simple to break for a snack between swims. The shoreline stretches far enough for long morning strolls. Clear days often bring gentle breezes that make the water feel even more inviting.
People spend long stretches here because the beach offers easy space for swims, laying out towels, or watching passing surfers. Kids splash comfortably near the shallow edge, and parents appreciate how predictable the conditions feel. Walking paths nearby give families a place to stretch their legs after hours in the sand. Sunset brings a warm glow that keeps the beach feeling friendly even as the day winds down.
Haleakala Sunrise, Maui
The drive to Haleakala’s summit takes time, yet the view at dawn makes the trip feel rewarding for many travelers. Chilly air greets visitors as they step out of their cars, and the sky slowly shifts through soft colors. Clouds often sit below the overlook, creating a floating feeling around the crater. Cameras come out quickly as everyone waits for the first bright edge to rise.
The moment the sun appears has a quiet charm that surprises people who arrive expecting noise or crowds. Families huddle together for warmth while they watch the light move across the rocks. Many choose to stay a little longer to explore the paths near the top. A warm drink afterward helps everyone shake off the cold from the upper slopes.
Waimea Canyon Lookouts, Kauai
Waimea Canyon’s overlooks show wide views of red cliffs and deep green valleys that look different in every patch of sunlight. Pullouts along the road make it easy to stop as often as you like. Some visitors pause for only a few minutes, while others linger to study the ridges. Clear days reveal far stretches of rugged shapes all the way toward the sea.
Kids often stare at the colors because they shift so quickly when clouds pass by. Short trails near the main viewpoints give families gentle places to stretch their legs. Birds sometimes glide across the canyon, catching attention from kids who point excitedly. Even a short visit feels satisfying due to the rich mix of shapes and shades.
The Road to Hana, Maui
This winding route offers tropical views at nearly every turn, with waterfalls, small fruit stands, and lush walls of green. The road is narrow in places, so the drive moves slowly. Many travelers take their time, pulling over for photos along bridges or small cascades. The changing scenery keeps the day interesting from start to finish.
Families often plan a full day for this trip because each stop brings something different. Kids enjoy spotting small pools and bright flowers along the path to viewpoints. Snacks from roadside stands help keep the ride fun. The slow pace gives everyone a sense of steady calm as the road unfolds.
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling, Oahu
Hanauma Bay gives snorkelers clear views of coral and colorful fish in gentle conditions. The curved bay shelters the water, making it easy for beginners to feel steady. People spread out across the sand before wading in with masks and fins. Morning light helps brighten the underwater shapes.
Families enjoy the shallow areas because fish swim so close that even young snorkelers can notice patterns and colors. The educational center helps explain how the bay formed and why the water feels so calm here. Breaks on the sand keep the outing simple. Many visitors leave with favorite fish they spotted during their swim.
Volcanoes National Park, Big Island
Crater lookouts and rugged lava fields give visitors a rare chance to see landscapes shaped by past eruptions. Trails weave through old flows, and steam sometimes rises from vents near the viewpoints. The contrast between black rock and green forest feels striking under midday sun. People often pause to read signs that explain how the terrain formed.
Families appreciate how the park offers both short walks and longer paths, making it easy to match energy levels. Children enjoy spotting cracks, cooled ripples, and unusual rock textures. Driving from one area to another keeps the day varied. A stop at the visitor center helps tie the scenery together.
Poipu Beach, Kauai
Poipu Beach remains popular due to its gentle curve, soft sand, and calm water areas that suit swimmers of many ages. Some travelers come for early morning swims before the beach fills. Others prefer slow afternoons under umbrellas. The sun often stays warm here even when winds rise elsewhere on the island.
Families appreciate the shallow sections where the water stays still enough for young swimmers. Turtles sometimes rest along the sand, drawing curious onlookers. Picnic tables help keep meals simple. The easy layout makes it a spot people return to throughout their trip.
Mauna Kea Stargazing, Big Island
Mauna Kea’s high elevation brings clear night skies that show clusters, planets, and countless points of light. The temperature drops quickly after sunset, so warm layers are essential. People wait quietly as the sky darkens to deep blue. Once the stars appear, the view feels wide and rich.
Families often stay for an hour or more because the night sky changes as you watch. Small telescopes set up by groups or guides help kids see bright objects more clearly. The slow pace encourages quiet conversations. A warm drink afterward adds comfort before heading back down.
Lanikai Beach, Oahu
Soft white sand and shallow turquoise water make Lanikai Beach a favorite place for slow mornings. The two small offshore islands give the area its familiar view. People walk the shoreline with coffee in hand while others paddle past in kayaks. The water stays calm most days.
Families like how the gentle waves make it easy for kids to float or use small inflatables. The beach feels peaceful due to nearby homes instead of large hotels. Early mornings feel especially calm before crowds form. Many visitors say this spot becomes a highlight of their trip.
Napali Coast Boat Tours, Kauai
Boat tours along the Napali Coast reveal tall cliffs, sea caves, and deep blue water that shifts color as light changes. The ride can feel bumpy at times, yet the scenery outweighs the movement. Guides explain features of the coast as boats move along the shoreline. Many people bring cameras because every turn shows another dramatic view.
Kids enjoy spotting dolphins or sea turtles that sometimes swim near the boats. Families appreciate the mix of movement and view watching during the ride. Snacks or light drinks often help break up the outing. Calm mornings tend to bring the smoothest water.
Whale Watching from Lahaina, Maui
December marks the start of whale season, and boats from Lahaina head out multiple times a day. The trip moves at a steady pace as guides scan the water for spouts. When whales surface, people cheer softly while cameras click in quick bursts. Some tours play gentle audio readings about whale behavior.
Families love these outings because the animals feel larger than expected when they rise out of the water. Kids get excited when they spot tails or fins breaking the surface. The boat ride itself feels relaxing between sightings. Calm water days make it even easier to enjoy the experience.
Waikoloa Beach Resorts, Big Island
The Waikoloa area offers long shoreline paths, calm swimming spots, and clusters of shops close to the coast. Pools vary from quiet to lively, giving travelers plenty of variety. Breezes move through the palms during the afternoon. People walk the paved trails in the evening when the heat softens.
Families enjoy how easy it feels to move between the beach, pool, and small restaurants. Shallow lagoon areas give kids a safe place to float. Many visitors spend entire days here because everything sits close together. Sunset adds warm color to the sky that draws everyone outside again.
Iao Valley State Monument, Maui
Iao Valley’s tall ridges and lush greenery offer a quick escape from the hotter parts of the island. The walkway climbs gently to a lookout that faces the iconic needle formation. Mist often hangs in the air during early mornings. Streams run along the base, adding soft sounds to the setting.
Families like the short and manageable path because it suits different activity levels. Children enjoy watching small streams flowing over rocks. The valley’s shade gives welcome relief during warm days. The setting feels calm enough for slow walking and photo taking.
North Shore Winter Swells, Oahu
December brings strong waves to the North Shore, and spectators gather to watch skilled surfers ride massive sets. Beaches fill with people who sit back and enjoy the power of the ocean. Flags and signs mark areas where swimming is unsafe. The air feels filled with the sound of crashing waves.
Families come here more for viewing than swimming during winter. Kids watch surfers with wide eyes as each wave rises. Food trucks nearby give everyone an easy meal break. Despite the strong surf, the atmosphere feels relaxed and fun for simple walks along the sand.
Alii Kula Lavender Farm, Maui
This hillside farm offers fields of purple blooms and peaceful walking paths that catch cool upcountry breezes. Small terraces overlook sweeping views of the valley below. Visitors often wander slowly between plants, pausing for photos. The scent in the air stays light and calming.
Families appreciate the open space because kids can stroll between rows without feeling rushed. Small treats in the gift area add a fun stop before leaving. Quiet corners offer seating for short breaks. The gentle slope and fresh air make this an easy outing for many ages.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.