december cruise to hawaii

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No One Does Hawai`i Like Norwegian.

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Voted Best Hawai`i Cruises for 15 years by Porthole Cruise Magazine

Feel free to let the gentle breezes of Waikīkī stir up your Aloha spirit as you set out to explore the Hawaiian islands with Norwegian. Soak up the vibes as you sink your toes in a black-sand beach before your trek to the top of Haleakalā — Maui’s massive volcano. When the sun sets, get ready for unforgettable stargazing well past midnight. You'll have plenty of time to explore the culture, sights and local flavour of five unique ports including O`ahu, Maui, Hilo, Kona and Kaua`i. Looking to make the most out of your time in the region? Discover the recently refurbished Norwegian Spirit as you witness the South Pacific’s untouched islands on a Hawaii and French Polynesia cruise . Experience the lush forests, crystal-clear turquoise waters and colourful undersea life that will have you feeling like you are in paradise.

We are deeply saddened to hear about the wildfires currently impacting the town of Lahaina in Maui.  We have a very special relationship with the people and islands of Hawaii, as we sail to the beautiful state year-round.  It is a magical destination and one that is highly sought out by our guests for its natural beauty, culture and unparalleled experiences. To support local relief efforts, we have donated $50,000 to Maui United Way and are encouraging others to join our efforts by donating at mauiunitedway.org .  In addition, together with our partners, we have collected and will be donating over $150,000 in supplies such as food, clothing, and mattresses to the Hawaii Community Foundation, whilst also activating our network of suppliers to support with in-kind donations. As of September 3, 2023, we have recommenced our weekly overnight calls to Kahului, Maui following the guidance and encouragement of the Maui community, Hawai'i state governor Josh Green and the Hawai'i Tourism Authority.

^Buy an air ticket and the 2nd guest flies for free. *View for full terms and conditions.

Cruise to Hawaii Year-Round with Pride of America

Only Norwegian lets you visit four islands in seven days, which means you're on an island each and every day! It is no wonder that we were voted Porthole Magazine's "Best Hawaii Itinerary" for 12 years in a row! And since we are the only cruise line that homeports in Hawaii, we offer convenient year-round Saturday departures, so you can holiday on your timetable .

NEW! Hawaii and French Polynesia Cruises

These unique itineraries allow you to explore two of the world's most popular destinations, Hawaii and French Polynesia , in one holiday. Departing from Pape’ete or Honolulu, these itineraries have been designed to help you make the most out of your time in the region. Relax in Bora Bora, explore the ocean’s depths in Tahiti, or simply sit back and take in the stunning views in Raiatea . Who wouldn’t want to visit paradise? Leaving, on the other hand, takes a lot of convincing.

Cruise To Hawaii Year-Round

Only Norwegian lets you visit four islands in seven days, which means you're on an island each and every day! Since we are the only cruise line that homeports in Hawaii, offering convenient year-round Saturday departures, you can vacation on your schedule. When it comes to cruising Hawai`i, it’s our thing. But once you hop the Hawaiian islands with Norwegian, it will become your thing.

Beauty of Volcanic Proportions

Your seven days of paradise begins from the moment you arrive. Lose yourself in the lush rainforests and magnificent waterfalls. Let the lush natural landscape take your breath away. Cruise by Kilauea Volcano, the most active volcano in the world. Adventure awaits you around every corner as we are the only cruise line to offer Cruisetours in Hawaii.

Hawaii Cruise Image Gallery

• Kahului, Maui
• Snorkeller on the Big Island, Hawaii.
• Hawaii Luau
• Waipio Valley, Big Island, Hawaii.
• Kauai, Hawaii
• Honolulu, Oahu
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Explore Hawaii Cruise Ports

Featured Hawaii CRUISE ITINERARIES

Best hawaii excursions.

We know the destinations you'll be visiting and what there is to see, do and experience. We offer you a variety of excursions to choose from, in every port you'll visit.

Captain Zodiac Raft & Snorkel Adventure

Your adventure starts by viewing historical points of interest while off shore from the village of Kailua-Kona. While zipping down the coast on these fast and fun Zodiac Hurricanes...

Historic Kona

Gain an understanding of the Big Island’s history through attractions that highlight the life of the early Hawaiians and the influence of Catholic missionaries. Pu’uhonua o Honauna...

Road to Hana

Sit back and enjoy the sights along the famed Hana Highway without having to navigate the twisting, curving road yourself. ...

The Land Of Frozen Fire

Pass through the visually stunning countryside in the Puna district just outside Hilo, where you will see lava fields from past volcanic eruptions....

Hawaii HOTELS

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

The all-new, vibrant Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach blends indoor and outdoor luxury to elevate the experience of Oahu resorts. Come and experience our spacious, welcoming lobby and captivating 280,000 gallon Oceanarium unique to Honolulu resorts. The destination pool deck with private cabanas will offer a saltwater infinity pool, a shallow-water pool and club for kids, and a pool bar that seamlessly transitions from day to night. With a location steps from Waikiki Beach, it's where Hawaii holidays turn moments into memories.

The all-new, vibrant Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach blends indoor and outdoor luxury to elevate the experience of Oahu resorts. Come and experience our spacious, welcoming lobby and captivating 280,000 gallon Oceanarium unique to Honolulu resorts. The destination pool deck with private cabanas will offer a saltwater infinity pool, a shallow-water pool and club for kids, and a pool bar that seamlessly transitions from day to night. With a location steps from Waikiki Beach, it's where Hawaii holidays turn moments into memories. Featuring two restaurants conceived by internationally acclaimed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.

• Distance/Airport: 10 miles Distance/Pier: 4 miles
• Room and room tax Bellman gratuities Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Accommodations are based on double occupancy per room. Some accommodation will allow triple and quad guests in a room and are subject to availability and surcharge will apply. Additional hotel rooms to accommodate triple and quads may be required, and surcharge will apply.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

Take a trip of a lifetime and stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Set amongst a tropical landscape covering 22 acres, our hotel boasts Waikiki's widest and most spectacular white sand beach as well as Waikiki's only saltwater lagoon. Stunning natural surroundings, luxurious amenities, over 20 vibrant restaurants and bars options, the most adventurous daily activities and more make for a perfect holiday in Honolulu. Ideally located in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel is 10 minutes from Pearl Harbour and 25 minutes from Honolulu International Airport (HNL).

Take a trip of a lifetime and stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Set amongst a tropical landscape covering 22 acres, our hotel boasts Waikiki's widest and most spectacular white sand beach as well as Waikiki's only saltwater lagoon. Stunning natural surroundings, luxurious amenities, over 20 vibrant restaurants and bars options, the most adventurous daily activities and more make for a perfect holiday in Honolulu. Ideally located in the heart of Waikiki, this hotel is 10 minutes from Pearl Harbour and 25 minutes from Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Ala Moana, the largest shopping mall in Hawaii, is just a five-minute drive away giving you easy access to over 340 shops, services and entertainment.

• Distance/Airport: 8 miles Distance/Pier: 3 miles
• Room and room tax Bellman gratuities Resort Fees Transfers between Hotel and Pier

Important Note: Maximum quad occupancy per room. Triples and quads will be accommodated in a room with 2 queen sized beds. Rollaway are subject to availability and must be requested. Surcharges will apply.

Read THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT Hawaii Cruises

What to Wear in Hawaii

Bring these essential items on your tropical getaway.

Stay Longer in Paradise

Explore more of Hawaii with our Cruise Tours.

Cruise Hawaii Without a Passport

Learn more about cruising to Hawaii without a passport.

The Best Time to Cruise to Hawaii

Wondering when is the best time to cruise to these gorgeous islands?

Find Adventure

Rappel waterfalls, see Oahu from the sky, or watch for whales on your Hawaii cruise with our list of thrilling things to do.

Quite the Sight

Check out our top favourite photos of Hawaii, from sunrise to sunset.

Wake-Up Call

Believe it or not, Hawaii is the only U.S. state that grows coffee.

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Hawaii Cruises From The West Coast

• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Spirit

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If you’re looking to make an exotic destination your next vacation, let’s talk about the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of Hawaii. The answers are as follows: visit Hawaii on a Carnival cruise (of course), and… visit Hawaii because this place is simply spectacular! Take a Hawaii cruise and explore exotic locations spread across four islands — the Hawaiian island chain is home to names you know, like Maui, Kona and Honolulu. These spots feature postcard-worthy waterfalls, volcanoes and some of the world’s most stunning, sunning beaches. You’ll find these spread across an island chain so otherworldly that you may forget you’re in the states! Best of all, that postcard you’re sure to send home will require only domestic postage.

• Experience some of the world's most famous beaches.
• Get up-close with a volcanic mountain.
• Hula it up at a real luau.

YOU WANT WHERE? WE GO THERE.

No results found, hilo, hawaii.

Kona, Hawaii

Honolulu, Oahu

Nawiliwili, Kauai

Long Beach (Los Angeles)

San Francisco

Kahului, Maui

Thinking about Hawaii?

We've got some daydream options for you.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

Cruises to Hawaii

This is the complete calendar of cruises around the Hawaiian Islands for 2024 . As you can see, they are available year-round.

Go directly to cruises to Hawaii in January 2024 , February 2024 , March 2024 , April 2024 , May 2024 , June 2024 , July 2024 , August 2024 , September 2024 , October 2024 , November 2024 or December 2024 .

Looking for a specific length cruise? Check out the 7-day cruises to Hawaii or 14-day and 15-day cruises to Hawaii .

January 2024

January 6: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . January 6: 7-day cruise from Molokai to Hawaii on Uncruise . January 6: 15-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on Carnival Cruise Line . January 7: 16-day round-trip cruise from San Francisco on Princess Cruises . January 13: 17-day round-trip cruise from San Diego on Holland America Line . January 13: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . Janaury 13: 7-day cruise from Hawaii to Molokai on Uncruise . January 20: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . January 20: 7-day cruise from Molokai to Hawaii on Uncruise . January 21: 14-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on Carnival Cruise Line . January 27: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . January 27: 7-day cruise from Hawaii to Molokai on Uncruise . January 30: 18-day round-trip cruise from San Diego on Holland America Line .

February 2024

February 3: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . February 3: 7-day cruise from Molokai to Hawaii on Uncruise . February 10: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . February 10: 7-day cruise from Hawaii to Molokai on Uncruise . February 16: 15-night cruise from Australia to Honolulu on Disney Cruise Line . February 17: 35-day round-trip cruise from San Diego on Holland America Line . February 17: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . February 17: 7-day cruise from Molokai to Hawaii on Uncruise . February 17: 15-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on Carnival Cruise Line . February 22: 16-day round-trip cruise from San Francisco on Princess Cruises . February 24: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . February 24: 7-day cruise from Hawaii to Molokai on Uncruise .

March 1: 10-night cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver on Disney Cruise Line . March 2: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . March 2: 7-day cruise from Molokai to Hawaii on Uncruise . March 9: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . March 9: 7-day cruise from Hawaii to Molokai on Uncruise . March 9: 16-day round-trip cruise from San Francisco on Princess Cruises . March 16: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . March 16: 7-day cruise from Molokai to Hawaii on Uncruise . March 16: 15-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on Princess Cruises . March 21: 15-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on Princess Cruises . March 23: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . March 23: 7-day cruise from Hawaii to Molokai on Uncruise . March 30: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . March 30: 7-day cruise from Molokai to Hawaii on Uncruise .

April 4: 16-day round-trip cruise from San Francisco on Princess Cruises . April 4: 15-day cruise from Australia to Honolulu on Royal Caribbean . April 5: 22-day one-way cruise from San Diego on Holland America Line . April 6: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . April 6: 7-day cruise from Hawaii to Molokai on Uncruise . April 6: 15-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on Carnival Cruise Line . April 9: 17-night cruise from Australia to Honolulu on Celebrity Cruises . April 10: 12-day cruise from Tahiti to Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . April 12: 17-day cruise from Australia to Honolulu on Royal Caribbean . April 13: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . April 13: 7-day cruise from Molokai to Hawaii on Uncruise . April 13: 18-day cruise from Australia to Honolulu on Royal Caribbean . April 14: 17-night cruise from Australia to Honolulu on Celebrity Cruises . April 14: 16-day round-trip cruise from Vancouver on Princess Cruises . April 19: 10-night cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver on Royal Caribbean . April 20: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . April 20: 7-day cruise from Hawaii to Molokai on Uncruise . April 22: 16-day cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver on Norwegian Cruise Line . April 25: 11-night cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver on Celebrity Cruises . April 27: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . April 27: 7-day cruise from Molokai to Hawaii on Uncruise . April 28: 8-night cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver on Royal Caribbean . April 30: 9-day cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver on Royal Caribbean .

May 1: 10-night cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver on Celebrity Cruises . May 4: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . May 4: 7-day cruise from Hawaii to Molokai on Uncruise . May 8: 16-day cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . May 11: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . May 18: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . May 24: 12-day cruise from Honolulu to Tahiti on Norwegian Cruise Line . May 25: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line .

June 1: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . June 5: 12-day cruise from Tahiti to Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . June 8: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . June 15: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . June 17: 16-day cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver on Norwegian Cruise Line . June 22: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . June 29: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line .

July 6: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . July 13: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . July 20: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . July 27: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line .

August 2024

August 3: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . August 10: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . August 17: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . August 24: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . August 31: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line .

September 2024

September 7: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . September 10: 16-day round-trip cruise from Vancouver on Princess Cruises . September 14: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . September 16: 15-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on Carnival Cruise Line . September 21: 12-night cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu on Celebrity Cruises . September 21: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . September 22: 9-night cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu on Celebrity Cruises . September 22: 10-night cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu on Royal Caribbean . September 23: 10-night cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu on Disney Cruise Line . September 24: 15-day round-trip cruise from Seattle on Carnival Cruise Line . September 25: 16-day cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . September 28: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . September 29: 16-day round-trip cruise from San Francisco on Princess Cruises . September 29: 16-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on Princess Cruises . September 30: 51-day round-trip cruise from San Diego on Holland America Line .

October 2024

October 1: 17-night cruise from Honolulu to Australia on Celebrity Cruises . October 3: 18-night cruise from Honolulu to Australia on Celebrity Cruises . October 4: 9-day cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu on Royal Caribbean . October 5: 17-day round-trip cruise from Vancouver on Holland America Line . October 5: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . October 12: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . October 13: 14-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on Carnival Cruise Line . October 15: 16-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on Princess Cruises . October 19: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . October 26: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line .

November 2024

November 2: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . November 9: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . November 16: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . November 16: 7-day cruise from Molokai to Hawaii on Uncruise . November 20: 17-day round-trip cruise from San Diego on Holland America Line . November 23: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . November 23: 7-day cruise from Hawaii to Molokai on Uncruise . November 30: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . November 30: 7-day cruise from Molokai to Hawaii on Uncruise .

Thanksgiving cruises to Hawaii .

December 2024

December 1: 14-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on Carnival Cruise Line . December 2: 16-day round-trip cruise from San Francisco on Princess Cruises . December 3: 16-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on Princess Cruises . December 7: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . December 7: 7-day cruise from Hawaii to Molokai on Uncruise . December 14: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . December 14: 7-day cruise from Molokai to Hawaii on Uncruise . December 18: 16-day round-trip cruise from San Diego on Holland America Line . December 18: 16-day round-trip cruise from San Francisco on Princess Cruises . December 19: 16-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles on Princess Cruises . December 21: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . December 21: 7-day cruise from Hawaii to Molokai on Uncruise . December 28: 7-day round-trip cruise from Honolulu on Norwegian Cruise Line . December 28: 7-day cruise from Molokai to Hawaii on Uncruise .

Christmas cruises to Hawaii . New Year cruises to Hawaii .

• Expeditions
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• Los Angeles, California to Los Angeles, California

Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

• From $4,999
• 5 Guided Tours
• 2 Countries
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Hawaiian Islands Sojourn Map

Paradise in the Pacific

Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Hawaii. From Los Angeles, set sail on a journey to this breathtaking archipelago. Stops on the islands of Hawaii, Maui and Kauai will give you time to take in their lush rainforests, volcanic peaks and idyllic beaches, as you learn more about the history of its original inhabitants. Return across the vast Pacific, stopping in Ensenada, the wine capital of Mexico, before disembarking in Los Angeles.

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To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

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One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

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Visits to UNESCO Sites

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Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

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Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size Viking Explorer Bed with luxury linen

42" flat-screen LCD TV with intuitive remote & complimentary Movies On Demand

Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Direct-dial satellite phone & cell service

Security safe

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Ample USB ports

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Weather on Hawaii Cruise in December

By ibtran , October 20, 2013 in Ask a Cruise Question

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Hi. My wife and I will be cruising on the Carnival Miracle round trip to Hawaii from Long Beach on December 7 this year. Can anyone tell me what type of weather we might expect on the sea days (four each way) this time of year? Rough, calm, or somewhere in between? We have been on 21 cruises and have rarely encountered more than a ripple, so we are curious (but not apprehensive) about what to expect.

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Likely the first one and one half to two days it will be cooler on the open deck and the seas could be a little rough. That is the same at the end of the trip as well. as you sail closer to Hawaii, generally seas will be much calmer and it will be less windy and warmer.

Always, remember that experiences can vary but in general this is what I would expect and I have sailed this route many times.

Hi. My wife and I will be cruising on the Carnival Miracle round trip to Hawaii from Long Beach on December 7 this year. Can anyone tell me what type of weather we might expect on the sea days (four each way) this time of year? Rough, calm, or somewhere in between? We have been on 21 cruises and have rarely encountered more than a ripple, so we are curious (but not apprehensive) about what to expect. Thanks.

We've never done a Hawaiian cruise as we usually reserve this for a land trip so I can't really tell you definitely. But I will say we did Long Beach to the Mexican Riviera 3 years ago and it was rough and cold. However, that being said, we usually cruise the Caribbean and are used to warm and fairly calm waters, so this came as a surprise to us. But, we still had fun! Happy sailing! :)

We did a cruise to Hawaii in April. We started in Honolulu and the cruise ended in San Diego. The cruise back from Hawaii was rough with seas that made them have to close the pool. Water was literally sloshing everywhere. My favorite item of clothing for the last two days was a hooded sweatshirt. When we arrived at Ensenada (had to bus it to San Diego airport), the immigration people were in heavy winter coats. Could have just been that particular year or that particular time of the year, but this was our experience.

Alliezona09

Did that cruise in 2011, left 12/2~ as others stated chilly leaving, but by the 2nd full sea day, the sun decks where packed~ still a bit cool but getting warmer~ same as coming home~ As for the ocean, it was rough also~ they had the sea sick bags out for the first couple of days~ and the last few days! But it's the ocean so just because we had rough seas doesn't mean you will~ Just be prepared!

It also rained on a few of the Islands but we were still able to enjoy them! Have a great cruise~

FoghornLeghorn

We did an early December cruise to Hawaii, roundtrip LA.

First day out was cool - but pleasant.

First night out was a little rough and into the second day.

I took a bonine and some ginger, and was fine.

Then warmer weather the rest of the trip until the day before we were back in LA and it was rough again and cool.

You'll be there when the whales are having lots of fun in Maui :) we saw them from the ship. We also took a whale watch excursion there.

We also saw a lot of whales when we sailed in the first day to Hilo.

Wonderful trip - have done it twice and going to do it again!

Thanks for all your replies. I appreciate the info.

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Hawaii in December: Everything to Know For Your Trip

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here .

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Heading to Hawaii in December? I don’t blame you. It’s a paradise on earth with its white-sand beaches, crystal blue waters, lush tropical rainforests, and stunning landscapes. If you’re planning on arriving on the islands in December, here’s everything you need to know. 

There’s nothing quite like spending the holidays in beautiful Hawaii. You can take in stunning light displays, and enjoy traditional luau meals with your family. But December in Hawaii is also crowded. You aren’t the only one who had the idea of spending Christmas in paradise! It’s also more expensive compared to other times of the year.

No matter when you decide to visit, we have resources for all your planning needs! Read more on 15 Essential Details for Hawaii trip planning Check out our Activities database for all of the best tours and activities Dig into our Where to Stay database to get the most bang for your buck on lodging Grab a done-for-you Itinerary for the island(s) of your choice to shortcut the rest of your planning!

Is December a Good Time to go to Hawaii?

December is a pretty good time to visit Hawaii, especially in the first two weeks of the month, before the holiday rush. The closer it gets to Christmas, the more expensive hotel rooms get, and the massive influx of tourists can make it challenging to get around.

Reasons to go to Hawaii in December

The most obvious reason to go to Hawaii in December is the pleasant weather. Hurricane season is over, and temperatures hover around 71 degrees Fahrenheit. And since it’s winter, you’ll experience spectacular sunsets with high waves crashing against the shore.

Another reason to come in December is to experience unique holiday events like Honolulu City Lights, an annual light show that celebrates the spirit of Christmas and features live music, festive decorations, and a fireworks display. These holiday events make Hawaii even more magical.

If you’re heading to Hawaii in December (or any time of year) make sure to check out our cheat sheets which give you the need-to-know information like can’t miss spots and the best places to eat.

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Reasons to not go to Hawaii in December

Of course, December in Hawaii isn’t for everyone. If you’re not a fan of crowds, you may want to come during the mid-winter lull of February or wait until early fall. That’s because before the pandemic, December crowds rivaled peak summer months for the number of visitors. And though not as many people spent the holidays in Hawaii in 2022, the numbers are starting to increase again. 

Thus, planning a last-minute trip to Hawaii in December is tough. You’ll need to book your flights and hotel rooms several months in advance. If you have some flexibility with your schedule, check out the best time to visit Hawaii . You may also want to consider going to Hawaii in January , after the big holiday rush.

If you do decide to brave the crowds, expect to pay more for transportation and accommodations. Prices spike during the holiday season, with hotel rooms costing much more than at other times.

Our Where to Stay section will help you navigate finding a great hotel or vacation rental.

Is Hawaii Nice in December: Weather Data

Unlike most of the United States, Hawaii has only two seasons: winter and summer. December falls in winter, but it’s probably not like the winter you’ll be leaving behind. Instead of snow and ice, the island’s tropical climate will offer warm and balmy days.

To help you know how to pack for your December trip to Hawaii, let’s look more closely at the weather data.

Is Hawaii Rainy in December?

December is the rainiest month of the year in Hawaii, with an average rainfall of 1.85 inches during the month. The good news is that showers are usually short and don’t last all day. So as long as you bring an umbrella and a waterproof jacket, you can still enjoy all that Hawaii offers. 

Of course, the amount of rain you can expect varies from island to island. Maui is your best bet to avoid as much rain as possible. It’s the driest of the main islands, with an average rainfall of 0.87 inches in December. So if Maui is on your short-list of places to visit, our full Maui Guide will make your trip planning easy.

Here’s a look at four different island destinations and their average monthly rainfall in December.

You can see how December compares to the other months in the chart below. If you really want to avoid the rain, a December trip to Hawaii might not be a good fit.

Instead, consider coming in July or September, the two driest months of the year. 

Of course, no article on rainfall in Hawaii would be complete without mentioning the meteorological differences between the windward side and the leeward side of each island. The windward side typically experiences more rain than the leeward side. So if you’re visiting Oahu , you’ll want to head to the leeward side of the island for better weather and less rainfall. 

How Warm Is It in Hawaii in December?

As mentioned above, December is winter in Hawaii. But you don’t have to worry about the cold weather that often accompanies winter in other parts of the world. Instead, you’ll be treated to mild temperatures and balmy breezes.

Thanks to its location in the tropics, the average high temperature in December is 77°F. The average low temperature is just over 71°F. If you’re visiting from a colder part of the world, that may feel warm for winter.

Keep in mind that temperatures fluctuate by location. For instance, if you want to soak in as much heat as possible, you’ll want to visit Kailua-Kona. The monthly high there is 83 degrees. But it also has the lowest average low temperature, at 69 degrees Fahrenheit. So you’ll want a jacket if you spend time outside in the evenings. 

If spending time in the balmy Kailua-Kona sound good to you, check out our list of the 21 best things to do in Kailua-Kona.

Here’s a look at the average high and low temperatures for December at four popular destinations.

This chart can help you see how the December temperatures compare to the other months of the year. Remember that tropical climates don’t see nearly the amount of temperature fluctuations that other places do, so temperatures are pretty nice all year. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that December is the month with the least amount of sunlight. The days are a bit shorter, and the sky often has more clouds, making outdoor activities slightly less enjoyable. 

So if you’re planning a trip and want plenty of sunshine, it might be best to wait until summertime when Hawaii boasts its longest days of the year.

Can You Swim in Hawaii in December?

No trip to Hawaii is complete without a dip in the ocean, and December is no exception. This month’s average ocean temperature is 78°F, so it’s warm enough to swim and enjoy some of the island’s other aquatic activities like snorkeling and diving. 

With so many beaches to choose from, the hardest part can be picking the best ones to try. That’s why we compiled this list of the best 24 beaches in Hawaii for you! 

What Are the Ocean Conditions Like in December?

While the ocean is warm year-round in Hawaii, the Pacific Ocean tends to be rougher in the winter. This is due to higher winds and larger swells, which can make for bumpier boat rides and choppier swimming conditions.

It’s also why many surfing competitions take place this time of year. You can catch some huge waves!

Of course, the ocean is fierce, and conditions can change rapidly. That’s why it’s essential to check the flag conditions before entering the water.

When is Hawaii Hurricane Season?

Hawaii is usually spared from hurricanes, but the islands have been hit in the past. The peak season runs from June to November, so you shouldn’t have trouble avoiding them in December.

How Busy is Hawaii in December?

There’s something special about white-sand beaches and palm trees in December! With the holidays just around the corner, many tourists flock to Hawaii during this time of year. Historically, it is one of the busiest times for tourism on the islands. 

For example, in December 2019, 942,969 people came to the state. However, the pandemic greatly impacted travel, and though Hawaii has removed its restrictions, it’s not yet getting as many tourists as before. December 2021 saw only 753,670 people visit here, a decrease of nearly 190,000 from two years ago. 

It’s too early to tell whether or not this trend will stick. Since Hawaii is such a fun place to spend the holidays, something tells me it won’t take long before December becomes one of the busiest months again. 

But even in active years, the crowds don’t tend to start piling up until closer to Christmas. So if you come in early December, you can still enjoy some festivities and lights and not have to fight the crowds as much. 

If you prefer not to deal with as many people, January or September might be better months to travel to Hawaii. Here’s a look at how the months compare in terms of visitors. 

Which Hawaiian Islands Are the Busiest in December?

Some of the islands are more crowded than others. If you love people and want to be around as many of your fellow humans as possible, Oahu is the place to be. In December 2021, Oahu saw 391,521 visitors arrive there.

But if you prefer a little more seclusion to your Hawaiian vacation, Kauai is the least crowded of the main islands with just 101,425 visitors in December 2021. Our Kauai travel guide will help you plan that trip.

Here’s a peek at how different islands compare in terms of visitors over the holidays. 

And this chart shows you what you can expect in terms of crowds on the islands no matter which month you visit. 

Is Hawaii Cheaper in December?

No, Hawaii isn’t cheaper in December. Historically, huge crowds gathered to celebrate the holidays on the islands, and as the number of people went up, so did the prices. 

Hotel rooms are exceptionally pricey in December. On average, a room ranged from $320-734 a night. If you’re planning a multi-night trip, you can see how that’d quickly add up, especially if you’re staying on Maui. The least expensive rooms are in Oahu, but those are still over $300 a night. 

Here’s a look at the nightly numbers for four of the most popular islands, to help you decide where you’d like to stay: 

And here’s a chart comparing hotel room rates throughout the year. December is the most expensive for almost all of the data points. However, on Kauai, rooms cost more in July than in December. 

This article further breaks down some of the costs associated with visiting Hawaii in December: The Best and Cheapest Hawaiian Island for Christmas

Things to Do in Hawaii in December

December is the most wonderful time of the year for a reason. Despite the crowds and the (slightly) cooler weather, you’ll find plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to make your trip to Hawaii special. 

A few of the most popular things to do in December include:

• Joining in a Holiday Luau at Paradise Cove
• Enjoying the sights and sounds of the Chinatown Winter Walk on Oahu
• Visiting the Honolulu City Lights displays
• Participating in a Pearl Harbor memorial event 
• Running in the Honolulu Marathon 
• Going on a whale watching tour
• Seeing decorated palm trees
• Taking in the Lahaina Christmas parade

With so many exciting activities to explore, you’ll never be bored in Hawaii during the winter months. So grab your sunscreen and enjoy the sunshine!

Related reads: The 59 Best Things to do in Hawaii: Your Ultimate Bucket List Things to Do in Hawaii During Christmas (by island) Christmas Magic in Hawaii: 19 Tips to Plan Your Hawaii Christmas Vacation Best Lei Greeting at Honolulu Airport & All the Islands: What To Know Before You Book

If you’re heading to Hawaii in December or any time, download our free Hawaii cheat sheets . On each, you’ll find an easy-to-read map, can’t miss activities, need-to-know information for planning your trip, and a few of our favorite grindz (places to eat!) for each island. So pick one or grab them all – your perfect vacation is waiting!

Plus, you’ll join nearly 45,000 Hawaii visitors in receiving our bi-weekly newsletter . We stuff it full of real-time updates, tips and tricks, insider information, and fun facts to prepare you for your trip. And sometimes we share exclusive discount codes for some of our favorite activities. You don’t want to miss out!

I'm the co-founder, with my husband Jordan, of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. We have lived on Maui and Oahu and continue to travel, experience, and learn about the Hawaiian Islands. We travel with our kids, Henry and Edith. I am a planner! I love to plan trips from the mainland and island-hopping adventures, excursion days, and everything in-between. I spend a lot of my time in Hawai'i on a SUP and my favorite time of year in Hawai'i is whale season!

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Breaking news, kiefer sutherland confronted with ‘stand by me’ bullying claims in jerry o’connell reunion.

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Kiefer Sutherland denies he stayed in character and bullied his “Stand by Me” cast in 1986.

Sutherland, 57, looked back on the 1986 coming-of-age film during Thursday’s episode of “The Talk,” which former co-star Jerry O’Connell co-hosts.

Natalie Morales used Sutherland’s visit to address the viral claim that he would continue to be mean to the movie’s young actors when the cameras stopped rolling.

“Absolutely not true,” Sutherland responded. “First of all, I’m not that kind of actor and I wouldn’t want to be that kind of person. I spent a lot of time with River Phoenix because we both played guitar, and so that was kind of an in to him. Even though I was seven years older, we were both beginning, right? And so there was a lot of discussion about ‘How do you develop a character? What is your process?'”

Although he starred in the film based on Stephen King’s 1982 book “The Body,” he didn’t spend as much time on set with his co-stars as he would’ve liked to.

“I think one of the things that’s been frustrating for me when I think about ‘Stand by Me’ is they always ask me what everybody else was like … We really only had the one big scene at the end where Wil Wheaton pulls the gun and I had to run away like a girl,” he explained.

Sutherland added that he was just 17 during production, to which O’Connell responded: “I felt like you were like 40 … I just thought you were the most grown-up person.”

“Now, I will say that Kiefer did not bully us, there was no bullying. But Kiefer, I was so scared of you,” O’Connell admitted.

Sutherland laughed off O’Connell’s confession, later revealing he saw O’Connell “about 10 years after” — and didn’t recognize him.

“Someone said, ‘Oh, you should go say hi, that’s Jerry O’Connell.’ And I said, ‘No it’s not.’ We said hello and I gave you a big hug and then I walked away and looked at my friend and went, ‘Wow, he’s got a lot better trainer than I do,'” Sutherland shared, causing O’Connell to flex for the cameras.

CBS announced Friday that “The Talk” will end later this year.

The series will return in September for a shorter 15th season and will officially sign off in December.

The final season will get a “proper send-off” in the winter, and will celebrate the legacy of the series.

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