Are you planning a trip to Hawaii during winter and want to get some kid-friendly Hawaii activity ideas? Keep scrolling to find out 15 awesome activities to do during winter in Hawaii with your family!
This post about winter in Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning a Hawaii trip between November and March? You’re in for something special.
Winter in Hawaii isn’t like winter anywhere else. Think 75-degree days, humpback whales breaching offshore, and yes, actual snow on mountaintops.
After visiting Hawaii 40+ times, I can honestly say winter is one of my favorite seasons in the islands.
Sure, you might get more rain. But you’ll also get fewer crowds (except around the holidays), better hiking weather, and front-row seats to nature’s greatest show: thousands of whales migrating from Alaska.
Here are the absolute best winter-specific activities in Hawaii. These are things you can only experience (or that are way better) during the cooler months.
1. Whale Watching: The Main Event
If there’s one reason to visit Hawaii in winter, this is it.
Between November and May, around 10,000 humpback whales travel nearly 3,000 miles from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed, give birth, and raise their calves.
Peak season hits January through March, when you can spot whales from shore almost daily.
My family saw whales from the Maui-Lanai ferry once and it was SO cool to see them so close!
The ferry passed right through prime whale territory in the channel between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai.
We watched a mama and her calf surface multiple times, and my kids still talk about it.
Where to spot whales from shore (free!):
- Maui: McGregor Point, Wailea Beach, Kihei coastline
- Oahu: Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, Diamond Head Lookout
- Kauai: Poipu Beach, Kilauea Lighthouse
- Big Island: Waipio Valley Lookout, Hapuna Beach
Want a closer look? Boat tours get you within 100 yards of these gentle giants (that’s the legal distance).
I cover budget versus splurge whale watching tours in episode 65 of the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast, including which tours are best for families with young kids.
Book a whale watching tour on Maui | Book on Oahu
Need help planning your whole trip around whale season? That’s exactly what I help families with in my Hawaii travel consultations.
2. Watch World-Class Surfing Competitions on Oahu’s North Shore
Winter is when the North Shore of Oahu becomes the surfing capital of the world.
Massive swells from North Pacific storms create 20-40 foot waves that draw the planet’s best surfers.
Competition season runs November through February, and watching pros tackle Pipeline or Sunset Beach is absolutely wild.
Major competitions to watch in 2025-2026:
- Vans Pipe Masters: December 8-20, 2025
- The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational: December 7, 2025 – March 6, 2026 (only runs when waves hit 20+ feet)
- WSL Pipe Championship Tour: January 29 – February 2, 2026
- Haleiwa Pro: November 29 – December 7, 2025
All competitions are completely free to watch from the beach. Just show up, find a spot in the sand, and prepare to have your mind blown.
The Triple Crown of Surfing (which used to be the big deal) went digital-only after COVID, but honestly? The individual competitions are even better because you can watch multiple events throughout the season instead of just three.
Want to learn to surf yourself?
Winter isn’t the best time for beginners on the North Shore (those waves are no joke), but Waikiki Beach on the south shore stays calm and perfect for surf lessons year-round.
3. Honolulu City Lights: Hawaii’s Biggest Holiday Celebration
If you’re visiting Oahu in December, this is absolutely unmissable.
Honolulu City Lights runs from November 29 through December 30, 2025, and for the first time ever, it’s happening at TWO locations: Honolulu Hale (city hall) and Thomas Square Park.
The opening night on November 29 features a massive tree lighting ceremony, the Electric Light Parade down King Street, live entertainment, food vendors, and photos with Santa (who’s probably wearing board shorts, let’s be honest).
What to expect:
- A 55-foot Norfolk pine tree covered in lights
- Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele giant displays
- Holiday wreath contest inside Honolulu Hale
- Free nightly entertainment through December
- Keiki train rides at Thomas Square Park (select nights)
Both locations light up simultaneously at 6:30 PM during opening night, which sounds pretty magical if you ask me.
Pro tip: Visit on a weekday evening to avoid the weekend crowds, and you’ll actually be able to get decent family photos without 47 strangers photobombing the background.
I talk about all the best Christmas activities in Hawaii in episode 59 of my podcast, including which islands do the holidays best and where to find the most over-the-top light displays.
4. See (or Play in) Snow on Mauna Kea
Yes, snow in Hawaii. I’m not kidding.
Mauna Kea on the Big Island stands 13,803 feet above sea level, and between October and April, the summit regularly gets snow.
Sometimes enough to ski or snowboard, though you’ll have to hike up since there are no lifts.
The first time we visited Haleakala on Maui (which is similar elevation-wise), my kids were SO cold because I didn’t bring enough layers.
Learn from my mistake: temperatures at Hawaii’s summits can drop below freezing, even when it’s 80 degrees at sea level.
What you need to know:
- The visitor center sits at 9,200 feet and requires no special vehicle
- To reach the summit (13,803 feet), you need a 4WD vehicle and should acclimate at the visitor center first
- Most rental car companies prohibit driving to the summit (check your contract)
- Kids under 13, pregnant women, and anyone with health issues shouldn’t go above the visitor center
- The visitor center is open daily 9 AM – 9 PM with free stargazing programs at night
You can also book a Mauna Kea summit tour that handles all the driving and provides warm gear.
Is it worth it? If you want to tell people you saw snow and caught waves on the same day in Hawaii, absolutely.
5. Hike in Perfect Weather
Summer hiking in Hawaii can feel like walking through a sauna. Winter hiking? So much better.
Temperatures drop into the 60s and 70s (perfect hoodie weather for early morning hikes), the landscape turns greener from winter rains, and popular trails are noticeably less crowded.
Best winter hikes:
- Maui: Haleakala Crater trails (way less hot than summer)
- Oahu: Makapuu Lighthouse Trail (easy, paved, whale watching!)
- Kauai: Waimea Canyon trails (cooler temps, more waterfalls)
- Big Island: Waipio Valley (lush and green)
Heads up: Winter does mean more rain, especially on windward (north and east) sides of the islands. But rain in Hawaii usually comes in quick afternoon bursts, so plan morning hikes and you’ll probably stay dry.
Pack a lightweight rain jacket just in case, and check trail conditions before you go.
6. Sunrise or Sunset at Haleakala National Park
Haleakala means “House of the Sun,” and honestly? Winter is one of the best times to visit.
Why? Clearer skies, cooler temperatures, and fewer clouds blocking the view. Summer can get socked in with marine layer, but winter mornings are often crystal clear.
You’ll need a reservation for sunrise viewing (they book up fast), but sunset doesn’t require one and is honestly just as beautiful.
What to bring:
- Warm layers (it can be 30-40 degrees at sunrise)
- Headlamp or flashlight (it’s DARK up there)
- Hot coffee or tea in a thermos
- Camera (obviously)
After sunrise, explore the crater trails. Sliding Sands Trail looks like you’ve landed on Mars, and the silversword plants (which only grow here) are otherworldly.
My complete Haleakala National Park guide has everything you need to know, including the mistake I made that first time (seriously, bring layers).
For a full Maui itinerary including Haleakala, grab my Maui Travel Guide for Families.
7. Snorkel the South Shores (While North Shores are Huge)
Okay, this is kind of genius: while the north shores get pounded with massive surf, the south and west shores stay calm and protected.
This makes winter the BEST time for snorkeling on south-facing beaches. The water’s still warm (around 75 degrees), visibility is excellent, and you’ll see tons of fish and turtles without fighting summer crowds.
Best winter snorkeling spots:
- Maui: Makena Landing, Ulua Beach
- Oahu: Hanauma Bay, Turtle Canyon
- Big Island: Kealakekua Bay, Kahalu’u Beach Park
- Kauai: Poipu Beach (calmer than summer)
Pro tip: Go early (before 10 AM) to avoid afternoon trade winds and get the clearest water.
Rent snorkel gear on Amazon if you’re staying more than a few days. Buying your own gear is cheaper than renting and way more sanitary. Plus you can bring it home for your next trip.
Book a snorkeling tour on Maui | Book on Oahu
8. Experience an Authentic Hawaiian Luau
Okay, luaus happen year-round, but there’s something special about attending one during the holidays or winter season.
My kids are practically luau experts by now. I think they’ve been to a dozen of them and it’s always a hoot.
They know all the dances, they stuff themselves on kalua pig, and they inevitably get pulled on stage for the coconut tree climbing demonstration.
Winter luaus often incorporate holiday themes or special seasonal menus. Plus the cooler evening temperatures make the outdoor feast more comfortable.
Best family-friendly luaus:
Book early, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. The popular luaus sell out weeks in advance during peak season.
Not sure which island to choose? My Island Hopping Guide helps you decide which islands to visit and how long to spend on each.
9. Try Winter-Only Adventures
A few activities are only available (or just way better) in winter:
Mountain tubing on Kauai: Still runs year-round, but winter water levels make the old sugar plantation canals extra fun. Book your Kauai tubing adventure here.
Helicopter tours: Available all year, but whale season means you might spot whales from the air while checking out Kauai’s waterfalls and Na Pali Coast. Book a helicopter tour here.
North Shore shrimp trucks: Technically open year-round, but winter is when locals flock to Haleiwa’s famous shrimp trucks after watching surf competitions.
10. Eat Shave Ice Every Single Day (Like My Family Does)
I’m including this because our family tries to eat shave ice every single day in Hawaii, regardless of season.
Is it winter-specific? Not really. Is it essential to the Hawaii winter experience? Absolutely yes.
There’s something about eating an ice-cold shave ice when it’s 75 degrees and you just watched whales breach offshore that feels perfect.
Best shave ice spots:
Get it with ice cream and li hing mui powder (trust me on this). Your taste buds will thank you.
Planning Your Winter Hawaii Trip
Winter is one of the busiest seasons in Hawaii, especially around Christmas and New Year’s. Book your accommodations and rental car early.
Rain does increase in winter, but it usually comes in short bursts. The trade-off? Fewer crowds, better hiking weather, and spectacular whale watching.
What to pack:
- Light layers (mornings can be cool)
- Rain jacket
- Reef-safe sunscreen (still necessary!)
- Binoculars for whale watching
- Warm clothes if visiting summits
Need help planning? I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where we’ll create a custom itinerary based on your family’s interests, budget, and travel style.
As a professional tourist who’s visited 40+ times and a Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist, I’ll help you avoid rookie mistakes and find the best activities for your crew.
Want to plan it yourself? Grab one of my detailed travel guides:
- Oahu Travel Guide for Families
- Maui Travel Guide for Families
- Kauai Travel Guide for Families
- Big Island Travel Guide for Families
Or start with a free email course:
Listen to the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast for even more tips and island-specific advice.
Winter in Hawaii isn’t just for people escaping snow. It’s legitimately one of the best times to visit.
Cooler weather, incredible wildlife encounters, and that perfect combination of adventure and relaxation that makes Hawaii special.
I hope this helps you plan an amazing winter trip! If you get stuck or feel overwhelmed, I’m here to help.
Planning a winter escape to Hawaii? Get personalized help creating your perfect itinerary or download my comprehensive island guides to start planning your trip today.
