Are you looking for a warm vacation destination for winter break? Keep scrolling to find out what winter in Hawaii is like!
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.
I’ve been visiting Hawaii in winter since I was in middle school.
Over 40+ trips later (including countless Thanksgiving breaks, Christmas vacations, and February mid-winter getaways), I can tell you exactly what to expect when you escape to the islands during the coldest months back home.
Spoiler: You’re going to love it.
Is There Actually a Winter Season in Hawaii?
Here’s the thing about Hawaii’s “winter.” You know how most places have four distinct seasons? Hawaii basically has two. Summer (May through October) and winter (November through April).
But winter in Hawaii looks nothing like winter on the mainland.
The biggest difference you’ll notice is rain. Winter is Hawaii’s wet season, which sounds scary until you realize that most rain showers last maybe 10-15 minutes. Then the sun comes back out and everything sparkles.
It’s actually pretty magical.
Temperatures stay warm. You’re looking at upper 70s during the day and mid-60s at night across most of the islands.
December is typically the coolest month, but “cool” in Hawaii still means perfect beach weather.
What to Actually Expect During Winter in Hawaii
The winter months in Hawaii (December, January, and February) bring a few key changes:
More rain, but not constant rain. About 50% of the time, you’ll have normal tradewind weather with lots of sun and brief showers.
The other half, storm systems from the north Pacific can bring a few days of cloudier, wetter weather. Rain rarely lasts more than a few hours though.
Bigger waves. Winter brings swells from the north, creating legendary surf conditions on north-facing beaches.
This is amazing if you surf or want to watch the pros. Less ideal if you have young kids who just want to splash in calm water.
The good news? You can almost always find a sheltered beach on the south or west side.
Whales everywhere. From November through April, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters.
February is peak whale season. On a March trip to Maui, I saw whales from both the ferry to Lanai AND from the plane between Molokai and Maui. They’re that abundant.
Festive holiday vibes. If you’re visiting in December, Hawaiian-themed Christmas decorations are everywhere.
My kids go crazy for the palm trees wrapped in lights and the unique ornaments on hotel Christmas trees in Waikiki. It’s Christmas, but make it tropical.
Hawaii Winter Weather by Island
Every island has slightly different weather patterns, but here’s what you need to know:
Oahu stays around 78-80°F during the day and drops to mid-60s at night. It rains about 5 days per month on average during winter.
Maui runs a touch cooler at 72-75°F during the day, with nighttime temps in the mid-50s to low 60s. Winter is Maui’s rainiest season, but we’re still talking maybe 5 days of rain per month.
Big Island is the warmest in winter with daytime temps around 81-82°F and nights in the mid-60s. It only rains about 2 days per month on average, making it one of the driest winter destinations.
Kauai (the Garden Island, so named for good reason) gets the most rain. Expect temps around 72°F during the day and mid-50s at night, with frequent showers throughout the month.
But all that rain creates stunning waterfalls and keeps everything gorgeously green.
The coldest it ever gets at sea level in Hawaii? About 52°F. That’s the record low. Most winter nights won’t drop below 60°F.
Now, if you head up to the summits of Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa on the Big Island, you might see actual snow.
The record low at Mauna Kea Observatory is 12°F. But that’s at nearly 14,000 feet elevation.
Best Things to Do in Hawaii During Winter
Winter opens up activities you simply can’t do any other time of year. Here are my top picks:
Whale Watching (November-April, Peak January-March)
This is THE winter activity in Hawaii. Humpback whales travel over 3,000 miles from Alaska to give birth and raise their calves in Hawaii’s warm waters.
The official whale season runs December 15 through May 15, but you’ll see the most whales from January through March.
You can spot whales from shore (bring binoculars), but I highly recommend getting on the water at least once.
Book a whale watching tour for up-close encounters. Some tours guarantee whale sightings or you get to go again for free.
The best whale watching is in the channel between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. But you’ll see whales from all the islands during peak season.
Want to learn more about choosing the right whale watching tour? I break down budget versus splurge options in episode 59 of the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast.
Christmas in Hawaii (If You’re Visiting in December)
I’ve spent multiple Christmases in Hawaii with my family, and it never gets old. The islands go all out with decorations, but with a distinctly Hawaiian twist.
Honolulu City Lights is the biggest holiday celebration on Oahu.
The display runs from late November through December 29, featuring a 55-foot Christmas tree, the iconic Shaka Santa statue, and holiday displays throughout the civic grounds and Thomas Square.
Opening night includes a parade, tree lighting ceremony, and live entertainment.
Waikiki Holiday Parade happens in early December. This torch-lit parade honors Pearl Harbor survivors and veterans with marching bands, hula halau, and community groups.
Hotel lobbies in Waikiki become winter wonderlands. Walk through properties like the Moana Surfrider, Royal Hawaiian, and Outrigger to see their unique Hawaiian Christmas decorations.
My kids love spotting the differences between mainland Christmas and island-style Christmas.
Polynesian Cultural Center runs special Christmas activities at Hukilau Marketplace from December 16-21.
Free admission gets you twinkling lights, a train ride, visits with Santa, live entertainment, and a scavenger hunt from 6-8pm each evening. (Note: PCC is closed on Christmas Day and Sundays.)
For everything you need to know about planning a Hawaii Christmas vacation, check out episode 59 of the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast.
North Shore Surfing
Winter brings massive swells to north-facing beaches, creating world-class surfing conditions.
Even if you don’t surf, watching the pros tackle 20-30 foot waves on Oahu’s North Shore is incredible.
Book a surfing lesson on a calmer beach if you want to try it yourself. Just stay away from the big wave spots unless you’re very experienced.
Stargazing on Mauna Kea
Mauna Kea on the Big Island offers some of the best stargazing on the planet.
Book a stargazing tour that takes you up the mountain after sunset. You’ll need warm clothes (it gets genuinely cold up there), but the views of the night sky are worth it.
What to Pack for Winter in Hawaii
Your packing list doesn’t change much from summer, but add these items:
- Light sweater or hoodie for cooler evenings and air-conditioned restaurants
- Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella (I prefer a jacket so my hands are free)
- Warm layers if visiting Mauna Kea (think winter coat, gloves, and hat)
- Closed-toe shoes for hiking (they’ll get muddy, so don’t bring your favorites)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (yes, even in winter)
Everything else is standard beach vacation gear. Pack light and do laundry if needed.
Should You Visit Hawaii in Winter?
If you’re coming from anywhere with actual winter, yes. Absolutely yes.
Here’s why winter is one of my favorite times to visit Hawaii:
Escape the cold. While your neighbors are shoveling snow, you’re swimming in 74°F ocean water and lounging on sunny beaches.
See whales. This is the only time of year to witness thousands of humpback whales in Hawaii. It’s genuinely one of the most incredible wildlife experiences you’ll ever have.
Holiday magic. Christmas in Hawaii is special. You get all the festive cheer with none of the cold weather stress.
Better prices (sometimes). Outside of Christmas week and New Year’s, winter can be cheaper than summer. Flights and hotels in January and February are often more affordable.
Fewer crowds. Once the holiday rush ends in early January, Hawaii quiets down. You’ll have beaches and attractions more to yourself compared to summer vacation season.
The trade-off? You might see a bit more rain.
But as a professional tourist who’s spent decades visiting Hawaii in winter, I can tell you the rain is rarely a vacation-ruiner. Most days, you’ll get plenty of sunshine.
Planning Your Winter Hawaii Trip
Feeling overwhelmed by all the planning? I get it.
Between choosing islands, booking hotels, finding the best activities, and figuring out logistics with kids, Hawaii trip planning can feel like a full-time job.
That’s exactly why I offer one-on-one Hawaii travel consultations.
As a Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist with 40+ trips under my belt, I’ll help you create a personalized itinerary that actually makes sense for your family.
Or if you prefer to plan on your own, grab one of my comprehensive travel guides:
- Oahu Travel Guide for Families
- Maui Travel Guide for Families
- Kauai Travel Guide for Families
- Big Island Travel Guide for Families
Need help planning a multi-island trip? My Hawaii Island Hopping Guide walks you through exactly how to visit multiple islands without losing your mind.
Want to start learning right now? Sign up for my free 5-day email course on how to travel to Hawaii like a pro. I’ll send you my best tips straight to your inbox.
Book Your Winter Hawaii Activities Now
Don’t wait until you arrive to book popular winter activities. Whale watching tours and sunset cruises fill up fast, especially during peak season (late December through March).
Here’s where to book:
- Whale watching tours: Viator and Get Your Guide both offer excellent options with reviews
- Hotels: Search Expedia for the best winter rates
- Rental cars: Discount Hawaii Car Rental offers competitive pricing (use my referral code for the best rates)
- Professional photos: Capture your Hawaii memories with Flytographer (save $20 with my link)
Winter in Hawaii: Final Thoughts
After decades of winter trips to Hawaii, I’m still not over how good it feels to step off the plane into warm, fragrant air when it’s freezing back home.
Watching my kids build sandcastles on Christmas Day never gets old. Seeing a humpback whale breach in February still gives me chills.
Winter in Hawaii isn’t perfect. You’ll probably see some rain. The north shore beaches might be too rough for swimming.
It gets surprisingly cool in the evenings (though still warmer than most places in winter).
But for families looking to escape the cold, celebrate the holidays somewhere magical, or witness one of nature’s most incredible migrations, winter is absolutely one of the best times to visit Hawaii.
Just pack that light jacket. You’ll need it.
