Hawaii in December 2026: Best Island for Christmas and Cost
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Oahu is the best Hawaiian island for a Christmas vacation. In December 2025, Oahu had the cheapest hotels in Hawaii (averaging $331 a night), the smallest holiday price increase, and fewer visitors than on an average summer day. It also has the most Christmas events.
December is Hawaii’s most expensive month to stay. Statewide, hotels averaged $449 a night in December 2025, 22.5% more than the 2025 average of $367.
Below we break down crowds, hotel and vacation rental prices, and a real Christmas trip budget for every island, using 2025 data from the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
Sleigh bells aren’t jingling, but swaying palms and ocean waves will soundtrack your Hawaii Christmas vacation.
After spending numerous Christmases and NYEs on Oahu, Maui, and the Island of Hawai’i as both a resident and a tourist, let me help you plan your perfect Hawaii in December vacation!
Hawaii in December at a Glance
| December 2025 Data | |
|---|---|
| Best island for Christmas | Oahu: cheapest hotels, normal crowds, most events |
| Cheapest hotels | Oahu, $331 a night (Waikiki $312) |
| Cheapest vacation rentals | Big Island, $408 a night (Hilo $247) |
| Busiest island | Maui, its busiest month of 2025 |
| Quietest main island | Kauai, about 3% above a normal day |
| Most expensive resort area | Wailea, Maui, $1,059 a night |
| Statewide hotel average | $449 a night, the highest month of 2025 |
| Cheapest month for hotels | September ($315 statewide) |
| Visitors in December | 850,263, down 4.7% from December 2024 |
| Lodging taxes | About 19% on top of the nightly rate since January 1, 2026 |
Oahu is the cheapest island to visit during Christmas (and year-round).
We have some more great tips for Christmas vacation planning here.
What is the best Hawaiian island for Christmas?
We pick Oahu for most Christmas visitors, based on December 2025 prices and crowds. Pick Kauai for a quiet Christmas, the Big Island if you are renting a condo or house, and Maui only if a resort splurge is the point of the trip.
| Island | Best for | December 2025 hotel | December 2025 vacation rental | December crowds vs a normal day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | Value, Christmas events, first-timers | $331 (Waikiki $312) | $432 | About normal |
| Big Island | Families renting a condo or house | $596 (Kohala Coast $826) | $408 (Kona $382, Hilo $247) | 21% busier |
| Kauai | A quiet, low-key Christmas | $490 | $587 | 3% busier |
| Maui | A resort Christmas, booked early | $689 (Wailea $1,059) | $632 | 21% busier, its busiest month |
| Lanai and Molokai | Getting away from crowds | Not in the 2025 data | Not in the 2025 data | Fewer visitors than usual |
Oahu: best value and the most Christmas events
Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island for hotels every month in 2025, and December didn’t change that. Hotels averaged $331 a night in December 2025, up 16% on Oahu’s yearly average, the smallest holiday increase of any island.
Oahu also had 9% fewer December visitors than in December 2024, and the average December day was no busier than any other day of the year.
Honolulu has the most to do at Christmas: Honolulu City Lights, the Waikiki Holiday Parade, holiday concerts and the New Year’s Eve fireworks over Waikiki Beach.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s will still feel busy in Waikiki.
Related read: Oahu Travel Guide
Big Island: cheapest vacation rentals, priciest hotel jump
The Big Island had the cheapest vacation rentals of the four main islands in December 2025: $408 a night, and $247 in Hilo. Its hotels saw the biggest December jump of any island, up 35% to $596, led by Kohala Coast resorts at $826.
December 2025 and January were the Big Island’s busiest months, with about 21% more visitors on an average day than normal.
In December, the Big Island also tends to have fewer rainy days than the other islands. Renting a condo in Kona or a house near Hilo can cost less than a vacation rental on Oahu.
We have spent Thanksgiving and Christmas on the Big Island. These are two popular times to visit! Be sure to book a rental car early. For our first Christmas on the Big Island, we saved hundreds by booking with Discount Hawaii Car Rental. We thought it was too good to be true, but their rates are excellent. We’ve been using them for over ten years now.
Related read: Big Island Travel Guide
Kauai: the quietest Christmas
Kauai was the calmest of the four main islands in December 2025. It had only 4% more arrivals than an average month, and about 3% more visitors on an average day.
Kauai is not a budget pick, though: hotels averaged $490 a night and vacation rentals $587.
Related read: Kauai Travel Guide
Maui: the busiest and most expensive island in December
December 2025 was Maui’s busiest month of the year. It saw 243,687 arrivals, 7% more than December 2024, and about 21% more visitors on an average day.
Maui was also the most expensive island: hotels averaged $689 a night, Wailea $1,059, and Maui luxury resorts $1,387. A Maui Christmas can be wonderful, but book early and expect to pay for it.
We loved living on Maui in December because there were plenty of great activities, and the island is always well decorated. We were fortunate to take the last Sugar Cane Train holiday ride with Santa in 2019. My son was only two years old, and Grandma came along too.
Related reads: Maui in December and Maui Travel Guide
Lanai and Molokai: away from the crowds
Lanai and Molokai both had fewer visitors in December 2025 than in an average month (7% and 12% fewer arrivals). They are the quietest places in Hawaii at Christmas, but the 2025 hotel and rental data does not cover them.
You are already convinced a Hawaii Christmas vacation is what you, your partner, and your kids need right now.
Mele Kalikimaka to you and your family. I swear it isn’t cheesy when you hear Mele Kalikimaka and other Christmas songs in Hawaii.
A palm tree with Christmas lights in Hawaii feels just as good as the famous Corona Christmas ad.
Related articles:
Is Hawaii crowded in December?
It depends on the island. In December 2025, Maui and the Big Island had about 21% more visitors on an average day than their yearly average, while Oahu was at its normal level and Kauai was only 3% above.
The daily visitor census counts how many visitors are on an island on an average day, so it is the best measure of how crowded an island feels. It is a monthly average: the week from Christmas to New Year’s is busier than the December number shows on every island.
| Island | December 2025 arrivals | vs 2025 monthly average | vs December 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | 492,321 | +4% | -9% |
| Maui | 243,687 | +16% (busiest month of 2025) | +7% |
| Big Island | 166,315 | +14% (busiest month of 2025) | +0.5% |
| Kauai | 122,921 | +4% | +2% |
| Lanai | 3,400 | -7% | n/a |
| Molokai | 2,209 | -12% | n/a |
Statewide, 850,263 visitors arrived in December 2025, 4.7% fewer than the 892,000 in December 2024. Island arrivals add up to more than the state total because a visitor who sees two islands is counted on both. Source: DBEDT visitor statistics.
Know before you go is one of our travel mottos: book flights, lodging, and your rental car early for the Christmas week, and make park reservations as soon as their windows open.
How much does Hawaii cost in December?
December is the most expensive month to stay in Hawaii. In December 2025, hotels averaged $449 a night statewide and vacation rentals $515, 22.5% and 26% above their 2025 averages. Oahu is the cheapest island for hotels, and the Big Island is the cheapest for vacation rentals.
Hawaii hotel prices in December 2025, by island
| Island | December 2025 | 2025 average | December vs average | Cheapest month in 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | $331 | $284 | +16% | September ($259) |
| Kauai | $490 | $418 | +17% | September ($384) |
| Big Island | $596 | $440 | +35% | September ($354) |
| Maui | $689 | $535 | +29% | September ($424) |
| State of Hawaii | $449 | $367 | +22.5% | September ($315) |
Hawaii vacation rental prices in December 2025, by island
| Island | December 2025 | 2025 average | December vs average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Island | $408 | $333 | +23% |
| Oahu | $432 | $342 | +26% |
| Kauai | $587 | $478 | +23% |
| Maui | $632 | $489 | +29% |
| State of Hawaii | $515 | $409 | +26% |
Is a vacation rental cheaper than a hotel in Hawaii in December?
On the Big Island and Maui, yes. In December 2025, Big Island rentals averaged $188 a night less than hotels ($408 vs $596), and Maui rentals $57 less ($632 vs $689). On Oahu and Kauai, hotels were cheaper ($331 vs $432 on Oahu, $490 vs $587 on Kauai).
Related read: Hawaii hotel vs Airbnb
Luxury prices rose the most. Maui luxury hotels went from $1,312 in December 2024 to $1,387 in December 2025, and Oahu luxury hotels from $904 to $993. Wailea hotels averaged $890 a night in December 2019, up 19% in six years.
Remember the taxes. These rates do not include Hawaii’s lodging taxes. Since the state transient accommodations tax rose to 11% on January 1, 2026, taxes add about 19% to the nightly rate, before any resort fee.
How much does a Christmas trip to Waikiki cost?
A 10-night Christmas trip to Waikiki for two adults from Los Angeles costs about $10,600 at the OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, or $19,800 to $20,400 at the Royal Hawaiian, including flights, taxes, and a rental car.
We priced December 23, 2026 to January 2, 2027 on October 15, 2026. Holiday prices change daily, so treat these as a guide.
| Cost for 2 adults, 10 nights | OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort | The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Nonstop flights, LAX to Honolulu, round trip | $1,950 ($975 per person) | $1,950 ($975 per person) |
| Hotel, per night | $663 | $1,437 to $1,489 |
| Hotel, 10 nights | $6,630 | $14,370 to $14,890 |
| Lodging taxes, about 19% | About $1,260 | About $2,730 to $2,830 |
| Rental car, economy, 10 days | $740 | $740 |
| Total | About $10,580 | About $19,790 to $20,410 |
| Total without a rental car | About $9,840 | About $19,050 to $19,670 |
Flights from LAX to Honolulu at Christmas
On October 15, 2026, the cheapest nonstop round trip from LAX to Honolulu for December 23 to January 2 was $975 per person on American. Hawaiian Airlines (now flying under Alaska) was $1,134 and United $1,157.
Flights with stops started at $880 on Southwest (two stops) and $942 on Alaska (one stop on Maui).
Your dates matter more than your airline. The same search showed December 22 to 30 for $516 per person. Flying home before New Year’s would save about $900 for two people.
Related read: How to get a cheap ticket to Hawaii
Waikiki hotels at Christmas
The OUTRIGGER Reef was $663 a night for Christmas week, more than double the December 2025 Waikiki hotel average of $312.
The Royal Hawaiian was $1,437 to $1,489 a night, about 45% to 50% above the December 2025 average for Oahu luxury hotels ($993).
For comparison, the same search showed Waikiki Shore by OUTRIGGER at $398, Hilton Hawaiian Village at $472, and OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort at $581 a night.
We are big fans of the Royal Hawaiian Resort! We love the Pink Palace for its Waikiki Beach location, the gardens, and the vintage feel. Plus, sunset at the Mai Tai Bar is always memorable. Christmas here means decorations and a festive, fun vibe.
The Moana Surfrider, just down the beach, is also well decorated for the holidays.
Rental cars in Honolulu at Christmas
An economy rental car from Honolulu airport cost $740 for the 10 days with an off-terminal pickup, or $834 at the terminal, on October 15, 2026.
Turo cars started at about $652. Kayak’s price tool said rates were unlikely to drop before the trip, so book now.
In Waikiki, you can skip the car for most of the trip. You can walk to most of Waikiki, and hotel parking adds a nightly fee of $40 to $55. Renting for 2 or 3 days of island driving usually costs less than 10 days.
Related read: Discount Hawaii Car Rental
What is the weather like in Hawaii in December?
Hawaii is warm in December, with daytime highs around 80°F and ocean water around 77°F on every island. It is also one of the wetter and windier months, and big winter surf hits north-facing shores.
Hawaii’s December climate is amazing compared to the mainland. Hawaii sits just below the Tropic of Cancer, making for a delightful Christmas in shorts and sunscreen.
December weather does get spotty, though. December is wetter and windier, and it’s not in Hawaii’s hurricane season. The hurricane season ended November 30th.
- Air temperature: highs around 80°F and lows in the mid to upper 60s°F at sea level. Upcountry Maui and the Big Island’s volcanoes are much colder, and Haleakala and Mauna Kea can see snow.
- Ocean temperature: about 77°F on all islands, and around 78°F on Kauai, based on NOAA historical data. No wetsuit needed.
- Rain: December is in Hawaii’s wet season (October through April). Windward (east and north) coasts get the most rain; leeward coasts like Waikiki, Kona, Wailea, and Poipu stay drier. The Big Island’s Kona side tends to have the fewest rainy days.
- Surf: winter swells bring big waves to north shores, especially Oahu’s North Shore. Swim only at calm beaches on south and west shores, and check HIOceanSafety.com before you go in.
- Whales: humpback whale season runs December through March. December is early in the season, so sightings pick up later in the month.
Related reads: Hawaii in the winter and What to do in Hawaii when it rains
5 ways to manage the weather for Hawaii in December
- Stay on the leeward side of the island. The leeward, or dry, side gets the sunniest days, even in December. Most resorts are located on the leeward coasts.
- Rain and high winds create poor snorkeling conditions, so take advantage of sunny days to snorkel.
- Prepare a list of rainy-day activities; see our free island travel guides for ideas.
- Pack accordingly! Bring a rain jacket in December. An umbrella is optional. Don’t believe the weather apps; they average the island temperature. Pack for 70 and 80-degree weather.
- Weather conditions change fast in Hawaii. Be careful when out hiking, or swimming in waterfalls, and perhaps rethink that helicopter tour for the summer.
How to spend Christmas in Hawaii
Christmas in Hawaii is relaxed: lights on palm trees, hula shows at shopping centers, Santa in an aloha shirt, and big surf on the north shores. Every island has free holiday parades and light shows, and Oahu has the most.
No one pressures you to do Christmas parties or big, fancy dinners. Make your Hawaii Christmas vacation a relaxing sun-and-sand getaway.
- Oahu: Honolulu City Lights at Honolulu Hale, the Waikiki Holiday Parade, and New Year’s Eve fireworks over Waikiki Beach.
- Maui: resort tree lightings, holiday luaus and a New Year’s Eve fireworks show.
- Kauai: the Festival of Lights in Lihue and the Waimea Lighted Parade.
- Big Island: Christmas parades in Kailua-Kona, Waimea and Hilo.
For 2026 dates, Christmas dinner tips, and New Year’s Eve plans, see our full guide: Christmas in Hawaii: holiday events by island.
When we are on the islands on Christmas Day, we keep it lazy. We make dinner at the vacation rental or book a Christmas dinner at a resort. We make it a pool-and-beach day, since a lot of places are closed. It’s a perfect way to relax on a Christmas vacation in Hawaii.
We have some more budgeting resources and ways to save:
We’ve gone into even more cost detail, including food and activities, in our trip cost for a family of four and a trip cost for a couple.
Save time and sanity by grabbing an itinerary for the island of your choice.
How to save on a Hawaii Christmas vacation
The biggest savings come from your island, dates, and lodging type, not coupons. Here is what the 2025 numbers and our own trips point to.
- Choose Oahu. It had the cheapest hotels in December 2025 ($331 a night vs $449 statewide) and the smallest holiday increase.
- Shift your dates. Flying December 22 to 30 instead of December 23 to January 2 cut the nonstop LAX fare from $975 to $516 per person in our October 2026 search.
- Rent a condo on the Big Island or Maui. Rentals were $188 a night cheaper than hotels on the Big Island and $57 cheaper on Maui in December 2025.
- Skip the resort areas. Hilo rentals averaged $247 in December 2025, compared with $826 for a Kohala Coast hotel on the same island.
- Book your rental car now, and only for the days you need it. Christmas rates rarely drop. In Waikiki, two or three days is usually enough. We book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental, which lets you cancel and rebook if prices fall.
- Budget for taxes. Add about 19% to any nightly rate for Hawaii’s lodging taxes.
- Do the free things. Parades, light shows, hula, and beach days cost nothing.
Here are a few more ways to save on Hawaii in December:
- 6 ways to save on Hawaii hotels from Erica.
- Save on tours and activities with our Hawaii Vacation Guide coupon codes.
Related read: Best time to visit Hawaii
Hawaii in December FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Hawaii?
Yes, if you book early and budget for higher prices. December brings warm weather (highs around 80°F, ocean around 77°F), holiday events, and the start of whale season. It is also Hawaii’s most expensive month for hotels: $449 a night statewide in December 2025.
What is the cheapest Hawaiian island for Christmas?
Oahu is the cheapest Hawaiian island for a Christmas hotel stay. Oahu hotels averaged $331 a night in December 2025, and Waikiki hotels $312. If you are renting a condo or house, the Big Island is cheapest: $408 a night on average, and $247 in Hilo.
When should I book a Hawaii Christmas trip?
Book flights, lodging, and a rental car 6 to 9 months ahead for Christmas week, and no later than early fall. In our October 2026 search, rental car rates were already unlikely to drop, and nonstop LAX to Honolulu fares were $975 per person for December 23 to January 2.
Can you swim in Hawaii in December?
Yes. Ocean water is about 77°F around all the islands in December, and about 78°F on Kauai. Winter surf can be dangerous on north-facing shores, so swim at calmer south and west shore beaches and check HIOceanSafety.com first.
Which Hawaiian island is warmest in December?
Air temperatures are similar on all the islands in December, with highs around 80°F at sea level. The Big Island’s Kona coast tends to have the fewest rainy days, so it feels the sunniest.
How many days do you need in Hawaii at Christmas?
Plan 7 to 10 days for one island. That covers Christmas Day, a few days for holiday events and beach time, and New Year’s Eve. Add 3 to 4 days if you want to visit a second island.
Related articles:
- Best 5-Day Oahu Itinerary
- Your First-Time in Hawaii Itinerary (10-days)
- Things to Do in Hilo for a Day
Decided on the island of your Hawaiian Christmas dreams? Take a deep dive:
Oahu Travel Guide
Maui Travel Guide
Hawai’i Big Island Travel Guide
Kauai Travel Guide
Finish your Hawaii Christmas vacation planning
For my family, Christmas in Hawaii is a time to relax. With less family around, we have time to enjoy the holidays with our close friends and family.
We prefer to eat in and do the free activities mentioned above. The towns are decorated, carollers are always in the shopping centers, and the surf is up.
Grab our Hawaii Wayfinder Itinerary to finish planning your vacation. It includes all the best sights around the island, perfectly planned, so you can enjoy a stress-free Christmas in Hawaii. Click below to learn more!
No place is better for Christmas than Hawaii. Have a very Merry Christmas.
