Hawaii Trending Destination In Winter!
If you are one of the human beings who feel like winter, snow, and slushy weather is overrated (apart from maybe on Christmas Day), I feel ya. Me too.
Born and raised in the polar part of the world, it is weird that I, of all people, have this pull towards warmth, white sands, and crystal-clear shallow waters! So much so that I have been traveling in the Americas and the Caribbean tropical region full-time for three years.
Luckily for people like us, it is possible to soothe the desire for palms and beaches, which is probably why Hawaii is trending as a travel destination in the cold months of the year!
So, let us dig into why the island paradise of Hawaii is your perfect getaway from short, cold days and winter coats.
Why Is Hawaii Trending Destination In Winter to Visit?
Truth be told, there are plenty of arguments as to why Hawaii is a great Pacific Ocean destination for sun and sea worshippers all year round, but that is hardly news to anyone.
In Winter, the island is trending as a destination, offering a bright and welcoming contrast to large parts of the cooler world with lots of fun things to do.
So, including the natural environment, elements, calm waters and all the things, here are the seven best reasons you need to choose Hawaii as your winter destination!
1. The Hurricane Season Is Over
First things first! Finally, after six months of an overhanging risk of hurricanes, from June through November (although the risk is highest in July, August, and September), the storm-free season in the region has arrived!
That does not mean no rain, unfortunately.
The winter season is the rainiest time in Hawaii, but don’t let that scare you! The rain often comes in short and refreshing afternoon showers, so most of the time, you can still enjoy the sunny weather.
In winter, temperatures are not as hot as in the summer, but they are still around a super-nice 82 on the high end and 67 on the low end on the Big Island.
Maui and Oahu have slightly lower temperatures but are still in the realm of a nice summer ambiance.
So the probability of lots of sun, flip-flop weather, and no natural disasters coming in is a great starting point. And if you love to run and be outdoors, December happens to be the month for the annual event of the Honolulu Marathon!
2. You Can Attend A Festive Holiday Luau
As Hawaii is still the United States, you can expect to find holiday celebrations and Christmas lights “almost like home” in December, right in the middle of paradise, and one of the particular Hawaiian ways to celebrate is through a luau!
A Luau is the Hawaiian way to celebrate all big and small special occasions.
All positive events that call for honoring the gods are a great time, if not the best time, to have a party with friends and family, according to Hawaiians. And the Christmas holidays are one such good reason, as well as New Year’s!
Eat Hawaiian laulau, papicaula, or the more familiar macaroni salad. Then treat yourself to a sweet kulolo for dessert. Food (and dance) is a big part of a luau with respect for itself.
A famous Hawaiian luau for visitors is at Waikiki Starlight at the Hilton, where you can celebrate both Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the traditional way, with flowers, tropical drinks, and more!
3. Join A Celebratory Holiday Event
In Hawaii, in winter, there is a lot going on, especially in the holiday season, including unique festive events like the Honolulu City Lights.
This is an annual light show celebrating the spirit of Christmas, where you are in the middle of incredible decorations and live music and can witness an amazing fireworks show!
Partner this with no need for heavy boots, coats, and scarves to enjoy the spectacle; it is an awesome place to enjoy the holidays with friends and family.
4. Lots Of Life And Fun Events Everywhere
Unless you are looking for a secluded holiday destination (in which case, Hawaii during the holiday season might not be your favorite), you can expect there to be lots of people in high spirits and looking to have a good time for the holiday!
To all you extroverts out there, this is a really good reason to go to Hawaii in winter, as you will meet lots of like-minded people and possibly new friends.
There is a bit of difference between the start of the month and the end of the month, as peak season in Hawaii is nearing the holiday season around Christmas and New Year, while the first half of December is a bit quieter.
Still, anyone who thrives and gets energy around people will love Hawaii during the holiday month!
5. Epic Hawaii Surfing Conditions Starts In December
December is the natural kick-off for the peak winter surfing season in Hawaii, with fun surf contests that gather some of the best surfers in the world.
Launching the big-wave season along the northern shores of Oahu, you can come and watch world-class surfing competitions or challenge the waves yourself if you have the skills (and courage) to conquer the large waves!
6. Enjoy A Variety Of Cultural Events.
The population of Hawaii is around 1,5 million people, of which just over 20% are native Hawaiians!
This means that the population is very culturally diverse, which is reflected in the wide variety of cultural events you can attend in Hawaii.
Experience Japanese Bon dancing, a dance that is meant to assure departed souls that among the living, all is well. Or go to a traditional hula dance performance, a “give-back” event, or just stroll along a local market.
7. Spectacular New Year’s Eve In Hawaii 2024
The last day of the year is thoroughly celebrated in Hawaii, and you will find a variety of places to make sure the year ends in the best way possible.
One of the most popular ways is to be at one of the best shows in Hawaii, Waikiki New Year’s Eve luau dinner and show.
If you are a sailor at heart, you can also join an evening cruise, from where you have front-seat views of the Honolulu city lights, cocktail in hand, until midnight strikes, and the last year will disappear in a cascade of lights and colors!
If you stay on shore, the peak moment of the evening will be heading to Waikiki Beach at midnight, savoring the incredible fireworks show from the soft sands.
Reflect on the year gone by, and welcome the brand new one in an atmosphere of gratitude, joy, and celebration beneath the fireworks!
Why Not To Go To Hawaii In Winter!
Could there be any reasons for NOT going to Hawaii in the winter?
Well, you are not the only one who wants to get away from the cold this time of year. Especially December is the start of peak season in Hawaii, which means it can be crowded, and prices are on the rise.
At the beginning of the month, you may still be able to avoid the crowds, and prices have not started to rise yet as they will towards Christmas and New Year.
So, if you plan well ahead, you can get a non-crowdy budget holiday in Hawaii in the first half of December. The closer we get toward the holiday season and winter, expect the traveler population to increase dramatically, as well as prices.
FAQs Hawaii Trending Destination in Winter
Is it too cold to swim in Hawaii in Winter?
The waters in Hawaii in December are not as warm as in the summer months, but you will probably still enjoy a swim on sunny days.
The ocean temperatures around the island group generally stay at around 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Hawaiian Island Is Best to Visit in Winter?
The best Hawaiian island to visit in December is probably Maui, where there are calm oceans and little rain, and it is also a great place for whale watching!
Around 12,000 humpback whales come down from the cold waters of Alaska in the whale season every year to mate and give birth in the warm waters around Hawaii.
Oahu is the most popular island in Hawaii all year round, and this is still the case for the winter season; this island is also where you have the best chance of finding budget accommodation.
The Big Island is perfect for really warm winter weather, even during the “cold” months, especially if you decide to travel to the Kailua-Kona side.
For amazing nature experiences, choose Kauai, The Garden Isle, which has an incredible landscape that will take your breath away. However, this is also where you have the highest probability of rainy days, so bring your raincoat to this island.
Wrap-Up Why Is Hawaii Trending Destination in Winter!
The winter season is an ideal time to visit for a Hawaii vacation for a lot of reasons, and very few factors say that this is not a good idea.
As the island group is exiting the hurricane season, the average temperatures are nice for a beach day and exploring, and the festive season is right around the corner, Hawaii has activities, events, and celebrations that will make any heart happy.
Despite slightly cooler temperatures and the probability of afternoon showers, the Hawaiian islands will still provide a beautiful frame for your warm-weather getaway.
It has a close-to-perfect ambiance for holiday celebrations, and start your brand new year in Hawaii for the winter months!
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