December Overview
- High temperature: 81°F (27°C)
- Low temperature: 66°F (19°C)
- Hours daylight/sun: 7 hours
- Water temperature: 77°F (0°C)
Maui is THE place to go to if you are looking for beach vacation weather in the middle of December. Highs can still reach 81°F and the Pacific Ocean with it’s now water temperature of 77°F will still allow you to dive in! Nights in December can get cooler with lows of 66°F - so do bring a light jacket. Also, be aware that it’s the rainy season and December is the wettest month - so do bring some rain gear. But still showers usually do not last long and are very localized and mostly only during nights. Together with the Hawaiian winter also come stronger trade winds blowing from north east and higher waves - and here comes the surf crowd as a result! Days expose 7 hours of sunshine on average.
Maui is a great place for surfing in December - but if you aren’t into surfing yourself it can be wonderful to just watch and observe the action happening. In winter you will also find a stronger current so if you want to go for a swim in the sea, make sure it’s in a very protected bay. You won’t get bored exploring the beautiful surroundings either and it could be worthwhile taking an excursion to see the humpback whales returning to Maui to bread. As we come closer to the holidays in December it also starts to get busier in Maui. But you’re sure to have a great time celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve with fireworks and much more….
Best Time to Visit Maui
It’s not without reason that Maui is one of the top vacation destinations all year round. Maui offers heavenly weather in any month of the year - the air and water temperatures are always just right! It is a destination where you can swim all year round - the Pacific Ocean never gets colder than 75°F and daytime air temperatures never cool down much below the mid 70s F either.
In winter Maui is a famous destination for snowbirds and surfers alike. The main factor in the arrival of surfers is that the trade winds are stronger in winter and the waves are higher. In winter the tropical rainfalls are more frequent. School obligations or similar afford you the shoulder season in spring and fall which are highly recommended as prices are lower and crowds fewer. Summer, even though busier, is such a great time in Maui too as it doesn’t get unpleasantly hot - the ocean breeze helps a lot with that!
Things to know about Maui
Maui is the second largest island in Hawaii. The islands of Maui and Oahu are both ranked first in terms of being the most sought after vacation destinations in Hawaii. Maui is famous for being a surfers’ paradise and a lively island. If in between the hustle and bustle along the shores you feel like some peace and quiet, you might want to take a trip inland or take the ferry to the quieter islands of Molokai or Lanai. Renting a car to move around the island a bit is a great idea as there is so much to explore. There are tours being offered and public buses available but renting a car of course provides the most flexibility. The two dormant volcanoes of Puu Kukui and Haleakala are important landmarks and show just how diverse the Maui landscape is. The Haleakala is over 10,000 ft high! Besides enjoying the beach, swimming and surfing there is so much to explore on Maui too. From nature trails to hiking as well as culture and art - below are some highlights:
Lahaina
The little town of Lahaina used to be Maui’s capital under King Kamehameha II. It is incredibly charming with its ancient plantage buildings and wooden barracks.
Haleakala National Park
With a size of 52 sq miles offers home to many unusual animals and plants. And hiking up to the crater of Haleakala is a must for any active vacationer.
The best time to get catch a glimpse of the humpback whales is between December and March. That is when they return to Maui to bread.
Molokini crater
South of Maui you will find the coral atoll made of volcanic stones. With its beautiful reefs it makes a great excursion to snorkel or dive.
Turtle Town and Maluaka Beach
Also on the south side of Maui you will find Turtle Town where you can meet many green turtles as well as colorful fish.
Road to Hana and Hana Town
Highway 360 which eventually leads to Hana Town is one of the most scenic roads in the world.
Hookipa Beach and Paia
The little town of Paia near the Hookipa Beach is the place to be for all surfers. Waves up to 36 ft high sometimes challenge even the most talented professionals.
Maui Ocean Center
In Maalaea you will find the Maui Ocean Center where you can see many animals and plants from the Pacific Ocean in over 60 pools.
