Winter Escape: Why Hawaii Is The Best State Visit In December
While many Americans and tourists to the USA may be hoping for a snowy Christmas, some may want a more unique and different experience. Hawaii is not only a place to enjoy Christmas with the family but will also be the destination to leave you with the best Christmas memories.
The Best Weather
Firstly, the weather in Hawaii over December is some of the best of the year. It isnβt too hot or too cold, and you can also enjoy a few refreshing rain showers. The weather is ideal for exploring and then packing your beach towels for a relaxing evening on the beach.
Considering Hawaii is all about the ocean and beach life, spending Christmas morning on the beach, listening to the waves crashing, and heading out for a delicious lunch or dinner is almost magical.
Hawaii is Popular
One issue you may face is that December is one of the most popular times for tourism in Hawaii. Oahu, in particular, sees close to 5 million visitors annually, with a large portion of them being in December.
However, that doesnβt mean you canβt find any peace and tranquillity while on the islands. There are several spots you can head out to that, while not entirely empty, are much quieter compared to the tourist hot spots.
Hotel Accommodations
Accommodation in Hawaii over December is a bit of a gamble. If you book early enough, you will not only easily snag a room or two, but you can also get a good deal. On the other hand, since December is one of the busiest periods, hotels tend to up their prices.
If you are willing to take the chance, booking last minute has also proven to be a good time to get a deal. Hotels are often looking to keep themselves as full as possible during the Christmas season, meaning you can sometimes get decent discounts; it is simply all about timing.
Things To Do in Hawaii
Depending on where you are, there are countless activities to do across all the Hawaiian islands. Surfing, food, whale watching, beach sports, and everything in between will all be right on your doorstep.
Oahu
Starting in Oahu, two of the biggest and best events you can experience are Shaka Santa and the Honolulu City Lights. Throughout December, there are several music and entertainment events, with all-night parties thrown into the mix, too.
There are also multiple Christmas parades that take over the streets of Oahu, which show off the mix of Christmas cheer and Hawaiian culture, something wholly unique to the area that you just canβt experience anywhere else.
Big Island
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Oahu, the Big Island offers many of the same events and sights. There are multiple festivals, markets, and parades over the Christmas period that are perfect for the entire family.
Maui
Maui also joins in on the festive spirit, with multiple free shows held across the island over Christmas. Not only are there a plethora of Christmas light displays to enjoy, but there is also something unique you can find.
Kaβanapali Ocean Resort Villas operates their famous ice rink during Christmas, meaning you can still get that touch of snowy Christmas under the sun of Hawaii.
Kauai
Kauaiβs Christmas celebrations are a bit more low-key but no less enjoyable. With markets, light displays, and a breakfast with Santa for the kids to enjoy, you can get well into the Christmas spirit.
Surfing
The North Shore of Oahu is famous for having some of the best places to surf on the planet. Not only is it the go-to for many locals, but people travel from around the world to experience what it has to offer; there is no difference over Christmas, either.
The North Shore isnβt the only place to catch a wave or two either, as most of Hawaii enjoys perfect surfing waters throughout December; many will say that there is no better way to spend Christmas morning than grabbing your board and heading to the beach.
Whale Watching
If you want to experience some of the best whale watching you will ever see, you need to be in Hawaii over December. The Winter months bring in over 10,000 Humpback Whales to Hawaiiβs shores, and you are able to spot them from almost any beach.
There are also multiple boat and tour operators across the islands, which will get you up close and personal to these incredible creatures.
Delicious Food
Finally, Hawaii is famed for its delicious food and diverse cuisine. With seafood being the name of the game, December is the perfect time to switch up your typical Christmas lunch or dinner, and, instead, enjoy some freshly caught seafood that you can eat on the beach or at any of the fantastic restaurants that overlook the ocean.
As you can see, while you may not get snow in Hawaii on Christmas morning, it has a ton to offer for the entire family. With a plethora of unique activities and sights that you canβt find anywhere else, the islands will give you a Christmas vacation you will never forget.
