Hawaii Island] Let's spend Christmas and New Year's Holidays in December on the Big Island of Hawaii!

Winter on the Big Island of Hawaii, which comes in December, is still warm with a summery atmosphere, unlike Japan.

It is the rainy season, so precipitation increases, but not to the point of sudden cold.

The island of Hawaii comes alive in December with Christmas and year-end events.

If you want to spend a different kind of December, spend it on the Big Island of Hawaii.

In this issue, we will introduce in detail the Island of Hawaii in December, a month full of dreams!

 

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

Hawaii Island, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands in area, is popular for its peaceful, local atmosphere.

The vast expanse of land was formed by undersea volcanic eruptions, with large volcanoes rising above the ground.

The Big Island is also known not only for its land, but also for the scale of nature that is nurtured on the Big Island.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

The Big Island of Hawaii is famous for its majestic volcanoes.

A cloudless starry sky shines brightly above the 4,000-meter-high volcano.

Even on land where volcanic ash and lava have accumulated, colorful and lovely flowers grow and you can see the life force of plants up close.

In the clear, beautiful ocean, tropical fish and corals thrive, and dolphins and other sea creatures swim gracefully.

The Big Island of Hawaii is such an island filled with the charm of the sky, land, and sea.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

The flight from Japan to Honolulu takes about 7 hours, with a maximum of 10 hours, allowing for 2-3 hours of transit time.

If you are traveling from Honolulu to the Big Island of Hawaii, choose either Kona International Airport or Hilo Airport, depending on your plans.

Kona International Airport is recommended for those who want to sightsee smoothly after arrival because of its proximity to tourist areas and hotels.

Hilo Airport is recommended for those who wish to visit the volcano because of its proximity to downtown and easy access to the volcano.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii has many attractions that are different from resorts and sightseeing.

There are five points! Let's look at each of them in detail.

 

Spectacular, untouched nature

There are so many natural attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii that it would be hard to stop talking about them.

The three most famous places on the Big Island of Hawaii are Waiopi Valley, Akaka Falls, and Kilauea Volcano, all of which are unspoiled by human hands.

Thus, most of the tourist attractions on the Big Island of Hawaii are either natural attractions or places that have benefited strongly from nature itself.

 

A powerful volcano

There are five powerful volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Two of the most popular volcanoes among tourists are the active Kilauea volcano and the 4205-meter-high Mauna Kea, which is said to be the closest to space.

Both are famous spots that teach us about the majestic nature and the power of volcanoes.

 

Beautiful Beaches

The richness of nature on the Big Island of Hawaii is not limited to land.

The beautiful beaches are also full of charm.

For example, Hapuna Beach is so beautiful that it once won the fame of being the number one beach in the United States.

Accessible by car from Kona in about 40 minutes, Hapuna Beach has a high percentage of sunny days and offers crystal clear waters that are typical of Hawaii.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

As we have mentioned, the natural beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii is largely what makes the island so appealing.

However, there is also great appeal in the products created by people who live their lives while respecting nature.

Local food is one of the best parts of traveling.

Hawaiian gourmet foods made from delicious ingredients produced on the island of Hawaii, where agriculture is thriving, and shopping in the fashionable stores that line the nostalgic streets will be very memorable.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

In the pristine nature of the Big Island of Hawaii, there are many traces of people's lives that continue to this day.

Traveling while learning about Hawaii's unique culture and history will deepen your appreciation.

The Kingdom of Hawaii is an essential part of Hawaiian history.

The first king, Kamehameha the Great, was actually born and raised on the island of Hawaii.

For this reason, the island of Hawaii is dotted with places where traces of its history have been preserved.

Waiopi Valley is one such place. The place where King Kamehameha the Great spent his childhood is a royal tomb and home to the spirits of the dead. It is a power spot that will take your breath away with its sacredness.

 

What is December on the Big Island of Hawaii?

This section details the weather, rates, and events in December on the Big Island of Hawaii!

 

December Climate and Prices on the Big Island of Hawaii

As you can see the temperatures on the Big Island of Hawaii in mid-winter!

You have the impression that it is surprisingly warm when you live in Japan.

However, the average minimum temperature is around 18°C, which is quite cool. In addition, strong winds outdoors can cause the temperature to drop considerably, so warm clothing is essential.

The mid-season is the off-season and prices drop until the middle of the year, but the late season is when the number of tourists increases dramatically for the winter vacation and New Year's Eve! Therefore, the price jumps in the latter half of the year.

 

What to Wear and Bring to Hawaii Island in December

Here are some tips on what to wear and what to bring for the Hawaiian Island climate in December.

 

Appropriate clothing for December

During the daytime, you can wear shorts and a shorts, but you may feel chilly due to strong winds and squalls that lower the temperature.

Wear a quick wrap or long pants to protect against the cold.

If you plan to do activities in the nature of the Big Island of Hawaii, comfortable walking shoes are a must.

 

What to bring in December

December is the rainy season, so it rains more than in summer.

Although the rain will not last for a long time, be prepared with rain gear to deal with sudden squalls.

Also, although it is winter, ultraviolet rays are strong on the Big Island of Hawaii, so be sure to bring sunglasses, hats, and other sun protection items.

 

Things to do and see on the Big Island of Hawaii in December

Along with events on the Big Island of Hawaii in December, we will provide some tips on what to expect on your trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

How to enjoy

The Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade & All-Day Festival is an annual holiday event held on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The end of the year takes place around the second week of December, and the streets of Hawaii are wrapped in Christmas lights.

The parade held within the event will also feature glittering floats and parade through the streets of Kona.

Christmas in Hawaii, an everlasting summer place where it gets a little colder, is not an easy thing to experience, so if the time is right, please go see it!

 

important point

The main thing to be aware of when traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii is the local laws, including traffic rules.

Even tourists and pedestrians are subject to penalties and must be very careful.

In Hawaii, there are many things that must be researched in advance, such as the places where alcohol can be consumed and traffic rules that are very different from those in Japan.

Be prepared in advance and be able to follow the local rules.

In addition, beware of pickpockets and other looters who target tourists, and take measures such as acting in groups.

 

Recommended Activities in December

We have selected five activities that you can enjoy on the Big Island of Hawaii in December!

 

Lava Tour

If you want to feel the power of Hawaii Island's volcanoes firsthand, we recommend the Lava Walk tour, which is a walk on a plateau formed by lava!

 

Fun & Attraction

There are various tours to enjoy the lava spewed by Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Due to the major eruption that occurred in December 2020, some tours are no longer available and some facilities have been closed.

Because of these conditions, the lava tunnel at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park was temporarily closed, but reopened at the end of March this year!

This lava tunnel was formed by solidified lava that flowed from an eruption that occurred more than 500 years ago.

Visitors can enjoy walking through the tunnels and exploring the rainforest that covers the tunnels!

Please visit us.

 

whale watching

On the Big Island of Hawaii, there is one activity that can only be enjoyed in winter! That is whale watching.

 

Fun & Attraction

During the winter season from December to March, pods of humpback whales come to the waters around Hawaii Island to raise their young.

Whale watching is a great way to get up close and personal with the dynamic whales that cannot be seen in the summer.

There are various types of whale-watching activities: diving and snorkeling to see whales in the ocean, and cruising to look for whales from a boat.

If you are visiting the Big Island of Hawaii for the first time and want to go whale watching, cruising is definitely the way to go!

If you choose a tour company that knows the points of interest, you have a high probability of seeing whales without having to search for them.

 

riding horse

Horseback riding is an activity that can be done in Japan, but a horseback riding tour on the Big Island of Hawaii is a very interesting activity that allows you to enjoy the great outdoors that is unique to the island.

 

Fun & Attraction

There are numerous horseback riding spots on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Waipio Valley, one of the three most famous places on the Big Island of Hawaii, Parker Ranch with its vast acreage, and Kahua Ranch in North Kohala are just a few examples.

Waipio Valley, in particular, is a sacred place that can only be entered by authorized tours.

For this reason, taking a horseback riding tour is a great way to enjoy the Waipio Valley scenery to the fullest.

Just riding a cute horse through nature is an exciting and exciting experience.

 

helicopter tour

Helicopter tours are a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii from a different perspective!

 

Fun & Attraction

One way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Big Island of Hawaii is by taking a helicopter cruise.

The helicopter ride itself is an exciting experience, but what adds to the excitement is the spectacular view of the Big Island of Hawaii from the helicopter.

For example, a tour that departs from Hilo and flies over Hawaii Volcanoes National Park allows visitors to see the crater of Kilauea Volcano from directly above.

Kilauea Volcano has ceased eruptive activity, and the bright red lava cannot be seen up close as in the past, but from a helicopter you can take a leisurely look around at the majestic volcano.

 

starry sky viewing

The Big Island of Hawaii is packed with endless attractions on land and sea, but it is actually the night sky that is the most fascinating.

 

Fun & Attraction

Mauna Kea is the coldest place on the Big Island of Hawaii, and at night the vast sky is filled with beautiful stars.

The sight is unimaginably beautiful to all who are there.

The summit of Mauna Kea is over 4,000 meters above sea level, so much so that there are concerns about altitude sickness when going there.

However, it can be reached by car or bus, making access relatively easy.

Once at the top of the mountain, there is a world unlike any other in the world, but there are health and age restrictions to getting there.

But don't worry! Even if you don't make it to the top of the mountain, you can still go to the foot of the mountain, where you can gaze at a star-filled sky.

You will learn more about the night sky of the Big Island of Hawaii by taking a guided tour!

 

December on the Big Island of Hawaii
Five recommended sightseeing spots

Here are five must-see destinations on the Big Island of Hawaii in December.

 

Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano, the most famous volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

The volcano has been continuously erupting since 1983, allowing visitors to feel the pulsation of the earth up close.

 

Recommendations

Speaking of Kilauea Volcano, the great attraction was the chance to see the red-hot lava up close.

But that is in the past.

Since the 2018 eruption, the shape and topography of the crater has changed so much that we no longer see the lava flowing out as we did before.
Don't think that you don't need to go to Kilauea Volcano then!

Kilauea Volcano has many other points of interest to enjoy.

Helicopter tours, for example, allow visitors to view the entire majestic volcano from the sky!

 

Access

<Rental Car
About 2 hours from Kona area
About 1 hour from Hilo area

<Recommended access
The shortest route to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is to rent a car at Hilo International Airport.

 

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is the highest mountain on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The air at the top of the mountain is surprisingly clean and clear, allowing for beautiful starry skies at night.

 

Recommendations

If you are going to Mauna Kea, you definitely want to see the beautiful starry sky!

Milky Way viewing is recommended in summer.

The Milky Way is well known in Japan, but the quantity and quality of stars seen on Mauna Kea are completely different.

Summer is the time of year when they look especially beautiful.

July and August are the on-season and the tourist season is more crowded, but it is a good time to visit if you want to see the beautiful Milky Way.

 

Access

<Rental Car
About 3 hours drive from Kona International Airport
About 2.5 hours drive from Hilo International Airport
Free parking available

 

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls, located in Wailuku State Park just outside of Hilo, is known for its beautiful rainbows when conditions are right.

 

Recommendations

The rainbow over Wai'anue Falls is surely more beautiful than you can imagine.

When the sun's rays fall toward the waterfall that flows boldly into the basin of the waterfall, a rainbow appears at the flowing water and the waterfall basin.

This place has been loved by the locals since ancient times, and legends from mythical times have been preserved.

The view of Rainbow Falls will seem even more magical if you know this legend before you visit.

However, rainbows cannot be seen at all times.

The best time to visit is in the morning, and if you want to be sure of seeing a rainbow, aim for the rainy season when the water volume is high, not the dry season.

 

Access

<Rental Car
About 10 minutes drive from "Downtown" Hilo

 

hero

Hilo, the second largest city in the state of Hawaii, is known as the center of the Big Island.

With easy access to various tourist attractions, the city is visited by many tourists.

 

Recommendations

From the city of Hilo, visitors can access Rainbow Falls, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and many other attractions.

For this reason, many people take a hotel in the city and use it as a base.

The city of Hilo itself contains many attractions.

Downtown Hilo is lined with buildings with a retro feel and a nostalgic atmosphere that will tickle your fancy.

Not only do they look good, but there are also many stores that are full of fashionable stores and delicious Hawaiian gourmet food to enjoy.

We recommend strolling downtown and taking your time to enjoy the city's atmosphere.

 

Access

Hilo is located on the opposite side of Kona International Airport, which is used by many Japanese tourists.

There are several routes to Hilo.

.
Honolulu-Hilo International Airport: about 1 hour

<Rental Car
Kona International Airport - Hilo
Southbound route: 209 km (approx. 3 hrs.) (route that can be taken while visiting tourist attractions)
Northbound route: about 2 hours 149 km
Saddle Road: 124 km (the fastest route), about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

<Line buses
HELE-ON BUS: Approx. 3 hours (3 buses a day, not available on Sundays)

 

South Point

On the south coast of the Big Island of Hawaii is a place called South Point.

It is very famous as the southernmost point of the United States.

 

Recommendations

On the south coast, where fierce winds blow, the sea is inaccessible due to sheer cliffs.

The wildly crashing waves are like seeing another face of the tropical paradise of Hawaii.

This point is famous as a great fishing spot for the locals.

Tourists do not often enjoy fishing, but many people visit this place to feel the majestic power of nature.

The footing is unstable and it takes stamina to reach South Point.

 

Access

<Rental Car
Approximately 30 minutes by car from Naalehu

 

Recommended tours to enjoy in December

Here are three tours we recommend for December!

 

Kilauea Volcano helicopter tour 50 min.
Hawaii Island Sightseeing Driving Tour

This is a greedy tour that allows you to fully enjoy both air and land travel on the Big Island of Hawaii!

After driving to Parker Ranch, Waipio Valley, Akaka Falls, and other tourist attractions, take a helicopter ride over the Kilauea Volcano!

The tour continues, and once you have explored Hilo, you can visit the sights around Hilo.

This tour is ideal for those who have limited time on the Big Island and want to see a wide variety of sights!

 

Mauna Kea Sunset & Stargazing Tour

If you can climb Mauna Kea in the middle of winter and enjoy the beautiful sunset and starry sky, you will have no regrets.

With a Japanese-speaking guide, you can deepen your knowledge of the starry sky that can be seen from Mauna Kea.

Climb to the closest point to space on the Big Island of Hawaii for spectacular views!

 

Hawaii Island Horseback Riding Tour

This is a horseback riding tour where you can spend a relaxing time at a vast ranch on the Kohala Coast.

I want to enjoy horseback riding! Want to see the view of the Big Island of Hawaii from the ranch! This is a great place for those who want to enjoy the view of Hawaii Island from the ranch.

The exhilarating feeling of exploring a large ranch on horseback is unlike any other activity!

 

summary

December is the month of Christmas and year-end events!

The island of Hawaii, with its year-round summer atmosphere, similarly hosts Christmas and New Year's Eve events.

Every year, especially on New Year's Eve, many tourists come to view the first sunrise from the summit of Mauna Kea.

It is also a fascinating way to organize an itinerary that matches the colors of the season!

Whale watching is a limited activity that can only be enjoyed during the winter season, so don't forget to do this as well!

Prices are a little higher in the late season, but how about a wonderful New Year's Eve on the Big Island of Hawaii?