December brings Hilo awake with rain drumming on tin roofs, the scent of plumeria and damp earth, and then the clouds part to reveal Mauna Kea over the bay. Along Kamehameha Avenue, Christmas lights appear, the farmers market stalls brim with flowers and tropical fruit, and the town keeps its own unhurried rhythm. It is a green, soft, rainy month on the Big Island’s windward side, good for waterfalls, gardens, markets and the volcano. Locals pull on a light rain jacket without thinking about it, and visitors who do the same have a good time.
What is the weather like in Hilo in December?
December in Hilo is warm, humid and wet, with showers on most days but plenty of sunny breaks between them.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Rain days | Sea (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 80.3 | 67.6 | 17.3 | 79.4 |
| December | 78.8 | 65.7 | 16.2 | 78.4 |
| January | 78.7 | 64.1 | 9.6 | 77.4 |
On the damp windward shore, the mountains force the trade winds to drive moist air upward, and that is where Hilo lies. Rain here often arrives as a short, heavy shower, sometimes at night, sometimes in the middle of the afternoon, and then the sun returns. Over the whole month the town collects about a foot of rain, and a few days bring a real downpour that can last for hours.
The day’s brightest stretch usually comes early, when gentle light spreads across the bay and the mountain stands out clearly. By afternoon a T-shirt feels just right, and once evening settles in the air grows pleasantly mild, which means a light layer is all you need after dark. Daylight lasts close to eleven hours, so sunset arrives early in the evening.
If you want dry, sunny beach weather, the leeward Kona side is far drier, and many visitors drive across the island for a day. Staying in Hilo means accepting the rain as part of the scenery: it is what keeps the rainforest, the ferns and the waterfalls so lush.
Can you swim in Hilo in December?
Granted, you can swim for a long time in that warm water, but in Hilo the waves and runoff matter more than how warm it is.
The water stays in the upper 70s, comfortable without a wetsuit for most people. But the bay and the coast are exposed to winter swells and to freshwater runoff after heavy rain, so water can be choppy or murky on a wet day. Hilo has few of the broad sandy beaches people picture in Hawaii. Instead you find black-sand and rocky shorelines, small pocket beaches and sheltered pools, each with its own character.
Families and nervous swimmers often prefer calmer, protected spots, while surfers look for the breaks along the coast. Waves and currents change from day to day, so check the beach signs and follow the lifeguards where there are any. Pack a light shirt or rash guard for when the sun peeks through, a towel that can get dirty without worry, and a dry bag to keep your phone safe.
What to do in Hilo in December
December in Hilo is about the holiday season in a small town, and the rain suits the places the area does best: waterfalls, gardens and the volcano. The town decorates modestly but warmly, and community events, craft fairs and church concerts fill the calendar in the weeks before Christmas. Look for holiday parades and tree lightings in the downtown area.
Food is a big part of the month. Pick up fresh poke, plate lunches and local fruit at the stalls, and try the baked goods and shave ice that Hilo does well. At the Hilo Farmers Market you will find flowers, produce and crafts among its stalls, and it delights visitors whatever the weather brings, drawing the biggest crowds on its main market days.
Waterfalls and the rainforest coast
In December, rain keeps Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, the two waterfalls near Hilo that draw the most visitors, thundering and full to the top. Rainbow Falls sits close to the center of Hilo and is easiest in the morning, when sunlight often catches the mist and can make a rainbow. A paved loop trail winds past bamboo, ferns and orchids at Akaka Falls, a quick trip up the Hamakua coast.
Go early, before the clouds build, and wear shoes with grip, because the paths get slick. The loop suits most ages and a wide range of fitness levels. Bring a poncho so a sudden shower does not end the visit.
Gardens, lava tubes and the volcano
Rain is no reason to skip Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which sits high above Hilo and is cool, misty and often wet at the crater rim. Walking through fern forest and steaming vents in a light jacket is part of the experience. Lava tubes and the crater overlooks are the usual draws, and views can come and go with the clouds.
Allow a full day and bring layers, since the park is much cooler than the coast. Many visitors stay until dusk, when the glow of an active crater, if there is one, can show against the dark. Treat any glow as a chance, never a promise, and follow the park signs and rangers.
Downtown Hilo and the bay
A good rainy-day base is downtown Hilo, where you can walk a grid of small museums, cafés, galleries, bookshops and old wooden storefronts. Duck from one doorway to the next, stop for coffee, and browse local crafts. Along the bay, the Liliuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island offer a gentler stroll when skies are clear.
Evenings are quiet, with a handful of restaurants and local music venues.
A two-day itinerary for Hilo in December
Day 1 begins early at Rainbow Falls, when the morning light is often at its peak and the paths are quiet. From there, walk downtown for breakfast at a local bakery or café, then spend the late morning browsing the shops and the farmers market. Around lunchtime, tuck into a relaxed place for noodles or a plate lunch.
In the afternoon, stroll the bay and the Liliuokalani Gardens while the weather allows.
Day 2 heads out of town. Start the day by traveling north up the Hamakua coast to Akaka Falls, then continue in the afternoon in the direction of the volcano, bringing layers for the cold air at the crater rim. Stop at a roadside stand for fruit on the way.
Stay in the national park until the light fades and the crater, if it is glowing, may show. Return to Hilo for a late, simple dinner. If the volcano is socked in with cloud, spend the time in the fern forests and lava tubes, which look good in any weather.
Is Hilo busy in December?
Hilo is moderately busy in December, with a lift in visitors around the holiday weeks and calm stretches before and after.
Most mainland visitors head to the sunnier resort coasts, so Hilo stays quieter than Kona or Maui. Still, the days around Christmas and New Year bring families and people visiting relatives, which fills rooms and rental cars. Early in the month tends to be calmer, and restaurant tables are usually easier to find on weeknights.
Book rooms and cars early if you will travel during the holiday weeks, and a little later for the quieter days. Volcano area lodging and popular restaurants fill first. Check the national park and state park notices for any reservations or closures before you go.
What to pack for Hilo in December
Pack for warm rain and cool heights, and keep things light and quick to dry.
- A light rain jacket or poncho, for daily showers
- Shoes with grip, for slick waterfall paths
- A warm layer, for the crater rim and cool evenings
- Quick-dry clothes, since humidity slows drying
- Mineral sunscreen, for bright breaks between clouds
- To keep your phone and camera safe, bring a dry bag.
Good to know before you go
December falls just after the Central Pacific hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. During the holidays, roads often get more crowded and some small shops keep shorter hours, so having a car makes getting to the waterfalls and the volcano the simplest option. Lodging taxes add to the bill.
| Fee | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| State Transient Accommodations Tax | 11.00% | Guests of lodging |
| County of Hawaii accommodations tax | 3% | Guests of lodging |
Hilo in December vs November and January
Moving the trip to November brings slightly warmer air and sea, and more rain, since the month is among the wettest in town. It is a calmer time for crowds, before the holiday rush begins.
The first month of the year brings much less rain, plus a sea that is a touch cooler and rainy days that are fewer, while winter surf and whale season are going strong all along the coast. It is also a good time for clearer views of the mountain, though the holiday crowds thin only after the first week.
Choose December if you want festive town events and do not mind rain. Shift to January if you want more dry hours for hiking and outdoor sightseeing, and stay in November if quiet and lower crowds matter more than sun.
Is December a good time to visit Hilo?
Yes, December is a good time to visit Hilo if you like green landscapes, waterfalls and small-town holiday charm, and you are happy to carry a rain jacket.
It suits travelers who want gardens, markets, museums and the volcano more than a beach day. Sun-seekers and those planning long outdoor stretches may prefer the dry Kona coast or another month. On arrival, start with the waterfalls and the farmers market while the morning light is good, and save the volcano for a day when you can stay until dusk. What makes December special here is the combination: Christmas lights glowing in a rain-washed town, full waterfalls, and mountains that appear and vanish behind the clouds.
Sources
- NOAA NCEI, monthly normals 1991-2020, station USW00021504, checked September 8, 2026
- Open-Meteo Marine API, average 2015-2024, checked September 8, 2026
- sunrise-sunset.org, sunrise and sunset calculated for the 15th of the month, checked September 8, 2026
- Hawaii Department of Taxation, Tax Announcement No. 2025-03 (Transient Accommodations Tax Law Changes from 2025 Legislative Session), files.hawaii.gov/tax/news/announce/ann25-03.pdf, checked September 24, 2026
- County of Hawaii, Department of Finance, Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) page, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/finance/transient-accommodations-tax-tat (live returned HTTP 403 on request, read via Internet Archive Wayback Machine snapshot dated August 14, 2026, same official content), checked September 25, 2026
- Hawaii Department of Taxation, County Surcharge on General Excise and Use Tax page, tax.hawaii.gov/geninfo/countysurcharge/, checked September 25, 2026
- NOAA NCEI, monthly normals 1991-2020, station USW00021510
- NOAA NCEI, monthly normals 1991-2020, station USC00511303
- NWS Honolulu / Central Pacific Hurricane Center, « 2026 Central Pacific Hurricane Season Outlook », weather.gov/hfo/hurricaneOutlook2026, checked September 24, 2026