In December, the late light over Kaanapali Beach turns the water copper and the sand gold, and from the shore you can sometimes spot a humpback slapping its tail out past Black Rock. Strings of holiday lights go up along the resort walkway, and the smell of sunscreen mixes with grilled fish and coconut from the open-air restaurants. This is the month when West Maui feels both festive and easygoing, with warm beach days, whale season getting under way and cool, soft evenings.
What is the weather like in Kaanapali in December?
Kaanapali in December brings warmth, plenty of sunshine, and slightly cooler air than fall, along with brief showers that seldom ruin an entire day.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Rain days | Sea (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 82.0 | 69.7 | 6.1 | 79.0 |
| December | 79.8 | 67.6 | 7.5 | 78.2 |
| January | 79.0 | 65.7 | 5.6 | 77.7 |
On the dry, sheltered side of West Maui, where the mountains block the weather, Kaanapali ranks among the sunniest and driest spots in the islands, even during the year’s wetter months. Mornings are soft and pleasant for a walk along the beach path, and afternoons are warm enough for the pool without being sticky. Rain, when it comes, is usually a short shower that drifts down from the slopes or in off the ocean, and the sun is often back within the hour.
When the trade winds strengthen in particular, nighttime temperatures drop enough that dining outside on a terrace calls for bringing something light to wear. Mid-December brings roughly eleven hours of daylight, less than you would get in summer, which means an early sunset and a sky that frequently performs over the water late in the day. A few gray, breezy days do happen, and on those the mountains behind the resorts can disappear into cloud while the coast stays brighter.
Pack for sun first and showers second. A rain jacket is rarely needed, but a thin windbreaker earns its place on a sunset catamaran or an early whale-watching boat.
Can you swim in Kaanapali in December?
The ocean indeed stays in the upper 70s, so you can enjoy a long, comfortable swim.
On the islands’ north and west-facing coasts, winter brings the season of large waves, and although Kaanapali enjoys more protection than most of those shores, swells can still reach it and intensify shorebreak and currents on certain days. Calm mornings are common, and the long beach in front of the resorts is a favorite for easy wading and floating, but conditions change from day to day and from one stretch of sand to the next. Look at the flags and the signs, and follow the lifeguards, who know the day’s water best.
At the beach’s north end, next to Black Rock, the rocky spot draws snorkelers, since fish collect around the lava and the clearest views come on calm mornings. Families with small children often prefer the shallower stretches in front of the hotels, and nervous swimmers do well to stay where the lifeguard tower is close.
Bring a rash guard or a thin shirt for the sun, and a mask of your own if you plan to snorkel more than once. In whale season you may hear the animals singing underwater, though you will not always see them from the beach.
What to do in Kaanapali in December
The big draw of the month is the start of whale season. Hawaiian waters host humpbacks most often between November and April, January through March being the height of that span, and the sanctuary’s Maui Nui zone takes in the channel off West Maui.
In December you may already see spouts and breaches from the beach or from a boat, though sightings are a chance and not a promise. Swimmers and boats have to keep over 100 yards of distance from the whales, and reputable operators stick to that closely.
December also brings a festive mood. Resorts string lights through the palms, there are holiday decorations in the open-air shopping areas, and local craft fairs and holiday markets pop up around West Maui. Santa often arrives by outrigger canoe or surfboard, a gentle local twist on the tradition, and carolers sing under the stars. Many restaurants offer special holiday menus, so it is a fine month for a dinner out.
Black Rock and the beach walk
The paved path along Kaanapali Beach runs for a long stretch past the resorts, with the sea on one side and gardens and open lobbies on the other. It is an easy, flat walk from the shopping area at the south end to the dark lava headland of Black Rock at the north, and it suits any age. Morning is the cooler, calmer time, while late afternoon brings golden light and the evening crowd.
Black Rock itself, known to Hawaiians as a place of spiritual significance, is where the cliff-diving ceremony takes place at sunset, when a torch-lighting and a leap from the rock recall an old Hawaiian tradition. Watch from the sand with the other onlookers and keep off the rock itself out of respect. If the surf is up, the show can look especially dramatic from the beach, while the snorkelers stay on the calmer side.
Bring a towel and a light layer, since evenings cool quickly once the sun drops. Sit near the hotel terraces if you want a drink in hand while the torches are lit.
Whale-watching by boat and from shore
Vessels depart from West Maui’s harbors and venture into the channel, a deep spot where the creatures arrive to breed, give birth and relax. Morning trips tend to have calmer seas and gentler winds, and small boats let you feel the ocean close up, while larger catamarans are steadier for those who get seasick. Early in the season you may see fewer animals than in February, so treat any breach as a bonus.
From shore, bring binoculars and watch the horizon for puffs of mist and dark backs rolling through the swells. Beachfront terraces and the sand near Black Rock give a decent view, and sunset hours are lovely for looking. Keep a respectful distance from any animals that come close to shore, and let the guides do the explaining if you are on a boat.
Kaanapali also puts you within reach of Lahaina’s waterfront and the shops of the open-air centers near the beach, where you can browse local art, shave ice and fresh poke. A slow stroll with an ice cream is one of the best easy outings on a warm December afternoon. For a meal, look for grilled fish, kalua pork, fish tacos and tropical drinks served on open terraces facing the sunset.
If a shower drifts through, the open-air galleries, cooking demonstrations and spa treatments at the resorts make easy ways to wait it out. A holiday luau, with hula, fire dancing, a pit-cooked feast and live music, is a classic evening for visitors, and December is a good time to enjoy one under the stars.
A two-day itinerary for Kaanapali in December
Day 1 begins early on the sand. Stroll the coastal trail during the morning chill, while the ocean tends to be calmest and the sunlight gentle, then explore Black Rock with a snorkel ahead of the throngs. Have a relaxed breakfast at a beachfront café with fresh papaya and coffee, then spend the late morning at the pool or reading in the shade.
After lunch, wander through the open-air shopping area and browse the galleries, saving the heat of the day for something indoors if you want a rest. By mid-afternoon the light turns golden, so take a slow stroll back toward Black Rock. Settle in near the cliff for the sunset ceremony, which comes early in the evening this time of year, then eat at one of the open terraces nearby.
Day 2 is for the ocean beyond the beach. Book a morning whale-watching trip on a boat from the harbor, since the water is generally calmer before the winds pick up, and bring a windbreaker. Look for spouts and fins, and listen to the guides tell stories of the animals and the channel.
Back on land, have a casual lunch of fish tacos or a poke bowl, then drive to nearby Lahaina or the shops and galleries around West Maui for the afternoon. In the evening, treat yourself to a luau with hula and a feast, or a quiet dinner by the water. If rain moves in, a spa treatment, a cooking class or a gallery stop keeps the day pleasant until the clouds clear.
Is Kaanapali busy in December?
Yes, December is one of the busier times in Kaanapali, especially around Christmas and New Year’s, when mainland families and winter escapees fill the resorts.
The first part of the month is calmer, with a relaxed mood, some easier tables and rooms that are still available, while the holiday weeks bring fuller beaches, lively restaurants and a stronger demand for rental cars. The walkway fills up in the evening around sunset, and popular dinner spots can be full without a reservation. School breaks drive much of the traffic, and the later part of the month is the real peak.
For the holiday weeks, book rooms, cars and boat trips early, and reserve dinners in advance. If you travel in the first part of December, you can plan later and still find good choices, though popular whale-watching and luau times fill up faster as the weeks pass. Resort stays carry Hawaii’s state accommodations tax plus a county share, which is worth budgeting for when you compare rooms.
Mornings on the beach are quieter than afternoons even in the busy weeks, so an early start gives you more room on the sand and the path. Weekdays tend to feel a bit lighter than weekends.
What to pack for Kaanapali in December
Think warm days, cool evenings and a bit of ocean spray, with light layers that dry fast.
- A light jacket or windbreaker for evenings and for the boat.
- Swimwear and a rash guard for sun and snorkeling.
- Pack mineral sunscreen and a hat, because winter sun here still burns strong.
- Binoculars for spotting whales from shore.
- Sandals plus a pair of closed shoes for walking in town.
- A small dry bag for the beach in case of a passing shower.
Good to know before you go
December falls just after the Central Pacific hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, so the month sits outside the official season. The main planning questions are the holiday crowds, getting a rental car and reserving dinner and boat trips early. The rules about whales also count, because the creatures must be given a buffer of over 100 yards by both swimmers and boats.
| Fee | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| State transient accommodations tax | 11% | Guests at resort stays |
| Maui County transient accommodations tax | 3% | Guests at resort stays |
Kaanapali in December vs November and January
Moving earlier to November gives you slightly warmer air and sea, a quieter beach and fewer people at dinner. The whales are just beginning to arrive, so sightings are less likely, and the holiday decorations have not yet appeared. It also falls inside the last weeks of the hurricane season, which ends on November 30.
Going later to January brings a slightly cooler and a little drier feel, with the whale season building toward its peak. Crowds ease once the holiday weeks end, and rooms and tables become easier to find after the first days of the month. Winter surf can be bigger, though, so beach days may need more care.
Choose November if you want warm water and quiet. Choose December for the festive mood and the first whales. Choose January for the best chance of whale sightings and fewer people, once the holidays are over.
Is December a good time to visit Kaanapali?
Yes, December is a very good time to visit, especially for travelers who enjoy warm beach days, a festive atmosphere and the first whales of the season.
It suits families on school break, couples looking for sunsets and winter escapes, and anyone who likes holiday lights without the cold. Travelers seeking deserted shores, simple deals, or assured smooth waters will find it less suitable, and if crowds bother you during the month’s final weeks, another time might serve you better.
On arrival, settle your boat trip and a luau or a good dinner reservation first, then take a slow walk on the beach path to get your bearings. After that, the days can follow the sun and the water. What stays with you from December here is the light at the end of the day, when the sun drops toward the horizon, the torches flare on Black Rock and the sea goes quiet for a moment.
Sources
- NOAA NCEI, monthly normals 1991-2020, station USC00513317, 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
- NOAA, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, checked September 25, 2026
- Hawaii Department of Taxation, Announcement 2025-03 ; County of Maui, TAT Announcement 2021-01, checked September 25, 2026
- NWS Honolulu / Central Pacific Hurricane Center, « 2026 Central Pacific Hurricane Season Outlook », weather.gov/hfo/hurricaneOutlook2026, checked September 24, 2026