Honolulu in December is pure island magic. While much of the world bundles up, Hawaii welcomes you with sunshine, ocean breezes, and festive aloha vibes. It’s the perfect time to escape the cold, soak up vitamin D, and celebrate the holidays in flip-flops.
Expect warm temperatures, the occasional tropical shower, and balmy evenings perfect for beachfront dinners. December marks the start of Hawaii’s “wet season,” but don’t worry — rain usually comes and goes quickly. Whether you’re lounging on Waikiki Beach, hiking Diamond Head, or shopping in Ala Moana, your packing list should balance sun protection, comfort, and island flair.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Honolulu in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
December is Honolulu’s winter — but it feels more like a gentle summer. Expect sunshine, with brief tropical rain showers and cooler trade winds.
- 🌡️ Average high: 27°C / 81°F – warm and breezy
- 🌙 Average low: 20°C / 68°F – mild evenings
- 🌧️ Rainfall: Short tropical showers, mostly in the early morning or late evening
- 🌊 Ocean temperature: 25°C / 77°F – perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing
- 🎄 Expect holiday lights on palm trees and Christmas luaus!
What to Pack for Honolulu in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Carry-on suitcase – 🧳 easy to manage for island hopping
- Checked bag – 🛄 if bringing snorkel gear or shopping
- Duffle bag – 🏝️ great for beach days or side trips
- Daypack – 🎒 perfect for hikes and excursions
- Packing cubes – 📦 keep beachwear, casual, and dressy clothes organized
- Shoe bags – 👡 keep sandy sandals separate
- Toiletry bag – 🧼 leak-proof and TSA-ready
- Document organizer – 📁 passport, ID, and confirmations
- Foldable tote – 🛍️ handy for beach or farmers markets
- Laundry kit – 🧺 helpful for sweaty clothes and swimsuits
- Luggage scale – ⚖️ especially for return flights with souvenirs
- Luggage lock – 🔒 protect valuables during travel
- Money pouch – 💰 stay safe in crowded areas
- Quick-dry towel – 🧻 compact and beach-ready
- Neck pillow – 💤 comfort for long-haul flights
- Sleep mask – 😴 helpful if traveling overnight
👗 Clothes
- Tank tops & T-shirts (5–7) – 👕 light and breathable
- Shorts (3–4 pairs) – 🩳 casual and comfortable
- Light dresses (2–3) – 👗 flowy and tropical prints
- Beach cover-up (1–2) – 🏖️ easy to throw on and off
- Swimsuits (3–4) – 👙 you’ll live in them!
- Rash guard – 🏄 for sun protection while surfing or snorkeling
- Light sweater or jacket – 🧥 for cool breezy nights or AC indoors
- Maxi dress or jumpsuit – 🌺 for beach dinners or luaus
- Light pants or joggers – 👖 for plane rides or hikes
- Pajamas – 🛏️ breathable and cool
- Underwear (7+) – 👙 pack extras for beach days
- Bras (3–4) – 🧺 include a strapless or sports bra
- Socks (3–5) – 🧦 for sneakers or hikes
- Sun hat or cap – 🧢 essential for sun safety
- Light scarf or shawl – 🧣 versatile and breezy
💆 Skincare
- Gentle cleanser – 🧴 remove sweat and sunscreen
- Hydrating toner – 💧 refresh post-beach
- Light moisturizer – 🧴 non-greasy formula
- High SPF sunscreen – ☀️ reef-safe required in Hawaii
- After-sun gel or aloe – 🌿 soothe any sunburns
- Makeup remover – 🧽 wipes or balm
- Exfoliator – 🛁 1–2x/week for glowing skin
- Eye cream – 👁️ combat saltwater puffiness
- Facial mist – 💦 cooling and hydrating
- Lip balm with SPF – 💋 protect from sun and wind
- Spot treatment – 🎯 for travel breakouts
💄 Makeup
- Tinted moisturizer or BB cream – 💄 light and dewy
- Concealer – 👁️ for quick touch-ups
- Translucent powder – 🌬️ control shine
- Blush or tint – 🌺 fresh tropical flush
- Highlighter – ✨ subtle island glow
- Neutral eyeshadow – 🎨 minimal and beachy
- Waterproof eyeliner – ✒️ stays put in humidity
- Waterproof mascara – 👁️ pool & ocean safe
- Brow gel – 🧴 keep things natural
- Lip gloss or tint – 💄 SPF preferred
- Setting spray – ❄️ humidity defense
- Makeup brushes – 🖌️ small travel set
💇 Hair Care
- Wide-tooth comb – 💇♀️ great for beach waves
- Hair ties & clips – 🧷 island breezes require both
- Shampoo + conditioner – 🧴 hydrating & ocean-friendly
- Leave-in conditioner – 🌬️ combat sun + salt damage
- Dry shampoo – 🌺 extend style without wash
- Heat protectant – 🔥 if using hot tools
- Hair serum or oil – 💧 nourish dry strands
- Travel hairdryer – 💨 optional, most places have one
- Straightener or curler – 💁♀️ if styling for nights out
- Hair scarf or headband – 🎀 add flair to any outfit
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Flip-flops – 🩴 beach must-have
- Sandals – 👡 for casual dinners or shopping
- Water shoes – 🏞️ great for snorkeling or rocky beaches
- Sneakers – 👟 for hiking or longer walks
- Dressy sandals – 🥿 for evening outfits
- Hat or visor – 👒 protect face from sun
- Sunglasses – 🕶️ polarized preferred
- Beach bag – 🧺 waterproof or straw tote
- Small crossbody – 👜 hands-free for city outings
- Jewelry – 💍 simple and tropical-themed
- Light shawl or kimono – 🧣 cover-up for temples or dinner
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Government-issued ID – 🛂 no passport needed for US citizens
- Travel insurance – 🏥 covers flight changes or injuries
- Flight & hotel confirmations – 📧 print + digital
- Credit/debit cards – 💳 widely accepted
- Some cash – 💵 for food trucks or small vendors
- Health insurance card – 🏥 bring a copy
- Itinerary – 📅 keep it handy
- Emergency contacts – 📱 written down too
- Notebook + pen – 🖊️ jot down spots you love
- Wallet – 👛 small and secure
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – 🩹 for beach scrapes or blisters
- Pain relief – 💊 great after long hikes or flights
- Allergy medicine – 🌴 for pollen or bites
- Motion sickness pills – 🚤 helpful for boat tours
- Antiseptic wipes – 🧽 basic wound care
- Gauze + tape – 🩼 optional kit
- Tweezers – ✂️ good for splinters or grooming
- Thermometer – 🌡️ compact digital
- Cotton pads/Q-tips – 💠 multi-purpose
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush + toothpaste – 🪥 daily essential
- Floss – 🧵 don’t forget it
- Deodorant – 🧼 long-lasting and fresh
- Razor – 🪒 for smooth beach skin
- Feminine products – 🩸 bring what you prefer
- Wet wipes – 🧻 perfect for freshening up
- Hand sanitizer – ✋ a travel essential
- Perfume or body spray – 🌸 tropical scent
- Mirror – 🪞 for makeup or contacts
- Eye drops – 👁️ post-saltwater relief
- Contact lenses + solution – 👓 plus spare glasses
- Tissues – 🧻 useful anytime
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone – 📱 for maps, pics, and more
- Chargers – 🔌 don’t forget extras
- Power bank – 🔋 long beach days = dead batteries
- Camera – 📷 optional, but beautiful landscapes await
- Waterproof phone pouch – 📱 protect your device on the beach
- Headphones – 🎧 for music by the ocean
- Offline apps – 🗺️ maps, hiking trails, and food
- E-reader – 📚 for poolside relaxation
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – 📖 beach reads or Hawaiian history
- Podcasts – 🎧 for flights or hammock time
- Shows/movies – 📺 download for rainy evenings
- Travel journal – 📓 document your paradise adventure
- Games or cards – 🃏 fun for groups or families
🎁 Extras
- Reusable water bottle – 🚰 stay hydrated under the sun
- Snacks – 🍍 local fruit + granola bars
- Shopping tote – 🛍️ great for souvenirs
- Snorkel gear – 🤿 or rent locally
- Beach blanket – 🌊 makes sand lounging comfy
- Sewing kit – 🪡 just in case
- Bug spray – 🦟 especially on jungle hikes
- Sleep aid – 🌙 help adjust to jet lag
🌍 Travel Tips
- Use reef-safe sunscreen – 🐠 it’s the law in Hawaii
- Pack a light rain jacket – 🌦️ December can surprise you
- Respect local customs – 🤙 show aloha spirit
- Book excursions early – 🚤 especially around the holidays
- Bring reusable utensils – 🍴 for eco-conscious travel
🛂 Visa Tips
- U.S. citizens – 🛂 no passport needed if flying domestically
- Non-U.S. travelers – 🌎 valid visa or ESTA required
- Photo ID – 🪪 needed for inter-island flights
- Travel insurance – 🏥 recommended, especially for adventure tours
⭐ Must-Haves
- Swimsuits (multiple) – 👙 you’ll live in them
- High SPF reef-safe sunscreen – 🧴 protect skin and the ocean
- Flip-flops – 🩴 easy on, easy off
- Hat + sunglasses – 🕶️ essential combo
- Light beachwear – 🏖️ comfy + cool
- Phone + waterproof case – 📱 stay connected and safe
- Travel insurance – 🏥 always smart
- Reusable water bottle – 🚰 hydration is key
- Bug spray – 🦟 for hikes and evenings
- Crossbody or beach bag – 👜 carry the essentials
👍 Good-to-Have
- Snorkel gear – 🤿 skip the rental fees
- Beach blanket or mat – 🌴 for comfort
- Quick-dry towel – 🧻 compact & handy
- Extra swimsuit bag – 🛍️ for wet clothes
- Reusable shopping tote – 🛍️ eco-friendly and light
- Headphones or speaker – 🎶 island vibes
- Light hoodie or shawl – 🧣 evenings can cool down
