Top Winter Activities in Hawaiʻi
From watching a surf contest on Oʻahu's North Shore to booking a helicopter tour, here are some of our top winter activities in Hawaiʻi.
While traveling in the winter anywhere else in the world may subject visitors to colder weather, snow and darker days, Hawaiʻi sees tropical weather and perfectly sunny weather even in December and January. Sure, it may rain a bit more, and the daily temps may drop by a few degrees, but it’s still the same sunny tropical weather you could see in the midst of summer. However, there are some things you can only do or see during the Islands’ winter months, and here are some of our top winter activities in Hawaiʻi perfect for visitors or locals.
1. Watch a Surf Contest
A surf contest athlete on a wave.
Photo: Getty Images
From the shores of Sunset Beach on the North Shore to the cliffs that overlook Peʻahi, there are a handful of spots you can go to catch a surf contest. The World Surf League (WSL) holds events with some of the best surfers in the world on Oʻahu at Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline in the months of January and February—when the waves get good—and if you’re really lucky, you may even catch the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, which only can happen in Hawaiʻi’s winter months and requires a day of exceptionally large waves to run.
2. Visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial
The USS Missouri, also known as Mighty Mo, served a total of 16 active years in duty.
Photo: Courtesy of the USS Missouri Memorial Association
For many, a trip to Hawaiʻi isn’t complete without visiting Pearl Harbor. The Hawaiʻi naval base was attacked on December 7, 1941 and became the immediate cause of the United States’ entry into World War II. Now, 77 years later, the site is home to relics of the last world war, and includes the USS Arizona Memorial which sees thousands of visitors daily. However, visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial during the dead of summer can be brutally hot—and may lessen your overall enjoyment of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fortunately, the temperature does drop in the winter, if ever so slightly, making an all day visit to Pearl Harbor National Memorial way more comfortable. Visitors also love checking out the Pacific Aviation Museum, the Battleship Missouri Memorial and the USS Bowfin Submarine.
3. Pick Out Your Own Hawaiian Christmas Tree
Norfolk pines, which stay healthy and alive for three to four months, have been dubbed the Hawaiian Christmas tree as they can grow in Oʻahu’s humid climate.
Photo: Kevin Allen
Helemano Farms in the central Oahu town of Wahiawā is known for its Norfolk pines. Dubbed “Hawaiian Christmas trees,” these tropical pines will stay healthy and green for three to four months and disperse less pine needles compared to your average Douglas fir. During December, the farm is abuzz with local families trying to find the perfect tree to take home, and it’s worth taking a stroll through the farm even if you aren’t in the market for a Christmas tree.
For more information, hours and prices, visit helemanofarms.com.
4. Book a Helicopter Tour
A Kauaʻi helicopter tour.
Photo: Getty Images
Sure, you can book a helicopter tour anytime in Hawaiʻi, however flying high above the Pacific with the chance to see North Pacific humpback whales—which migrate to the islands in the winter months—is a truly unreal experience. There are numerous helicopter tour companies from Hawaiʻi you can choose from, with some of the most popular being Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and Magnum Helicopters.
5. See the Merrie Lights on Display
The decorations at Honolulu City Lights.
Photo: David Croxford
Oʻahu and Kauaʻi are best known for their Hawaiʻi-themed Christmas lights displays, such the Honolulu City Lights and Kauaʻi Festival of Lights. If you’re looking to check out the Honolulu City Lights, it’s best to plan ahead to avoid traffic and a parking fiasco. There are also numerous neighborhoods and streets in Hawaiʻi, like Namoku Street in Kāneʻohe and Hoʻolauae Street in ʻAiea that always put on a festive display.
READ MORE: 5 Tips for Seeing Oahu’s Honolulu City Lights
6. Go on a Snorkel Excursion to Turtle Canyon
Snorkelers at Turtle Canyon.
Photo: David Croxford
As the surf season gets started on northern shorelines during winter, south-facing coastlines enter a dormant state as waves and swell tend to dissipate from December through February. This means you can easily go on a snorkeling adventure or tour knowing your excursion won’t be affected by rocking waves. Turtle Canyon, right off the coast of Waikīkī, is a great place to check out if you’re looking to see a honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle)—however, be sure to never touch a turtle and to give them space when snorkeling around them.
7. Watch for Whales
A humpback whale slapping his tail.
Photo: Courtesy of Tail Slap: Ed Lyman/NOAA
It’s not just Mainland visitors who flock to the Islands for warmer weather. North Pacific humpback whales also migrate to Hawaiʻi during the winter months, to mate and birth calves in warmer, safer waters. Oʻahu locals will often head to Makapuʻu Lookout for a chance to spot breaching whales; Maui residents have a much easier time, as these gentle giants often appear in the waters off the island’s northern coastline. If you want to get up close and personal, consider a whale-watching adventure with one of Maui’s many tour groups.
