Weather in Maui in December 5-Day In-Depth Itinerary Template: Daily Routes, Transfers & Time Allocation

Will December in Maui Catch the Rainy Season? Start with Key Climate Data

If you're searching for weather in Maui in December, three images probably flash through your mind: torrential rain, damp weather, and the Road to Hana being forced to close. In fact, Maui in December averages about 89 mm of rainfall (according to the 2024 NOAA Hawaii climate report), concentrated mainly on the northeastern windward slopes, while the southwestern areas of Wailea and Kaanapali still see sunny-weather probability above 65%. As long as you anchor your daily routes to the leeward slopes and reserve one "flex day," 5 days is more than enough to travel at a comfortable pace. This article presents a 5-day in-depth itinerary template designed around December's climate characteristics, with daily routes, transfers, and time allocation, plus 3 frequently asked questions and a 5-point pitfall-avoidance checklist to help you turn the rainy season into scenery.

Day 1 Arrival + Southwest Coast Warm-Up: How to Set Up Your Maui December Itinerary

For an early-December arrival in Maui, dedicate your first day entirely to the southwest coast: pick up your rental at Kahului Airport (OGG) → check in at Wailea → watch the sunset at Maluaka Beach in the evening. The drive takes about 35 minutes; avoid crossing Kihei's main road after 17:00.

• 09:00-10:30: Pick up your rental car from Avis / Hertz at OGG. Book full coverage in advance on Booking.com (glass insurance matters during the December peak season).
• 11:00-12:30: Take Pi'ilani Highway straight to Wailea, stopping for lunch at Coconut's Fish Cafe in Kihei to skip the lines in the tourist zone.
• 14:00-17:00: Check in at Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott or an Airbnb, and organize your gear.
• 17:30-19:00: Stroll the Maluaka Beach trail—chances of spotting a "green flash" are higher than in summer.

Day 2 Haleakalā Volcano: Will It Snow at the Summit on a December Morning?

At 3,055 meters, Haleakalā often drops to 0°C overnight in December. Sunrise viewing at the summit requires booking a slot 60 days ahead on recreation.gov (1 USD per vehicle; from 2025 onward, it switches to an online lottery). If you miss out, go up after 09:00—chances of a sea-of-clouds view are actually higher.

• 04:30: Depart from Wailea; the self-drive to the Visitor Center takes about 1 hour 50 minutes.
• 06:30-08:30: Summit viewing + short hike on Sliding Sands Trail (1.5 km round trip; remember to balance warmth and sun protection).
• 10:00-11:30: Stop at Hosmer Grove for birding on the way down—the rare 'I'iwi honeycreeper can be spotted in December.
• 13:00: Head back to Kula town for grilled salmon with local vegetables at Kula Bistro.

Day 3 Road to Hana: The Most Prone-to-Trouble Stretch in a Maui 5 Day Plan

The Road to Hana spans 64 miles in total, with a normal driving time of 3 hours across 620 curves. During the December rainy season, the one-way trip can stretch to 5-6 hours. We recommend a "reverse Hana" approach: start from Pa'ia and drive counterclockwise to avoid meeting day-tour buses head-on.

• 06:00: Check out and head out along the Hana Highway. Stop at Twin Falls (arriving before 07:00 lets you avoid 80% of the crowds).
• 09:00: Wai'anapanapa Black Sand Beach (parking must be reserved in advance at dlnr.hawaii.gov; 5 USD).
• 11:00: Eat a beef burger at Hāna Ranch Restaurant in Hana town.
• 13:00: Continue counterclockwise to Ohe'o Gulch (Seven Sacred Pools). It may close during the rainy season—check the NPS daily bulletin before setting out.
• 17:00: Stay overnight in Hana or return to Pa'ia, and avoid driving in the mountains at night.

Day 4 West Coast Snorkeling + Lahaina Old Town: A Low-Intensity Day on the Self-Guided Route

In December, west-coast waves are typically 1-2 meters; the best snorkeling window at Black Rock is 09:00-11:00. After the 2023 wildfires, some blocks of Lahaina remain closed, so focus your visit on the northern end of Front Street and Banyan Tree Park.

• 08:00: Walk from Kaanapali to Black Rock; bring a GoPro and non-slip shoes.
• 11:00: Return to the hotel to rest and avoid the midday UV peak.
• 14:00: Drive 10 minutes to the Lahaina Old Courthouse Museum (restored and reopened); enjoy afternoon tea at Leoda's Kitchen.
• 17:00: See the whale sculpture at Whalers Village—December is the peak of humpback migration, and whales can be spotted with binoculars between 16:00-18:00.

Day 5 Lanai Day Trip or a Slow Day in Kihei: Two Ways to Wrap Up the Itinerary

If you still have energy, take the Expeditions ferry from Lahaina Harbor to Lanai (45-minute crossing; 2024 ticket: 30 USD) and rent a Jeep to drive to Hulopo'e Bay. Otherwise, stay in Kihei to write postcards and browse the local farmers' market.

• Option A (Lanai): 08:00 ferry → 09:00 pick up rental → 10:00 Garden of the Gods → 12:00 lunch at Manele Bay → 15:00 return to Maui
• Option B (Slow Day in Kihei): 09:00 sleep in → 11:00 Kihei Farmers' Market (Wed/Sat) → 14:00 stroll at Kam II Beach → 18:00 return rental car at the airport

5-Point December Self-Guided Pitfall Checklist: This Can Save You Half the Trouble

1. Don't do Hana as a same-day round trip: A one-way drive of 5+ hours in the rainy season is exhausting; stay at least one night.
2. Don't rent the smallest car class: Pi'ilani Highway and Hana have many curves; an SUV or Jeep gives safer visibility.
3. Don't swim without sunscreen: The UV index in December can still reach 7; reapply reef-safe sunscreen every two hours.
4. Don't refuel after 18:00: Mountain gas stations close at 19:00—get into the habit of topping up when the tank hits half.
5. Don't ignore weather alerts: Subscribe to NOAA Weather Radio; if a "flash flood watch" is issued for Maui, stay away from valleys immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it really rain every day in Maui in December? No. The southwest coast—Wailea and Kaanapali—still enjoys a sunny-weather probability of about 65%; rain is mainly concentrated on the northeastern windward slopes and the Haleakalā summit.

Do I need a reservation for Haleakalā sunrise? Yes. From 2025 onward, it has switched to an online lottery. You must apply 60 days ahead on recreation.gov at 1 USD per vehicle.

Roughly what is the budget for 5 days? Mid-range accommodation at 250-350 USD/night + rental car at 80 USD/day + dining at 50 USD/person/day comes to about 1,800-2,200 USD per person (excluding international airfare).

Further Reading and References

• Maui – Wikipedia
• Haleakalā National Park Official Information
• Go Hawaii Maui Tourism
• Lonely Planet Maui Travel Guide

December on Maui is not a "synonym for rain gods"—it simply leaves the sunny days for those who plan well. Before you depart, check the real-time weather in Maui in December forecast one more time, place your flex day on Day 3, and you can turn the rainy season into an exclusive memory.