If you’re planning a Hawaii vacation in December, you’re visiting at one of the most spectacular times of the year. Whether you want to get out on the water, take to the skies, or soak up the history, you can do it all. To help you plan, here are five of the most epic tours and activities to enjoy so you can make this trip one you’ll never forget.
In This Article:
- Submarine Scooter & Snorkeling Tour
- SeaBob Super Dolphin Tour
- Whale Watching with Oahu Ocean Adventures
- Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours
- Explore Pearl Harbor in December
- Book Your Excursions Today!
- FAQs
1. Submarine Scooter & Snorkeling Tour
One of the most unique experiences you can have while visiting Hawaii is the Submarine Scooter Tour in Maunalua Bay. Exclusive to Island Water Sports Hawaii, this half-day adventure lets you glide beneath the surface on a personal underwater scooter. You don’t need diving experience—or even to know how to swim!
The tour begins with a scenic boat ride across the calm, turquoise waters, where visibility is excellent this time of year. Once in the water, you’ll submerge in your self-propelled scooter and drift among tropical fish, coral formations, and other vibrant marine life. Afterward, grab your snorkel gear to float on the surface and enjoy a traditional swim around the reef. It’s one of the top-rated excursions for anyone who wants a truly unique glimpse of Hawaii’s underwater world.
2. SeaBob Super Dolphin Tour
If you prefer speed and agility, the SeaBob Super Dolphin Tour delivers both. Think of it as snorkeling meets underwater jet skiing—an electric-powered ride that lets you twist, dive, and slice through the water like a dolphin. It’s a pure adrenaline rush, but it’s also surprisingly easy to control, making it suitable for beginners and those looking for a boost of excitement.
This guided experience departs daily from Maunalua Bay and includes all safety gear and instruction. You’ll skim along Oahu’s stunning shoreline, feeling the rush as you cut through the water.
Pro Tip: Island Water Sports Hawaii also offers a combined SubScooter + SeaBob excursion, perfect for those who can’t choose between the two.
To round out your day, consider booking Banana Boat or Bumper Tube rides as quick add-ons. These family-friendly options run in 15- to 20-minute sessions with space for up to six passengers, making them great for kids, couples, or anyone who loves to laugh and hang on tight.
3. Whale Watching with Oahu Ocean Adventures
Every winter, humpback whales migrate thousands of miles from Alaska to the warm waters of Hawaii to mate, give birth, and raise their calves. For anyone planning a Hawaii vacation in December, this is one of the best times to see them up close.
Oahu Ocean Adventures offers small-group whale-watching tours that depart from Ala Wai Harbor, just minutes from Waikiki. The experience is intimate, with a maximum of six passengers per boat. You’ll enjoy 2.5 hours on the water watching whales breach, slap their tails, and occasionally surface beside the boat. Guides share fascinating insights about whale behavior and local marine life, and you’ll have unobstructed views of the coast the entire time.
Tours cost $89 per person and are available mid-December through April. Just bring sunscreen, snacks, and your camera—you won’t want to miss a moment.
4. Blue Hawaiian Helicopter Tours
Seeing Oahu from above is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have, and Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers two incredible options depending on your time and budget.
- Blue Skies of Oahu (50 minutes – $399): Fly over Diamond Head, Waikiki’s coral reefs, and the emerald valleys of Nuuanu Rainforest. You’ll pass Hanauma Bay, Waimanalo Beach, and Kaneohe Bay before circling the historic sites of Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial.
- Complete Island Oahu Tour (65 minutes – $475): This extended route covers all of Oahu, from the surfing mecca of the North Shore to the lush Sacred Falls and the sweeping Dole Plantation. The aerial views of beaches, rainforests, and historic memorials are unmatched—especially under December’s golden light.
Whichever tour you choose, you’ll witness the sides of the island few people ever get to see.
5. Explore Pearl Harbor in December
No December vacation to Oahu would be complete without honoring one of the most important historic landmarks in the United States—Pearl Harbor. December marks the anniversary of the 1941 attack, making it a deeply meaningful time to visit.
Tour the USS Arizona Memorial, view artifacts inside the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, and take in the quiet reflection that still hangs in the air more than 80 years later. Many guided tours include transportation from Honolulu and a stop at the Battleship Missouri, where World War II officially ended. For Hawaii visitors, this is a poignant reminder of courage, loss, and resilience—an essential stop that balances your week of fun with reflection and gratitude.
Plan Your Hawaii Vacation in December
From whale sightings to underwater adventures and scenic flights, December is one of the best times to visit Hawaii for both excitement and variety. Whether you’re drawn to ocean thrills or cultural depth, these excursions showcase the best of Oahu’s beauty and history.
Make the most of your Hawaii vacation in December by starting with Island Water Sports Hawaii. Book your adventure today and experience the magic of Oahu from above, below, and all around.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Hawaii in December?
December is warm and tropical, with daytime temperatures averaging in the low 80s and lows in the 60s. It’s perfect for water excursions like those offered at Island Water Sports Hawaii, and getting out and exploring all the island has to offer.
Are whale-watching tours guaranteed to see whales in December?
Whale-watching season begins in mid-December, so sightings become increasingly common as the month goes on. While no one can officially predict what a wild animal will do, many tour companies have an excellent track record, and some will even let you come back on another day if you don’t see any whales on your original tour. You just have to check with your company for details.
