Haleakalā · December
Haleakalā in December
December is the busiest time to visit Haleakalā — busier than November, busier than January.
Expect peak crowds (10/10), highs near 61°F, about 10.9 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.
About 94% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
December draws about 9% of Haleakalā’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 61°F
- Avg low
- 45°F
- Precipitation
- 5.3"
- Sunrise
- 6:53 AM
- Sunset
- 5:46 PM
- Daylight
- 10.9h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, HALEAKALA RS 338, HI US
What's open
Haleakalā in December: access
The Summit and Kīpahulu Districts of Haleakalā are open 24 hours a day. A sunrise reservation is required for entry between 3am and 7am daily.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Information
Drive Cautiously - Endangered Birds on Roadway
Nēnē (Hawaiian geese) and ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel) are nesting in the park and may land on or frequent park roads, parking lots, and road leading up to the park. Drivers are reminded to drive at the posted speed limits and exercise caution.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Limited Parking and Traffic Delays in Summit District
Beginning Monday, January 12, 2026 Haleakalā Visitor Center (summit district) parking lot will have limited parking due to a water infrastructure project. Expect traffic delays. The project will last several months.
- Information
Expect Long Waits at the Summit Entrance Station Before Sunset
Due to a high volume of traffic, cars may be temporarily turned around at the gate when capacity is reached. Purchasing a pass online does not guarantee entry at sunset. To ensure timely access, arrive 3 hours before sunset.
- Information
No Water at Hosmer Campground
Water at Hosmer Campground in the Summit District is shutoff due to a waterline break. Water is available 24-hours at Headquarters Visitor Center one mile up the road. At this point we don't have an estimate for when repairs will be complete.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Haleakalā crowds across the year
FAQ
Haleakalā in December
How busy is Haleakalā in December?
December rates 10/10 for crowds (Peak) at Haleakalā National Park — about 94% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 70,071.
What is the weather like at Haleakalā in December?
In December, Haleakalā averages a high of 61°F and a low of 45°F, with about 5.3 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Haleakalā?
Entrance to Haleakalā costs $30 (Valid for three days. Admits private, non-commercial vehicle (14 max capacity or less) and all occupants to Haleakalā National Park including both the Summit and Kīpahulu Districts.).
When is Haleakalā least crowded?
Haleakalā is quietest in August and September. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Haleakalā get in December?
In mid-December, Haleakalā gets about 10.9 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:53 AM and sunset around 5:46 PM.