Hawaiʻi Volcanoes · December
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in December
December is the busiest time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes — busier than November, about as busy as January.
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 Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- —
- Avg low
- —
- Precipitation
- 6.8"
- Sunrise
- 6:48 AM
- Sunset
- 5:46 PM
- Daylight
- 11h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, KAPAPALA RCH 36, HI US
What's open
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in December: access
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day including holidays.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Park Closure
Lava Tube Bridge Replacement
Most of Nāhuku lava tube trail will remain open during bridge replacement but will only be accessible one way in and out from the east “exit” end. The rainforest trail to the front of the lava tube, the lava tube bridge and 50 feet into the cave will be closed during the replacement. The bridge replacement should be complete by the end of June. The restrooms will remain open.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
Kīpukapuaulu Trail Temporary Closed Due to Hazardous Trees
Kīpukapuaulu Trail is temporarily closed due to hazardous trees. Park staff are assessing and will reopen the trail when it is safe.
- Park Closure
Kahuku Unit Roads
Kahuku Road beyond the cross fence (mile marker 4) is closed to vehicles; pedestrian use is permitted. Four-wheel drive is strongly recommended past the Upper Palm Trailhead (mile marker 3).
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Danger
Kīlauea eruption
Volcanic eruptions can be hazardous. Stay out of closed areas and monitor air quality. Eruptions can last a few hours and are often separated by pauses lasting several weeks.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Protect Yourself from Volcanic Tephra
Volcanic ash, rock and glassy strands (tephra) is present at Kīlauea summit and can irritate your skin, eyes and respiratory system. For your safety, do not handle it. Eye protection, long sleeves, long pants, a hat, closed-toe shoes and a dust mask are recommended.
- Park Closure
Lava Tube Bridge Replacement
Most of Nāhuku lava tube trail will remain open during bridge replacement but will only be accessible one way in and out from the east “exit” end. The rainforest trail to the front of the lava tube, the lava tube bridge and 50 feet into the cave will be closed during the replacement. The bridge replacement should be complete by the end of June. The restrooms will remain open.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
Kīpukapuaulu Trail Temporary Closed Due to Hazardous Trees
Kīpukapuaulu Trail is temporarily closed due to hazardous trees. Park staff are assessing and will reopen the trail when it is safe.
- Park Closure
Kahuku Unit Roads
Kahuku Road beyond the cross fence (mile marker 4) is closed to vehicles; pedestrian use is permitted. Four-wheel drive is strongly recommended past the Upper Palm Trailhead (mile marker 3).
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes crowds across the year
FAQ
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in December
How busy is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in December?
December rates 10/10 for crowds (Peak) at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — about 94% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 158,208.
What is the weather like at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in December?
In December, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes averages a high of 0°F and a low of 0°F, with about 6.8 inches of precipitation.