Hawaiʻi Volcanoes · December
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes in December
December is the busiest time to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes — busier than November, about as busy as January.
Expect peak crowds (10/10), highs near 81°F, about 11 hours of daylight, and 5 seasonal closures 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 10% of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes’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
- 81°F
- Avg low
- 67°F
- Precipitation
- 4.0"
- Sunrise
- 6:48 AM
- Sunset
- 5:46 PM
- Daylight
- 11h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, SEA MTN 12.15, 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:
- Information
Upper Kahuku Road Closed Beyond Boot Decontamination Station
Upper Kahuku Road remains closed beyond the boot decontamination station due to storm damage. The Visitor Contact Station and most trails in the Kahuku Unit are now open following Hurricane Lala. Kahuku Road above the Lower Palm Trailhead is deeply rutted by the recent heavy rains. A 4WD is recommended to access areas above the Lower Palm Trailhead.
- Information
Sulphur Banks Bridge Closed; Boardwalk is Open
The Sulphur Banks Bridge is damaged and closed until further notice. The Haʻakulamanu area, boardwalk and Sulphur Banks Trail are open and accessible from the west side near Steam Vents.
- Caution
Kīpukapuaulu Trail Closed Due to Hazardous Trees and Hanging Limbs
Kīpukapuaulu Trail remains closed due to numerous hazardous trees and hanging limbs resulting from several recent storms. Managers are developing a plan and will reopen the trail when it is safe.
- Information
Hilina Pali Road Shoulder Work Scheduled 9/14/26 to 11/19/26
Hilina Pali Road beyond the Maunaiki Trailhead will be closed to motorized vehicles on September 14, 2026 from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for shoulder work. Hikers, bicyclists and backcountry permit holders will be given access but should expect delays while heavy machinery works on the road. The entire road will be open to all use outside of those hours including weekends and holidays. The work is expected to be complete by November 19, 2026.
- Information
Mauna Loa Road Closed Past First Cattle Guard for Tree Removal
Mauna Loa Road will be closed to all use from the first cattle guard to Mauna Loa Lookout for tree removal starting September 23 through October 29, 2026. The tree work will prepare the area for the Mauna Loa Road Rehabilitation Project. Vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians will not be allowed during the closure.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- 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.
- Information
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 →
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 81°F and a low of 67°F, with about 4.0 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes?
Entrance to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes costs $30 (Private Vehicle Pass - The private vehicle pass admits the passholder and up to 14 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle.).
When is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes least crowded?
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes is quietest in May and October. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Hawaiʻi Volcanoes get in December?
In mid-December, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes gets about 11 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:48 AM and sunset around 5:46 PM.