10 Things to Do in Kauai in December

Kauai, the oldest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, is a dream destination to enjoy Christmas. In December, the weather is mild and sunny, with temperatures usually hovering around 20 degrees Celsius. The leaves on the trees are bright green, and the flowers are in full bloom. Doesn't that sound like the perfect atmosphere to say goodbye to the year?

On Kauai, this is an ideal time to enjoy the beaches, hike, visit the area's cultural attractions and be part of the Hawaiian Christmas celebration.

Waimea Canyon is a must stop for anyone visiting Kauai. Why? It is the deepest canyon in the United States, reaching a depth of 1,600 meters, and can be traveled by car, foot or bicycle.

In December, the canyon is an especially spectacular site. Because the weather at this time of year is mild and sunny, the leaves on the trees are bright green, and the flowers fill the landscape with color. It is breathtaking!

One of the best ways to tour the canyon is by car. There are several viewpoints along the way that offer spectacular views, so by car you can easily go from one to another. If you want to spend more time touring the canyon, it is also possible to hike or bike those same trails. The most popular trail is the Waimea Canyon Trail, which is 11 kilometers long and reaches the top of the canyon. If you choose to bike, there is a bike path that runs through the canyon. It is about 15 miles long and has incredible views of the canyon walls.

A good option that will also allow you to navigate the Wailua River, is to take a Kauai shore excursion with a cruise on the Wailua River, which runs through the Waimea Canyon. You will love it!

However, I will recommend some things to enjoy the experience in the canyon and go as prepared as possible:

• You will most likely have to walk, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Bring a backpack with water and snacks, as there are not many stores or restaurants in the canyon.
• If you are hiking or biking, bring sunscreen and a hat.

The Na Pali Coast is a gem of Kauai, and December is the perfect time to explore it. It has beautiful limestone cliffs and white sand beaches that are even more dazzling in December, when the warm weather provides ideal conditions for enjoying outdoor activities.

The mild temperatures and low chance of rain make this month the best time to embark on a sightseeing cruise, kayak or hike trails that offer spectacular views of the island. In fact, I recommend booking a rafting and snorkeling adventure on Kauai to make the most of the island's water sports.

If you decide to visit the Na Pali coast on these dates, I recommend you to book your activity in advance, if you have decided on one in particular. In addition, to adapt to the weather, I advise you to bring comfortable clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself. In particular, if you are going kayaking, bring a life jacket and mosquito repellent.

On Kauai, there's one magical place you won't want to miss: the Limahuli Botanical Garden. This corner on the north shore of the island transforms into a paradise in this month, when it reaches its natural splendor.

When you stroll through this botanical garden, you are immersed in a wonder of nature. The bamboo forests and rainforests become a breathtaking backdrop, as tropical plants are in full bloom, painting the garden with vibrant colors. It's quite a sight!

There are several trails you can hike, ranging from easy to more challenging, but all of them take you through amazing scenery. You can hike while enjoying panoramic views of the Hanalei Valley and the nearby mountains - don't forget to take pictures of the views!

In addition, the garden is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Orchids, bromeliads and ferns are just some of the plants on display in December. In addition, you can spot tropical birds, monkeys, spiders and butterflies. Bird watching is especially exciting, with the possibility of seeing parrots, Hawaiian honeycreepers and Kauai hummingbirds.

To plan your day of exploration, keep in mind that the garden is open every day of the year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. So plan your visit to these botanical gardens to be captivated by their beauty!

If you want a pure adventure experience on Kauai, December is the perfect month to hike Nounou's trails. With warm temperatures and very little rainfall, hiking conditions are optimal. Imagine hiking in such pleasant weather and with breathtaking views!

Nounou's trails traverse the majestic Sleeping Giant mountain range, giving you spectacular panoramas of the island. From cliffs on the Na Pali Coast to the breathtaking Waimea Canyon and the Pacific Ocean itself, every step gives you an unforgettable view.

And which trails are best to hike? One of the most popular is the Nounou Ridge Trail, 5.4 kilometers long and of moderate difficulty. From here, you'll enjoy panoramic views that take in the Na Pali Coast and the majestic Waimea Canyon. Another option is the Nounou Mountain Trail, 10.8 kilometers long and also moderate in difficulty, but with equally spectacular views.

If you decide to venture out in December, be sure to be prepared. Bring comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as water and snacks to keep you energized. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the tropical sun. Also, I recommend starting your hiking trip early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat.

If I have to recommend a town on the island of Kauai, it's inevitable to talk about Hanalei, a must-see destination, especially in December!

Imagine a picturesque place on the north shore of Kauai, with a stunning bay, surrounded by palm trees and majestic mountains. What can you do there? Practically everything! Swim, dive or snorkel in its crystal clear waters. Fishing, surfing and kayaking are also very common, by the way! If you want to kayak in Kauai, I recommend you do it also in the Secret falls, it's awesome!

But Hanalei is not limited only to its bay. This town has a special charm thanks to its stores, restaurants and art galleries. Do you like to buy souvenirs or try the delicious Hawaiian cuisine? You're in the right place! Plus, you can soak up the local music and culture.

Plus, if you visit in December, Hanalei gets festive with events like the Hanalei Arts Festival and the Hanalei Arts and Crafts Festival.

So that you can better organize what a day in Hanalei would be like, I tell you everything you could do:

• Stroll along the bay: you can spend some time walking along the boardwalk, you can even do it by bike if you rent one!
• Discover the Hanalei Farmers Market: Every Saturday, this market is filled with fresh produce, flowers and handicrafts.
• Hike the Hanalei Valley Trail: A walk here will give you spectacular views of the bay and mountains.
• Enjoy a show at the Hanalei Theatre: From theater and music to dance and martial arts.

I mentioned it when I told you about Hanalei, but it's the perfect place if you want to do some water sports during your trip!

Imagine warm, crystal clear waters with exceptional visibility. The bay is teeming with marine life, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sea turtles, rays and even dolphins.

In addition, in December you can witness a unique spectacle: the green sea turtles that come to the bay to lay their eggs. A magical experience you will remember forever!

Wondering how to experience this adventure? Don't worry, there are several companies that offer exciting snorkeling and diving excursions in Hanalei Bay. These tours usually include all the necessary equipment and transportation, and the experienced guides will take you to the best spots to discover the fascinating marine life.

I will give you some tips to go prepared to Hanalei Bay. Of course, wear appropriate clothing and sun protection, follow the instructions of the instructors who will help you practice the sport of your choice, and if you choose to dive, you will need a valid diving certification.

That said, get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of this magical bay!

If you are a lover of fine cuisine, Kauai awaits you with an irresistible mix of Hawaiian, American and Asian flavors. In this paradisiacal corner of paradise, December is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the authentic Hawaiian cuisine. Does poke ring a bell? It is a delicacy based on raw fish cut into cubes, a fresh and delicious explosion that you have to try. I also recommend you try the laulau, a feast of meat wrapped in taro leaves, or enjoy the irresistible kalua pork, a pork slow-cooked in an earth oven.

Are you more into exploring international flavors? If so, Kauai is home to a variety of restaurants serving dishes from around the world, and interestingly, in December many of them feature special seasonal menus incorporating the island's freshest ingredients. To make the right choice on how to enjoy the experience, I recommend booking a Kauai food tour, so you're sure to get it right!

In addition to sampling the dishes I've recommended, I think you'll also find it interesting to explore **Kauai'**s farmers markets, which have some special events in December that will offer you the opportunity to sample seasonal produce. Mahalo for a taste of life on Kauai!

As the island's bustling capital, this quaint town combines local charm with an infectious energy, which is why its atmosphere in December is unique!

Kappa is the perfect setting to enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about the rain. In addition, Kapaa is known for being a shopping paradise, and December is no exception. From fashion boutiques to specialty souvenir stores, the town has something for everyone - don't miss the charming shopping malls like Kapaa Town Center and Kukui'ula Village!

If you're a foodie, you're in luck, because Kapaa offers a delicious gastronomic variety that encompasses cuisines from all over the world. I especially recommend the street food stalls that await you with traditional flavors. In fact, every Saturday the Kapaa Farmers Market Day is celebrated.

And if you want to enjoy the beach, very close you can find Kapaa Beach and Poipu Beach, as well as hiking trails that start from the same town, like the one that leads to the majestic Wailua waterfall, you will have many options to connect with nature.

Possibly, this is one of the reasons why you have traveled to Kauai. Discover the magic of the movies and the beauty of the island on a fascinating bus tour of movie locations, which lasts 6 to 7 hours. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Hawaiian scenery and explore the locations of iconic movies such as Blue Hawaii, Jurassic Park and Lilo and Stitch.

A guide will tell you the most interesting facts about the filming of these movies while you visit places like Ahukini State Recreational, Lydgate State Park, Opaekaa Falls, Kapaa, Kalalea, Tahiti Nui, Hanalei, and Kilauea Point. The experience includes transfers from specific hotels, so you can enjoy these stunning locations in a comfortable and safe way.

If you want to experience Hawaiian paradise, it's imperative that you spend part of your trip enjoying the serenity of Kauai's beaches in December. Get ready to enjoy crystal clear waters, soft sand and warm sunshine that will make your getaway unforgettable.

I'm going to tell you about some of my favorite Kauai beaches to explore during your December visit:

• Poipu Beach: Imagine the soft white sand under your feet, the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore and the warm sun caressing your skin. Poipu Beach invites you to swim, snorkel or just relax in the sun.
• Ke'anae Peninsula: Discover the exotic beauty of Ke'anae Peninsula's black sand beaches. Their unique character and breathtaking views will make you fall in love.

In December, the warm and pleasant temperatures, with an average of 27 degrees Celsius and little rainfall, you can fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty that these beaches have to offer.

Remember to bring your towel and bathing suit, and enjoy the paradise in Kauai!