What to Wear in Hilo in December

Light, quick-drying fabrics are the foundation — polyester-blend or technical athletic tops, lightweight shorts or linen pants — because cotton soaks through and stays wet when you're caught in a tropical shower. A packable waterproof rain jacket fits into a day bag and handles Hilo's frequent showers when they arrive. Waterproof trail sandals or shoes handle the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden's wet paths and the Rainbow Falls overlook's mist-slicked surfaces.

December is worth visiting Hilo for the right kind of traveler — one who finds Hilo's lush, rain-fed landscape more compelling than the dry-side beaches of Kona. The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, Akaka Falls State Park, and Wailuku River State Park are all extraordinary, and the rain that makes some visitors avoid Hilo is the same force that powers the waterfalls and maintains the extraordinary botanical density. Hilo Farmers Market runs year-round and is at its most vibrant on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Waterproof trail sandals (Teva, Chaco, or similar) or waterproof trail shoes are the most versatile choices — they handle the wet botanical garden paths, the mist-slicked overlooks at Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls, and the Hilo Farmers Market's often wet ground. Rubber flip-flops (rubber slippers) work for casual Hilo Bay waterfront walking but don't provide enough grip for trails after rain. Non-waterproofed shoes will be wet within 30 minutes on almost any December day in Hilo.

Daytime highs average 79°F with overnight lows around 62°F — warm, tropical temperatures year-round. The defining characteristic is the rain: about 22 days of precipitation in December, among the highest monthly totals in the US. The rain often comes as intense tropical showers that pass within 30–60 minutes, but some December days bring sustained heavy rainfall, particularly when Kona Low pressure systems stall over the island. The combination of warmth and frequent rain makes the landscape extraordinarily lush.

Pack quick-drying, lightweight fabrics — avoid cotton as a main fabric given the frequency of showers. A packable waterproof rain jacket is essential; a lightweight version that fits in a day bag is more practical than a full rain suit. Waterproof trail sandals or shoes handle the wet trail systems. Sunscreen remains important — UV index can be high even between rain showers at Hawaii's latitude. A dry bag or waterproof daypack liner protects electronics during heavier downpours.