The Pacific is COLD in December

[bobogator]

I wasn't expecting the lagoon to be so cold, but I suppose it's understandable, with it being December and the noon temps in the mid-high 70s with a cool breeze. Definitely going to need wetsuits on our dolphin/turtle/fish snorkel on Monday.

We're planning to swim at Lanikai Beach and Sunset Beach, but now I'm not so sure after wading and dunking into the freezing lagoon. Any thoughts on this, other than the "suck it up and go in the water" advice I keep telling myself?

Thanks!

 

[alohamom]

I totally understand and this is one of the reason we have started going to Hawaii in the summer months. You will find Kailua (shich is the beach just before Lanikai) a little warmer as it is a large shallow area that is sort of bay shaped so it tends to be a bit warmer and just one of the many reasons I love that beach. I remember being soooo cold at Hanauma Bay one year, part of that was cloud cover making it quite cold but I find the Hawaiian waters really chilly in the winter. Try Kailua and Lanikai, you might find them more to your liking and it is a shame to not see that side of the island, you never know-you might run into the Obamas. Oh and Sunset can get really really rough in the winter, be very careful - the undertow is strong even in the summer there.

 

[Midoria]

Do you kayak? You can rent them at some beaches. It's a great way to be on the water instead of being in it.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Wow...did not give water temperatures a thought when we booked Aulani for February. I am going to hopefully see whales, but really thought we could swim.

 

[buffettgirl]

I wouldn't think you'll be able to swim at Sunset this week as the surf is generally dangerous anywhere up north this time of year, but I haven't been up there this week. East also is having a lot of high surf this week, so just keep that in mind for Lanikai. Part of Kailua is closed off while the Obamas are here though.

I'm originally from new england. I still find this water refreshingly warm compared to what I swam in every summer in Maine. LOL

But, it's very cold here this week too. Nights are getting into the low 70s. next week low 60s are forecast at night. Sun is hot during the day but it's certainly a very cool week. (relatively speaking)

 

[alohamom]

@bobogator I just saw this article in the Honolulu Star about high surf warnings like buffettgirl said so do be careful if you venture out to the north and east side
http://www.staradvertiser.com/2016/...ning-in-effect-for-east-shores-of-oahu-kauai/

 

[longboard55]

This is a west coast east cost thing. Water in southern California will barely hit 70 mid summer, once you get above santa Barbara the best you will get is 65. Oahu will be mid 70s in the winter so we think the water temperature in Hawaii is heavenly all year. It will take about 30 seconds to adjust and after that you feel great.

The advantage of cooler oceans is below 80 you will never get a hurricane, warm waters give you a more hazy sky, and you get much more comfortable air temperatures and less humidity in Hawaii than you will get in the Caribbean

 

[alohamom]

It will take about 30 seconds to adjust and after that you feel great.

Yes, this is so true! Once you adjust you are fine. I tend to be a big baby and get chilled very easily but my family can swim for hours without feeling the cold

 

[PetePanMan]

I love the water temp in Dec. but my wife won't even go in

 

[longboard55]

If you have been sitting in the sun and try to tip toe in it will bite, the key is to jump in with gusto.

 

[Soccerluvinmama]

Wow...did not give water temperatures a thought when we booked Aulani for February. I am going to hopefully see whales, but really thought we could swim.

The water is totally fine in February, and it's often warmer than the pools. We have been going to Aulani in February every year since 2012. You'll be fine, and you will be able to see whales off the shore. My favorite place to watch for them is in the adult only hot tub and by going to the top floor of either of the towers and sitting in the chairs in front of the big windows by the elevator banks.

 

[Disney_Alli]

The water is totally fine in February, and it's often warmer than the pools. We have been going to Aulani in February every year since 2012. You'll be fine, and you will be able to see whales off the shore. My favorite place to watch for them is in the adult only hot tub and by going to the top floor of either of the towers and sitting in the chairs in front of the big windows by the elevator banks.

Making a note of this for my own trip in February. THANK YOU!!!