calm body of water during golden hour
Plan Your Trip

Winter · Monthly Guide

Getting a Tattoo in Hawaii
in December

December combines holiday magic, whale watching, the Honolulu Marathon, and the year's lowest UV index. The easiest month for tattoo aftercare, but book early — it's peak season.

Photo by Justin McCloskey on Unsplash

December Weather & Conditions

Here's what to expect on the ground. Use these numbers to decide when to schedule outdoor adventures (early in your trip) and when to book your tattoo (toward the end).

Temperature

81°/67°F

High / Low

UV Index

6

High - SPF 50+ essential for fresh tattoos

Crowds

peak

Book early!

Prices

$$$$

peak season pricing

10 days

Rain expected

5:50 PM

Sunset time

77°F

Ocean temp

🐋

Yes!

Whale season

Tattoo Tip for December

December has the lowest UV of the year — the best month for tattoo aftercare. But it's peak season, so book your tattoo session weeks in advance.

December Highlights

Holiday celebrations
Honolulu Marathon
Whale watching

Best For

Holiday vacationsLowest UV for healingWhale watching

Exploring Hawaii in December

calm body of water during golden hour
Photo by Justin McCloskey on Unsplash
City skyline illuminated at night.
Photo by Samuel Branch on Unsplash
A view of a city with a mountain in the background
Photo by Haotian Zheng on Unsplash

Tattoo Inspiration

polynesian tribal geometric tattoo on forearm

By Kaina

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black and grey buddha skull forearm tattoo with dotwork shading

By Ryan Murphy

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black and grey realistic portrait tattoo of woman with forest and bird on upper arm

By Ryan Murphy

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virgin mary sacred heart forearm tattoo

By Ryan Murphy

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biomechanical full sleeve tattoo with robot eye and mechanical parts

By Ryan Murphy

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polynesian tribal calf tattoo with geometric patterns

By Mike Shapiro

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traditional style tattoo of wolf and ram heads on calf with red and blue accents

By Mike Shapiro

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japanese dragon forearm tattoo with flames and sword

By Ryan Murphy

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hibiscus flower forearm tattoo with botanical leaves

By Mike Shapiro

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traditional american style hula girl playing ukulele on forearm

By Mike Shapiro

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color japanese traditional forearm tattoo of oni demon mask with cherry blossoms

By Mike Shapiro

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black and grey hammerhead shark tribal tattoo on forearm with water droplets

By Kaina

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Explore Full Gallery →

Recommended December Itinerary

Stack your surf sessions, snorkel days, and hikes at the front of your trip. Schedule your tattoo toward the end, then keep things low-key while you heal. Here's a sample 7-day layout:

Day 1
SUN
Adventure
Day 2
SUN
Adventure
Day 3
SUN
Adventure
Day 4
SUN
Adventure
Day 5
INK
Tattoo
Day 6
HEAL
Healing
Day 7
HEAL
Healing
Beach, surf, hikeTattoo sessionHealing (no sun/water)

Before Your Tattoo

Do these activities first

Surfing & ocean swimming

Saltwater irritates fresh ink

Hiking Diamond Head

Sweat + sun exposure on fresh tattoos

Snorkeling & diving

Submerging a fresh tattoo risks infection

Beach sunbathing

UV damages fresh tattoo pigment

After Your Tattoo

Tattoo-safe activities

Shopping at Ala Moana

Indoor, air-conditioned, tattoo-safe

Food tour & restaurants

No sun or water exposure

Luau & cultural shows

Evening events, minimal sun risk

Photography & sightseeing

Gentle activity, stay in shade

Meet Our Artists

Kaina

available

Kaina

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Turtle

Turtle

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Mr.T

Mr.T

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Ian

Ian

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Charlie

Charlie

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Zack Mitchell

Zack Mitchell

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Visiting in December?

Share your travel dates and your tattoo idea. We'll help you pick the right day for your session and pair you with an artist who matches your style.

Book Your December Session