Complete travel information for your December journey
December is a popular month for travel to Maui from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) due to winter holidays and warm-weather getaways. Expect most itineraries to include one stop at West Coast hubs such as Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or Phoenix (PHX), with total door-to-door travel times averaging 11–14 hours. Holiday peak days (mid-December and the days around Christmas and New Year's) often have higher fares and limited award availability, so book early and set fare alerts. Pack for variable weather — light beachwear for Kahului Airport (OGG)/Maui and a light jacket for cooler CLT winter mornings. CTA: Search December fares now for Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Kahului Airport (OGG) and sign up for price alerts to lock in savings.
For December travel from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Kahului Airport (OGG), arrive at least 2.5 to 3 hours before departure for domestic flights with checked bags due to holiday crowds and TSA lines. Peak holiday periods and weekend departures can increase processing time, so plan extra time for parking, shuttle transfers, and security. Consider checking in online and enrolling in TSA PreCheck to reduce wait times.
There are generally no nonstop flights between Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Kahului Airport (OGG); most itineraries in December include one stop, commonly via West Coast hubs like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or Phoenix (PHX). Expect total travel times, including layovers, of about 11 to 14 hours depending on connection length. Search for one-stop itineraries on American Airlines, Delta, and United for the best December routing options.
Average round-trip fares from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Kahului Airport (OGG) in December tend to range from $650 to $1,200 depending on purchase lead time, travel dates (holiday vs. early December), and whether you choose basic economy or refundable tickets. Booking 6–10 weeks in advance and using fare alerts or flexible-date searches can help secure cheaper December flights to Maui. Consider Tuesday/Wednesday departures and midweek returns to find lower fares.
Baggage allowances for CLT to OGG flights vary by carrier and fare class; most major airlines allow one carry-on plus a personal item for domestic travel, while checked baggage fees apply for basic economy. During December holiday travel, airlines may be stricter about size and weight limits due to high load factors—check your airline's exact allowances before packing. Consider a soft-sided bag to maximize overhead space and label luggage clearly for faster claim at Kahului Airport (OGG).
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) offers rental cars, rideshare pickups, airport shuttles, and taxis; during December holiday travel, rideshare pickup areas and rental car counters can be busier than usual, so allow extra time. Pre-book rental cars and check airport parking reservations for long-term stays to avoid sold-out lots. If traveling to downtown Charlotte or nearby cities like Raleigh or Greenville before your flight, consider regional shuttle services and Amtrak connections.
As of December, there are no U.S. federal vaccine or quarantine requirements for domestic travel between Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Kahului Airport (OGG), but local county rules and airline policies may vary. Always check the latest guidance from Maui County and your airline before departure for any changes related to public health or travel advisories. Carry any required documentation and be prepared for mask policies that could change seasonally.
December arrivals at Kahului Airport (OGG) often experience warm temperatures and increased visitor volumes due to winter vacations and holiday travelers. Popular onward destinations include Lahaina and Kapalua on West Maui, Kihei and Wailea on South Maui, and Paia on the North Shore. Advance bookings for rental cars, shuttles, and whale-watching tours are highly recommended—December marks the start of peak whale season, so tours sell out quickly. For smoother arrival, have accommodations and transportation arranged and check local advisories for any weather-related changes. CTA: Book your December transfer from Kahului Airport (OGG) early to guarantee availability for Maui hotspots like Lahaina, Kihei, and Wailea.
Arriving at Kahului Airport (OGG) in December, expect warm, tropical weather and busy rental car counters as Maui sees peak holiday tourism. Allow extra time for baggage claim and car rental processing—shuttles to neighbor islands and hotels can also be crowded during the holidays. Keep local transfer contacts handy and pre-book excursions to secure spots during December.
December at Kahului Airport (OGG) typically brings mild temperatures ranging from the low 60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit with occasional rain showers as it is part of the island’s wetter season. Packing a light rain jacket and layers is smart for excursions to higher elevations like Haleakalā, where conditions can be significantly cooler. December is also prime whale-watching season off Maui’s coast, so plan boat tours accordingly.
Yes, Kahului Airport (OGG) offers shuttle services, rental cars, taxis, and rideshares that travel to popular Maui destinations such as Lahaina (West Maui), Kihei, Wailea, and Paia. During December holiday weeks, book transfers or rental cars in advance because availability can be limited and prices surge. Many resorts also offer scheduled airport transfers—confirm reservations ahead of arrival.
Kahului Airport (OGG) provides eateries, car rental counters, basic shopping, and visitor information; however, facilities may have reduced hours on major holidays. For December travelers, expect busy kiosks and limited late-night services—plan snack and water needs before arrival or confirm vendor hours. Accessibility services and lost-and-found are available through airport customer service.
There is no general visitor fee charged by the airport on arrival at Kahului Airport (OGG), but some tourist activities and county fees may apply for certain transfers or park entries. Maui County may have parking or eco-fees for specific conservation areas—check with tour operators for any seasonal surcharges during December. Always verify fees before booking tours or renting vehicles.
In December, there are typically no Hawaii-wide entry quarantine or mandatory testing requirements for domestic arrivals, but public health guidance can change; always check Maui County and state health department advisories before travel. Airlines may enforce mask or screening policies at their discretion; bring masks and any vaccination or test documentation you might need for tours or accommodations. For updated rules, consult official Hawaii government resources prior to departure.
December on Maui offers a mix of holiday celebrations, cultural festivals, and natural attractions near Kahului Airport (OGG). Key draws include whale-watching season (typically December through April), Christmas and New Year’s events in Lahaina and Kihei, and local hula and music performances at community centers and resorts. Cultural events such as craft fairs and farmers' markets often increase in frequency during the holiday season—perfect for gifting and local artisan finds. If you’re flying in from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), book popular activities like sunset cruises and Haleakalā sunrise reservations early since December demand is high. CTA: Reserve whale-watching tours and holiday cultural events in advance to make the most of your December Maui visit.
The best time to fly from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Kahului Airport (OGG) in December is early December or the week after New Year’s when fares and crowds typically ease. If your schedule is flexible, fly midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) to find lower fares and shorter airport lines; avoid peak holiday departure days (around December 21–26 and December 30–January 2). For a smoother connection experience, choose itineraries with overnight or long morning layovers in LAX or SFO to reduce the risk of missed connections.
Because there are typically no nonstop flights from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Kahului Airport (OGG), most December travelers choose single-connection itineraries through West Coast hubs. Connecting flights often provide lower fares and more schedule options but add potential delay risk and longer total travel time. If you prioritize convenience and fewer touchpoints (valuable in December holiday travel), aim for shorter layovers with the same alliance carrier to minimize missed-connection risk. Conversely, if price is the priority, a longer but cheaper connection via LAX or SFO can save money.
American Airlines: As a major carrier at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), American often offers CLT→OGG itineraries with a single connection at LAX or PHX. Pros: robust schedule, consistent alliance connections; Cons: checked bag fees on lower fare classes. Delta Air Lines: Delta routes may connect via SLC or SEA with competitive fares and good SkyMiles redemption options. Pros: strong West Coast connectivity and onboard service; Cons: fewer direct CLT departures. United Airlines: Often connects via SFO or DEN with reliable transcontinental options. Pros: MileagePlus benefits and partner availability; Cons: variable layover lengths. For December travel, compare total travel time, baggage fees, and change/cancellation flexibility when choosing carriers. CTA: Check flexible-fare options and loyalty program perks to make the best December booking from CLT to OGG.
Packing: Bring beachwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a light rain jacket, and a warm layer for Haleakalā excursions. Booking: Secure flights, rental cars, and high-demand activities (whale watches, luaus) as early as possible when traveling in December from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Kahului Airport (OGG). Airport logistics: Expect heavier traffic at CLT and crowded rental facilities at OGG—arrive early at CLT and confirm pickup times with rental companies. Health & safety: Stay hydrated on long transcontinental flights and watch for jet lag; consider booking a morning arrival to maximize daylight on your first Maui day. CTA: Prepare for December travel by checking flight status, confirming ground transfers, and packing for both Charlotte winter and Maui tropical climates.
Typical December itineraries from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Kahului Airport (OGG) include one stop and total travel times of about 11–14 hours. Example: CLT → LAX (approx. 5h 20m) + layover 1.5–3 hours → LAX → OGG (approx. 5h 45m) equals roughly 12–14 hours door-to-door. Flights via San Francisco or Phoenix show similar total durations with slight variations in connection times. Check morning and red-eye options to optimize layovers; early December often has more schedule flexibility than peak holiday days. CTA: View live December schedules for Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Kahului Airport (OGG) and choose the best connection for your travel window.
To get cheap December flights from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Kahului Airport (OGG), book 6–10 weeks in advance and use flexible-date searches to identify midweek savings. Monitor fare alerts for routes via LAX, SFO, or PHX where competition often drives prices down. Consider departing in early December or after New Year’s Day when demand drops and watch for flash sales from major carriers out of CLT. Use reward points or multi-city itineraries (e.g., add a stopover in Los Angeles or Seattle) to lower costs, and compare basic economy versus main cabin prices given baggage needs. CTA: Sign up for fare alerts and compare CLT to OGG December prices today to find the best deal.