Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December is a busy travel month for departures from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG). Expect increased passenger volume around mid-December through New Year’s; book earlier for nonstop flights and consider midweek departures to find better fares. Use TSA PreCheck, arrive 2.5–3 hours before peak holiday flights, and monitor airline schedules for weather-related changes. Popular nearby pickup and drop-off areas include downtown San Diego, La Jolla, Coronado, and Chula Vista. CTA: Search cheap flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG) now and secure your December Maui vacation.
At San Diego International Airport (SAN), most domestic Hawaii flights recommend arriving 2 hours before departure. During December holiday travel peaks, allow 2.5–3 hours to clear TSA security, check bags, and reach your gate. Use TSA PreCheck or mobile boarding passes to speed up the process and consider parking or ride-share drop-off timing for Morning departures.
Yes—seasonal and year-round nonstop flights between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Kahului Airport (OGG) are often available in December, offered by several carriers. Nonstop availability can fluctuate with holiday schedules, so check airline timetables and book early for winter travel to Maui to secure nonstop options.
Typical nonstop flight time from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG) is about 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes. Flight time can vary slightly depending on winds and routing; connecting itineraries via Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) add 1–3+ hours including layovers.
December is a peak month for travel to Maui, especially around the holidays, so fares from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG) typically rise in late November and early December. For the best prices, book 45–90 days in advance and monitor fare alerts; midweek departures and off-peak dates in early December often yield the cheapest SAN to OGG flights.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers taxis, ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft), shuttle services, and on-site car rental counters. For December travel, consider pre-booking airport parking or an off-site shuttle, and use the airport’s domestic terminals for efficient drop-off when heading to your SAN to OGG flight.
During December, expect busier terminals and fuller flights at San Diego International Airport (SAN); pack essentials in carry-on, confirm airline rebooking policies, and arrive early. Check weather at Kahului Airport (OGG) and Maui destinations as winter storms on the mainland can affect connections, and sign up for airline alerts to stay informed on any schedule changes.
Arriving at Kahului Airport (OGG) in December brings mild temperatures, potential short rain showers, and busy holiday transfer periods to Maui’s top destinations like Lahaina, Kihei, Wailea, Wailuku, and Hana. Rental car counters and inter-island connections can be busier during holiday windows—book vehicles and transfers early and confirm pickup instructions. Look for shuttle services to major resort areas and prepare for trade winds which can affect inter-island flights. CTA: Book arrival transfers from Kahului Airport (OGG) now to guarantee December pickup and start your Maui holiday smoothly.
Kahului Airport (OGG) experiences steady traffic in December but is well-equipped with rental car facilities, inter-island flight connections, and ground shuttles. Expect mild Maui weather with occasional trade winds; if arriving during holiday peak days, allow extra time for car rentals and shuttle lines to Lahaina, Kihei, Wailea, Wailuku, and Hana.
December in Maui is generally mild and comfortable, with average daytime highs in the mid-70s to low 80s°F (24–28°C) and slightly cooler evenings. December is part of the island’s wetter season, so brief showers are common—pack a light rain layer and plan flexible activities in case of short rain showers near Kahului and Hana.
From Kahului Airport (OGG), the most accessible Maui destinations include Wailuku, Kahului town, Paia, Kihei, Wailea, and Lahaina; Hana is reachable via a scenic drive or shuttle. Travelers often connect to other islands (Honolulu/HNL, Kona/KOA) from OGG, and ground transport options include rental cars, private shuttles, taxis, and rideshares.
While Kahului Airport (OGG) remains operational throughout December, holiday staffing and rental car shortages can create longer lines and occasional temporary desk closures. Check airline and rental car provider advisories before travel, and arrive prepared with confirmation numbers and digital boarding passes to minimize delays.
As of December travel planning, standard health guidance may include masking advisories for high-risk travelers and sanitation protocols at Kahului Airport (OGG); mandatory COVID testing requirements have generally been lifted. Check current state and airline health notices before departure from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to OGG and keep proof of vaccination or testing if your airline requests it.
To navigate Kahului Airport (OGG) efficiently in December, pre-book rental cars, download airline apps for boarding passes, and select mid-week arrival times to avoid weekend crowds. If headed to popular resorts in Wailea or Lahaina, confirm shuttle pickup details in advance and consider pre-purchasing local transfers to bypass onsite lines.
December in Maui features festive events such as holiday craft fairs, rooftop and beachside holiday markets in Kihei and Wailea, Christmas parades in Lahaina, and seasonal performances that celebrate Hawaiian culture. Visitors landing at Kahului Airport (OGG) can time their arrival to enjoy community tree lightings, local craft markets in Wailuku, and sometimes whale-watching tours that begin in late December. Check local event calendars before booking to align your San Diego to Maui trip with key December festivals.
For December travel from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG), the best time to fly for lower fares and fewer crowds is early December (first two weeks) and midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday). Avoid peak holiday windows around December 23–26 and December 30–January 2 when fares and demand surge. Morning flights often reduce missed-connection risk, while late-night departures can provide lower fares; weigh convenience against price when planning your December Maui getaway.
Nonstop flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG) save time—typically 5–5.5 hours door-to-door—and reduce the chance of missed connections during December holiday operations. Connecting flights via Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or Phoenix (PHX) can be cheaper and provide more scheduling flexibility but add layover time and potential delay exposure. For December travel, weigh the convenience of nonstop service against potential savings of a connecting itinerary, and confirm minimum connection times if booking separate tickets.
Major carriers flying the SAN to OGG route in December often include Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and occasionally other national carriers offering seasonal nonstop or one-stop service. Hawaiian Airlines typically focuses on Hawaii service with island expertise and free meal service on select routes; Alaska often competes with frequent nonstop schedules and mileage program perks. Compare baggage fees, seat selection costs, and change policies—especially important for December travel—and check each airline’s holiday schedule for additional frequencies or route adjustments.
Pack lightweight rain gear and a light sweater for cooler evenings when traveling from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG) in December. Expect busy rental car desks and potential fuel surcharges during holiday weeks—pre-book cars and transfers, verify flexible change policies, and keep digital copies of confirmations. For the best experience, build buffer time into arrival and departure plans, subscribe to airline alerts for schedule changes, and include refundable options when possible for December travel.
Nonstop flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG) usually take about 5 to 5.5 hours. In December, airlines may add seasonal frequencies on popular travel dates; connecting itineraries through hubs like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or Portland (PDX) add layover time and total travel duration. Check carrier timetables for red-eye and morning departure options that can maximize time on Maui, and verify arrival times relative to sunset and resort check-in hours.
To secure cheap flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Kahului Airport (OGG) in December, start monitoring fares 2–3 months in advance and use flexible date search tools. Opt for midweek flights, consider early December dates outside holiday windows, and evaluate one-stop itineraries via Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) if nonstop fares are high. Sign up for airline newsletters and fare-tracking alerts, and compare bundled packages that include hotels in Kihei or Wailea for additional savings. CTA: Activate fare alerts for SAN to OGG December routes and book when prices drop.