Holiday season means chilly weather and holiday business, but on Maui it means family time, holiday fun, tropical weather and whales, whales, whales!
We may be a little partial to the whales (whale season officially starts December 1st every year), but there are so many fun holiday things to do here on Maui if you are visiting during the Christmas season!
Here’s a list of everything from seasonal tourism to holiday concerts you should check out if you are visiting Maui in December!
Maui Winter Tourism
Whale Watching
The whales are not here are year long, instead they migrate here from December to April every year! If you’re visiting Maui in December it is a must-do to join a whale watching tour! Tours are offered sunrise to sunset, starting at $35. There are even tours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for an amazing Maui holiday memory for your family!
Holiday Luau
Drums of the Pacific Special Holiday Luau at Hyatt Regency Kaanapali offers a magical holiday luau performance and seasonal feast that include some traditional menu items like roast turkey and pumpkin pie!
Lahaina Banyan Tree Lighting!
The 22nd Annual Lighting of the Banyan Tree in Lahaina will take place December 7th, 2019! Front street will be decorated with Christmas wreaths and the tree will be adorned with more than 6500 lights! The lighting will begin at 6:30pm and be on display through January 1st! Santa will arrive earlier at 2pm for the keiki photos as well as a gift and craft fair that starts at 9am. Free!
Wailea Tree Lighting!
23,000 lights come to life on one of Maui’s largest Christmas trees! This free event will be held at the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea on December 5th, enjoy tree lighting, hawaiian entertainment, holiday treats and more!
Holiday Lights Stroll
How about a romantic stroll under holiday lights in warm tropical weather? Resorts in Wailea, Maui get their holiday on, with hundreds of Christmas lights and decorations tastefully gracing their palm trees and open halls. Grab a warm holiday beverage at the Shops of Wailea and take the paved path along the road and to the beach, walking through the resorts, enjoying their festive holiday decor!
December Shopping in Maui
Maui Uniques Gifts Gallery
The Uniques Gift Gallery is free to visit at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center until December 20th! Check out this exhibit and shop the boutique of artists showcasing gifts for the holidays! There are vintage items, food and beverages, bath and beauty, clothing and art pieces for sale as the perfect gifts for you to take home to your ohana! Free admission and gifts are affordable, open 10am-5pm daily!
Art Festival in Lahaina
Every Sunday in December, the Art Festival in Lahaina displays and sales fine art from local artist! Stop by from 9am-4pm Lahaina Cannery Mall and pick out the perfect gift for that friend back home!
Maui Gift and Craft Fair
Maui Gift and Craft Fair connects 50 vendors and artist with visitors, showcasing photography, jewelry, art, crafts and gift, just in time for the holidays! Free entry, there will be food and drinks, and things for keiki too! Visit them Sundays in the Lahaina Gateway Center from 9am-2pm.
Winter Music
December Joy!
Presented by the Maui Choral Arts Association is a holiday collection of choral music, directed by Gary Leavitt! There are 100 singers getting you into the Christmas spirit! This concert is very popular so purchase your tickets ahead of time online! December 1st, $30/adults, $15/kids.
Holiday Pops
David Banoit and Sara Gazarek are featured in this year’s holiday concert, joined by more than 50 Maui Pops Orchestra members and directed by James Durham. A musical combination of orchestral holiday music and features by three-time Grammy Award nominated pianist David benoit and vocalist Sara Gazarakm bringing the joyful spirit of jazz holiday music to Maui’s community! Tickets are $22-$60.
Nut Cracker
MAPA presents this classic ballet holiday story performed around the nation, and now right here on Maui’s Arts and Cultural Center stage. Don’t miss the Sugar Plum Fairy, magical christmas music and a whole lot holiday spirit! December 20th and 21st, tickets are $24, $30, $18 for keiki
Maui Chamber Orchestra Chorus
And On Earth, Peace, is presented at the Historic ‘Iao Theater December 21st and 22nd! Conductor Stephen Spinelli leads the Maui Chamber Orchestra Chorus through classic christmas music including works by Mozart and Bach. Tickets are $10-$55.
Things to do For the Foodies
Traditional Christmas Buffet
Check out Kaanapali Beach Hotel for a traditional Hawaiian Christmas Buffet! Their award winning chefs will prepare a full Christmas buffet for family dining!
Fine Dining Restaurants’ and Resorts’ Holiday Specials
Many resorts on Maui will be offering and preparing special holiday menu items! Contact them directly for their specials! Here’s a list of restaurants and resorts to contact!
- Mama’s Fish House
- Spago
- Duo
- Star Noodle
- Ko
- Grand Dining Room at Grand Wailea
- Pacifico
- Ritz Carlton Resort
- Montage Kapalua
- Hyatt Regency Resort
- Westin Kaanapali
Community
Christmas 5K
The Annual Christmas 5K Run & Santa’s ½ Mile Keiki Dash takes place this year December 15th! Support Maui’s community by getting your run on for Maui Food Bank! Sign up to fun and bring your food donations! 7:30am-10am.
Hope you can get into the holiday spirit during your December trip to Maui!
And don’t forget to just enjoy your vacation with a little beach time, snorkeling and mojitos!