Maui Holiday Events and Christmas Celebrations
Great Ways to Enjoy the Holiday Season on Vacation in Maui
Maui is a great destination for enjoying holiday rentals at any time of year but its warm tropical climate makes it particularly popular in the winter months. The island puts on plenty of festivals and events during November and December as well as offering some great things to do on the island at any time of year. Those wanting to enjoy active sports such as cycling or hiking will find the altitude on Mount Haleakala offers a cooler climate, making it very pleasant for enjoying outdoor activities. Decide what activities and events you want to enjoy, then choose a well-located beachfront villa at Wailea or a golf course condo rental for your own tailor-made dream Maui vacation.
Maui Whale Watching
It’s not just tourists that flock to Maui in winter, the Humpback Whales also winter in the warm waters, feeding and rearing their young. Maui is the best place in Hawaii for whale watching. You can actually spot whale spouts from Ma’alaea Bay in South Maui but the best way to get up-close is on one of the thrilling whale watching tours.
Outdoor Pursuits at Haleakala National Park
This massive volcano in East Maui rises to a height of over 10,000 feet above sea level offering excellent opportunities for hiking, cycling, nature spotting, helicopter tours and ziplining adventures. One of the most popular trips is the Downhill Bike Ride where a van carries riders and bikes up the volcano and riders descend at their own speed, barely having to pedal at all.
Watch the Hula O Na Keika
In early November Maui hosts Hula O Na Keika, a children’s solo hula competition which is one of the cultural sports of Hawaii. It is held over two weekends on Ka’anapali Beach and there are workshops on hula, competitions, arts and crafts and family entertainment.
Enjoy Magical Holiday Lights
December begins with a tree-lighting ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton at Kapalua. It celebrates the season with 250,000 lights draped around the palm trees and gardens surrounding the hotel. Visitors to the grand tree-lighting ceremony are treated to a Hawaiian music show.
Another beautiful event that should not be missed is the holiday lighting of the Lahaina's Banyan Tree. This historic tree is resplendent with thousands of lights during the entire holiday season from early December. Santa Claus puts in an appearance and community choirs sing Christmas carols. Lahaina Park creates a real Snow Zone for children and there is a holiday craft fair for finding last-minute handmade gifts.
Celebrate Maui’s Food and Wine
Maui has some excellent restaurants and top chefs who join together in a number of Food and Wine Events. The Chamber of Commerce puts on the Food and Business Expo in Moloka’i, where guests can sample many of the delectable dishes of Molokai while meeting with business owners from the area.
On a more charitable note, the Wailea Food and Wine Celebration is held at the Diamond Hawaii Resort at Wailea. Area chefs and well-known winemakers put on a feast of amazing wine and food, all for the aid of the Hui No-eau Visual Arts Center. While enjoying scrumptious wine and food, guests are invited to browse the showcase of local artworks.
Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise
If you are separated from family and friends during your stay in Maui at Thanksgiving, consider joining a memorable Sunset Cruise and Thanksgiving Dinner. The event is organized by the Pacific Whale Foundation and offers live music, cocktails and champagne and sightings of humpback whales before enjoying a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings.