Planning a trip to Maui in December and want to know how to spend Christmas on Maui? Scroll to find out the best things to do in Maui Hawaii for Christmas.
This post about celebrating Christmas on Maui Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Planning a Hawaiian Christmas? Trust me, swapping snow for sunshine is one of the best holiday decisions you’ll ever make.
I know it might feel weird at first to celebrate Christmas in shorts and flip-flops, but there’s something incredibly special about spending the holidays on Maui.
Whether you’re traveling with kids or looking for a couples getaway, Maui offers a unique mix of traditional Christmas celebrations and island traditions. You’ll find everything from Santa arriving by outrigger canoe to gorgeous Christmas lights strung across palm trees.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect Maui Christmas.
What’s the Weather Like?
December weather on Maui is pretty much perfect. You’re looking at highs in the low to mid-80s and lows around the high 60s. It’s definitely the coolest month in Hawaii, so you might get some rain and wind, but it’s nothing like winter on the mainland.
Pack a light jacket and maybe one pair of long pants, just in case you get a cooler evening or want to head upcountry where temperatures drop a bit. But honestly? Most days you’ll be in summer clothes enjoying that beautiful Hawaiian sunshine. Check out my full Hawaii Christmas packing list HERE.
Best Christmas Activities and Events
Meeting Santa, Island Style
Santa knows how to vacation. Every year, he visits Maui in the most creative ways.
Sometimes he shows up on a surfboard, sometimes in an outrigger canoe, and occasionally on a jet ski. The man’s got style. Find out where to see Santa in Hawaii.
Santa typically arrives at Wailea Beach on Christmas Eve morning by canoe, and Mrs. Claus usually joins him for photos. It’s become such a beloved tradition that families plan their whole vacation around it.
You can also book a special holiday sail with Alii Nui, where kids can hang out with Santa on a boat while sipping hot cocoa and munching on treats. It’s the kind of Christmas memory your kids will talk about for years.
Halona Kai Holiday Village
This is one of my favorite Christmas events on Maui. The Hyatt Regency in Kaanapali transforms into a holiday wonderland for several days around Christmas, usually from December 23rd through the 27th.
Every evening from 5:00 to 9:00 pm, they light up a Christmas tree, Santa makes an appearance, and there are tons of games and activities for families. Plus, Mrs. Claus’s Bake Shop serves up all kinds of delicious treats. It’s free, family-friendly, and genuinely fun.
Maui Ocean Center
The Maui Ocean Center goes all out for Christmas with special events throughout December. You can see Scuba Claus and his elves swimming through the exhibits, which is pretty magical if you’ve got kids.
They also host a Festival of Lights with ocean-themed displays featuring sea turtles, whales, jellyfish, and coral. The whole thing is beautifully done with live music and special diver presentations.
Shopping (Because We All Need Souvenirs)
If you need to grab some last-minute gifts or want unique Hawaiian pieces, Maui has some great options.
Whalers Village in Kaanapali is basically one-stop shopping with a mix of well-known stores and smaller local businesses. You’ll find everything from surf gear to jewelry, and it’s all in one convenient spot.
The Shops at Wailea is another solid choice, especially if you’re looking for higher-end items. They have some beautiful Maui-specific Christmas ornaments that make perfect keepsakes.
For something more unique, check out the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center. It’s packed with local arts and crafts from island artists. You’ll find handmade ornaments, pottery, paintings, and other one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t see anywhere else.
Christmas Concerts and Cultural Events
The Maui Arts and Cultural Center hosts some really special concerts throughout December. Many feature local Hawaiian artists who blend traditional Christmas music with island sounds. There’s often a Holiday Pops concert with the Maui Pops Orchestra that’s become a yearly tradition for many families.
You’ll also find “Hanau Ke Ali’i, A King is Born,” a beautiful presentation of hula and music honoring the birth of Christ. Over 100 dancers typically take the stage at the Castle Theater. It’s a gorgeous way to experience Hawaiian culture and the Christmas spirit together.
Upcountry Christmas Events
Head up to Ulupalakua Ranch for their annual Christmas in the Country event, usually held mid-December.
This full-day celebration features local vendors, live music, photos with Santa, a petting zoo, and tons of activities for kids. It’s in a beautiful upcountry setting with cooler temperatures and a real country feel.
The ranch is also home to an 80-foot camphor tree that gets decorated in thousands of lights. During the tree lighting ceremony, you’ll find hot chocolate, holiday treats, live Christmas music, and crafts for the little ones. The tree itself is absolutely stunning.
Kula Botanical Gardens
If you’re craving a more traditional Christmas tree experience, head to Kula Botanical Gardens.
They grow and sell real Christmas trees, which is pretty rare in Hawaii. They also make gorgeous Hawaiian Christmas wreaths using tropical flowers and greenery.
Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a beautiful spot to visit and adds that little touch of Christmas tradition to your tropical vacation.
What to Do on Christmas Day
Hit the Beach
This might be the most uniquely Hawaiian way to spend Christmas. The beaches are free, the weather is perfect, and there’s something wonderfully relaxing about celebrating the holidays with your toes in the sand.
Build a sandman instead of a snowman. Go snorkeling. Watch the waves.
Some of my favorite Christmas memories are from lazy beach days where we did absolutely nothing but soak up the sun. Your kids will love the novelty of a beach Christmas, and honestly, so will you.
Go Whale Watching
December marks the beginning of whale season on Maui, and it’s spectacular. Humpback whales migrate to the warm waters between Maui, Lanai, and Kahoolawe, and seeing these gentle giants is truly magical.
The Pacific Whale Foundation offers excellent tours with knowledgeable guides who share fascinating information about whale behavior.
You might also spot whales from the beach if you’re lucky, but taking a tour gets you much closer to the action. It’s one of those bucket-list experiences that makes a Maui Christmas unforgettable. You can read more about Maui whale watching HERE.
Attend a Christmas Luau
Several resorts and luau companies offer special Christmas luaus throughout December. You’ll get the traditional luau experience with island dancing, music, and a feast, but with some holiday touches mixed in.
Some spots offer Christmas Eve luaus, while others have special Christmas brunch cruises with the Pacific Whale Foundation. It’s a fun way to blend Hawaiian culture with holiday celebrations.
Where to Eat on Christmas Day
Plenty of restaurants stay open for Christmas, so you don’t have to cook. Whether you want a traditional holiday meal or fresh island seafood, you’ve got options.
Merriman’s Kapalua
This oceanfront restaurant is one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, and they do Christmas right.
Open from 4:00 to 8:30 pm on Christmas Day, they offer special holiday menu items alongside their regular fare. Think fresh poke, locally caught fish, lamb chops, and other island-inspired dishes. The sunset views alone are worth the visit, but the food is exceptional.
Reservations open 60 days in advance, so book early.
The Plantation House
Also located in Kapalua, The Plantation House serves dinner on Christmas with beautiful views and delicious Hawaiian food. Their menu includes fresh seafood, poke, and other island favorites. It’s upscale but not stuffy, with that relaxed island vibe.
Mala Ocean Tavern
If you want a more casual vibe, Mala Ocean Tavern in Lahaina is a great choice. They reopened in 2024 and have become a symbol of the community’s resilience.
The oceanfront location is stunning, and they serve fresh, locally sourced seafood. Happy hour runs from 2:00 to 4:00 pm daily with live music, which is a fun way to spend part of your Christmas afternoon.
Other Great Options
Many of the resort restaurants offer special Christmas menus. Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante at the Four Seasons in Wailea does a beautiful Italian-Hawaiian fusion.
DUO Steak & Seafood, also at the Four Seasons, offers a holiday buffet. Ka’ana Kitchen at the Andaz Resort features farm-to-table seasonal dishes.
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is known for its extravagant holiday dining with lavish buffets and prix-fixe menus.
Book your reservations as soon as possible. Christmas is a popular time on Maui, and the best restaurants fill up fast.
Book a Family Photo Shoot
Whenever we travel to Hawaii, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND it guarantees that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link.
Christmas Lights on Maui
Hawaiian Christmas lights are a special kind of magic. You’ll see palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights, tropical decorations, and creative displays all over the island.
Grand Wailea
The Grand Wailea goes all out with Christmas decorations throughout December. The entire resort sparkles with lights, and they build an actual gingerbread house village in the lobby.
It’s impressively detailed and fun to walk through, even if you’re not staying there. The resort welcomes visitors to enjoy the holiday displays.
Neighborhoods and Communities
Drive around Maui and you’ll find neighborhoods that go all out with their Christmas decorations. Many local communities string lights across their homes and yards, creating beautiful displays. The island really embraces the holiday spirit.
Can You Swim in December?
Absolutely! Ocean temperatures hover around 75 degrees, which is perfectly comfortable for swimming. You might find the water a bit cooler than summer, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy. Most visitors from the mainland think it feels amazing.
Is Maui Expensive at Christmas?
I won’t sugarcoat it: December is peak season on Maui. Rental cars, hotels, and flights are more expensive than other times of year. But if you can swing it, the experience is worth it. You’re escaping winter weather, enjoying incredible activities, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Book as early as you can to get better rates, and consider staying in a vacation rental where you can cook some meals to save money.
Making the Most of Your Maui Christmas
Christmas on Maui is genuinely special. You get the best of both worlds: familiar holiday traditions mixed with unique island experiences.
Your kids will remember building sandcastles on Christmas morning. You’ll remember watching the sunset over the ocean while sipping a mai tai. These are the moments that make Hawaiian Christmases so magical.
The island is beautiful, the people are welcoming, and the aloha spirit is real. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Maui delivers. Pack your sunscreen, bring your holiday spirit, and get ready for a Christmas unlike any other.
Merry Christmas and Mele Kalikimaka!
Looking for more Hawaii Christmas posts? Check out the best places for a Hawaiian Christmas vacation, the most magical Hawaiian Christmas traditions and what to do in Hawaii in December.
