Christmas on Maui

November 30, 2021

Christmas on Maui truly makes for the most wonderful time of year

Christmas can get quite repetitive each year, perhaps switch things up and head to the beautiful island of Maui for the holidays! If you’re looking to get away from cold, gloomy weather, a white sand Christmas is just for you. Maui is very festive and full of Christmas cheer around the holidays and offers the best of both worlds, warm tropical sun with an abundance of joyful activities. 

Whether you’re a family looking to shake up the tradition, or a young couple looking to make some traditions of their own, Christmas on Maui is for everyone. Who wouldn’t love sipping a glass of rum and eggnog with toes in the sand!

Swap Your Santa Hat for a Sun Hat 

Swap your Santa Hat for a Sun Hat 

The weather on Maui at Christmas time is warm and sunny, so no need to pack your Christmas jumpers and mittens. Although December is one of Maui’s rainiest months, it may only rain up to 4 days in the month and showers are short and localized. You can still expect sun throughout the day with daily temperatures reaching 77ºF- 86ºF.

Around Christmas time, Maui has nearly 11 hours of daylight with little cloud cover, making the day feel much longer. The sea temperature is still nice so, you can still go for a swim and enjoy at a comfortable average of 75°F (24°C). Begin your Christmas day with a dip in the ocean, or a walk on the beach to feel the warmth of the sun.  Then enjoy a delicious holiday dinner with a glass of cheer!  You’re bound to have a tan by the time New Year’s Day arrives! 

Christmas Events in Maui

Events in a Christmas on Maui

Lighting of the Banyan Tree

There are many festive events to attend during the Christmas season in Maui. A popular Maui Christmas tradition and a must-see is the lighting of the Banyan Tree. These incredible trees with their huge trunks and unique prop roots are completely decorated in Christmas lights, creating a gorgeous ambiance. You will find these incredible trees at Banyan Tree Court, located just off Front Street in Lahaina town. The lights are lit on December 3rd and will remain lit all the way through December, giving you plenty of time to go and visit. 

Christmas Shopping

Maui is home to some incredible craftsmen, making for some great last-minute Christmas shopping. Support local artists and craftsmen by attending the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center and purchasing some of the incredible handmade ornaments or art created and made by the local islanders. If you’re in the market for something more high-end, The Shops at Wailea have everything you need for a great Christmas shopping spree. Additionally, they have several holiday events, such as Polynesian and hula shows, weekly jazz performances, lei making, palm frond weaving, and ukulele lessons. 

Christmas Markets and Music

Maui Friday Town Parties are a must-see for all those visiting Maui this Christmas. They are special cultural events held each Friday in either Wailuku, Makawao, Lahaina, or Kihei. Special sales and promotions are offered by participating local businesses as they celebrate Maui’s talented artists and musicians, celebrating these Maui communities and the Hawaiian culture. Experience some amazing local cuisine while being entertained by local musicians, it’s the perfect way to get immersed in the Island’s culture and enjoyed by all ages.

Meet Santa Claus

Santa makes a few visits around the Island before the big day arrives. On December 21st and 23rd, Santa and Mrs. Claus stop by the Banyan Tree in Lahaina to get some photos and listen to some lucky children’s Christmas wishes. On Christmas Eve, December 24th, he can be spotted at Polo Beach and Wailea Beach in a red canoe sporting some festive red shorts.

A relaxing Christmas on the Beach

Couple enjoying on the Beach at Christmas in Maui

Visiting Maui is a real experience with traditional Hawaiian luau, and better yet, enjoy it on Christmas day right on the beach. While luau’s are a year-round activity on Maui, they are even more special on Christmas day as the locals pull out all the stops for this special, festive luau. You can expect to see ‘Kanakaloka’, which means Mr. Claus in Hawaiian, arriving at the beach in a red canoe. On top of this, you’ll have traditional Hula shows, knife and fire dances, and some high-energy performances from the Men of Tonga. 

Wake up Christmas morning to the sound of crashing waves right outside your window. With so many amazing luxury rental homes available in Maui this Christmas, you and your family can quite literally spend the holidays on the beach. Just a stone’s throw away from your front door you can take a dip in the ocean on Christmas morning or go on a relaxing stroll up the white sand beaches to walk off that big turkey dinner. Nothing says Christmas on Maui like spending it on the beach. 

Pack your stockings and travel or Stay on Maui this Christmas

If you’re looking to spice up Christmas this year, head to Maui for an unforgettable holiday experience. Forget about cold, gloomy Christmas weather and enjoy the holiday festivities in a tropical paradise. Experience new traditions like the Christmas Luau, go to the local markets and find some unique gifts and keepsakes and spend Christmas on the beach with loved ones in an unforgettable setting. If you’re interested in spending Christmas on Maui, check out Maui Paradise Properties for some of the best houses Maui has to offer to host your tropical Christmas break. 

Three Commonly Asked Questions About Spending Christmas on Maui

What to do on Maui on Christmas Day?

There is a lot to do on Maui on Christmas Day. Attend a Christmas Luau where there will be several performances and an incredible buffet with all kinds of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. You can also attend a Christmas church service where you can light candles and hear choirs sing traditional Christmas hymns.

What is Christmas on Maui like?

Christmas on Maui is very festive and exciting. The island is decorated with amazing decorations and Christmas lights. The weather is also warm and sunny on Maui for Christmas with temperatures reaching up to 30°C or 86°F. 

Is December a good time to go to Maui?

Yes, December is a good time to go to Maui if you are looking for a warm, sunny Christmas. Maui can be expensive at Christmas time as it is a popular destination for the holidays, however, if you book early enough in advance you won’t be charged as much.