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Mele Kalikimaka Maui-Style:
The Best Holiday Season Adventures on the Valley Isle
Maui, with its endless sunshine and tropical vibes, is the perfect place to trade snow for sand and celebrate with holiday season adventures, island-style. From dazzling resort lights in Wailea to oceanfront fireworks and luaus, Maui turns Christmas and New Year’s into unforgettable tropical festivities. Here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating the season on the Valley Isle.
Christmas Activities on Maui
Attend a Christmas Luau
Swap out the snow for sand and attend a Hawaiian-style Christmas luau. Many resorts and venues host special holiday luaus, complete with traditional Hawaiian food, hula performances, and live music. Try some of our favorites below that often add festive touches to their already enchanting experiences, blending Hawaiian culture with holiday cheer.
December marks the beginning of humpback whale season in Maui. These majestic creatures migrate to Hawaiian waters to mate and give birth, making it the perfect time to embark on a whale-watching tour. Many operators, like Pacific Whale Foundation, offer tours where you can witness these gentle giants breaching and playing in the ocean—a memorable way to celebrate Christmas on the water.
Celebrate Christmas in true island style with a festive dinner cruise on Maui’s stunning waters. As you sail along the coastline, enjoy a gourmet holiday meal complete with island-inspired dishes, live entertainment, and breathtaking views of the Pacific. With a warm sea breeze, colorful sunset, and twinkling holiday lights aboard the boat, it’s the perfect way to combine the magic of Christmas with the beauty of Maui.
Wailea’s luxury resorts go all out during the holidays, decking their grounds with stunning light displays and festive decorations. Stroll through the illuminated pathways at properties like the Grand Wailea or the Four Seasons, where palm trees twinkle, and holiday cheer fills the air. It’s a magical way to soak up the season and snap some Insta-worthy photos.
Trade snowmen for sandcastles and enjoy a Christmas picnic on one of Maui’s beautiful beaches. Kamaole Beach Parks and Kaanapali Beach are ideal spots to soak up the sun. Pick up a wagon full of beach day gear from Auntie Snorkel, and bring along some holiday-themed snacks, like pineapple-shaped cookies or festive poke bowls, to give your beach day a seasonal twist.
Keep an eye out for Hawaiian Santa, who trades in his sleigh for ocean faring vessels. Various resorts and events feature appearances from Santa, often wearing aloha shirts and board shorts. These whimsical encounters are a great way to add some Hawaiian flair to your holiday celebrations.
Ring in the New Year in grand style with the spectacular fireworks display hosted by the Grand Wailea Resort. Set against the stunning backdrop of Wailea Beach, this dazzling show lights up the night sky with bursts of vibrant colors reflecting over the ocean. The resort’s luxurious ambiance and perfectly curated festivities make it one of Maui’s most sought-after New Year’s Eve destinations. Whether you’re enjoying the view from the beach or attending a special celebration at the resort, the Grand Wailea fireworks create an unforgettable way to welcome the New Year in paradise.
Many Maui resorts host special luaus to welcome the new year. These events often feature live music, Polynesian performances, fire dancing, and a feast of Hawaiian delicacies. Luaus like the Grand Wailea Luau and the Te Au Moana Luau at Marriott Wailea incorporate New Year’s Eve festivities, making them both exciting and culturally rich.
Kick off the New Year with an unforgettable adventure by taking a snorkel tour in Maui on New Year’s Day. The island has many spots that offer perfect conditions to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Whether you venture to Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, or Honolua Bay, you’ll have the chance to swim alongside tropical fish, green sea turtles, and perhaps even spot the ever-increasing humpback whales! A snorkel tour is the perfect way to start the year refreshed, surrounded by the natural beauty of Maui’s underwater world. It’s an experience that promises to set the tone for a magical year ahead!
Book Early: Holiday season is a busy time on Maui, so make reservations for luaus, cruises, and accommodations well in advance.
Plan Around Weather: Maui’s winter months can bring occasional rain, especially in lush areas like Hana. Keep a flexible itinerary and consider indoor activities as a backup.
Embrace Aloha Spirit: The holidays on Maui are all about relaxation and connection. Embrace the island’s slower pace and take time to enjoy the natural beauty around you.
Whether you’re lounging on a sun-kissed beach, watching fireworks over the ocean, or enjoying a festive luau, Christmas and New Year’s in Maui offer something for everyone. With its blend of cultural traditions, tropical beauty, and warm aloha spirit, Maui transforms the holidays into a magical experience you’ll never forget. So pack your flip-flops, leave the snow behind, and celebrate the season island-style!
About
Auntie Snorkel
Auntie Snorkel shop has been serving Maui’s fun seekers since 1985. We're the original South Maui Snorkel Shop. When I bought the shop 10 years ago from Auntie, we decided to keep the name. The name "Auntie" is a term of respect here in Hawaii. I'm living my dream. I get to meet awesome people from all over the world and share with them my love and knowledge of this magical island that I get to call home. We know all the spots. I have lived here since 2001. We're the true definition of a family owned and operated shop. I answer the phones and work the shop along with my family. When you shop with us you're supporting my ohana and for that I thank you!! Why go anywhere else? We're the friendliest, fastest, cheapest and our location is the most epic! Mahalo and Aloha”. ~Mark Noble (Owner & Maui Fun Expert)
Scott is the MAN! Super helpful getting us all ready and set for our adventures in Maui as beginners! Thanks Scott!! Highly recommend! Super friendly and willing to work with you if you have any issues. Great service and reasonable prices!
Bob V
Callie was very helpful and friendly getting us set up with snorkel gear right when the shop was closing for the day. They checked the weather for us and made recommendations for where we should go the following day. Gear worked great and the beach we were sent to was easy to access with lots of fish and a sea turtle. Highly recommend.
Tyler J.
Excellent customer service! They provided everything I needed for a seamless experience. Also, if it’s whale season, ask to rent the binoculars for amazing whale sight seeing!
Spencer N.
Scott’s awesome. Great customer service. We will be renting from Auntie Snorkel again next year!
Mitchell Y.
Absolutely amazing staff, Sarah got us in and out in a hurry so we had more time to boogie!! 100% recommended!
Anthony B.
Excellent, kind and helpful service! Lots of suggestions made and you could tell they really appreciated our business. Captain Cali was very friendly and helpful!Return customer and will always be!
Emily J.
Out of the two snorkel rental spots we ventured into in Kihei, Auntie Snorkel was no doubt our favorite. Big wave Dave hooked us up with primo service and amazing recommendations for snorkel spots. Easy, affordable, good vibes ~definitely recommend!!
