Holidays on Maui are a special blend of tropical magic and seasonal merriment. It’s definitely not like the holidays anywhere else! You might feel weird without snow for Christmas or bundling up for New Year’s Eve fireworks. However, there are so many uniquely Hawai’i holiday things to love like Santa pulling up to the beach in an outrigger canoe, or taking in New Year’s Eve fireworks after a spectacular luau. Here are 10 holiday activities on Maui you can do to fill your tropical holidays with year-end cheer.
We have bookings available for Christmas Eve, a New Year’s Eve regular show and a special late show, plus New Year’s Day! As of publishing, the late show on New Year’s Eve has very limited availability left.
Call us at 808-298-3021 to book this very special trip. December 22nd is sold out, but as of publishing this there is still very limited availability for 12/23. Sail with Santa, hot cocoa, and maybe even some whales!
Call us at 808-298-3021 to book these special holiday cruises. As of publishing we still have very limited availability for the premium Christmas Dinner Cruise, New Year’s Eve Cocktail Cruise, and New Year’s Eve Cocktail Sail. These holiday events will sell out quick, so don’t wait!
Of course, many regularly scheduled Maui activities, like snorkel trips and whale watches, are also running on the holidays, and still have space available. So, you can turn regularly awesome Maui activities into extra delightful holiday activities! Check our online activity bookings, or give us a call at 808-298-3021 to book your holiday tickets.
See Santa!
Santa Claus travels the world, but we’re pretty sure he loves stopping in Hawai’i best! Here are just some of your chances to catch Santa in his aloha attire.
Bring a donation to benefit the Maui Food Bank and get a free photo with Santa at the Shops at Wailea on December 21 from 4-7pm.
On December 22 at 6pm Mr. and Mrs. Claus stop by the lobby of Montage at Kapalua Bay for photos. At 6:30pm the hot cocoa bar opens!
On Christmas Eve morning, catch Santa arriving by outrigger canoe at Wailea Beach (fronting the Grand Wailea) between 8am-9am. Then, he’ll paddle on to Polo Beach (fronting the Fairmont Kea Lani) around 12pm.
Visit with Santa at the delightful Halona Kai Holiday Village at the Hyatt Regency in Ka’anapali. Reserve tickets in advance. The event is held Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 5-8pm.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
If you’re looking for NYE fireworks, Wailea Beach fronting the Grand Wailea is the place to be! Of course, the fireworks will be visible from all around the area, as well. The Grand Wailea is hosting a family movie night featuring The Super Mario Bros Movie from 10pm-12am at their Chapel Garden just before the fireworks. The luau that evening at the Grand is sold out. However, the fireworks should be visible from the nearby Marriott Wailea property and their NYE 2nd show luau still has a little availability.
Many of the resorts have their own NYE parties, but don’t advertise them so as to save space for their guests. So, if you’re staying at resort, check on the in-house offerings. That way you don’t even have to go far to ring in the new year.
We hope you find some holiday activities in Maui that make your time here merry and bright. Wherever you celebrate, we wish you a very warm Mele Kalikimaka and Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!
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)
Easy, painless rental service. Book online to save money, and then go in to get sized and get your gear. Sarah was incredibly helpful when we came in, and gave us some great tips on how to work around my husband's facial hair, as well as suggestions on where to snorkel. Even got to swim with a sea turtle on my first go at it! Well-stocked shop with great customer service.
Rick L.
This place treats you like a valued customer. It was refreshing as some of the Maui locals weren’t the most pleasant on our vacation here. I was extremely impressed by the service level we received and quality of the gear. We will definitely be back and will go straight here for our rentals. I’m also sending any friends headed to the island to these guys for great service. Thanks again auntys! See ya on the next trip. Mahalo!
Victor C.
Our family rented snorkel gear and boogie boards and the process could not be any more pleasant or smooth. The equipment was in great condition, worked as advertised and very reasonably priced. Burton was extremely thorough in helping us get fitted and identifying all the great snorkeling spots with patience and care. It’s obvious that he knew what he was talking about. If I could give a higher recommendation for Auntie Snorkel’s I would. You can’t go wrong here!
Claire D.
Auntie Snorkel is perfect! Was able to rent all that we needed for the perfect beach day. Very affordable/reasonable. Quick and easy pick up/drop off. Kyle helped us and he was great!! Highly recommend this place for your beach rental needs.
Durian M.
Extremely friendly and helpful staff! Gave lots of tips and even filled out a map of the island for us indicating the best hiking spots. Would recommend
Kanchi C.
Mark and Burton were super helpful and suggested us amazing snorkeling spots around Maui
Lora H.
Jean was awesome. We got A great deal on snorkel, boogie boards, and beach chairs for the week. She was very helpful and getting us fitted for the right size of snorkel gear. Very pleasant person.
