Maui in December is every vacationer’s dream. While North America is dipping into freezing temperatures and snow storms, Maui remains sunny and inviting. High temperatures reach the low- to mid-80’s, while coastal areas rarely fall below the mid-60’s at night. December tends to Maui’s rainiest month, but most rain showers are confined to the island’s North Shore (Haiku and Paia). Large swells also sweep across the island chain this time of year. Check out Ho’okipa Lookout just past the town of Paia to watch surfers tackle monster waves. Waves are smaller along Maui’s West and South shores, making Maui in December a perfect time for surf lessons, kayak adventures, snorkeling, and Stand Up Paddle Boarding.
Celebrating the Holidays on Maui
Top Holiday Things To Do
Lahaina Banyan Tree Lighting
On Saturday, December 2 (9am-7pm) and Sunday, December 3 (9am-5pm), Banyan Tree Park in the heart of Lahaina will come alive with holiday festivities. Families can enjoy cook decorating, face painting, and holiday crafting. Photos with Santa start at 2pm on Saturday. Lighting of the Banyan tree takes place on Saturday at 6:30pm.
Pictures with Santa Claus
Visit Santa at the Queen Ka`ahumanu Center in Kahului and at the Lahaina Cannery Mall in Lahaina. Santa and Mrs. Claus slide onto the shores of in Ka`anapali in their outrigger canoe in front of Hula Grill. Santa will make his South Maui appearance on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) at 9am in front of the Grand Wailea and at noon at Polo Beach in front of the Fairmont Kea Lani.
Holiday Sugar Cane Train
Climb aboard for the Holiday Express on the Maui Sugar Cane Train. Enjoy festive decorations and fresh baked cookies. Santa himself will be passing out free toys. Train rides depart from Pu`ukolii every Friday through Sunday through Christmas at both 6:30pm and 8:00pm. Tickets are $30 per person. Keiki under 2 ride free. More >
Paddle For Keiki
Date: Sunday, December 17
Location: Kihei Canoe Club (Ka Lae Pohaku Beach Park)
Cost: Free
Highlights: Join Maui’s paddling community in this “anything that floats” fun race benefiting Maui’s “Toys for Tots” program. This event is FREE and open to the public. Registration and check in starts at 7 am, and race will begin at 8am. Join us afterwards for the Keiki Toy Parade at 12pm, followed by an after-party at Nalu’s at 12:30pm. Participants who bring a toy or make a donation of $25 or more will receive an event t-shirt and lunch ticket to Nalu’s. Visit event website >
Maui Holiday Shopping
Maui Swap Meet
Date: Every Saturday
Time: 7am – 1pm
Location: UH Maui College (Kahului)
Cost: FREE
Highlights: Maui’s weekly Swap Meet is a great place to find local gifts and stocking stuffers. The event hosts over 200 vendors featuring handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork and more. Don’t forget to check out the wide variety of fresh fruits and produce. Arrive early for the best selections.
Friday Town Parties
Date: Every Friday
Time: 6-9pm
Location: Varies (see schedule)
Cost: FREE
Highlights: Every Friday, Maui’s small towns come alive with Friday Town Parties. Friday Parties are a great opportunity to experience the unique flair of Maui’s towns, while also sneaking in some holiday shopping. Town Party schedule: Wailuku (December 1), Lahaina (December 8), Makawao (December 15), Kihei (December 22), Lanai (December 29). More >
32nd Annual Holiday Faire
Date: Saturday, December 2
Time: 9am-4:30pm
Location: 4160 Lower Kula Rd (Kula)
Cost: $3 adults (kids 12 and under FREE)
Highlights: Haleakala Waldorf School’s annual Holiday Faire is an Upcountry tradition for over 3 decades. The event will feature handmade crafts and gifts from over 75 of Maui’s most talented artisans. In addition, there will be an Elf Parade, live music, and hands-on arts & crafts. More>
Hui Holidays
Date: Daily through December 24
Time: 9am-4pm
Location: Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center (Makawao)
Cost: FREE
Highlights: Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center hosts its annual, month-long holiday shopping affair. Browse local art, handmade stocking stuffers, jewelry and more. Held at the historic Kaluanui Estate, gift shopping is open daily through Christmas Eve. More>
Holiday Concerts
Holiday Pops
Date: Sunday, December 3
Time: 3pm
Location: Castle Theater (Maui Arts & Cultural Center)
Cost: $20 – $60
Highlights: Under the baton of Music Director James Durham, the Maui Pops Orchestra invites you to ring in the holiday season with a festive concert featuring 22-time Na Hoku Hanohano award winners, Na Leo Pilimehana. Enjoy some of their most-loved songs of the islands, as well as many holiday favorites. More>
Let it Snow with Kalani Pea
Date: Tuesday, December 5
Location: Queen Kaahumanu Center
Cost: Free
Highlights: Queen Kaahumanu Center’s “Let it Snow!” snowfall experience this holiday season will feature a special live performance on December 5 by Grammy and Na Hoku award winner, Kalani Pea. Snowflakes will descend on Queen Kaahumanu Center’s center court as Pea sings his original compositions, classics and debuts his new holiday song to the community and visitors. More >
A Classical Christmas
Date: Saturday, Dec. 16 – Sunday, Dec. 17
Time: 7:30pm (Dec.17); 3pm (Dec.18)
Location: Iao Theater (Wailuku)
Cost: $25
Highlights: Held at the Historic Iao Theater, the Maui Chamber Orchestra delights audiences with classical holiday pieces. More>
Christmas Brunch & Dinner
Many of Maui’s resorts and restaurants host Christmas Eve and Christmas Day specials. The Grand Wailea hosts a specialty Christmas Day brunch in its Grand Dining Room overlooking Wailea beach. The Westin Kaanapali serves up an annual pre fixe dinner menu, and Kaanapali Beach Hotel is known for its delicious Christmas Day brunch. Check directly with your hotel or resort for meal pricing and schedules.
In addition to resort dining, Maui boasts amazing restaurants and a variety of holiday dining options. In Wailea, top-rated Nick’s Fishmarket delights with fresh fish, and Sarento’s is always a classic favorite. In West Maui, choose from Mala Ocean Tavern or Plantation House and Pineapple Grill in Kapalua. Three’s Bar & Grill is a laid-back, budget friendly option that’s nearby many Kihei hotels. Check OpenTable to make advanced reservations and find open restaurants across Maui.
Weather on Maui in December
December on Maui is the perfect escape from cold weather. Daytime temperatures remain comfortable in the low-80’s and rarely drop below 70 at night. Though December is one of Maui’s rainiest months, most rain showers (and large surf) are confined to the island’s north shore. Maui’s heavy trade winds tend to back off during December, but it’s still best to plan water activities for the early morning when the ocean is most calm. If you’re looking for cooler weather, head Upcountry to Kula where temperatures are refreshing and crisp. If you’re planning to visit Haleakala, don’t forget to bundle up! Temperatures can drop below freezing on the summit, and the wind chill can make it especially cold.
- Location
- Haleakala
- Kahului
- Kapalua
- Lahaina
- Makena
- Hana
- Avg. High °F
- 63
- 84
- 81
- 86
- 76
- 80
- Avg. Low °F
- 47
- 68
- 70
- 70
- 68
- 70
Recipe of the Month
Soho-Berry Sparkler
Be the hit of holiday parties with the Soho-Berry Sparkler, recipe courtesy of Star Noodle.
2 Ounce Gekkeikan Zipang Sparkling Sake
1 Ounce Fresh Strawberry Puree
1-1/2 Ounce Soho Lychee Liqueur
2 Lemon Wedges
Splash of Soda to finish
Instructions:
- Squeeze lemon wedges over ice and drop wedges into glass.
- Add Soho lychee liqueur and strawberry puree and shake.
- Add sparkling sake and soda to top.
Ongoing Events In December
| Event | When | Where | Why You Should Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maui Friday Town Parties | Every Friday 6pm-9pm | Dec. 1 Wailuku Dec. 8 Lahaina Dec. 15 Makawao Dec. 22 Kihei Dec. 29 Lanai | FREE Family-friendly community block parties with live music, food, and fun |
| Maui Made Festival | First Sunday of every month 10am-5pm | Queen Kaahumanu Center, Kahului | Local vendors showcase their Hawaii wares and crafts. Includes live music. |
| Friday Night is Art Night | Every Friday 6pm-9pm | Lahaina | Gallery shows, artists demonstrations, music, food |
Volunteer Events in December
| Event | When | Where | Why You Should Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly Environmental Volunteer Days (Hawaiian Islands Land Trust) | Every Friday 8am – Noon | Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge Halewaiu Road Wailuku, HI 96793 | Habitat restoration of native coastal wetlands |
| Malama Honokowai Restoration (Maui Cultural Lands) | Every Saturday 9am-5pm | Meet at the Pu’ukoli’i “Sugar Cane Train” Station Lahaina | Restoration and maintenance of historic Honokowai Valley |
| O‘o Farm Volunteer Days | Every Wednesday 8:45am-11:30am | O’o Farm 651 Waipoli Rd, Kula | Support sustainable farming practices |
| Community Garden Work Day | Every Wednesday 9am-Noon | The Maui Farm 100 Ike Drive, Makawao | Learn sustainable farm practices and work in the garden |
Maui Kayak Adventures
61 Halekuai St., Unit 2
61 Halekuai St., Unit 2
Kihei, HI 96753
United States
