This year for the first time my family and I will be spending Christmas on the island of Maui. Of course, I am looking forward to a unique Hawaiian holiday experience with sun, sand and Santa. But can Christmas on Maui be more than just substituting commercialized mainland experiences for commercialized island experiences? Is there 
some Maui “Aloha” that can make Christmas even more meaningful? Of course, in preparation for my December visit to Maui, I’ve already Googled “Christmas on Maui” and have a few things on my list (see below), but what about you? What do YOU like to do on Maui during the holidays?
I asked Maui resident Erik Blair of ErikEverywhere.com about his favorite things to do on Maui during the holidays. His response was quintessentially Hawaiian: “Some times we get a group together and agree to meet to watch the sunset, or rarely, sunrise.” Don’t let Erik’s suggestion scare you off…not all Maui Christmas activies need to be so cerebral or zen. Christmas lights and decorations and food are great during the holidays as well! Please comment to this post, and during the month of December I’ll update you on my thoughts about Aloha Christmas based on personal experience!
Some things on my “Top Things to Do during Christmas on Maui” List:
- See the Banyan Tree Christmas lighting in Lahaina (Dec 7th/8th 2013)
- See Willie K’s Christmas concert at the MACC (Dec 14th 2013)
- Take a crazy Christmas photo with the family
- Go to Makawao Town for Third Friday Christmas
- Watch the sunset or sunrise (via ErikEverywhere.com )
Updated 11/14/13: We’ve had some great suggestions thanks to your comments! Here are a few more items that are vieing for a spot on my “Top Things to Do during Christmas on Maui” List:
- Watch Santa swim in the shark tank at Maui Ocean Center. (Thanks http://www.maui-oceanview-condo.com/ and http://mauimadeblog.wordpress.com/)
- Go whale watching since it is peak whale season during Christmas.
- Visit the Trees Lighted at Grand Wailea (Thanks http://www.amauiblog.com/)
- Join Friends of Haleakala and cut down a Christmas tree (and help protect the fragile environment on this mighty Maui mountain at the same time).
And more to come with your help! Again, please leave your comments here with suggestions for things to do on Maui during the Christmas season!
Surfing Santa on Maui
one of my favorites is watching Santa swim in the shark tank at the Maui Ocean Center.
I haven’t heard about that! I’ll have to check it out. Does he wear a Santa suit?
OH YES! They’ll post more info on their website and on their facebook page with Santa’s dive schedule. sometimes santa dives in the morning and may have mrs. claus or an elf go in the afternoon – dive are usually at 11am and 3pm (they have a special mask so they can talk to the audience) – but they’ll post the days – the aquarium is also OPEN on Christmas day –
It’s peak whale season so contact the Pacific Whale Foundation for a boat tour. Or, put your head underwater in the lovely calm waters off the Wailea beaches on south Maui and listen for their songs. http://www.pacificwhale.org/
Yes…listening to whales singing is an amazing experience.
I’ll post an inquiry on my blog’s Facebook Page and see if my fans have any additional suggestions – https://www.facebook.com/MauiMade
Add to your list:
1. Take a family photo with a Hawaiian Santa. And if you can catch the “Real Hawaiian Santa” that walks on the beach then you’re in for a treat (yes, there is one!) otherwise, the malls have some of them 🙂
2. Watch Santa coming in via Canoe, or Surfing, or Jet Ski – look out for the schedule.
3. Visit Gingerbread House shows – there’s a couple of hotels that do a spectacular spread of Ginger Bread Houses – I love seeing them!
4. When my kids were small we used to drive around neighborhoods to see all the Christmas Lights decorations. It was fun for us. When the economy got bad, there were less people doing it but I think they are now coming back. It’ also a “burn” on gas, but hey we only do this drive around once a year!
5. Speaking of Christmas Lights, don’t forget to visit the Trees Lighted at Garnd Wailea. Have you seen some pics of it. It’s a tradiiton to drive by there to see it 🙂
6. Gather friends around for barbacue. Sing Mele Kalikimaka together 🙂
In addition to what I said, attend Christmas Luau or go to free shows on the mall that has some Christmas Hulas (usually keikis) It’s always great to see the keiki dance with the music Mele Kalikimaka.
The Maui Film Festival usually shows movies that will be nominated for Emmys at the Castle Theater at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. It is an amazing theater and the movies are frequently great.
If u plan to see the sunset, the best way is on a sunset cocktail/music cruise with Kai kanani. That was one of our favorites! U r sooo lucky to b going at Christmas … It was amazing!
Aloha! These all sound like fun! Thanks for putting this together 🙂
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3rd Friday up in Makawao Town .
Christmas music ,lights , food and entertainment. 5 -8 pm
It’s very seasonal as it’s a bit cooler upcountry.
Thank you Janine…I’ve got it on my calendar and we are going to check it out. Love Makawao Town!
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