How to Celebrate Christmas on Maui
Updated October 2026
By: Jennifer Jeffcoat
Jennifer writes for Suite Paradise, sharing vacation planning tips, travel insights, and property highlights to help guests make the most of their Hawaiian getaway.
Winter’s officially here. If you’re looking to trade the cold weather blues for the deep blue horizon of the Pacific, we’ve got the perfect thing! This year, instead of giving your loved ones more stuff, why not give the gift of an unforgettable experience?
Get away to the golden shores of Maui and enjoy a trip full of sun, surf, sand, and Hawaiian-style holiday magic. With incredible events, gorgeous weather, delicious food, and, of course, the Holiday Spirit of Aloha, spending Christmas on Maui is sure to be an experience your family will cherish forever.
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In This Article:
- Maui Christmas Weather
- Where to Go Christmas Shopping on Maui
- Christmas Time Luaus on Maui
- Maui December Events for Christmas
- Best Christmas Dinner on Maui
- Book Your Christmas Getaway to Maui Today
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Weather like during Christmas on Maui?
The weather on Maui at Christmas is absolutely perfect. With sunny days and high temperatures that hover in the low-80s and lows that rarely dip below 70, you’ll love spending time outside, at the beach, or at local holiday events and Christmas markets. Pack light layers in case the ocean breeze is a bit cool at night, but otherwise, you'll love the shorts-and-flip-flops vibe of an island holiday.
Where to go Christmas Shopping on Maui
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute gift or you want something unique to Hawaii, the shopping scene on Maui is second to none. You can support local artists by visiting holiday pop-up markets and shopping areas like these:
Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
- When: Every Friday from 9 AM - 1 PM
The Aloha Friday Christmas Market on Maui is a chance to find unique one-of-a-kind gifts that will perfectly commemorate your holiday trip. This time of year, you can get pictures with Santa, see live performances, and enjoy tasty drinks and food options while you browse hand-crafted gifts. Don't miss the Festive Fun event on December 20 from 9 AM to 9 PM, where glowing twinkle lights, family-friendly activities, and much more will be available across the resort.
Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center - Hui Holidays 2026
- When: November 20 - December 24, Monday - Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM
- Event Details
Another popular spot for Hawaii-made goods, you find everything from handmade ornaments to ornate art when you visit. The holiday market features an expanded vendor list and a much larger gallery, so don't miss out!
The Shops at Wailea
- Location: 3750 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753
- Hours: 10 AM - 9 PM
- Special Events Calendar
If you're looking for commercial shopping and global brands, as well as fun holiday events like the Polynesian hula show, weekly music performances, and Hawaiian craft classes and workshops, this is the spot for you.
Christmas Time Luaus on Maui
On the mainland, Santa may travel by sleigh and reindeer, but on Maui, he prefers the traditional outrigger canoe. To watch him make his grand entrance, head to Wailea Beach at 8 AM on Christmas Eve. For more holiday fun, consider attending a holiday luau! Held at many of the island’s resorts, the celebrations often include traditional foods, hula, and even fire dancers!
Some of our favorite luaus include:
Before you book a luau experience, especially if you're traveling with little kids, check the menu to make sure there are things they'll enjoy eating, and look at runtimes to make sure their attention spans can keep up. These are not typically cheap experiences, so you want to make sure you get your money's worth. If you find that a luau isn't in the cards for this trip, you can see live shows, participate in lei-making classes, and other island activities for free at the Shops at Wailea mentioned above.
While you're visiting these resorts for a luau, you'll also get to see some of the most beautiful light displays on the island, as well as towering Christmas Trees. So, grab the camera and get ready to snap those holiday pictures!
For a traditional experience, many churches on the island will host Christmas services. Hear the telling of the Christmas story set against a serene oceanfront backdrop when you attend the Keawalai Congregational Church in Makena. Enjoy classic carols with a Hawaiian music influence, community, and more when you visit.
Maui December Events for Christmas
Makawao Town Lighting
Don't miss the annual tree lighting ceremony in upcountry when you attend the Makawao Town Lighting. Local food vendors and holiday music will fill the town with cheer, as you count down to the illumination of a giant Norfolk Pine in the center of town. Dates are still being finalized, but in years past the event has been held on a Saturday in early December.
Movies Under the Stars
Head to Sugar Beach for nights of dazzling silver screen magic when you take the family to Movies Under the Stars. The holiday screenings will feature three Christmas films everyone will love. Tickets are $10, and holiday-themed food offerings, as well as a cash bar, will be available. Arrival starts at 5:30 PM just in time for sunset, and movies begin at 6:30 PM. Bring blankets or low-backed beach chairs and enjoy this festive community holiday event on Maui.
- Saturday, December 19: While You Were Sleeping
- Sunday, December 20: Elf
- Monday, December 21: Arthur Christmas
The Nutcracker
Looking for a classic Christmas event to enjoy on Maui? Head to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center December 12th or 13th for the Alexander Academy's performance of the masterful Nutcracker ballet. Tickets are not on sale yet, but keep an eye on the MACC's event calendar in the coming weeks.
- Show times: December 12th at 6:30 PM | December 13th at 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM
Maui Pops Orchestra Holiday Pops
If the MACC is already on your radar for the Nutcracker, you can get a head start on festive performances with this evening of Christmas classics featuring vocalist Joan Ellison. Arrangements will include Judy Garland's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," as well as timeless songs made popular by artists like Peggy Lee, Eydie Gommé, Sara Vaughan, and more. The concert takes place December 6th at 3 PM, and tickets are available starting at $37.
Grand Wailea Tree Lighting
The Tree Lighting and Holiday Market at Grand Wailea is one of Maui's most beloved Christmas events. Free and open to the public, you'll find more than 40 vendors selling beautiful creations, live music, and of course, the grand event: the tree lighting ceremony! The event is slated for December 16 at 4 PM with tree lighting around 6:30 PM.
Additional Grand Wailea holiday events include:
- December 4-11 Menorah Lighting
- Christmas Day Services in the Seaside Chapel
- Christmas Eve Breakfast from 7 AM - 10 AM at Humuhumunukunukuāpua'a
- Christmas Day Brunch from 11 AM - 2 PM at Haleakala Gardens
Jake Shimabukuro's Holiday Concert
December 15, Jake Shimabukuro brings his fanciful ukulele stylings to the MACC with special guest Justin Kawika Young for a night of holiday music as part of his Holidays in Hawaii concert run. The evening will feature songs from his 2025 holiday album 'Tis the Season as well as new arrangements of family favorites. The show starts at 7:30 PM, and you can purchase tickets now.
Best Christmas Dinner on Maui
Take a break from cooking in your beautiful I Go Maui vacation rental and head out for a delicious Christmas dinner when you visit island favorites like Mama’s Fish House, The Plantation House Restaurant, Ferraro’s Bar e Ristorante, DUO Steak and Seafood, Humble Market Kitchin, or Hula Grill.
With exceptional prix fixe menus and island specials, these restaurants are guaranteed to deliver a dining experience that will leave you craving just one more bite. P.S. If you can't get reservations at Mama's Fish House for dinner, try going for lunch. There's often little to no wait, and the menu is the same as dinner.
Book Your Christmas Getaway to Maui Today!
Featured Property: Maalaea-Banyans 104
From days spent relaxing on the warm, golden sand to nights touring festive Maui Christmas lights and enjoying family time, spending Christmas on the island is guaranteed to become your new favorite tradition.
At I Go Maui, we have vacation rentals that provide all the comforts of home, from large bedrooms to fully equipped kitchens. Plus, with oceanfront locations and homes in some of the island’s top resort communities, the amenities and perks are endless.
Enjoy luxury pools, incredible views, and rentals that put you in the heart of South Maui’s most popular areas when you book your stay directly with I Go Maui today! With the best rates and service on the island, our team is standing by to assist with everything from check-in to check-out.
Browse our complete Maui vacation rental inventory and say “Maui Christmas” to an incredible holiday getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions About Celebrating Christmas on Maui
What to do on Maui on Christmas Day?
There’s a lot to do on Maui on Christmas Day! Start the day with a home-cooked breakfast right in your I Go Maui vacation rental, and if you’ve brought presents with you – open them with family as you listen to the crashing waves outside your door.
After presents, put on your swimsuits and head to the beach or pool for fun in the sun. As the day winds down, head back to your vacation rental and get ready for a night out on the town. Whether you’re heading out for a delicious dinner or catching a holiday show, there’s sure to be something going on that will provide endless fun for you and your family.
What is Christmas Like on Maui?
On Maui, we trade pine trees for palm fronds and make sandcastles instead of snowmen. But beyond that, you’ll still find lots of familiar holiday traditions. From twinkling lights to Christmas carols, Christmas on Maui is the perfect blend of unique island charm and traditional Christmas spirit.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Maui?
December is a great time to visit Maui! You’ll likely enjoy fewer crowds, making it easier to get into events and restaurants. You’ll find lower rates on vacation rentals, unbeatable weather, and you can even experience the magnificence of whale season! Each year, thousands of humpback whales return to Maui’s waters, and December is peak viewing time. Add a whale-watching tour to your Christmas itinerary and catch a glimpse of these gentle giants.
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