Tropical Holidays

The holidays are a time for families, and we always look forward to welcoming back our guests and families who have become ‘ohana on their annual Maui Christmas vacation.  However, things have changed and will feel slightly different since the Maui wildfires destroyed Lāhainā town’s familiar restaurants, shops, and hangout spots.  If you are a returning guest or if it’s your first visit, we’ve made a list and checked it twice for things to do on Maui to help spread good cheer.

Tell the kids not to worry. Santa Claus is coming to town! 

Santa will surf by catamaran at Kā‘anapali Beach before heading to Hula Grill at Whaler’s Village for a family-friendly event with photo opportunities with Santa, cookie decorating, cocoa, and take-home goodie bags. 

Ali‘I Nui Catamarans is sailing with Santa on board for an intimate two-hour morning cruise, including free digital photos & holiday story time, a hot cocoa & holiday coffee bar, Christmas cookies & hot and cold gourmet appetizers.  Or book a brunch or dinner on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day.  

Meet Santa at the Halona Kai Holiday Village on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The experience also includes a free family photo with Santa, a tree lighting ceremony, a holiday dinner buffet, sweet treats, family activities, and an outdoor holiday movie under the stars with popcorn and cocoa. 

Uplifting the island of Maui, here are a few Maui holiday events to welcome you to your island home for the holidays.

The Maui Ocean Center will hold an inaugural Festival of Lights, an ocean-themed light display showcasing Maui’s ocean life, including sea turtles, whales, and jellyfish. Admission includes the holiday-themed dive show in the 750,000-gallon aquarium, live music, family crafts, and a festive 3D screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  

Hanau Ke Ali‘i’s A King is Born is an inspirational performance at the Maui Community Cultural Center, affectionately known locally as The MACC. The show features Hawaiian songs and over 100 Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka o Uka dancers. The performers will also be collecting Food Bank donations for those impacted by the wildfires. 

Buy local at the annual Hui Holidays presented by the Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center on their beautiful Kuluanui estate. ‘Tis the season to truly find a one-of-kind Maui gift or memento crafted by and supporting Maui’s top artisans.  There is also a one-day Santa’s workshop with crafts, games, and a visit with Santa. 

• The historic Maria Lanakila  Catholic Church, completed in 1873, was miraculously spared from the fire despite its devastation.  While the burn zone area is still off limits, their sister church, the Sacred Hearts Mission in Kapalua, typically holds mass on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
• Sadly, Lāhainā’s historic Waiola Church, established as the first Christian Church on Maui in 1823, was destroyed in the Maui wildfires just after celebrating its 200^th Anniversary. Established in 1840, Lahuiokalani Kā‘anapali in Honokōwai has embraced the Waiola congregation and will hold a Christmas Eve service.  
• The Lahaina United Methodist Church had just celebrated its 100^th anniversary, but it was lost 10 months later. They are holding a Christmas Day service at Lahuiokalani Kā‘anapali in Honokōwai, which has graciously provided a place to worship for other faiths. 

Let Chase ‘N Rainbows by Castle Resorts be the backdrop to your cherished Christmas traditions and unforgettable moments by spending Christmas in Maui. Decorate your living room with twinkling lights, garland, and aloha print stockings while the kids dream of sugar plums in their private bedrooms.  Order a special holiday meal from Foodland Farms Lāhainā or Safeway Lāhainā to heat up in your full kitchen and pick an oceanfront condo for a sit-down meal in the dining area or outdoor lanai with golden sunset and blue ocean views, surrounded with aloha by those you love most. 

These holiday recommendations are seasonal and may only be for one day. Reservations for accommodations and activities are limited, so start planning your island getaway today and unwrap the magic of Christmas in Hawai‘i!