Feeling the cold breeze during December until January is expected as these months come with low temperatures and heavy rains. While it may be time to get cozy and put on thick fur coats in other areas, in Maui, you can still experience the warm weather and dry beaches perfect for your adventures.
Hawaii’s appealing weather has become one of the factors why travelers choose to vacation in Maui even during the cold season. If you live in a colder region and want to escape the winter, come to Maui and discover some of the popular events you could enjoy!
Maui in December and January
December and January are Maui’s rainiest months, but rainfalls there do not last long. High temperatures still reach 81°F in the Pacific Ocean with a water temperature of 77°F that’s suitable if you want to dive and swim at the beach. Most rain showers occur in Haiku and Paia, the island’s North Shore. So, if you plan on going to these places, ensure to bring light jackets.
Celebrating holidays in Maui
Coming to Maui during December means that you will experience the holiday season on the island. If you want to make the most of your stay and engage with the Maui culture, check out the exciting events you should partake in below.
Banyan Tree Lighting
The Lahaina Banyan tree is the oldest and largest banyan tree you could see in Hawaii, with a trunk and aerial root system encompassing 0.66 acres. Every holiday, both locals and tourists participate in the tree lighting ceremony and see the Banyan tree getting lit up with thousands of Christmas lights. This is usually a 2-day event where people can enjoy decorating, holiday crafting, and face painting. The famous Lahaina Snowman will also be present where kids can take pictures before it melts.
If you missed the ceremony, you can still go to the park and witness the lights since it will go on nightly from 5:45 pm until midnight, and while you are there, you can bring famous Maui snacks and enjoy them with your friends and families.
Pictures with Santa Claus
The Shops at Wailea participates in the fun of the Christmas season and lets your kids take free pictures with Santa Claus. Santa will be seated behind a storefront window in The Shops’ Upper Valley to assure everyone’s safety and comfort. As a bonus, Santa’s elf will be dishing out complimentary peppermint macadamia cookies from the Honolulu Cookie Company.
Special holiday activities
In the Halona Kai Holiday Village at Kaanapali, you can find fun Christmas activities, including holiday movie showing, Christmas-themed games, take pictures in the interactive photo booth, and join the nightly Christmas tree lighting. The event is free for children two years and under, so make sure to include this on your list.
Mistletoe at Montage
If you’re in Maui with your partner, don’t miss out on the Mistletoe at Montage in Kapalua Bay and snap a special photo while stepping under a mistletoe. You can share the photo on social media with hashtags #MontageMistletoe and #MontageMemory to have it featured on Montage Kapalua Bay’s Instagram account.
Attend a Christmas church service
Spending your holiday season in Maui wouldn’t be complete without attending a Christmas church service at Hope Chapel in Kihei. You will have a fun and safe environment in their outdoor courtyard while you worship and listen to Bible teachings.
Annual Santa’s Half Mile Keiki Dash and 5K Run
This is a special event in Maui because you will not only race for fun, but you’ll also get to donate to the Maui Food Bank. The Santa’s Half Mile Keiki Dash is mainly for children aged eight and under, while the 5K Run is for those with the stamina to run for a longer distance.
Spending a new year in Maui
Beginning your year on Maui island is a fantastic decision because it is filled with exciting events and activities. So, nurture your excitement and check out January’s highlight events below.
Annual Juried Exhibition
On January 14, 2022, the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center will organize the Juried Exhibition, featuring local and mainland artists’ current work in all media. Printing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, painting, drawing, jewelry, digital media, fiber, wood, mixed media, and many other forms of creative expression are encouraged.
20th Annual Art of Aloha
Maui’s 20th Annual Art of Aloha will take place at Lahaina Galleries in the Shops at Wailea. You should not miss this out because this is the largest annual show with eight world-renowned artists attending, including Dario Campanile, Ronaldo Macedo, Michael Talbot, Donna Young, Steve Turnbull, Robert Lyn Nelson, and more. The event is also free and open to the public, so don’t forget to check this out.
Sentry Tournament of Champions
For all the golfers, this one’s for you. Witness the 2022 Sentry Tournament of Champions held at the Kapalua Golf Club. This long-running tournament is one of Maui’s most anticipated winter events, allowing a chance to see some of the world’s best golfers in action! The airtime is yet to be announced, so stay tuned for announcements starting January 6, 2022.
Where to stay in Maui?
A day full of fun events and activities is indeed tiring, so ensure to find a comfortable place to stay. If you prefer to stay in a room where you can overlook the beautiful view of the ocean, check out the 2 bedroom oceanfront rental condo. Your stay here will surely refresh you with the relaxing sound of the waves and wind in the palm trees.
Meanwhile, if you’re traveling with a large group of friends, book the 3 bedroom luxury oceanfront condo, which sleeps up to eight vacationing guests and has a fully-equipped kitchen, granite countertops, a wet bar with a wine cooler, and modern appliances. This big property will make you feel at home and allow you to enjoy the winter season escape.
Spending your holiday and new year in Maui is a perfect way to be acquainted with the Maui culture and partake in the anticipated annual events the island has to offer. However, your vacation wouldn’t be as fun without staying in a comfortable and luxurious place. So, if you’re seeking top-tier vacation rentals, get in touch with us, and we’ll help you find the perfect place to stay in Maui.