Welcome to Maui in December, where island breezes meet holiday cheer. December on Maui is full of festive cheer, holiday lights, and the same gorgeous weather we love. 

If you are here this festive season, keep an eye out for pop up local markets. More are on the way, but here are a few to mark now. Shop Small, Shop Wailuku happens on Saturday, November 29, from 10 am to 2 pm, stroll Wailuku Town, visit participating businesses, fill your stamp card, and enter to win prizes. Hui Holidays transforms the Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center into a charming marketplace of handcrafted ceramics, textiles, jewelry, ornaments, and locally made gifts. Mark your calendar for First Night on December 4 with pop up vendors, sips and bites, and the decorated Kaluanui Estate, and for Santa’s Workshop on Saturday, December 13 from 11 am to 2 pm with free keiki crafts, the Ceramics Studio Sale, food trucks, and a Maui Classic Cruisers car show.

Below you will find our latest articles, from top ten favorite Wailea restaurants and beach tips, to places to stay and holiday events. We cannot wait to help you plan a warm and joy filled December on Maui. Mele Kalikimaka!

Safe Travels,
Tiffany

Tiffany Rose, Publisher, Maui Accommodations Guide

Santa Arrives at The Shops at Wailea

Santa arrives at The Shops at Wailea on November 28 with a festive parade from Kalama Park, followed by a holiday Polynesian show and free photos with Santa when you bring a canned good for the Maui Food Bank. Kids can enjoy cookies from Honolulu Cookie Company, and Santa will be back throughout December for additional photo sessions. It’s a fun way to kick off the season while supporting a great local cause. Photo Credit: The Shops At Wailea

Fork & Salad Opens in Lahaina

Fork & Salad has officially opened its newest Maui location at Lahaina Cannery Mall, bringing fresh, locally sourced salads, sandwiches, wraps and grain bowls to the Westside. The grand opening on Nov. 6 includes a Hawaiian blessing, live music, giveaways and 50% off food and drinks all day, along with the announcement of a new partnership supporting Kahākūkahi Ocean Academy. Photo Credit: Fork and Salad via MauiNow

Grand Wailea Holiday Market and Tree Lighting

Grand Wailea is hosting its Holiday Marketplace and Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 16, open to the public and welcoming anyone on Maui to join the festivities. Guests can browse more than 30 Made-on-Maui vendors from 4 to 8 p.m., then enjoy live entertainment and a magical tree lighting countdown starting at 6 p.m. Photo Credit: Grand Wailea

Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in South Maui

South Maui’s dining scene is packed with everything from laid-back local cafes to elevated spots with stunning ocean views, and this guide breaks down the best places to eat in Kihei and Wailea right now. You’ll find longtime favorites, exciting new openings, and menus that showcase Maui’s freshest ingredients. If you’re planning where to eat next, this list will give you plenty of delicious ideas to explore.

Oceanfront Luxury at Sands of Kahana

With nearly 2,000 square feet of oceanfront living, the Elikapeka Suite at Sands of Kahana offers a spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom retreat right on the sandy shores of West Maui. This beautifully renovated corner unit features two lanais with sweeping ocean and mountain views, a fully stocked kitchen, luxe bedding, hardwood floors, and rare central air conditioning for added comfort. Perfect for families and groups, it combines resort-style amenities with the ease and privacy of a home, all just minutes from Ka’anapali, Napili, and Kapalua.

Maui Beaches 101: Best Beach for Sunsets, Snorkeling, Surfing, and Sunbathing

Maui offers 30 miles of beaches, each with its own personality, from calm coves perfect for little ones to top snorkeling reefs, sunset hotspots, and legendary surf breaks. This guide sorts through the island’s best coastal spots so you can find the right beach for your vibe, your plans, and the day’s conditions. You’ll also pick up helpful tips on access, ocean safety, and how to enjoy Maui’s shoreline in a mindful, island-friendly way.

Relaxed Beachfront Stays at Hale Napili

Hale Napili sits along the soft curve of Napili Bay, offering studios and one-bedroom condos that sleep up to four, with beachfront, oceanfront, ocean view, and garden view options. Each unit includes a fully equipped kitchen, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, and access to complimentary laundry, gourmet coffee, and beach essentials. Settle into the palm-shaded lawn, float in the calm bay, fire up the beachfront BBQ, and enjoy every easygoing moment of your Maui stay.

December Hot Picks: Top Places to Stay on Maui

December on Maui brings tropical holiday magic, from Santa arriving by outrigger canoe to whales breaching offshore and festive celebrations across the island. This month’s Hot Picks highlight some of the best places to stay in South Maui, including beachfront hideaways, spacious condos, and luxurious oceanview estates perfect for a warm-weather holiday escape. If you’re dreaming of a white sandy beach Christmas, this guide will help you find the right spot to settle in and savor the season.