Winter weather with snow and temperatures dropping to 40 or 30 degrees can be nice as the seasons change. It gives you an excuse to show off your winter wardrobe with leather gloves and boots or to cook and eat hearty soups and stews. Although it may be fun for a bit, your feelings may change after a month. You may find yourself wishing to escape the cold and find a beach to lie on while you listen to the sounds of waves splashing and palm trees blowing in the wind as the sun warms your day. If that is the case, here are some activities to add to your itinerary on your vacation to Maui this winter.
Surfers Riding Big Waves
Honolua Bay is on the northwestern coast of Maui. This bay is large with waves that only highly skilled surfers will ride. According to the surfers, this bay is divided into segments; the right-hand point has earned the reputation of having the world’s best waves. You will see multiple barrel sections connecting seamlessly. If you are not a strong surfer, it is best to enjoy the action as a spectator to the surfing by professional surfers and to watch the wave action from shore. The ocean is beautiful, but it should be respected.
Whale Watching
Every winter an estimated that humpback whales will travel over 3,500 miles from Alaskan waters to the tropical Hawaiian waters. These mammals can travel between 3 – 7 miles per hour, making the journey from Alaska to Hawaii in 4 – 6 weeks. Scientists have tracked that 8,000 – 10,000 humpback whales travel each year, and the number could increase as the population increases. There are whale watching adventure tours off Maui’s shores available from December through April. These adventure tours give you a front-row seat to experience these humpback whales breaching and frolicking in person. Additionally, some adventures have on-board sonar devices that let you hear humpback whales singing below the surface as well.
Santa Parades and Sightings
There are several places in West and South Maui that will host an event where Santa will make an appearance. He will arrive by catamaran on Kaanapali Beach on Saturday, December 21, heading to Whaler’s Village at 10 am. Following his arrival, be sure to see the festive decorations around the area that will put you in the holiday spirit.
The Shops at Wailea will be asking for donations to benefit the Maui Food Bank for the weeks leading up to Christmas. And on Saturday, December 21, from 4 pm to 7 pm, there will be a parade around the Wailea area ending at The Shops at Wailea.
Watch a sailboat lighted parade sailing through the waters at Ali’i Nui on December 15, 21, and 23. Enjoy the creative ways and designs created to celebrate the holiday season.
Holiday Movies Under the Stars
What better way to spend the evening under the stars than enjoying a family movie night outdoors at the Whaler’s Village? They will host family movie screenings throughout the month of December. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night throughout the month, join them just after the sunsets on the Maui horizon. Pick your spot and enjoy an outdoor movie night for the whole family. They invite you to bring your own popcorn or stop by one of the shops at the center to purchase snacks and drinks to enjoy during the show.
Maui Ocean Center Festival of Lights
The Maui Ocean Center, also known as The Aquarium of Hawaii, is where you will learn about all things relating to the ocean and maintaining a healthy environment. The center was opened in 1998 by Morris Kahn to inform and enlighten others about the importance of marine ecosystems and how fragile they are. The center shares information in an entertaining and interactive environment. They also host and support events throughout the year relating to ocean life. A recent addition to their hosted events, during the winter season, a festival of lights event sets the mood for the holiday season. There will also be live music, food, and a presentation in the 750,000-gallon exhibit. This is an event the whole family will enjoy.
Iao Valley State Park
There are so many rainforests and hiking trails to explore on the island. If you are interested in exploring an easy hiking trail with a sacred and historical significance, you need to make reservations to visit the Iao Valley State Park. This park is located just west of Wailuku, in Central Maui. It is a 10-mile-long park stretching over 4,00acres of lush vegetation. Here is where you will find the iconic Iao Needle. It is a 1,200-foot green-mantled rock formation, a landmark that overlooks the stream. This beautiful botanical setting also holds historical significance to Maui’s history, as it was the location of the infamous Battle of Kepaniwai. This is where King Kamehameha I defeated Maui’s armed forces in his quest to unite the islands. The valley is a beautiful, sacred place to visit.
Relax on the Beach
Although it may be slightly cooler during the winter months, the sun still shines and warms the day on Maui. This is your invitation to enjoy the beach and spend your day outdoors. The two nearby beaches, Napili Bay and Kapalua Bay, both have calm and clear water, making it a family-friendly place to visit for the day. Here is where you can lounge under the palm
trees and enjoy the tropical breeze. If you are lucky, you may even have an opportunity to see green sea turtles swimming in the waters. There are no lifeguards on duty at these beaches, so you must be vigilant when entering the water.
So, have we given you enough reasons to plan your next vacation this winter to Maui? We hope to see you on Maui this winter.