Welcome to Dream Vacations, a lifestyle column on travelling to amazing destinations with practical advice and my revelations about locales from years of personal experience. Are you heading to Hawaii for Christmas? Whether you want to get away from the hubbub of the holidays at home or are looking for a different holiday experience, Hawaii offers the best of both worlds. We still have a couple of units available for Christmas and New Year’s, so CALL US TODAY!
A Hawaiian Christmas
Just like Thanksgiving, Christmas in Hawaii is not so different from our mainland traditions. However, you will notice it has an island flare. It is winter in Hawaii during Christmas as well, but like most of the south in the US, the weather hovers between the ’70-’80s during the day and may drop to the low 60’s overnight.
As far as Christmas traditions, many of the same are present in this tropical paradise, including festive lights, holiday parades and events, Santa’s and Snowmen, and Christmas trees and decorations grace public spaces. The main difference is that you may see Santa riding in an outrigger canoe or surfboard wearing Hawaiian shorts and shirt, snowmen made of sand and trees decorated with more tropical colors.
You will also hear “Mele Kalikimaka” instead of “Merry Christmas,” but it means the same thing in Hawaiian and was made famous by the Beach Boys. Lastly, holiday eats may be the most different with roast pig, lomilomi salmon, poke and poi making up some of the main dishes during the holidays.
Merry Maui!
There are two ways to enjoy a paradise Christmas in Maui. Sit back, relax and enjoy the beach and sun without the crazy shopping, large family gatherings and crazy traffic that snarls major cities on the mainland. Just spend the week enjoying your resort, walking the beach and be restored in spirit and body.
Of course, there are still lots of holiday events to participate in to enjoy Christmas as well. There are beach Luau’s, holiday parades before Christmas, an authentic Hawaiian Christmas dinner at the top Maui restaurants such as Nick’s Fishmarket, Mama’s Fish House, or stay close to home by dining at your Westin Ka’anapali Beach Resort choice of restaurants. Remember, most resorts offer a special Holiday Feast, so be sure to call ahead and book your seat.
Need to get a spiritual recharge? There are plenty of religious Christmas services for Christmas Eve and Christmas day mass.
Island Traditions
- Santa Visits – If you are in town before Christmas, Santa makes his last stop before heading back for the big day on December 20!
- Shopping – if you shop locally, you may even be able to avoid the strict commercialization of the season by supporting local arts and crafts. Here are some of the most popular local spots:
- Whalers Village
- Shops at Wailea
- Paia Shops
- Town of Makawao (Hawaiian Cowboy)
- Kahului (big-box shopping, not local)
- Ride the Sugar Cane Train – an excellent experience for kids of all ages with a very special guest. The train leaves from Kaanapali.
Of course, there are many opportunities to enjoy Hawaiian culture during a Christmas holiday, just be sure to book your events in advance.
Are you looking for a different Christmas experience? Feel free to call me about any of our Resort rentals.
*NOTE: I want to clarify, that none of the business operators included in my posts are affiliated with Dream Vacations in any way. I highlight those businesses that I have generally heard good things about, had good experiences directly with, or are generally known to have good industry reputations. Of course, your experience may differ.
Tags: Hawaiian Christmas, Maui, Hawaii, family vacation, Christmas vacation
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