December is full of tropical holiday cheer on Maui. Both Santa and the whales are making their grand entrance, and the island is abuzz with energy. Celebrate a different type of white Christmas this year- a white sandy beach Christmas- and check out December’s Hot Picks for places to stay on Maui.
South Maui: Kihei/Wailea
With comfortable temperatures, a lively atmosphere, and whales splashing offshore, December is one of the sweetest times to stay in South Maui. An early December stay will yield fewer crowds and cheaper rates, while the island sees a sharp increase in visitors and prices in the few days before Christmas. However, stick around for the holidays, and you’ll delight in the Grand Wailea tree lighting ceremony, watching Santa arrive by outrigger canoe on Wailea Beach, and an extravagant fireworks show off the Wailea coast. There are many great places to stay in South Maui to choose from.
Hale Hui Kai
Situated directly on beautiful Keawakapu Beach in Kihei, bordering the Wailea Resort area, Hale Hui Kai offers two-bedroom condos in a traditional three-story island-style architectural design. The beachfront setting, spectacular sunsets, and peaceful, easygoing “old Hawaii” ambiance make Hale Hui Kai a favorite with honeymooners, families, seniors and anyone seeking a laid-back beach hideaway. Book directly with Bello Realty to skip the fees of a booking website!
Coral Gardens Estate at Makena Bay
If you’re looking for an entire estate all to yourselves check out this luxury vacation home overlooking Makena Bay! This is one of the most striking four-bedroom four-bath luxury vacation homes on Maui. Coral Gardens Estate at Makena Bay features breathtaking panoramic ocean views from its expansive open-air great room as well as from three of its four master bedroom suites (King, King, King, Queen). Offering the perfect indoor/outdoor living experience with over 4,800 interior square feet and an additional 2,000 exterior square feet of luxurious living space, Coral Gardens Estate shows the paradise that Maui truly is. Book this vacation home directly with Private Paradise Villas!
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort — Sea Spirit Villa 811
Treat yourself to a luxury stay at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort — Sea Spirit Villa 811. With a private hot tub, ocean views, and over 3,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space in this 3-bedroom 4-bath villa, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better resort escape this winter. This villa offers the best of resort living without sacrificing privacy and space. You’ll enjoy full access to the Andaz’s resort pools, spa, fitness center, and loungers. When you really think about it, it’ll cost you more not to stay here — so why not treat yourself?! Book direct for the best rate!
Kamaole Sands
Perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, Kamaole Sands is the perfect retreat in the heart of walkable South Kihei. Stroll across the street to Kamaole Beach Park III for sun and sand, or hop on a snorkel tour to Molokini from nearby Kihei Boat Ramp. On days you feel like staying in, enjoy the property’s tropical grounds and multiple pools, hot tubs, and tennis courts. The one-to-three bedroom condos here offer plenty of space, plus full kitchens to help you trim your spending on dining out (but you must try some of the excellent restaurants located in Wailea and South Kihei!). Book direct for the best possible rate.
West Maui: Lahaina/Ka’anapali/Kahana/Napili
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in West Maui, where there are many places to stay! West Maui surfers rejoice at the return of north swells, which turn renowned snorkeling spot Honolua Bay into a world-famous surf break. Meanwhile, visitors can look forward to a sunny holiday season marked by holiday markets and unforgettable events. Of course, the water is warm year-round, so ditch the pool and explore the countless beaches, coves, and nooks from Kapalua to Ka’anapali.
Book a whale-watching excursion from Ka’anapali Beach and viewing these massive critters up close in their natural habitat is a must. Snag a room in one of Ka’anapali condos, and you’ll undoubtedly catch views of humpbacks playing just offshore. Learn more about whale watching with these helpful whale watching tips.
***We’re heartbroken after a devastating wildfire tore through our historic town of Lahaina on August 8, 2023, burning down 5 square miles of local homes and businesses. The rebuild will take years, and we’re monitoring the situation closely to keep our readers as best informed as possibly can. West Maui is open to responsible, mindful, and respectful visitors.***
Papakea Resort
Nestled just north of Kaanapali, Papakea offers quaint, affordable accommodations in an epic location. There’s plenty to do on-site: from games of tennis and shuffleboard to lounging by the pool or simply gazing at the ocean views. Nearby, you’ll enjoy Kaanapali’s countless restaurants, water activities, luaus, and golden beaches. With accommodations ranging from studios to two-bed condos, there’s plenty of options for all types of travelers. You might even make new friends while staying here! Papakea hosts weekly Mai Tai parties and putting tournaments. Book direct to get the best possible price!
Polynesian Shores
Peace in paradise is the theme at Polynesian Shores, a laid back condo resort near Kaanapali. Each of the one-to-three bedroom units here feature private lanais, perfect for sipping bottles of local wine and savoring the ocean breezes. The property opens up to expansive ocean views, perfect for sea turtle spotting and winter whale watching. While West Maui’s best beaches, restaurants, and snorkeling spots are just a short drive away, you can enjoy easygoing days by the oceanside pool and alfresco sunset dinners cooked on the resort’s outdoor bbq grills. What are you waiting for? Book direct today for the best price!
Kapalua Bay Villas 29-G4
You’ll slip into vacation mode as soon as you arrive at Kapalua Bay Villas 29-G4. This tastefully appointed one-bed, one-bath condo features Hawaiian style decor and gorgeous ocean views from the outdoor lanai — perfect for a sunset aperitivo. Stick around the pool or visit one of the gorgeous nearby beaches (Kapalua Bay, Napili Bay, Ironwoods, or D.T. Fleming, just to name a few). More fun activities like golfing, snorkeling, hiking, and dining are within a short drive of the unit. Book direct today!
We hope you have a blast this December on the Valley Isle! There’s no better place to celebrate the holidays than under the warm Maui sun.
- Looking for great places to stay on Maui? You’ll save by BOOKING DIRECTLY with the owners/managers of these accommodations.
- Looking for Maui deals? Sign up here for our free monthly Maui Deals & Steals enewsletter with the latest book-direct deals from our advertisers.
Aloha! Tiffany here. I've been blessed to call Maui home since 2011. With a background in the island's finest restaurants and hotels, guiding visitors to create unforgettable Maui memories is more than a skill I've mastered—it's a profound source of joy for me.
