Maui Events December 2023

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‘Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say’ this month on Maui, in the land of swaying palms and abundant tropical cheer. This December visitors and residents alike can look forward to great concerts, holiday markets, stand-up comedy shows, and plenty of island-style holiday cheer.

For more information or to see the best weekly, monthly and yearly celebrations, check out our calendar of Upcoming Maui Events.

christmas events maui 2017

What’s happening on Maui for December 2023?

Live music is still happening around the island, with local musicians jamming almost every night at some of the island’s best restaurants. Check out Mana’o Radio’s Music2Nite site for a full lineup of Live Music on Maui.

Maui Events December 2023

December 1 

Holiday Wreath Workshop: Create a special holiday wreath that showcases native plants and flowers! All materials and guided instruction will be provided to students. Just bring a pair of scissors. Legendary Maui lei maker Rose Bailey will be leading this class. Additional classes will take place on December 8, 15, and 22 at the Hui Noeau.  

Historic Hui Noeau mansion in Makawao, Maui

The Reluctant Elf: Our ‘buddy’ Steve the Elf is back by popular demand in our original holiday adventure jam packed with all your favorite songs of the season!  Join us for this joyous family friendly celebration of the holiday featuring some of Maui’s favorite performers.  Sing along, have a cup of cheer and remember what it was like to be a child during the holidays. Running through December 10 at the ProArts Playhouse.

Hot Country Nights: Get ready for a boot-scootin’ good time at da Playground’s Hot Country Night. DJ Mashup Mike will be spinning the hottest country tunes that’ll keep you two-stepping ’til dawn. Line dance lessons will also be on offer throughout the night. Saddle up for a great night of music and dancing! 21+, 8pm. 

December 2 

Art Night at the Shops: Join the Shops at Wailea in a free fine art event celebrating local art and artists over a wide range of mediums. Enjoy light refreshments and mingle with Maui’s prolific art community. 5-8 pm. 

Jazz at the Shops: The Shops at Wailea presents a special free performance by Rock Hendricks, a legendary saxophonist who has recorded and performed with some of music’s greatest artists like Michael Jackson and Mick Fleetwood. Don’t miss this epic night of music at The Shops. 5:30 – 7pm. 

December 7

Wayne Newton: Up Close and Personal: Known for iconic signature songs like “Danke Schoen” and “Daddy, Don’t You Walk So Fast,” Wayne Newton is an internationally recognized entertainment star. Breaking away from his Vegas residency — where he performed a record-setting run of 25,000 shows — Newton is taking to the stage on Maui at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. 7:30pm. 

December 8 

The Kingston Trio: The Kingston Trio was one of the most popular groups during the pop-folk boom era of the late 1950s. Now, fans of The Kingston Trio can discover their timeless music all over again on the group’s “Keep the Music Playing” national tour. All three current members have deep ties to the original group, keeping the spirit and music of The Kingston Trio alive today. Maui Arts and Cultural Center, 7:30pm. 

December 9 

Henry Kapono Celebrates the Songs of C&K – 50 Year Anniversary: Henry Kapono is a luminary in Hawaii’s music world. The 50 Years of the Songs of C&K Lifetime Party concert celebrates Henry Kapono’s decades-long musical career — from the iconic songs of C&K (Cecilio and Kapono) to his Grammy Award winning solo career. Kapono will be joined by an all-star lineup of special guests. Don’t miss this special performance at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. 7:30pm. 

December 10

Maui Pops Orchestra – Holiday Pops: Ring in the holiday season with Maui Pops Orchestra and special guest, three-time Grammy Award-winning singer Kalani Pe’a. Enjoy beloved songs of the islands and holiday favorites at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center! 

makana concert

December 12 

YESSAH: IAM TONGI Returns to Hawaii: Kahuku native and 2023 American Idol winner Iam Tongi is making his debut Maui appearance at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Tongi made history as the first Pacific Islander to win American Idol and is one of the show’s most viral contestant. Do not miss his epic vocals at the MACC, December 12 and 13 only!

December 15

WHALE SEASON OFFICIALLY BEGINS: December 15 marks the official start of whale season for many whale watching boats. More and more whales are showing up in the waters around Maui Nui, so keep your eyes peeled.

The Steve Grimes “Duo”: A Concert to Benefit Maui Wildfire Victims: Steve Grimes may be most known for making some of the world’s finest guitars, but he is also a beloved Maui singer/songwriter who performs regularly, both as a solo artist, and with his group The Ono Grimes Band. A majority of event proceeds will be donated to Maui wildfire relief. Pro Arts Playhouse, 7:30pm. 

Maui Whale Watching

December 16 

Alexander Academy Presents: The Nutcracker: The Alexander Academy Performing Company presents the holiday traditions, “The Nutcracker.” This beloved full-length ballet features a crop of Maui creatives, from up-and-coming dancers and performers to well-known community artistic directors and costume designers. Enjoy two showtimes at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm.

December 17

Lokahi: A Celebration of Maui: In the wake of the Maui wildfires, Hawaii’s best musicians band together to unite the community through music. Lokahi will feature and all-star lineup of Hawaii musicians, including Lukas Nelson, Jack Johnson, Paula Fuga, Nathaniel Rateliff, Lily Meola, Donovan Frankenreiter, and more. Maui Arts and Cultural Center, 5:30 pm. 

Ahren Belisle: Ahren Belisle is a remarkable Canadian standup comic living with cerebral palsy — and he’s taking the stage at da Playground to prove nothing can silence his comedic talent. Using a text-to-speech app on his phone, Ahren delivers hilarious and relatable humor that earned him a spot on America’s Got Talent. He’ll be joined by several other hilarious Maui-based comedians. 21+, 8:00 pm. 

December 23

Kanekoa: Make Any Kine Christmas: Powered by electric ukuleles and exotic rhythms, Kanekoa rides the wave of Hawaiian roots with jam band energy, creating a sound they call Hawaiian jam-rock. For the last 25 years audiences never fail to swoon over the group’s soulful originals and crafty covers interpreted with pure originality. Join them at the Pro Arts Playhouse for an evening of unforgettable tunes. 7:30pm. 

December 24 

Santa Arrives by Outrigger Canoe: Watch as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in the islands via outrigger canoe! Santa and his jolly crew will be arriving at Polo Beach at 12:00 pm.

Andaz Christmas

Weekly Events

Mondays

Lei Po’o Making: The Shops of Wailea invites guests to learn how to weave ti leaf leis using ferns and flowers. Lei Po’o can be worn on the head and was typically used as a gift on special occasions by Ali’i (Hawaiian Royalty). This event is open to both keiki and adults and runs from 2:30 to 3:30 pm.

Tuesdays

Polynesian Show at The Shops: This weekly show will highlight Hawaiian hula as well as other dances of Polynesia. The performance will take place at the Shops of Wailea from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

Coconut Husking at The Shops: From 2:30 to 3:30 pm weekly, the Shops of Wailea will be hosting demonstrations of the traditional and modern methods in husking a coconut. Learn how the Hawaiians would use every part of the coconut from food to crafting eating utensils, jewelry as well as furniture.

Wednesdays 

Lei Po’o Making: The Shops of Wailea invites guests to learn how to weave ti leaf leis using ferns and flowers. Lei Po’o can be worn on the head and was typically used as a gift on special occasions by Ali’i (Hawaiian Royalty). This event is open to both keiki and adults and runs from 2:30 to 3:30 pm.

Thursdays

Polynesian Show at the Shops: This weekly show will highlight Hawaiian hula as well as other dances of Polynesia. The performance will take place at the Shops of Wailea from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

Coconut Frond Weaving at the Shops: The Shops of Wailea invites guests to try their hand at the highly developed Hawaiian skill of weaving. Coconut frond weaving was used to make baskets, mats, and even toys. This event runs weekly from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Fridays

Papa Hula at the Shops: Hosted at the Shops of Wailea, Papa Hula is a celebration of the Hawaiian way of life. Enjoy a complimentary dance lesson, complete with costumes and accessories, and the dance movements and their meanings. This interactive performance runs from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Saturdays

Upcountry Farmers Market: Shop some of the best local souvenirs on the island, indulge in delicious food and support local farmers at one of Maui’s biggest weekly events. Don’t forget to set your morning alarm, as this market favors the early shopper. The Upcountry Farmers Market runs from 7:00 to 11:00 am every Saturday at the Kulamalu Town Center in Pukalani.

Sundays

Maui Gift and Craft Fair: Stop by the Lahaina Gateway Center and browse West Maui’s largest gift and craft fair. This weekly event hosts over 50 vendors, showcasing jewelry, photography, art, crafts, keiki activities, and more. Maui Gift and Craft Fair runs from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm every Sunday.

Family Class at Island Art Party: That’s right, Island Art Party is back in action! Maui’s most fun, family-friendly art class is once again accepting bookings. Sundays are reserved for Family Class, where ages 8 and up are welcome. From mermaid to sunset scenes and more, select the masterpiece you want to create and bring home your own artwork!

Island Art Party

Have a holiday event you’d like us to add? Get in touch and we’d love to learn more. Mahalo for reading, and wishing all of you a wonderful Maui Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

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