Maui Events December 2022

‘Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say’ this month on Maui, in the land of swaying palms and abundant tropical cheer. This December things are heating up: this is one of the busiest months for local events since the pandemic! 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.

What’s happening on Maui for December 2022?

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 2022

December 1 

White Hawaiian Starring Eric Gilliom: White Hawaiian is the product of witty Maui comedian and actor Eric Gilliom. The one-man-show tells the story of Gilliom’s upbringing on Maui, growing up as a Caucasian with Hawaiian roots alongside his six-time Grammy nominated sister Amy Hanaialii Gilliom. White Hawaiian caused a frenzy when it first debuted at the MACC in 2019, now it’s back by popular demand at Pro Arts Playhouse in Kihei. This show WILL sell out so get your tickets early!

Hui Holidays Opening Night: Shop local this holiday season at the opening night of Hui Holidays. Browse handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, art, and other local goodies at the dazzlingly-decorated Kaluanui Estate while you sip and sample. Tickets can be purchased in advance. 

December 2 

Old School Fridays: Old School Fridays are back and better than ever at Da Playground. Let loose on the dance floor to your favorite mix of 70s, 80s, and 90s hits. 21+ only. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door. 

Wreath Making Workshop: Make and decorate a holiday wreath to hang in your home at the Baldwin Home Museum in Lahaina. Space is limited, buy tickets in advance.

December 3 

Tree Lighting at Lahaina Banyan Tree: Visit the Lahaina Banyan Tree for a festive tree lighting ceremony and live music by the Lahainaluna High School Band. Lights will go up at 5:30 pm.

The Password Is Love: Head to Da Playground in Maalaea for an epic night of house music, provided by the island’s top DJs. Last show had a turn out of over 250, so get your tickets in advance!

Haleakala Waldorf Schools 37th Annual Holiday Faire: Haleakala Waldorf’s most celebrated Upcountry tradition is back in action this year! Come browse works from over 75 artisans, sample baked goodies, let the keiki play some fun games, and enjoy live music and a silent auction. The fair runs from 9 am to 4 pm. 

December 4

Maui Pops Orchestra – Holiday Pops: Ring in the holiday season with Maui Pops Orchestra and special guests— 23-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winners ‘Na Leo Pilimehana and members of Hālau Kekuaokalāʻauʻalaʻiliahi. Enjoy beloved songs of the islands and holiday favorites at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center! 

December 7 

Service Industry Night: To all the hardworking guys and gals working in Maui’s service industry, this one’s for you! Service Industry Night is every Wednesday at Da Playground, with great music, tasty bites, and cold drinks. 

December 9 

Dombresky: French music producer Dombresky is making his Maui debut on Da Playground stage. Enjoy a night on the dance floor with music by a renowned producer. 21+. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. 

A Christmas Carol Opening Night: Get in the holiday spirit with a Maui-style performance of a holiday classic. A Christmas Carol opens at Pro Arts Playhouse in Kihei on December 9th and runs Thursday through Sunday until December 18th. Thursdays are Kamaaina night with 10% off!

December 10 

Dakine Music Festival: Jam out to local and international headliners at this all-ages, outdoor music festival held on the golf course outside Gilligan’s Bar and Grill in Wailea. Enjoy reggae vibrations by The Lamsbread, Jordan T, and many more. This event runs from noon til night (12pm to 9 pm). 

Snowman, Cookies, and Santa: Have you ever seen a snowman in Hawaii? Now is your chance. Head to Campbell Park in Lahaina from 5pm to 8pm to take pictures with a six-foot snowman, decorate holiday cookies, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Henry Kapono & The Songs of CK: Henry Kapono— Grammy-nominated musician, 20 time Na Hoku Hanohano Award Winner, and island music legend— is back for a special performance at the MACC. This show celebrates the sounds of Cecilio and Kapono, the group that left a lasting imprint on the Hawaii music scene in the 1970s. 

Fiesta Saturdays: Unwind at Da Playground to the reggaeton tunes of DJ Jamn J. If you’ve seen DJ Jamn J you know he can get a party going! 21+. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. 

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.

December 16 

CHALA: CHALA is a reggae band headed by Maui-based musician Ben Cherda. In a special farewell celebration for Cherda, come listen to CHALA jam out alongside some of Maui’s most prominent reggae musicians, like Marty Dread, The Alliez, and Ekolu Kalama. 21+

Kamaaina Nights: Holiday Edition: Come enjoy a night of music at the Queen Kaahumanu Center’s Kamaaina Night: Holiday Edition. The ‘Kamaaina Nights’ series is committed to the promoting and perpetuating of Hawaiian culture through live music and a celebration of Ohana. Music from 7 pm to 8 pm. 

December 17 

Snow Zone in Lahaina: Play in the snow in Lahaina! Yes, you read that right. Snow Zone will be held at Campbell Park from 6 pm to 8 pm. Keiki 12 and under can get a taste of snow in the tropics.

December 18 

Christmas 5K Run & Santa’s ½ Mile Keiki Dash: Valley Isle Road Runners is hosting the annual Christmas 5K and Keiki Dash at Kanaha Beach Park this year. Register in advance and bring a non-perishable donation for Maui Food Bank.  

December 23

Willie Nelson & Family: Maui’s favorite country music star is back at the MACC for a performance with Lukas Nelson and the Promise of the Real and Particle Kid (Micah Nelson). Don’t miss this bonafide family affair at the A&B Amphitheater. 

A Kanekoa Christmas: Join the Maui ukulele legends, Kanekoa, and Kathy “Tita” Collins for a holiday ride you will never forget: ‘Twas Da Night Befo’ Christmas’. Enjoy Christmas classics with some original Kanekoa tunes thrown in. Get your tickets in advance, Kanekoa is a Na Hoku Hanohano Award winning band with a global following. 

December 24 

Santa Arrives By Outrigger Canoe: Greet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their helpers as they arrive at Polo Beach via outrigger canoe. 12pm to 1pm at Fairmont Kea Lani. 

December 30 

Bill Maher New Year’s 11th Anniversary: The tradition continues! Ring in the new year with Bill Maher during his 11th Anniversary New Year’s Special at the MACC. This year Bill will be joined by Jeff Ross and Wendy Leibman. 

Chris Redd: Join Emmy award-winning actor, comedian, writer, and rapper Chris Redd for a night of laughs at Da Playground. Redd boasts a laundry list of comedic appearances, but he is best known for his roles on SNL, Kenan, and Wet Hot American Summer. 21+. Purchase tickets in advance to save.

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.

Slack Key Guitar Show: The Masters of Hawaiian Music Slack Key Show is open for live shows once again. The Slack Key Show ohana will perform each week at 6:30 pm at the Napili Kai Beach Resort. Tickets are required for entry, this show is also streamed online.

John Cruz at the ProArts Playhouse: Join Hawaiian acoustic legend John Cruz at the ProArts Playhouse in Kihei every Wednesday night. The multi Na Hoku Hanohano award winning artist performs in a premier listening room where the audience sees, hears, and feels every note.

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.

Maui Sunday Market: Featuring some of Maui’s most renowned food trucks, local vendors, and quality entertainment, the Maui Sunday Market is one of the island’s most popular weekly events. Centrally located at the Kahului Shopping Center, the Maui Sunday Market draws locals and visitors from all corners of the island. The event runs every Sunday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

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!

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!