Best Things to Do on Maui in Winter (December-February)
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If you’re dreaming of golden-sand beaches, sunshine, and palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights, Maui in the winter is pure magic.
While much of the world bundles up, winter on this island brings vibrant holiday festivals, big wave surfing, and a front-row seat to one of nature’s most spectacular shows—humpback whale season.
As someone who lives here year-round, I can tell you winter is one of the most exciting times to visit Maui. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it.
📖 And if you’re looking for ideas that go beyond the season, check out my guide to the 41 Best Things to Do on Maui, perfect for planning your trip any time of year.
Why Winter Might Be the Perfect Time to Visit Maui
Maui’s winter (December through February) isn’t your typical winter. Think 75–80°F days, warm ocean waters, and evenings that might call for a light jacket at most.
North shores may see big surf, which limits swimming in some areas but makes for great surfing spectacles. Meanwhile, the leeward side (South and West Maui) usually stays warm and dry—perfect for beach days, snorkeling, and whale spotting.
December can be crowded and pricey around the holidays, while January and February tend to be calmer and more affordable—great if you’re hoping to avoid the rush.
📖 Related Read: Maui on a Budget: Free & Low-Cost Things to Do
🌤 Quick Weather Facts:
- Best towns for sun: Kihei, Wailea, Lahaina, and Kaanapali (the leeward sides)
- Daytime temps: ~70–80°F (21–26°C)
- Water temps: ~76–79°F (24–26°C)
- Rain chances: Higher in January/February, but showers are usually short-lived
📖 Related Read: What to Do on Maui When It Rains: Fun Ideas for a Wet Day in Paradise
Ready to Explore More of Maui?
Make the most of your winter escape with my comprehensive Maui Travel Map! It’s loaded with over 350 personally-curated markers covering everything from whale watching lookouts and cultural experiences to trails and local favorites you won’t find in guidebooks.
Top Things to Do in the Winter
1. Go Whale Watching (December to April)
If there’s one reason to visit Maui in winter, this is it. Each year, thousands of humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to breed, birth, and nurse their young. Maui’s shallow Au’au Channel between Maui, Lanai, and Molokai is one of the best places in the world to see them.
You can often spot whales breaching or tail-slapping from shore, especially in South and West Maui, but nothing beats getting out on the water.
Peak Season: Mid-January through March
One of my favorite ways to go whale-watching is on a small group raft tour. It’s a more intimate experience that gets you faster and closer to the action.
🐋 Whale-Themed Festivals & Events
Maui Whale Festival (February)
For 40+ years, this month-long celebration has honored the humpback whales with educational events, concerts, beach cleanups, and more. Hosted by the Pacific Whale Foundation, it’s a highlight of the winter season.
- Concert Boat Cruises
Enjoy live music at sea. And yes, whales have been known to join the show! - Family Activities
From keiki crafts to marine education booths. - Pop-Up Talks
Learn from scientists and conservationists about whale behavior and protection. - 🎽 World Whale Day Run & Walk for the Whales
A community favorite! Participants gather in Ma’alaea for a 1-mile, 5K, 10K, or 11.5-mile course, all supporting marine research and education. Stick around after for the festivities!
Whale Tales (February)
Held at the Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua, this three-day event is a dream for whale enthusiasts. It features talks by world-renowned researchers, art shows, storytelling, and opportunities to support whale conservation.
2. Celebrate the Holidays, Island Style
The holiday spirit is alive and well on Maui, just with a tropical twist:
🛶 Santa’s Arrival by Outrigger Canoe
This never gets old. Watch Santa ditch the sleigh and paddle ashore at Wailea or Kaanapali Beach.
🎄 Tree Lightings & Performances
Many big resorts and shopping centers host dazzling light displays, free hula shows, caroling, and cultural performances.
⛵️ Festive Boat Cruises
Celebrate Christmas or New Year’s on the water with themed dinner cruises or fireworks viewings.
🛍️ Holiday Pop-Up Markets & Craft Fairs
Often held at resorts, they are great for picking up locally made gifts. Think hand-poured candles, island-style jewelry, and homemade snacks.
One of my favorites is the Haleakala Waldorf School Holiday Faire. Shop handmade goods, watch performances, and snack on local food in Maui’s charming Upcountry.
🎊 Grassroots Festivals & Fundraisers
Maui’s schools, churches, and local charities throw some of the best community events during the holidays.
A community favorite is the Upcountry Winter Fest that’s held at King Kekaulike High School. They transform the campus into a winter wonderland, complete with food booths, crafts, keiki games, live music, and even a snow machine (yes, snow in Hawaii!).
🔆 Tip: If you see flyers for these while exploring—go! It’s an authentic way to connect with the local community.
3. Watch Big Wave Surfing at Jaws (Pe’ahi)
From December through February, Maui’s north shore becomes the stage for some of the biggest waves in the world. At Pe’ahi (a.k.a. Jaws), waves can reach over 60 feet, and the world’s best surfers descend here to ride them.
It’s a bit of a trek to get to the viewing area (expect mud, a bumpy road, and limited parking), but when Jaws is on, it’s one of the most thrilling spectacles you’ll ever witness, pure adrenaline meets oceanic power.
🔆 Tip: Follow surf forecasts and only go if conditions are safe. Bring binoculars, snacks, and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
📖 Related Read: Thrill-Seeker’s Guide to Maui: Top Adventurous Activities
4. Catch the Action at Maui’s Major Sporting Events
🏀 Maui Invitational (Nov/Dec)
This NCAA basketball tournament brings top college teams to Lahaina Civic Center. Even if you’re not a basketball fan, the high-energy games are a lot of fun!
🏌🏻♂️ PGA Tournament of Champions (Jan)
Kick off the new year with this elite golf event held at The Plantation Course in Kapalua. The views alone, rolling greens and ocean backdrops, are definitely worth the trip. There’s usually a fun buzz around Kapalua that week, with dinner parties, charity events, and other gatherings happening alongside the tournament.
5. Explore Maui’s Music, Art, and Culture
Winter is also a time when Maui’s creative side shines:
🎶 Maui Songwriters Festival (January)
A lesser-known gem that brings together Nashville’s finest for an intimate weekend of live performances and workshops across multiple venues.
🎨 Plein Air Invitational (February)
Professional artists from around the world gather on Maui to paint its landscapes in real time. You’ll often see them set up along coastlines, Upcountry roads, or at scenic overlooks. Many works go up for sale at the end-of-week show in Lahaina.
🧧 Chinese New Year Festivities (Jan–Feb)
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with dragon dances, martial arts performances, music, and food at various event across the island.
👨🎨 Maui Open Studios (Feb-Mar)
One of the coolest art events on the island, and one I look forward to every year. It’s a self-guided tour where you get to visit artists in their actual homes and studios, see their creative process up close, chat with them about their work, and even buy pieces directly from them.
📖 Related Read: Top Authentic Things to Do on Maui for a Culturally-Rich Vacation
Tips for Visiting Maui in the Winter
- Book early if you’re coming around the holidays, things sell out fast.
- Check ocean conditions before heading to the beach, especially on the north shore.
- Pack layers – light rain jacket and a sweatshirt go a long way.
- Don’t stress too much about rain – weather can vary by mile, and sunshine and rainbows often follow.
- Consider using my Maui Travel Map to find year-round activities and things to do nearby if the weather does shift.
- Stay on the leeward side for your best shot at consistent beach weather.
Final Thoughts: Should You Visit Maui in the Winter?
If your ideal vacation includes epic wildlife encounters, seasonal festivities, and a break from winter blues, then yes—Maui in the winter is absolutely worth it.
The weather is welcoming, the whales are here, and the calendar is full of unique events and experiences you won’t find at other times of year.
And hey, sipping a mai tai in December beats shoveling snow any day, right?
READY TO EXPLORE MORE OF MAUI?
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