Maui Christmas Dining & Events 2011

For the current year, see our page of the top things to do at Christmas on Maui.

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The following information is from 2011 for reference purposes only. Some links may no longer work. Once again, click this link for the most –> up to date Maui Christmas events.

Christmas in Maui will be filled with lots of aloha this year – with hula, Hawaiian music and  delicious dining. Even Santa is scheduled to spend a good bit of time on Maui after he arrives by outrigger canoe.

Here’s what’s on slate for 2011:

MAUI CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES, SANTA ARRIVAL & DINING

SANTA ARRIVES AT MALUAKA BEACH, MAKENA
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Every year Santa comes to Makena, right before his biggest night of year. Join us on Maluaka Beach to welcome Santa to Makena.
10 a.m. Free
Phone: (808) 874-1111 or visit www.makenaresortmaui.com

SANTA ARRIVES AT THE FAIRMONT KEA LANI MAUI
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves arrive Polo Beach via outrigger canoe to spread holiday cheer in South Maui. Bring your cameras for photos with Santa.
12 p.m. Free and open to Maui residents and hotel guests.
Phone: (808) 875-2290, or email concierge.kealani@fairmont.com

SANTA’S WORKSHOP AT HYATT REGENCY MAUI 

Saturday, December 24, 2011
Join Santa and his Elves for a special holiday event. Participate in holiday arts and crafts, games, prize giveaways and take pictures with Santa, while feasting on holiday cookies and punch. Personal cameras are welcome.
1 – 3 p.m. at Hyatt Regency Maui’s Umalu tent. Reservations not required.
Phone: (808) 661-1234

SANTA WATCH AT HYATT REGENCY MAUI
Saturday, December 24, 2011
The famed Tour of the Stars program will be featuring a “Santa Watch.” Astronomers will search the skies for jolly old Saint Nick.
Shows at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Phone: (808) 661-1234

CHRISTMAS EVE BUFFET AT MAKENA BEACH & GOLF RESORT
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Everyone knows that the Holidays mean lots of great food. The Christmas Evening Buffet starts with a spread that features traditional holiday favorites like sage and thyme basted roasted whole tom turkey served with traditional giblet gravy, cranberry relish and cornbread stuffing or try the spit roasted rosemary pommery leg of lamb. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets while feasting on this hearty holiday meal.
5:30 – 9 p.m. in Molokini Bar & Grille
$60.00 per person, $45.00 per child (age 9-12), $30.00 per child (age 5-8) Rates exclusive of tax and gratuity
For reservations or for more information call (808) 875-5888, email reservations@makenaresortmaui.com, or visit www.makenaresortmaui.com

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER BUFFET AT SHERATON MAUI RESORT & SPA
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Share a view of Black Rock, reconnect with family and friends, and sink your teeth into an assortment of delicious options including bamboo shoot salad, Black Rock oysters and salt crusted baron of beef.
4 – 9 p.m.
$63.00 per adult, $31.00 per child (age 6-12)
Phone: (808) 921-4600

CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA
Saturday, December 24, 2011
A picture is worth a thousand words – so children of all ages are invited to stop by the Lobby to be photographed with Santa Claus! Guests will also enjoy festive entertainment including Hawaiian music, traditional hula dancing and a melodic trio.
Photos from 4 – 8 p.m. Images available for purchase on-site or online.
Entertainment from 4 – 11 p.m.
Phone: (808) 669-6200

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNERS AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Savor the season with culinary delights at The Banyan Tree offering an a la carte menu, and The Terrace offering a prix-fixe menu of Mauka Makai (Surf & Turf).
5:30 – 9:30 p.m., with ambient entertainment
$60.00 per person. Keiki menu free for children12 years and younger at the Terrace Restaurant, with each paying adult. Reservations recommended
Phone: (808) 669-6200

CHRISTMAS EVE CHURCH SERVICES
– Hope Chapel in Kihei – three separate services with 8pm candlelight service. See this link for details.
– Calvary Chapel South Maui in Kihei – Christmas Eve service at 7pm. See this link for details. (Mahalo to Liza for this information.)
– Unity Church of Maui will host a Christmas Eve service at 6:30pm in Wailuku at Iao Theater.
– Keawala’i Congregation in the Makena area of South Maui will hold a candlelight service at 6:30pm. See this link and scroll down to see more details.
– For those staying in West Maui area (Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua), Kaanapali Beach Hotel will hold a non-denominational Christian candlelight service in their courtyard at 9:30pm. Lahaina News offers a few more details. Call 808-661-0011 for more information.
– Contact your concierge for more information on church services near your resort.

CHRISTMAS DAY DINING

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH AT MAKENA BEACH & GOLF RESORT
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Christmas morning just got merrier with Makena Beach & Golf Resort’s Christmas Brunch Buffet. Travel a world of flavors in our newly renovated Molokini Bar & Grille restaurant featuring the usual breakfast favorites like made-to-order stuffed french toast with strawberries and macadamia nuts.
9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
$60.00 per person, $45.00 per child (age 9-12), $30.00 per child (age 5-8) Rates are exclusive of tax and gratuity
For reservations or for more information call (808) 875-5888, email reservations@makenaresortmaui.com, or visit www.makenaresortmaui.com

HOLIDAY SUNDAY BRUNCH AT GRAND WAILEA
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Maui’s best breakfast ocean view location with panoramic views of the Pacific is the Grand Dining Room offering a special Sunday Holiday Brunch with live Hawaiian music and hula. Celebrate the holidays with your loved ones with a feast fit for kings and queens. For full menu, visit http://wailearesortdining.com/specials_events/
9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
$62.00 per adult, $30.00 per child (age 5-12). Rates exclusive of tax & gratuity. Complimentary for ages 4 and under
Phone: (808) 875-1234 ext 4900

CHRISTMAS DINNER BUFFET AT MAKENA BEACH & GOLF RESORT
Sunday, December 25, 2011
And if you’re not too stuffed, Makena’s culinary dream team invites you back to join them for the Christmas Dinner Buffet.  The range of culinary options includes a variety of salads, fresh seafood selections surrounding an in-house carved ice sculpture, appetizers, sizzling entrees, and desserts galore.
5:30 – 9 p.m.
$60.00 per person, $45.00 per child (age 9-12), $30.00 per child (age 5-8) Rates are exclusive of tax and gratuity
For reservations or for more information call (808) 875-5888, email reservations@makenaresortmaui.com, or visit www.makenaresortmaui.com

CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE DINNER AT THE FAIRMONT KEA LANI MAUI
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Join The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui for a Christmas in Paradise buffet dinner. Located on the beautiful Polo Beach Lawn overlooking the Pacific, the incredible buffet includes slow roasted free range turkey, seafood selections and many traditional favorites including holiday desserts.
Seating from 5 – 7 p.m. Live entertainment and an open premium bar.
$90.00 per person, $30.00 per child (age 6-12) Complimentary for children 5 years and under
Phone: (808) 875-2290, or email concierge.kealani@fairmont.com

CHRISTMAS BY THE BEACH AT THE SHERATON MAUI RESORT & SPA
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Create lasting memories with family and friends at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa’s Christmas dinner buffet. Enjoy Roasted turkey with macadamia nut stuffing, Maui lilikoi honey glazed ham, an ocean ice bar and much more!
4 – 9 p.m.
$68.00 per adult, $34.00 per child (age 6-12). Rates exclusive of tax & gratuity
Phone: (808) 921-4600

CHRISTMAS BUFFETS AT HYATT REGENCY MAUI’S UMALU
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Join us for a generous and casual Hawaiian-style Christmas buffet, where slippers and board shorts are welcome, while listening to Hawaiian music.
Breakfast buffet served 6:30 – 11 a.m.
Lunch served 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Dinner served 4:30 – 8 p.m. Reservations recommended.
Regular dinner bar menu served 8 – 10 p.m.
Menu highlights include roasted traditional turkey, roasted pork loin over braised cabbage with whole mustard demi-glace, pan seared Mahi-Mahi with Asian pesto crust and lemon grass beure blanc, roasted certified angus New York strip with Ono Hamakua mushroom sauce and assorted traditional deserts.
$65.00 per adult, $32.50 per child (age 5-18)
Phone: (808) 661-1234 or (800) 233-1234

CHRISTMAS DINNER AT HYATT RENGENCY MAUI’S JAPENGO
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Enjoy a spectacular Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine and sushi along with holiday specials, or an à la carte menu featuring a number of delectable appetizers, soup and salad, entrées and desserts, at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.
Dinner served 5:30 – 10 p.m.
Lounge hours are 4:30 – 11 p.m.
Phone: (808) 661-1234 or (800) 233-1234

CHRISTMAS AT HYATT REGENCY MAUI’S DRUMS OF THE PACIFIC LUAU
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Experience the acclaimed Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Sunset Terrace, where an unforgettable beach backdrop and a traditional luau menu are highlighted with festive holiday additions. Menu additions include Roasted Diestel farms turkey, pan gravy, whipped potatoes, Portuguese sausage and chestnut stuffing, cranberry relish, pumpkin and pecan squares and holiday sugar cookies.
5 – 8 p.m. Reservations required.
Phone: (808) 661-1234 or (800) 233-1234

A CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFET AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Raise your sparkling glass in The Terrace Restaurant and enjoy a lavish holiday buffet with an array of delicacies, highlighted with entertainment by a contemporary Hawaiian soloist and hula dancer.
3 – 8 p.m.
$130.00 per adult includes a glass of Dom Perignon Champagne. $90.00 per adult without champagne. $45.00 per child (age 6-12). Children 5 and under are complimentary with each paying adult.
Rates are exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations are required. Phone: (808) 669-6200

A CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Chef de Cuisine Jojo Vasquez tempts discerning palates with a bountiful four-course holiday menu, paired with a smooth jazz duo at The Banyan Tree, award-winning, ocean-front venue.
5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
$100.00 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations recommended.
Phone: (808) 669-6200

CHRISTMAS DAY FEAST AT KAANAPALI BEACH HOTEL
December 25, 2011
Christmas buffet at Tiki Terrace Restaurant features Macadamia Nut-Crusted Roasted Leg of Lamb, Rotisserie Roasted Goose with Poha Berry Chutney, Kiawe Smoked Pepper-Crusted Prime Rib, Roasted Turkey with Shiitake Mushroom and Corn Stuffing, a Cold Seafood Buffet with all-you-can-eat Crab Legs. There will also be a selection of favorite holiday desserts.
Early Bird Seating from 11am to 1:30pm – pricing is $42.95 for adults and $22 for children ages 6 to 12.
Dinner Feast Seating from 3pm to 7pm – pricing is $46.95 for adults and $22 for children ages 6 to 12.
Hawaiian entertainment from 5pm to 8pm.
Arrange reservations at (808) 667-0124 or book online from this link.

MAUI CHRISTMAS AND HANUKKAH EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT: DECEMBER 18 TO 29

“HULA SUNDAYS” KEIKI HULA ENTERTAINMENT AT MAKENA RESORT
Sundays, December 18 and 25, 2011 and January 1, 2012
The Makena Beach & Golf Resort brings a little hula into the holiday mix with the help of one of Maui’s most experience keiki halaus (children’s hula group). Throughout the holiday season enjoy a live keiki hula show every Sunday evening starting December 4, 2011 through January 1, 2012. Listen to the melodic tunes of instructor Kumu Keoni Manual and view the expert dances of his keiki halau.
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Free
Phone: (808) 875-5888 or visit www.makenaresortmaui.com

HULA GRILL KAANAPALI’S ANNUAL SANTA VISIT
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Arriving on a canoe, Santa will celebrate his 17th annual visit to Hula Grill. Christmas requests from keiki accepted, photos with families, and candy canes available to those on the nice list. There will also be cookie and ornament decorating for all to enjoy.
4:45 p.m., Free
Phone: (808) 667-6636

TEDDY BEAR TEA AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Celebrate traditions and make new memories with this classic holiday event, which includes inspired tea presentations for the young and young at heart, cookie decorating, storytelling, a pianist and special cameos by Frosty the Snowman, Chris the Christmas Bear and of course, Santa Claus.
2 – 4 p.m. in the foyer
$45.00 per adult, $30.00 per child (age 4-12)
Rates are inclusive of tax and gratuity
Phone: (808) 669-6200

HANUKKAH MENORAH LIGHTING AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA
December 20 – 27, 2011
In observance of the 2011 Hanukkah Celebration, the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua will light a Menorah located in the main lobby entrance, daily at sundown.

HOLIDAY SUNSET ZIPLINE TOUR
Wednesdays, December 21 and 28, 2011
Enjoy a special holiday zip line tour this holiday season, which includes 2 side-by-side zip line rides, hot chocolate and cookies on the mountain top of West Maui.
Check-in at 3:30 p.m. Tour starts at 4 p.m.
$129.00 per person, excluding tax and gratuity
Reservations required: (808) 665-3753 or www.gozipmaui.com

HOLIDAY TENNIS TOURNAMENT AT HYATT REGENCY MAUI
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Sign up and play in Hyatt Regency Maui’s holiday tennis tournament.
3 – 5 p.m., at Hyatt Maui’s Tennis Center
Phone: (808) 661-1234

STORY TIME WITH SANTA AT THE KAPALUA VILLAS
Thursday, December 23, 2011
Families and holiday revelers of all ages will enjoy a quiet afternoon snack with Santa.
3:30 p.m. Free
Phone: (808) 665-5400

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE ON HOLIDAY AT GRAND WAILEA
Friday, December 23, 25 and 27, 2011
Browse through a display of sculptures, paintings, photography, wood turnings and ceramics from select local artists. Lobby level near Botero Bar at Grand Wailea. Art available for purchase. Open to all, valet parking complimentary at NaPua Gallery.
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

HYATT REGENCY MAUI’S HOLIDAY FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS
December 23, 26, and 29, 2011
Guests can enjoy favorite holiday movies and free popcorn, including “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” “Polar Express,” and “Elf.”
7 p.m., on the pool deck
Phone: (808) 661-1234

12 DAYS OF FISHMAS AT MAUI OCEAN CENTER
December 14 – 25, 2011
Count down to Christmas with the 12 Days of FISH-mas! Enjoy delicious food and drink specials at the Aquarium’s Coffee Cart and Seascape Ma’alaea Restaurant, special holiday treat giveaways during naturalist presentations, and visits from Scuba Claus and Elf! See Scuba Claus at 11am, and Elf at 3pm, as they host the interactive Dive Link presentations in the Open Ocean Exhibit.  Scuba Claus and Elf will be wearing special masks that allow them to speak with the audience, so have your wishlist ready!
For more information, see this link.

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Advice & Notes:

• Many other resorts and venues will offer special Christmas dining and events. If you do not see your resort listed, contact the concierge at your resort for information on their events.
• I recommend you make reservations as soon as possible.
• Please make sure you are aware of the cancellation policy as you make your reservations.
• All pricing and schedules were accurate at the time of publishing.
• I will update this list when additions or revisions are determined.
• Mahalo nui loa to the Maui Visitors Bureau for their assistance.

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas on Maui or elsewhere, I want to say Mele Kalikimaka, Hawaii’s way to say Merry Christmas to you and yours!

If your holiday celebrations continue on Maui through the New Year, check out Maui  New Year’s Eve Fireworks & Events.

This content was originally published on GoVisitHawaii.com.