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Six Reasons to Spend the Holidays in Hawaii

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Many people dream of a Hawaiian holiday vacation. Whether you are looking to escape the cold or the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you won’t regret spending your holidays on the islands in the middle of the Pacific.

1. Escape the winter blues

Instead of building snowmen, we build sandmen! Imagine yourself on a long stretch of a white sandy beach with the warm ocean water tickling your toes under the Hawaiian sun. Though we can still experience winter showers, the rain is warm and won’t last more than a day. Soak up some Vitamin D and Vitamin Sea to escape the winter blues in Hawaii.

2. Witness Santa arrive… island style

Santa Claus hat on a beach, closeup Mr. Claus, or Kanakaloka in Hawaiian, will arrive by canoe on Maui to Wailea and Kaanapali beach on Christmas Eve! Be sure to double-check dates and times with your hotel if you are in the Wailea, Lahaina, or Kaanapali area to join this fun event.

3. Find amazing gifts for friends and family

One of the best ways to surprise your friends and family while you are away in Hawaii is to bring them back a unique gift! Many local artisans have shops or stands in Farmer’s markets, or around Lahaina town. Surfing santa, turtle, and fish ornaments are always a huge hit.

4. Surf on big waves

Throughout the winter season, the Hawaiian Islands receive massive swells from the north/northwest Pacific Ocean, bringing huge waves and happy surfers. Surfers from around the world travel to Hawaii just because they hear a swell is coming in. Spectators love watching the surfers and the big waves. Some popular breaks on Maui are Peahi (Jaws), Hookipa, and Honolua Bay.

5. See Humpback Whales

Whale photo sequence Whale season is a favorite among locals and regular winter visitors. Humpback whales are migratory marine mammals, spending most of their time feeding in Alaska and migrating to and from Hawaii, Baja California, and the southern islands of Japan. The humpbacks come to Hawaii to mate, and to give birth. The channels in Maui County are a Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary, which means the whales are protected, and cannot be approached closer than 100 yards. Whale watching tours typically operate between November and April, with peak season being between January and February. The whales exhibit amazing behaviors on the water (breaching, pectoral slaps, tail slaps), and often times you can see them from shore!

6. Family-focused holiday events

There are many family-focused events that happen in Hawaii around the holidays. The Banyan Tree Lighting in Lahaina is December 2nd and 3rd. Also, many Christmas Dinner Luaus happen during the holiday season. Kaanapali Beach Hotel has a Christmas Buffet where you can fill your plates with delicious food, and enjoy the ocean view.

Another option is a Ulalena Dinner and Show. 'Ulalena explores relationships between people, nature and mythology. The use of metaphors integrates Hawaiian chants and dances, original music and choreography, lighting and projections to support the talents of unique performers.

The 32nd Annual Holiday Fair at Haleakala Waldorf School is on December 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The HWS Holiday Fair began in 1985 and is an Upcountry Maui holiday tradition. It features local and international craft vendors, 'ono' (delicious) food, wonderful live entertainment, an amazing silent auction, hands-on crafts, a bake shop, beautiful handmade wreaths, games, puppetry and more.

Finally, Hui Holidays 2017 are held from November 20th through December 24th. Here, you can take part in the season of giving! Hui Holidays artisan showcase returns with a winter wonderland of local and handmade items for everyone on your list. During this magical season, the Hui gift shop expands to include even more one-of-a-kind handmade gifts by local artists and crafters like paintings, ceramic pieces, hand-blown glass work, locally made beauty products, holiday ornaments, and more.

More About the Author:
Skyline Eco-Adventures, the USA’s first Zipline Company, operates zipline tours on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Seeking an experience for the whole family? Check out skylinehawaii.com for more info, now! Start Planning Your Adventure Now