It's almost that time of year! You know, when you need to remember to write a different date, make resolutions, and enjoy the momentum and energy in the air. Or if you're celebrating New years in Maui, where you need to stake out the best spot to go watch the fireworks!
If this is your first time spending the new year on the Valley Isle, you might be wondering what it's like. Read on for the ultimate guide to New Year's In Maui.
Hawaiian New Year Traditions
Historically, Hawaiians celebrated the turn of the year with a celebration called the Makahiki. This was a period of peace and prosperity that lasted several months and was celebrated with games, sports, and hula dancing.
Now, you'll find that New Year's is marked with a dazzling display of Fireworks on New Year's eve at midnight.
What to Expect
If you're visiting Maui around New Year's you'll experience whales just off the coast (and hear them singing when you swim!), see festive lights and cute decorations, and experience Maui fireworks like a local.
Along with the sunny days and beautiful beaches, you want from a Hawaiian vacation, you'll also get cooler evenings and nights than during the summer. No AC? No problem!
Please know that the holidays are the busiest tourism season on the island. (With reason, it's such a wonderful time of year). While the island often feels full, it's still got plenty of quiet beaches and beautiful spots you can enjoy in relative seclusion.
Where to Stay
Maui is such a small island that no matter where you stay you'll be able to experience anything you want to with ease. But if you're trying to minimize driving time, check out our top two recommendations.
Kihei/Wailea Area
The Kihei and Wailea Area is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the main events and enjoy views of the fireworks. You won't have to go more than fifteen minutes down the road to hit anything happening in this area!
West Maui
Check out our condos on the west side of Maui to be closer to golf courses and some interesting hikes. There are also a few fantastic luaus that are on this side. Check out this comprehensive list for more information.
Where to watch fireworks in Maui
Ultimately, it doesn't matter where on the island you are– you will definitely see some fireworks. However, some areas have better views than others so you might want to plan ahead.
Fireworks Show in Wailea
If you're staying the the Kihei / Wailea area, you can always head down towards one of the Wailea beaches to watch the biggest New Year's Eve fireworks show, put on by the Grand Wailea Hotel.
It happens at midnight, and while it is a private event, the fireworks are visible from most Wailea properties. The fireworks are lit over the water and it's truly gorgeous.
Wailuku Extravaganza
If you want to experience New Year's Eve more like a local... head towards Wailuku! This town throws the best display as almost every single house lights off fireworks.
Find a park or place to sit and watch the chaos unfold in the most magical way.
Upcountry Overview
Head upcountry towards Kula and see the magic happen all over the valley. Whether you just find a public park to sit at, or you find a condo up there, you can see the entire island ring in the new year. Enjoy your birdseye view (until the smoke obscures it)!
Book accommodations and tours early
It is busy season on Maui, so if you know you want to go to a Luau or go on a whale watch, or even have a specific interest in staying in Kihei or Wailuku, please just go ahead and book them!
Often tours and accommodations get sold out weeks beforehand. This is the time to get organized.
Embrace the aloha spirit
While Maui is always fairly chill, you will experience more traffic and crowds than normal. Take a deep breath and embrace the aloha spirit.
