“Maui Christmas”
After an incredible 294 days of travel across 9 countries and staying in 33 different accommodations, I was beyond excited to settle into the laid-back rhythm of Maui for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's with my family.
Although I was born in California, my family moved to Maui when I was 11, and it was like coming home. California never truly felt like "home" to me; Maui always did. So, returning here was a true homecoming—reuniting with my parents, my brother and sister-in-law, and their pack of adorable dogs.
Meet Ari, my brother and sister-in-law’s stunning Siberian Husky. She’s the true star of Christmas—prancing and trotting around like a perfect reindeer, bringing joy and laughter to everyone. She’s smart, sassy, and confidently gorgeous!
These are my mum and dad’s adorable little ladies, Belle and Emma—or as my dad refers to them, “Laura’s baby sisters.”
I get asked all the time, "What’s Christmas like in Hawaii?" Well, let me tell you—it’s nothing like the snowy, chilly scenes you might expect. Instead, it’s a whole new kind of beautiful. Imagine Santa arriving on a canoe, pulled by dolphins, and delivering gifts right on families’ lanais (porches) because, you know, no fireplaces here!
While we don't experience the dramatic seasonal changes like other places, we do enjoy the magic of the humpback whales migrating here from November through March and the slightly cooler temperatures —usually in the 70s°F (low 20s°C)— our telltale signs of the season.
With no snow to shovel, we embrace the holiday in our own way—building jigsaw puzzles, taking long, peaceful beach walks, and strolling through the neighborhood to admire Christmas lights and lawn décor. This hula Santa is a neighborhood classic!
One of my mom’s and my favorite traditions is to wander through the resorts in the villages of Kapalua and Kaanapali. The resorts here really go all out, decking their halls and transforming their grounds into tropical Christmas wonderlands.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui never disappoints, with beautiful Christmas magic throughout the property.
This year however, they went above and beyond with a special Lahaina-themed gingerbread town, dedicated to the restaurants and shops that were lost in the 2023 fire. It was a heartfelt tribute, and the craftsmanship was nothing short of confectionary genius.
And, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance to make the experience complete!
The Kapalua village trails offer a charming path that winds through towering pines and tropical flowers, with breathtaking ocean views and sweeping golf course vistas at every turn.
Another highlight is the Montage Kapalua Bay, perched on the bluffs above the bay. I took a moment to sink into a hammock, letting the soothing sound of waves crashing on the rocks below wash over me.
