The Pacific Whale Foundation is offering a whale watch program for school groups of children in the 2nd through 5th grade.

The program includes a 90-minute whale watch led by foundation education team members. Participating teachers will also have the opportunity to schedule an in-person classroom presentation before the whale-watching trip.

So, far 141 students have already participated in the program.

“They saw several whales, including a very active mother and calf pair, while learning about identifying humpback whales from their tail patterns, whale anatomy, migration patterns, and heard a live humpback whale song,” according to an announcement.

For more information, visit the foundation website here.

With a mission to protect the ocean through science and advocacy, and to inspire environmental stewardship, Pacific Whale Foundation conducts research, education, conservation and outreach programs for the communities in which it serves: Maui, Australia, Ecuador and Chile.

Founded by Greg Kaufman in 1980 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving the world’s whales from extinction, the foundation now operates a social enterprise that offers fee-based programs and services through PacWhale Eco-Adventures to help fund its nonprofit work.

The LahainaTown Action Committee, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, invites residents and visitors to finish their holiday shopping at the Kōkua for Maui: Shop Local and Show Aloha event on Sunday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 23, at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa.

This special two-day event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features live entertainment, complimentary photos with Santa, and dozens of businesses from Lahaina Town who have been displaced since the August 2023 fires.

The event highlights the ongoing need to support local businesses as Maui continues to navigate a slow and challenging recovery. According to the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization’s Q4 economic forecast, visitor spending remains far below pre-pandemic levels on Maui, and Lahaina’s small businesses face immense hurdles with rebuilding timelines and limited commercial space. These pop-up events serve as a critical way for displaced businesses to reconnect with the community and sustain themselves this holiday season.

“This holiday season, we encourage everyone to shop with purpose,” said Tambara Garrick, LAC board treasurer and event organizer. “Until Lahaina can rebuild, these pop-up events are a lifeline for our small businesses. Every purchase helps them stay connected to the community and sustain their work until they can return to business in Lahaina Town.”

Sne Patel, president of the LahainaTown Action Committee, added: “The Kōkua for Maui events showcase the resilience of our local businesses and the aloha of our community. It’s about supporting one another and ensuring these businesses thrive as we navigate the path to rebuilding.”

Event Highlights:

• Live Entertainment:
  • Sunday, Dec. 22: Kaniala Masoe | Gabe Goebbert
  • Monday, Dec. 23: Logan Kalawai’a | Larry Golis
• Complimentary Photos with Santa: Sunday, Dec. 22, courtesy of Spotlight Photobooth.
• Lahaina Bird Stand: Stop by and visit the famous birds of Front Street both days.
• Over 30 Front Street Vendors: Shop handmade goods, art, jewelry, apparel, and local products from businesses impacted by the fires.
• Featured Nonprofits: Support the Ocean Center Marine Institute and Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project.
• Book Launch: “Remembering Lahaina,” a commemorative coffee table book by Maui Arts League, will be available for purchase.

The event is free to attend. Valet parking is available for $20, and self-parking validation is $1 per every three hours at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa.

Join us for two days of last-minute holiday shopping, live entertainment, and community connection while showing your support for Lahaina’s small businesses. For more information and a full list of vendors, visit visitlahaina.com.

Maui Mall Village is celebrating the holiday season with a series of festive events and activities designed to spread joy and support the local community. One of the most significant efforts this year is the Season of Giving: A Holiday Food Drive, in partnership with the Maui Food Bank. This food drive is a key initiative for Maui Mall Village, aiming to help the Maui community in need during the holiday season.

Additionally, the center will host a variety of other holiday activities, and family-friendly Jingle Bell Joy events.

Season of Giving: A Holiday Food Drive
Now – Dec. 21, 2024

Maui Mall Village is partnering with the Maui Food Bank to host the Season of Giving: A Holiday Food Drive. Now through Dec. 21, community members are encouraged to donate canned and dry goods at select retailers throughout Maui Mall Village. Drop-off locations include Kumon Math and Reading Center of Kahului, Pulelehua Boutique, Regal Cinemas, and The UPS Store. Every donation helps, and the center invites everyone to come together to spread warmth and joy to those in need this holiday season.

Jingle Bell Joy
Dec. 14 and 21, 2024

Maui Mall Village is bringing the holiday spirit to life with Jingle Bell Joy on two festive Saturdays in December—Dec. 14, and 21. Celebrate the season with live entertainment, holiday-themed activities, and free selfies with Santa when you donate to the Season of Giving food drive or other local nonprofits. The festivities will take place at Center Court, featuring performances by Hālau Hula O Keola Ali’i O Kekai, and the Kalama Intermediate School ʻUkulele Band. Families can enjoy the magic of the season while shopping and dining at the center.

ʻUlupalakua Ranch reminds community members to mark their calendars for a day filled with ono food, photos with Santa and holiday shopping among local vendors at its Christmas in the Country festival, a full day of festivities on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The field behind ʻUlupalakua Ranch Store will be transformed into an Upcountry winter wonderland from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with live music, photos with Santa, keiki activities, a petting zoo and more than 30 local vendors where families can discover one-of-a-kind gifts and ono food while supporting Maui’s local business owners and economy.

In the spirit of giving, ʻUlupalakua Ranch will also be auctioning up the ultimate gift for outdoor enthusiasts: an Exclusive ʻUlupalakua Ranch Hunt, which will benefit two local nonprofits, Common Ground Collective, a nonprofit dedicated to building food security, and the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui, which advocates and protects Maui children. This rare experience includes accommodations at the ʻUlupalakua Ranch Country Cottage and hunting apparel from Hawai’i Hunters.

“Community is the heart of everything we do at ʻUlupalakua Ranch,” said Sumner Erdman, ʻUlupalakua Ranch president. “We are especially looking forward to hosting this holiday fair for our Maui community members to enjoy time with their ʻohana, support local businesses, and soak in the beauty of ʻUlupalakua.”

In addition to other generous local sponsors, Maui Nui Venison, Maui Soda & Ice Works, and Mākena Golf & Beach Club and its ʻŌiwi Resources & Stewardship Department are the featured “Bull Rider” sponsors of Christmas in the Country, which includes providing direct support to the event’s nonprofit beneficiaries.

Additional nonprofit partners offering educational booths and activities include Kula Community Watershed Alliance, Maui Fire Academy, The Underdog Foundation, Auwahi Forest Restoration Project and ʻUlupalakua Arena Club. Entry for Christmas in the Country is $5 and free for keiki 12 and under. There will also be multiple free parking lots and VIP paid parking.

“We are super grateful to be a part of this amazing community event,” said Jennifer Karaca, executive director of Common Ground Collective. “We want to give a huge mahalo to ʻUlupalakua Ranch for hosting and choosing Common Ground Collective and the Children’s Justice Center of Maui as the event beneficiaries. Make sure that you save the date for the family friendly holiday event, and we look forward to seeing everyone there.”

Next door to the festival, MauiWine will be hosting a Kamaʻāina Day, with exclusive discounts for Maui residents. Make a reservation in advance at mauiwine.com or pop over to the winery when visiting ʻUlupalakua Ranch for the Christmas in the Country festival.

The resort team at Four Seasons Resort Lānaʻi has put together a celebration taking place Saturday, Dec. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. hosted by radio personality “Lina Girl” Langi.

Guests can indulge in a Hawaiian experience featuring live music by local artists, island-inspired cuisine and artisan treasures.

To make the journey smoother, a complimentary shuttle will be available at the Mānele, Lānaʻi Harbor to and from the Resort’s Hulopoʻe Ballroom.

The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College will host a “Holiday Bash & Electric Light Parade” on Friday, Dec. 13 at 4:30 p.m. on the Kahului campus’s Great Lawn and Pā‘ina Building dining area. The event is open to the public and admission is FREE.

“This wonderful, family-friendly event has now become a tradition for all of us at UH Maui College,” said Chancellor Lui Hokoana. “We always look forward to having the community gather on our campus. We hope it encourages folks to think of UHMC as the perfect place to continue their education. And, of course, the Holiday Bash is also all about great entertainment, food, and FUN for everyone in the family.”

This year’s attendees will enjoy live music by Homestead and the Kalama Intermediate ‘Ukulele Band, make-and-take activities, a keiki zone with jumpy castle, lift rides, games and prizes, and a dazzling car show. The event will be wrapped up with a fantastic Electric Light Parade featuring creatively decorated golf carts.

Visit Maui Mompreneur crafts booths inside the Pā‘ina Building. Bring unwrapped gifts to the the gift-wrapping station to get them wrapped for FREE. Food for purchase includes: Hawaiian Plate, Veggie Bowl, Flying Saucers, Waffle Dogs, Shave Ice, and Popcorn.

Maui County residents can help with donations of cash and/or new, unwrapped toys for the 2024 Toys for Tots Holiday Toy Drive, an annual US Marine Corps’ event sponsored locally by Minit Stop and Street Bikers United Hawaii.

Donation bins will be available at any Minit Stop location from now through Dec. 20. For those who prefer to contribute financially, donation tickets in denominations of $1 and $5 will be available at Minit Stop checkout counters. Donors’ names will be proudly displayed in-store, and all proceeds will be used to purchase additional toys for local children.

For more than 45 years, Street Bikers United has been a key supporter of the US Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots campaign, providing thousands of toys and monetary donations to brighten the holidays for Hawaii’s keiki.

Last year, the motorcycle riders club collected more than 3,000 toys and over $18,064 in donations, making the holiday season joyful for many local children in need.

Street Bikers United Hawaii, a nonprofit organization advocating for Hawaiʻi’s motorcycle community, plays a vital role in the success of this campaign.

Street Bikers President Ron Panzo said: “Each year, we are humbled by the incredible support from our partners and the community. Their generosity allows us to achieve our mission of bringing holiday cheer to keiki across Hawaiʻi. We’re truly grateful.”

Greg Cabanting, general manager at Minit Stop, said: “At Minit Stop and Ohana Fuels, we are honored to continue our support for this cherished tradition. Seeing the smiles on children’s faces when they receive these gifts is deeply rewarding. We encourage everyone to help make this year’s toy drive another huge success.”

For more information, visit mauitoys4tots.org or contact the nearest Street Bikers United chapter office.

Mākena Golf & Beach Club will host I Ola Kanaloa, a fundraising dinner event honoring local organizations Protect Kahoʻolawe ‘Ohana and Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission for their work towards supporting Kahoʻolawe.  All proceeds from the event will benefit the honorees.  The event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mākena Golf & Beach Club’s Nāulu Farm.

I Ola Kanaloa aims to encourage the health and vitality of Kanaloa spaces: the ocean, wind currents, particular marine life, underground fresh water and ancestral knowledge. The event is set to celebrate the two organizations that play critical roles in remembering, reconnecting and practicing in the spaces of Kanaloa.

The dinner will be held at Nāulu Farm overlooking the club’s organically-minded farm named for, inspired by, and designed to reflect the Nāulu wind and cloud bridge of the area. Created by Mākena Golf & Beach Club’s ‘Ōiwi Resources and Stewardship Director CJ Elizares, Nāulu Farm is part of Mākenaʻs larger effort to support the connection of the Nāulu cloud bridge from Ulupalakua to Kahoʻolawe. The soon-to-begin, low dryland reforestation effort will continue an effort to return native place-based plants to Honuaʻula, reaffirming the relationship between ʻāina and kānaka.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized and chosen to highlight the incredible work of the KIRC. This acknowledgment is a testament to the shared efforts and unwavering commitment to Kaho`olawe. Together, we strive to restore and protect Kanaloa ensuring its legacy as a symbol of resilience, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship for generations to come,” said Ashley Razo, Public Information Specialist for KIRC.

“PKO’s and KIRC’s shared mission to Kūkulu ke Ea a Kanaloa – that the life and spirit of Kanaloa build and take form – is so incredibly awe-inspiring and important to support. From across the channel, our ʻŌiwi Resources team works to echo their potent vision – to once again clothe the Honuaʻula and Kahoʻolawe slopes with native plants, to preserve healthy reef ecosystems, to recognize Kanaloa as a living spiritual entity, and to uplift Native Hawaiian lifeways and practices,” said Leahi Hall, Community Engagement Director, Mākena Golf & Beach Club.

The Nāulu cloud bridge is a unique meteorological phenomenon in the Honua‘ula region of Maui. It forms when trade winds interact with warm air rising from the island causing condensation and forming a bridge-like cloud band that stretches from the top of Honua‘ula to the island of Kaho‘olawe. This cloud formation typically occurs in the afternoons and is crucial for the area’s ecosystem, contributing to the island’s rainfall and supporting its diverse flora and fauna.

“We are grateful for the support and honored by the recognition of the PKO’s unwavering commitment to Kanaloa Kaho’olawe and aloha ‘āina. In healing the island, we are reminded of the importance of working to protect the lands and waters of our own island, Maui. Mahalo for joining us in this journey,” said Lopaka Aiwohi, leader of the PKO.

Tickets for the event are $150 per person.  The event includes delicious food and drink, live entertainment by Marja Lehua Apisaloma and Gilbert Emata, and beautiful views of Puʻu Ōlaʻi and Kahoʻolawe beyond. Seating is limited and is based on a first-to-register basis.  

To buy tickets, visit:

• Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana – Buy Tickets Here
• Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve:  Buy Tickets Here

When purchasing tickets, please note your donations are for this fundraiser: I Ola Kanaloa

For more information regarding this event and future community events at the Mākena Golf & Beach Club, visit: https://www.makenainfo.com/iolakanaloa

Maui Walking Tours LLC is teaming up with Maui Madrigale, a local troupe of professional Christmas carolers, to offer two festive-themed historic walks through Kīhei this December. 

“At Maui Walking Tours, we are all about putting smiles on peoples faces while sharing the culture and history of some of our most beloved towns on the island”, said owner and founder Keith DeVey. The tour company has been offering free guided walking tours of both Kīhei and Wailuku multiple days a week since March.

The two special-themed walks will be hosted on Friday, Dec. 13 and Tuesday, Dec. 17 along a mile-long coastline route in Kīhei. In between stories of historic landmarks and tales of South Maui’s past, the caroling troup will serenade participants with classic carols over the centuries. Song lists will include a few local-favorites as well. Before each carol, a little history will be shared on the origins and meaning behind the song. 

Maui Madrigale has been performing a capella concerts and holiday caroling performances on Maui since 1997. “Our group has had these two performance dates circled on our calendar for a few months now. We are excited for the opportunity to perform for the local community, with Maui’s beautiful coastline as the backdrop,” said Maui Madrigale representative Sandy Shiner. 

Tour participants who sign up are encouraged to dress in holiday attire to help spread the season’s greetings along the route.  

Like all tours offered by Maui Walking Tours, these two special caroling tours are offered free to the public. Tours are capped to assure group sizes are not too large and must be reserved online in advance by visiting www.mauiwalkingtours.com/.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua invites Hawaiʻi residents to celebrate the magic of the season with an exclusive kamaʻāina offer, special events, experiences, and activations throughout December.

From Nov. 29 to Dec. 24, 2024, Hawaiʻi residents can enjoy The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua for $299 per night, with a waived resort fee, complimentary valet parking, and a one-time food and beverage credit of $25.

“We’re excited to provide our community with extraordinary experiences close to home,” said Jon Gersonde, general manager, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. “The magnificent setting of Kapalua only becomes even more magical as the resort transforms into a holiday wonderland.”

As the festive season approaches, the iconic resort is gearing up to offer guests unforgettable experiences filled with holiday cheer and celebrations. Every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to evoke holiday enchantment, and the resort will be dressed to the nines, from the lobby Christmas tree to decadent florals to palm trees adorned in sparkling lights.

Highlights of the season will include:

Music, Entertainment, and Shopping

• Mix & Mingle Holiday Pop-Up Markets (Dec. 14 and 21, 3-7 p.m. at Aloha Garden Pavilion) – Support 30+ local artisans and vendors when you shop for unique gifts and handmade reminders of Maui. Live music and casual food and drinks will add to the festive atmosphere. Don’t miss photos with Santa during the first hour. Admission is free.
• Kapalua Concert Series featuring Taimane (Dec. 6, 6-9 p.m. at Alaloa Lounge) – Enjoy a festive evening as Taimane lights up the stage with her fiery, mashup medleys, soul-stirring original compositions and heartwarming holiday favorites presented in her unique, signature style. No cover charge. Seating is first-come, first-serve. Food and beverage for purchase.
• Nightly live music at Alaloa Lounge with a Hawaiian sunset ceremony at 6 p.m.
• Holiday Soiree with Anuhea (Dec. 28, 6-9 p.m. at Aloha Garden Pavilion) – Celebrate the festive season with Anuhea, one of Hawaiʻi’s most popular recording artists during this special holiday concert, where she will debut songs from her new album, “Lotus,” and sing hits like “Higher than the Clouds,” “Simple Love Song,” and “Come Over Love.” Food and beverage for purchase. All ages are welcome. Tickets are available at www.ritzcarltonmaui.com/anuhea.
• Kapalua Concert Series featuring Gretchen Rhodes (Jan. 3, 6-9 p.m. at Alaloa Lounge) –Join singer-songwriter Gretchen Rhodes for a memorable evening of soulful blues and rock. She is known best for fronting the Mick Fleetwood Band and performing with Steven Tyler. No cover charge. Seating is first-come, first-serve. Food and beverage for purchase.
• Tales of the Kapa Moe Lūʻau (Weekly, 5:30 p.m. at Aloha Garden Pavilion) – Enjoy a feast for all senses and world-class cuisine at this new luxury lūʻau and dinner show, created exclusively for The Ritz-Carlton Maui by kumu hula Pono Murray. Reservations required.
• Anatomie Trunk Show (Dec. 21 to Jan. 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Aloha Room)– Shop this pop-up event then wander the world comfortably in Anatomie’s wrinkle-free, luxury travel clothes for women and men.

Culinary Experiences

• Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner (Dec. 21, 5:30 p.m. at Banyan Tree) – Hosted by Sommelier Jodi Komine, guests can savor rare and complex varietals from Duckhorn Vineyards, the classic Napa Valley winery, expertly paired with a four-course menu from Chef Donovan Foster. Reservations required.
• Chef’s Table (Fridays, 5:30 p.m. at Banyan Tree) – An interactive dining experience and tasting menu highlighting local ingredients from Chef Donovan Foster. Reservations required.
• Kamaʻāina Appreciation Nights (Thursdays, 5-9 p.m. at Banyan Tree)– On Thursdays, kamaʻāina receive 20% off food and drink and can enjoy live local entertainment.
• Holiday Harvest Dinner (Dec. 24-25 at Banyan Tree) – An elegant festive dinner at the Banyan Tree, the resort’s signature restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients and a world-class wine list. Reservations required.
• Burger Shack Specials (Throughout December, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Burger Shack) – Holiday specials at the Burger Shack include the Bacon Bourbon Burger, Chili Garlic Poke, and Peppermint Mocha Milkshake.
• Cajun Seafood Bake (Dec. 26, Dec. 29, and Jan. 1, Burger Shack, 4-7 p.m.) –Watch the sun go down at D.T. Fleming Beach and gather the family for a seafood bake and Burger Shack’s signature burgers.
• Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 24, 6:30-11 a.m. at Ulana Terrace) – Delight in a decadent breakfast at the resort’s Ulana Terrace and capture your holiday photos with Santa. Reservations required.
• Specialty Sushi and Live Music (Nightly, 4-9 p.m. at Alaloa Lounge) – The Alaloa Lounge features sushi from 4 p.m. and live music from 6 p.m. every night. A sunset ceremony saying farewell to the day takes place nightly at 6 p.m.
• Very Merry Coffee Specials (Throughout December, 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kai Café) – Warm up your mornings with Peppermint Mochas and Gingerbread Lattes and indulge in holiday goodies made fresh daily from the resort’s pastry shop.

Spa and Wellness

• Seasonal Spa-Liday Treatments (Throughout December, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Spa) – Festive-themed spa treatments are offered, including the CBD Brilliant Body Treatment, Knesko 24 Karat Gold Facial, and Champagne Peppermint Pedicure. Reservations required.

Throughout the resort, kamaʻāina can enjoy discounts year-round at food and beverage outlets, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment, and the Tales of the Kapa Moe Lūʻau.

In addition, kamaʻāina rates are offered at Kapalua Golf’s award-winning courses, the Plantation Course and the Bay Course. Renowned as two of Maui’s premier golf destinations, these courses combine breathtaking views with challenging layouts, making them a must-play for avid golfers. The Plantation Course is home to the PGA TOUR’s Sentry, while the Bay Course features dramatic oceanfront holes perfect for a memorable round.

Hawaiʻi residents can make room reservations by visiting www.ritzcarlton.com/maui using rate code Z43. Proof of Hawaiʻi residency is required upon check-in. Availability is limited. For dining and activity reservations, guests can contact the resort’s concierge at 808-665-7089.