If you’re planning a trip to Maui in the upcoming year, you’re in for a treat. Amazing sparks ignited here over the past two years. With fewer people on island, communities took time to reflect on our culture and how we wanted to share it with you. There is still the sparkling aqua ocean, stunning sandy beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes, and more.

It’s easy to fall in love with Maui—the beautiful scenery, sunny weather, and aloha spirit. However, many visitors to Maui only scrape the surface when it comes to learning about the Hawaiian host culture. When you dig a little deeper, you can create a more enriching experience.

Winter is a fantastic time to be on Maui, starting off with celebrating the December holidays. Colorful lights enhance the island’s sparkle, and there is a spirit of good cheer. Are you planning on celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah on Maui?

When the first Polynesian voyagers landed on Hawaiian shores, they arrived at a land with ecosystems shaped by intricate, interwoven cycles of nature, developed over millions of years with no human input. Early Hawaiians brought plants, animals, and technologies to sustain them and quickly found balance with the elements already here.

Every winter, thousands of humpback whales travel to the warm, shallow waters of Hawai‘i to mate, give birth, and raise their young. Seeing a whale in September is rare, but not a fluke (pun intended), it does happen, with activity continuing through April, and sometimes into May.

Seeing a Hawaiian Monk seal while snorkeling or diving around Maui is a rare treat. Friendly and curious, observing these furry, puppy-faced creatures is a delight. But just how rare was this encounter? With an estimated population of 1,200, the Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, and the rarest seal in U.S. waters.

Giving a lei in Hawaii is almost as special as receiving one. Leis are a symbol of love, respect, welcoming, or appreciation. They are traditionally given to mark special occasions such as the birth of a child or other birthday, to recognize an achievement or show honor to a public figure, along with just showing warm feelings on just about any occasion.

We are fortunate to have many outdoor activities to enjoy, away from crowds. However, with rising COVID-19 numbers in Hawaii, the state and county has put new rules in place to help protect the community and visitors.