Grega2475

How is the weather in mid December?Will I be able to be in a bathing suit?Is Maui totally commercialized?How does it compare to the Caribbean?We have gone to St.Martin[stayed on the French side]3 times and thoroughly enjoyed it.We'd like to try Maui.

sf7307

Yes you will be in a bathing suit. It's tropical. The average high in December is 82-83 °F

dbdurand

The resort areas, which I guess you would call commercialized, are on the leeward side of the Island. The main city, Kahului, where the airport is, is on the windward side. That's where the mall, Costco, and other bigger stores are. The population of Kahului is only 20,000. In between there are some sugar cane fields and lots of mountainous terrain.

All the broadcast TV comes from Honolulu. There is a local newspaper, the Maui News, but I think most people read the Honolulu Advertiser. At least I have on our past trips there.

So, no, it's not totally commercialized. Not even close.

dbdurand

By now you would have had 10 to 20 hits on your post, had you tagged it Hawaii.

montereybob

Maui is much more tropical and lush compared to most Caribbean islands. There are also many more excellent beaches and restaurants than on most Caribbean islands. If you liked St. Martin, you will love Maui. In Dec. in Maui the ocean water will range from 72-74 degrees --- cooler than the 78-80 degrees you find in the Caribbean. However, there will be excellent snorkeling at several beaches in Maui. To learn about Maui before you go, I recommend the travel guide Maui Revealed by Doughty.

grasshut

I also recommend Maui Revealed because it is a very up to date book as well you can go to their web site and get very recent updates as to any and every question that you have about Maui. It not only tells you about things to do in Maui, it gives a comprehensive update on all the places to eat and the activities that might interest you as well. Have a good time it is a very beautiful place to go.