Recurring Events on Maui
Look through our list of Recurring Events on Maui and select ones that will add enjoyment to your visit of the Valley Isle. We divided Annual Festivals & Events by seasons, but the dates can change from year to year, so make sure to check the provided websites for current dates and programming.
Weekly Events
Maui Friday Town Parties
Free Weekly Group Runs
Saturday Maui Chef’s Table
Tuesday Magic Show
Wednesday Slack Key Show
Monthly Events
Free Last Thursday Hawaiian Music Series
Free First Sunday Jazz Concerts
Annual Festivals & Events
Summer (Jun – Aug)
Fall (Sep – Nov)
Winter (Dec – Feb)
Spring (Mar – May)
Weekly Recurring Events on Maui
Maui Friday Town Parties
Maui Friday Town Parties rotate through 4-5 Fridays of each month and take place in 5 historic towns on Maui and Lanai. All events are free, family-oriented and kid-friendly.
1st Friday in Wailuku, from 6 to 9 PM, Historic Market Street
Wailuku First Friday event showcases dozens of artisans, food vendors, live music and shows.
http://mauifridays.com/wailuku/
2nd Friday in Lahaina, from 5 to 9 PM, Historic Front Street
In addition to great food, live music and shops’ discounts during the 2nd Friday party, Lahaina has an abundance of art galleries, many of those offering art demos, refreshments and pupu’s.
http://mauifridays.com/lahaina/
3rd Friday in Makawao, from 6 to 9 PM, Historic Makawao Town
Baldwin Avenue is closed from the top of Makawao Avenue down to Brewer Street. Exciting entertainment, good eats on the street with lots of food trucks, arts and crafts.
http://mauifridays.com/makawao/
4th Friday in Kihei, from 6 to 9 PM, Azeka Shopping Center Mauka
Activities for all ages, live entertainment, a large food court, food booths and trucks with many local taste treats!
http://mauifridays.com/kihei/
5th Friday in Lanai, from 5:30 to 8 PM, Lanai City around Dole Park
This event takes place each month that has the 5th Friday. For 5th Friday Lanai Event Ticket and Transportation Package information, check the following website:
https://lostonlanai.com/product/new-link-5th-friday-lanai-event-ticket-transportation-package/
Book early as tickets can get sold out.
https://www.facebook.com/lanaichamber
Free Weekly Group Runs
Every Sunday Night, 6 am (May-October), 6:30 am (November-April), various locations on Maui
Every Wednesday Night, 5:30 pm (arrive 10-15 minutes early), Kihei Aquatic Center Parking Lot
You can join a group to run while on vacation in Maui! Valley Isle Road Runners support and foster the running community, spread the aloha spirit and encourage healthy, active lifestyles for both locals and visitors alike. Check the website below for more specifics.
Valley Isle Road Runners website
Saturday Maui Chef’s Table
Every Saturday, 6 pm, Mill House Restaurant at Maui Tropical Plantation
A multi-course dinner extravaganza with open kitchen and communal seating. A unique culinary experience, that focuses on interactive exploration and appreciation of the art of food. The chef will speak about the local farms from which they source ingredients, talk about the courses, and entertain you with culinary tips and stories.
https://www.mauichefstable.com/
Tuesday Magic Show
Every Tuesday, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, Mulligan’s On the Blue
Magic & comedy for all ages! Enjoy Maui magicians featuring high energy comedy & magic with heaps of interaction, laughs and gags spread throughout on Tuesdays at Mulligan’s on the Blue in Wailea. $5 cover for those 12 and up
http://mulligansontheblue.com/entertainment/
Wednesday Slack Key Show
Every Wednesday, from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Napili Kai Beach Resort
All Show tickets are open seating. There are two options for purchase: Show Only tickets OR Dinner and Show tickets. For pricing, directions and upcoming show information, check the website:
https://www.slackkeyshow.com/
Monthly Recurring Events on Maui
Free Last Thursday Hawaiian Music Series
Last Thursday of each month, 6 – 7:30 pm, under the trees of the Baldwin Home Museum in Lahaina
Enjoy performances of local musicians on a warm Hawaiian night. The concerts may feature traditional and popular tunes, ukulele music, slack key or contemporary guitar and hula dances. Your attendance and appreciation will ensure continuing celebration of Hawaiian culture and arts. Donations are appreciated. Limited seating is provided on the lawn; blankets, mats and low beach chairs are welcome.
To view the next concert’s performer, check this website:
http://lahainarestoration.org/events/
Free First Sunday Jazz Concerts
Every first Sunday of the month, Feb 4 – Dec 2, 2018, 11 am to 12 pm concert, entertainment continues until 5 pm, Queen Ka’ahumanu Shopping Center
A professional guitarist and music educator, Prem Brosio, presents Sunday Jazz with Friends on the main stage. Prem teaches choir at Haleakala Waldorf School, performs around the island as a soloist, and is a member of the Chop Suey Jazz Orchestra and Maui Chamber Orchestra Chorus. Maui Made Sundays’ entertainment continues until 5 pm with a variety of Hawaiian music students and artists.
Annual Festivals & Recurring Events on Maui
Maui Obon Season
(Annual) From June to August, across many local Buddhist temples
The Obon Festival is an ancient Japanese Buddhist tradition to honor the diseased ancestors. In Japan, this even traditionally lasts three days. In Hawaii, this festival is an over 100-year old tradition. It happens across many local Buddhist temples of Jodo Shinshu sect (hongwanjis). Each Obon is different, but all celebrate the Japanese culture and feature colorful lanterns (to show the way for the spirits), kimonos, taiko drum performances, cultural craft booths, savory Japanese fare, and the highlight of the festival – the Bon Odori dance. Everyone is welcome to participate in those family friendly festivities, regardless of spiritual or religious affiliation.
To check the full Obon Festival schedule in Hawaii for the current year, go to the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii website:
https://hongwanjihawaii.com/
King Kamehameha Day
(Annual) Every June, the weekend after June 11, 2 days, along the Front Street and under the Banyan Tree in Lahaina
King Kamehameha I, or Kamehameha the Great, founded the Kingdom of Hawaii by uniting the Hawaiian Islands in 1810, after many years of conflict. Hawaii celebrate the legacy of its greatest leader, diplomat and warrior on June 11 – official Kamehameha Day – when all of his statues are ceremoniously draped with flower leis. On the weekend, following June 11, Maui hosts a 2-day annual celebration in Lahaina – Na Kamehameha Commemorative Paʻu Parade & Ho‘olaule‘a. Enjoy an authentic local celebration with food booths, Hawaiian music and hula dances, free activities for kids, and Maui-made crafts.
https://www.facebook.com/NKCPPH/
Maui Film Festival
(Annual) Every June, 5 days and nights, Maui Arts & Cultural Center or the Celestial Cinema in Wailea
Maui Film Festival is the most famous and important yearly recurring event on Maui since 2000 with over 1000 films submitted each year. Along with new film screenings, important food events take place each festival – the Taste of Summer, the Taste of Chocolate and the Taste of Wailea, with many famous Maui restaurants serving a great variety of delicious food.
“Cinema Paradiso… the Maui Film Festival is the embodiment of relaxed elegance providing ample opportunity to enjoy stargazing of both the Hollywood and heavenly varieties shoulder-to-shoulder with its A-List honorees.”
The Hollywood Reporter
https://www.mauifilmfestival.com/
Ki Ho’alu Guitar Festival
(Annual) Every June, Maui Arts & Cultural Center
This annual concert is free, family-friendly, and features many of Hawaii’s top slack key guitar players. Ki Ho’alu means “loosen the key” and refers to the genre of the guitar music that was introduced to Hawaii by Mexican cowboys in the late 19th century. Bring your own chair or blanket for the open lawn seating, and enjoy the concert, local arts & crafts and a variety of Maui food trucks.
For the exact date this year, check Maui Arts & Cultural Center website:
https://www.mauiarts.org/
La ‘Ulu: Breadfruit Day!
(Annual) Sep 8, 2018, 10 am to 3 pm, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens
Free Admission, Free Parking. Sponsored by Ulupono Initiative and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens will host the second annual La ‘Ulu: Breadfruit Day! This free community event will include food booths, breadfruit cooking demonstrations, Pacific ‘ulu varieties for sale, a multi-grower Hawaiian plant sale, free cultural activities, Hawaiian music and hula! Come learn, share & try ‘Ulu (Breadfruit)!
http://www.mnbg.org/laulu.html
Lahaina Banyan Tree Ho’olaule’a
(Annual) Sep 17-18, 2018, 9 am to 5 pm, Historic Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina
The event is part of the Festivals of Aloha. The annual celebration of aloha honors the Hawaiian heritage with royal pageantry, parades, street parties, concerts and family activities. The event includes Hawaiian music, hula, Maui made crafts, keiki activities and local food. Entertainment will take place all weekend long.
https://www.festivalsofaloha.com
’Ohina Short Film Showcase
(Annual) Sep 21, 2018, starts at 7 pm, Maui Arts & Cultural Center
The ʻOhina Short Film Showcase started in 1999 and became the largest Hawaiian short film festival. Using the Hawaiian term for “gathering” or “collecting,” ʻOhina supports amateur and professional filmmakers in showing their creative works to the community. Although entries can come from around the world, there is a requirement for the films to be creatively related to the Hawaiian Islands. The screening will be followed by a discussion about the films.
Chinese Moon Festival in Lahaina
(Annual) Saturday, September 22, 2018, from 1 pm to 7 pm, Wo Hing Museum & Cookhouse on Front Street in Lahaina
The Moon Festival in China is always celebrated in the middle of the fall season and at the time when the moon is at its roundest and brightest. On Maui, the Wo Hing Society and Lahaina community organize the Moon Festival as a tribute to Chinese heritage and the island’s harvest of locally grown produce. Wo Hing Museum & Cookhouse will host the festival, that includes the presentation on the history of Moon Festivals, art and calligraphy demonstrations, musical and dance performances, Chinese food and Moon cakes for sale.
http://lahainarestoration.org/events/
Maui Ukulele Festival
(Annual) Sunday, September 30, 2018, 1 pm to 6 pm, Maui Arts & Cultural Center
The annual Maui Ukulele Festival started in 2006. Bring your lawn chairs or roll out a blanket on the lawn and enjoy a full afternoon of ukulele music, ukulele door prizes, food booths, and more. Come and join us in laughter, love and hope!
https://www.ukulelefestivalhawaii.org/en/maui.htm
Paddle for Life, Annual Voyage to Lanai
(Annual) October 6 – 7, 2018, from Lahaina to Lanai and back in outrigger canoes
Each year, cancer survivors and supporters paddle six-person outrigger canoes across the ‘Au’au channel from Lahaina to Lanai, a 34-mile round trip journey, to raise funds for Maui’s cancer community. The voyage is rich in meaning: both the cancer journey and the sea crossing involve tremendous physical, mental and emotional strength, patience and perseverance, and require a team to make the journey successful. The voyage is also rich in ceremony: from hundreds of paddlers joined hand in hand during chants in Hawaiian, to a mile-long 260 pound locally handmade ti leaf lei carried from island to island as a symbol of peace, to a gift exchange of ‘ulu (breadfruit) trees between island chiefs. Get your own team together or join a crew.
https://www.paddleforlifemaui.org/
Maui Marathon and Half Marathon
(Annual) October 13, 2019, see the included website for specific races’ locations and times
The Maui Marathon is the longest continuously held running event in Hawaii and also the oldest marathon west of the Mississippi River. Runner’s World magazine has named it one of the top 10 Most Scenic Marathons in the nation. There are full marathon, full marathon relay, half marathon, 10K and 5K races.
Roy’s Restaurants Golf Classic
(Annual) Friday, October 19, 2018, 11:30 am, Ka’anapali Golf Course
This yearly play-and-eat golf fundraising event benefits Imua Family Services, and brings a brighter future for Maui, Molokai and Lanai’s special needs keiki. Drive your way through the course, hit holes-in-one and partake in delectable chef creations, refreshing beer and thirst-quenching cocktails. Dinner reception and award ceremony to follow at Roy’s Ka’anapali.
https://hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com/events/
Halloween in Maui
(Annual) Wednesday, October 31, 2018, the largest celebration is in Lahaina
Halloween is one of the favorite recurring events on Maui and the island starts celebrating it early with various events happening in towns of Kihei, Wailea, Paia, Makawao and Wailuku. It culminates in a huge Halloween party in Lahaina. Get here early to avoid the biggest traffic jams. It’s easier to find a parking before 3 pm. If you are coming to Lahaina from South or Central Maui, consider taking a boat from Ma’alaea, like this Pride of Maui Halloween Cruise, or even booking a hotel in Lahaina for a night or two. Shuttles and public buses offer rides across the island, but make sure you buy the tickets early.
The festivities start at 4:30 pm with the children’s parade, the children’s costume contest and activities. As the sun goes down, and most families with children leave, the arty turns into an adult event with some revealing costumes. The party takes place all along Front Street with its traffic closed from 3 om to midnight, and the costume contest is held around the historic Banyan Tree.
If you are staying in South Maui, you can go to Mulligan’s On the Blue in Wailea for a party, 7 – 9 pm. $15 cover charge will be waived if you order $15 worth of food & drink.
Looking for a pumpkin patch to visit on vacation? Head to Kula Country Farms to spend a wonderful fall day with the family. Want to coincide your trip with a scary but family-friendly movie? Check out The Legend of Hallowaiian. It isn’t set on Maui but it’s Halloween-related Hawaiian home-grown fun nonetheless.
https://lahainatown.com/halloween-party.php
Made in Maui County Festival
(Annual) Friday & Saturday, November 2-3, 2018
Exclusive Shopping Day – November 2, 1:30 pm to 6 pm, Maui Arts & Cultural Center
$35 per person, free for children 12 and under. Made in Maui County Festival is the largest Maui products show, that features over 140 vendors. Spend this year’s Exclusive Shopping Day browsing locally made products, food, produce, art, jewelry, fashions, furniture, gifts and more.
The Big Festival Day – November 3, 8 am to 4:30 pm, Maui Arts & Cultural Center
$5 per person, free for children 12 and under. Product demonstrations, a fashion show, food court, prize drawings and more! First 2,000 attendees receive a free Festival tote.
http://www.madeinmauicountyfestival.com/
Chinese Heritage Festival in Lahaina
(Annual) Friday, November 9, 2018, 10 am to 8 pm, Wo Hing Museum & Cookhouse
The Chinese Heritage Festival is part of four Chinese recurring events on Maui presented by the Wo Hing Society and Lahaina Restoration Foundation to celebrate our community’s multi-ethnic culture. Every November, we honor the life and achievements of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, known as The Father of Modern China.
Free admission is available all day, and you can watch a film tribute and view historical displays depicting the Sun family connection from Maui to China. Try your hand at cultural art activities like calligraphy, knot tying and the Chinese folk art of paper cutting. Get treated to Chinese acupressure massage. Listen to traditional music performed on the bamboo flute and gu zheng harp while munching on crack seed snacks in the garden; purchase Chinese food.
Lighting of the Banyan Tree in Lahaina
(Annual) December 1-2, 2018, Historic Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina
No trip to Maui is complete without visiting the iconic Banyan Tree in Lahaina, walking under its canopy, appreciating its beauty and marveling at its size. And what better occasion than participation in the annual lighting of this wondrous “forest” of 16 major trunks spreading almost 2 acres? Kids and adults have a chance to visit Santa at the virtual North Pole, take photos with Hawaiian Snowman, participate in Christmas craft activities. Admission is free.
For exact hours and details, visit:
https://visitlahaina.com/event/banyan-tree-holiday-lighting/
Christmas Tree Sale in Kula Botanical Garden
(Annual) November – December, Kula Botanical Garden
Each year, Kula Botanical Garden plants and harvests a new crop of fragrant Monterey Pines. And each December there is an annual sale of Christmas trees that range from 3 feet to 18 feet high. Even when just visiting Maui during winter holidays, you can pick up a small tree, a wreath, a centerpieces, or cut greens for your vacation home. Staff will help clean and load the tree onto your vehicle.
http://www.kulabotanicalgarden.com/Christmas-Trees.html
Christmas 5K Run / 1 Mile Walk / Santa’s Half-Mile Keiki Dash
(Annual) Sunday, December 16, 2018, from 7:30 am, Kaunoa Senior Center, 401 Alakapa Place, Paia
This event is hosted by Valley Isle Road Runners (VIRR). It’s free to VIRR Members and $20 to non-members. Consider to sign-up for the membership and run for free.
Santa’s Half Mile Keiki Dash: A special race for keiki 8 years and under – starts at 7:30 am. There are no bib numbers or run times for the Keiki Dash.
5K Run: More like a 5.5K, the extra .5K means extra fun! Starts at 7:35 am. This race will not be timed but there will be a clock set up. This is a free fun run.
1 Mile Walk: Starting immediately after the 5K runners leave the start line, the 1 Mile Walk starts from the parking lot and along the bike path and back. There are no bib numbers or run times. There will be a race clock for those who want their times.
For more information, check out the VIRR event page:
http://www.virr.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=36286&module_id=166163
Maui Christmas and New Year Luaus
3 luaus in South Maui and 6 luaus in West Maui
If you are lucky to be coming to Maui during the winter holidays, keep in mind that the Christmas and New Year weeks are the busiest. If you would like to attend a luau on or around those days, book as early as possible. Consult this Guide to Maui Luaus to select the luau that fits your party and to find the corresponding links to the websites, then check availability and make your reservations.
Bill Maher’s New Year’s Comedy Extravaganza
(Annual) Sunday, December 30, 2018, from 7:30 pm, Maui Arts & Cultural Center
For the eighth year in a row, Bill Maher will be ringing in the New Year in Hawaii! Making the celebration extra special this year, Bill will be joined by two very special guest comedians and queens of late-night comedy, Natasha Leggero and Wendy Liebman. After sold-out shows for the past seven years, Maher continues to make good on his promise to be the “Don Ho of New Year’s”.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit:
http://mauiarts.org/bill_maher
Christmas on Maui: Things To Do
Check out this article – Christmas on Maui: Things To Do – for more suggestions of local events, festivities, and entertainment to fulfill all your Christmas moods and cheers, with plenty of aloha to go around. Another article – Things to Do on Maui in December – contains 8 ingenious combos of things to do during one of the most balmy and festive months on the island.
Celebration of the Arts
(Annual) March or April, the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
The Celebration of the Arts festival was named “Number 1 rated cultural event” by Modern Luxury Hawaii magazine. It celebrates traditional Hawaiian culture and the spirit of Aloha with chants (oli), music and hula, and culminates in a luau and performances by best Hawaiian artists and entertainers.
https://kapaluacelebrationofthearts.com/celebration-of-the-arts-schedule/
Prince Kuhio Day
(Annual) March 26, state holiday in Hawaii
Prince Kuhio is fondly remembered in Hawaii for his persistent efforts to improve the life of his people. March 26 is his birthday and a state holiday. Many events are organised around that day to celebrate the life and legacy of the beloved “Citizen Prince”.
For more information on the history of this day and activities around it:
Prince Kuhio Day – in Memory of “the Citizen Prince”
East Maui Taro Festival
(Annual) Saturday, April 13, 2019, Hana Ball Park
While Hana is a long drive from where most tourists stay, the Taro Festival is a very authentic and long-running annual recurring event on Maui not to be missed. If you are coming to Maui in April during the Taro Festival, it’s worth booking a night or two in Hana to attend it. The festival pays homage to the taro plant – the staple of Hawaiian diet from ancient times and until today. Both kids and adults will enjoy a day of genuine cultural activities, including local arts & crafts, hula, music, poi pounding, lauhala weaving and cloth making.
Maui Lei Day Celebration
(Annual) May 1st, all over Maui
Hawaii Lei Day celebrates all 8 major Hawaii islands, the lei being the symbol of aloha spirit, of welcome and hospitality. It happens on May 1st, and is a statewide holiday since 1929. Writer Grace Tower Warren is said to coin the phrase “May day is Lei day”. Each Hawaiian island has its own state color and flower. Lei making activities and demonstrations take place throughout the day all over Maui and leis are commonly given as gifts.
Events on Lei Day
The annual Cazimero Lei Day Concert at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Lei Day Heritage Festival in Bailey House Museum
This excellent article about Lei Day history has full lyrics of “May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i. ” song written by Ruth and Leonard “Red” Hawk.
