With some help from our friends at the Maui Visitor’s Bureau, we’re listing the top festivals and events for Maui Nui – Maui, Lanai and Molokai. As you can see, there are plenty of excellent celebrations and events throughout the year.
JANUARY
Hyundai Tournament of Champions – Maui
PGA Tour champions from the previous year compete in this televised, season opening, golf tournament at Kapalua Resort’s stunning Plantation Course for more than a $5,900,000 purse. This event is usually scheduled for the first full weekend in January after New Year’s Day. In 2016, this event is held from January 7 through 10. For more information, see this link.
Ka Molokai Makahiki – Molokai
This Hawaiian cultural traditions and competition festival is in its 33rd year. The 2016, this event runs from January 28 through 30. See this link for more information.
FEBRUARY
Maui Whale Festival – Maui
This celebration honoring humpback whales features special events and eco-activities all month. The Parade of Whales and Whale Day Celebration offer live entertainment, a craft fair and food booths at Kalama Park, Kīhei. In 2016, World Whale Day is scheduled for February 13, but more whale festival events run from January 30 through February 27. See this link for more information.
MARCH
Annual Celebration of the Arts – Maui
Hawaii’s most reputable artisans, cultural practitioners, speakers and entertainers convene at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua for a three-day celebration of Hawaiian art. The 2016 celebration runs from March 25 through 27. See this link for more information.
APRIL
Haʻīkū Hoʻolaulea & Flower Festival – Maui
This event celebrates rural life and benefits local youth education programs. Enjoy live entertainment, local foods, arts and crafts show. In 2016, this event is slated for April 26. See this link for more information.
Annual East Maui Taro Festival – Maui
Hāna’s annual cultural event celebrates Hawaii’s traditional food staple – taro – with an all-day festival featuring live music, hula, arts and crafts, Hawaiian games and food booths. In 2016, this event will be held April 30 through May 1. See this link for more information.
MAY
Lei Day Celebrations – Maui, Lanai, Molokai
May 1st is Lei Day in Hawaii – a day to celebrate the traditions and beauty of the Hawaiian lei. Many hotels and community centers hold celebrations for this day. Check local newspapers for special Lei Day events.
Annual Maui Onion Festival – Maui
Kāʻanapali pays tribute to the Maui Onion, known worldwide for its sweet, mild flavor. Enjoy a farmers’ market, chefs cooking demos, professional recipe competition, Maui onion-eating contests for adults and kids, and lots of food and music at Whalers Village. This festival is held the first weekend in May. Check the Whalers Village website for more information.
JUNE
Molokai Ka Hula Piko Festival – Molokai
Celebrate the birth of hula, Hawaii’s traditional dance, with chant and lectures based on an annual cultural theme. Experience entertainment, food and crafts by the people of Molokai. In 2016, this event is planned for June 2 through 4. See this link for more information.
Maui Film Festival at Wailea – Maui
Hawaiian culture meets the big screen at this annual film festival in Wailea. In 2016, this event is scheduled for June 15 through 19. See this link for more information.
Kapalua Wine & Food Festival – Maui
World-renowned winemakers and Hawaii’s hottest chefs are showcased throughout Kapalua Resort. Attend seminars on wine, culinary trends and gourmet dinners. The 2016 festival will be held June 9 through 12. See their website for more information.
JULY
4th of July Fireworks – Maui
Lahaina Town puts on an Independence Day celebration including food, entertainment and a great fireworks display. See our most recent July 4th post for a list of events on Maui.
Annual Lānaʻi Pineapple Festival – Lanai
Lānaʻi honors the pineapple plantation days with an all-day celebration. Enjoy live entertainment, local food and crafts, pineapple eating and cooking contests at Dole Park on Lānaʻi. This event usually coincides with July 4th celebrations. Check www.lanaipineapplefestival.com for 2016 details.
Makawao Rodeo & Paniolo Parade – Maui
Over the fourth of July weekend, watch competitors ride and rope for top prizes; enjoy country music and dancing. The Paniolo Parade opens the event along Baldwin Avenue in Makawao. The Makawao Paniolo Parade will be held on July 2nd. The rodeo will be held on July 1 – 3. Details TBA.
TriLanai 3Hills Ultra-Marathon – Lanai
This course is 50 miles in length. See this link for more information and exact date of the event when it is announced.
AUGUST
TriLanai City Run
This course offers something for half-marathoners, 10k, 5k runners and walkers. The 2016 event details and date will be announced at this link.
SEPTEMBER
Maui Marathon & Half Marathon – Maui
This racecourse from Kahului to Kāʻanapali is recognized as one of the 10 most scenic marathons in the USA This event is scheduled September 18 in 2016. See this link for more information.
Molokai Canoe Festivals Presents Kulaia – Molokai
This event involves a celebration of Hawaiian culture as well as a canoe race. In 2016, this event will be held on September 23. See this link for more information.
Festivals of Aloha – All Islands
Dates and details TBA at this link.
OCTOBER
Ho’okupu Hula No Lana’i Cultural Festival – Lanai
Dates and details TBA.
Maui County Fair – Maui
Enjoy carnival games, rides, entertainment, local food, arts and crafts, a parade, exhibits and orchid display. In 2016, this event will run from October 6 through 9. See this link for more details as they’re posted.
Annual XTERRA World Championship – Maui
The premier off-road, extreme multi-sport competition hosted on Maui features an ocean swim, mountain bike ride and off-road trail run. The championship attracts an international field of the world’s finest triathletes to Kapalua Resort on Sunday, October 23, 2016. If you’re not one of the world’s finest triathletes, you might want to try the XTERRA Kapalua 5K/10K Trail Runs, open to all, on Saturday, October 22 in 2016. See this link for more information.
NOVEMBER
Annual Hula o Nā Keiki – Maui
Maui’s only children’s solo hula and chant competition is hosted at the Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel. The weekend features workshops on chant and hula, arts and crafts displays, delicious local food and live entertainment. See this link for more information. The dates for the 2016 event haven’t been announced at the time of this most recent update. Typically, it’s held the second weekend of November.
Maui Jim Invitational Basketball Tournament – Maui
Hawaii’s Chaminade University hosts NCAA-sanctioned top college teams in this exciting, annual, pre-season tournament at the Lāhainā Civic Center. See this link for more information. This event is scheduled for November 21 through 23 in 2016.
DECEMBER
Nā Mele o Maui – Maui
A sensational showcase of Hawaiʻi’s language, music and art through the talents of Maui Nui youth. Maui County students from kindergarten through 12th grade sing songs in the Hawaiian language in competition. High school students exhibit original juried artwork with Hawaiian theme. See www.kaanapaliresort.com for more information. The 2016 date is TBD.
Holiday Lighting of the Banyan Tree – Maui
Lāhainā’s landmark Banyan Tree lights up for the holiday season while choirs sing carols. Enjoy holiday arts and crafts in the park and entertainment. This event is normally held on the first weekend in December. For more information go to www.visitlahaina.com.
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If your vacation doesn’t coincide with events from the above list, chances are there’s something going on. To check for special events in Maui Nui, click on the appropriate island link:
On the right side, find the Vacation Directory box. Then, click on the Events tab. Enter your desired dates and press go for results.
Sheila Beal
