The Maui Invitational College Basketball Tournament is one of the top sporting events held annually in the state of Hawaii. Basketball fans from around the world converge on the western coastline of Maui and fill the Lahaina Civic Center’s 2,400 seat capacity. The small gymnasium assures that fans are close to the action and noise reverberates at exciting levels. Below we have organized all the important information to keep top of mind when planning to travel out to Maui for the Maui Invitational, including best places to stay!
What is the Maui Invitational Tournament?
Often regarded as the top in-season Division I men’s college basketball tournament in the nation, the Maui Invitational was first hosted in 1984 and has been held annually in Hawaii since. Over its 40+ year history, the tournament has hosted the best college basketball programs across the United States such as North Carolina, Kansas, Indiana, UCLA, Duke, Gonzaga, Michigan State, UConn, and dozens more. The tournament has hosted over 100 schools from 26 different athletic conferences.
In addition to attracting the top collegiate athletes to Maui each year, the Maui Invitational is also nationally televised each year, drawing in the most recognized college basketball commentators and television personalities to the Valley Isle. Because the tournament runs during Thanksgiving week, many college alumni associations put together travel packages so fans can mingle on Maui with fellow classmates in-between watching tournament games.
What Teams are in the 2025 Maui Invitational Tournament?
- Arizona State
- Boise State
- North Carolina State
- Seton Hall
- Texas
- USC
- Washington State
- Chaminade
What are the dates for the 2025 Tournament?
The Southwest Maui Invitational Basketball Tournament will be held at the historic Lahaina Civic Center November 24th - 26th, 2025.
How do you purchase tickets?
If you are an alumni of one of the schools competing in the tournament, you will have priority access to purchasing tickets through your school alumni associations and booster clubs. Each school may have a different process, so be sure to review this site for detailed information on contacts to reach out to.
If there are still open tickets available to be sold, single game tickets will go on sale much closer to the tournament start date in November. Local Maui residents can also purchase a select grouping of tickets that have been set aside for college basketball fans living on Maui.
What are some good hotels or resorts to stay at for the tournament?
It is important to understand that the tournament is held on Maui’s western side of the Island at the Lahaina Civic Center. The popular resort community of Kaanapali is a quick 7-minute drive away from the gymnasium. Visitors choosing to vacation in Kaanapali will have easy access to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, plenty of dining and upscale shopping options available at the oceanfront Whaler’s Village, and world-class golf courses to pick from.
Kaanapali Alii - One and two-bedroom vacation rentals steps from Kaanapali Beach complete with full kitchen, private lanai, and huge floorplans.
Another popular Maui lodging option located on the calm and sunny southern coastline of Maui is the resort community of Wailea. About a 45-minute drive from the Lahaina Civic Center, Wailea is home to a collection of pristine soft white sand beaches, three championship golf courses that have hosted professional tournaments, and some of best dining options on the island. Below we have listed out some great lodging options in Wailea for the Maui Invitational Tournament.
What is Maui like in the fall?
Maui is beautiful year-round. Fall temperatures in the two popular beach resort towns of Kaanapali and Wailea average in the low 80s. Because most kids around the nation have just started school in August and September, the crowds on Maui seem to be lower during the months of September through November. With less tourists on-island, reservations at your favorite restaurants will be easier to secure, the beautiful drive on the Road to Hana will be less busy, and you will have more of the beach to yourself. Be sure to read our post on our suggested Maui Fall Itinerary and the Top Fall Events on Maui.