There are plenty of reasons to plan a spring or summer vacation to Maui. Besides obvious reasons like amazing weather, beautiful views, and the most iconic white sand beaches to be found, there are also some noteworthy entertaining Maui events on the horizon. Read through our below list of Maui events to see if you may want to plan a vacation around one of them.
April 24: Boyz II Men
With a career spanning over 30 years, Boyz II Men continues to mesmerize fans with their soulful voices and nostalgic appeal. This iconic R&B group will be headlining a concert under the stars here on Maui! Tickets are expected to sell out, so be sure to book soon. Just think of it, you could be singing along to timeless hits like "End of the Road," "I'll Make Love to You," and "Motownphilly" while vacationing in paradise.
April 26: East Maui Taro Festival
This event honors taro, or kalo, a staple food deeply rooted in Hawaiian history and spirituality. The East Maui Taro Festival features a variety of activities, including live poi pounding demonstrations, traditional Hawaiian music, hula performances, and an array of taro-based dishes available at food booths. Visitors can explore an agricultural tent offering various kalo products, such as poi and kulolo, and browse arts and crafts booths showcasing local artisans' work. Admission is free!
April 27: Maui Marathon
The Maui Marathon is a beloved and scenic running event held annually on Maui. Established in 1971, it is the longest consecutively held running event in Hawaii and the oldest marathon west of the Mississippi River. Recognized by Runner's World as one of the top 10 most scenic marathons in the United States, it offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Maui's lush mountains. The event includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K races, with all events finishing in Ka'anapali. Jump in the ocean at the end of your race!
May 1st: May Day/Lei Day
Lei Day in Hawaii is a cherished celebration that honors the tradition of giving and receiving leis, a symbol of aloha and Hawaiian culture. Established in 1929, Lei Day is observed annually on May 1st and is marked by festivities across the Hawaiian Islands, including the creation and exchange of leis among family and friends. Be on-island to experience this once-a-year happening!
May 17: Maui Brewers Festival
The Maui Brewers Festival is held annually in May at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. The 2024 event showcased over 75 craft brews from 30 participating breweries, including notable Hawaiian breweries like Maui Brewing Co. and Kona Brewing Hawai‘i. Alongside the extensive beer offerings, attendees enjoy a wide range of local cuisine from top chefs and caterers. Live music helps create the perfect vibe for this popular celebration of beer.
June 29: Hawaii Slack Key Guitar Festival
The Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival on Maui is a cherished event that celebrates the rich tradition of ki ho'alu, a unique fingerstyle guitar genre deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. The festival, held annually at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, features some of Hawaii's most renowned slack key guitar artists performing in concert. This event is a testament to the enduring legacy of slack key guitar, which originated in the early 19th century when Mexican vaqueros introduced the guitar to Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolos. This free event allows the entire community to enjoy the unique island sounds.
July 4th: Fireworks Celebrations
Celebrate the 4th of July in sunshine, sand, and surf! Start the day at the beach in your festive red, white, and blue swimsuit. Head to your favorite Maui BBQ joint for lunch and end the day with sparklers in your hand as you watch the sunset over the horizon. Look for the resort towns of Wailea or Kaanapali to host an official fireworks display, but know that may locals will be igniting store-bought firecrackers along coastlines and public parks to celebrate as well.
July 10 – 13: Kapalua Wine & Food Festival
The 44th edition of the Kapalua Food & Wine Festival will offer a rich program of interactive wine tasting seminars, intimate winemaker dinners, and the highlight of the weekend, the Grand Tasting Gala. This event features premium wines, gourmet cuisine from Kapalua Resort restaurants and local chefs, and live entertainment, all set against the stunning backdrop of Maui's natural beauty. Attend this iconic event that is often recognized as one of the top food and wine festivals in the nation.