There’s nothing like a local festival to help you fully immerse yourself in the culture of a new place. If you’re visiting Maui, no matter what time of year, you’re bound to find exciting events to attend. From cultural celebrations to neighborhood block parties, there’s always something going on! As you plan your next Hawaiian vacation, check out these 7 can’t-miss Maui festivals and get ready to live like a local during your stay.
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1. Kapalua Wine and Food Festival
June 6-9 at Kapalua Resort in Maui
Celebrating its 43rd year, the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival is one of Maui’s most popular events. This year will feature seminars and cooking demonstrations from Food Network star Maneet Chauhan, as well as celebrity Chef Charlie Palmer, and more. Attendees can sample hard-to-find wines and exceptional bites prepared by the most talented names in the industry.
From intimate sessions to the Grand Gala, it’s a foodie’s dream festival. This year’s event will also feature a variety of fundraising opportunities for the continued rebuilding efforts of Lahaina. Grab your tickets, and don’t miss this beloved festival during your Maui vacation.
2. Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival
June 30 | 3PM – 7PM at Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Amphitheater
Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head to the MAC for the 33rd Annual Slack Key Guitar Festival! Featuring 12-15 of Hawaii’s most popular Slack Key artists, the festival will offer an afternoon of incredible concerts, as well as opportunities to shop Hawaii-made crafts and local food from vendors.
3. Kihei 4th Friday Town Party
Every 4th Friday | 6PM – 9PM at Azeka Mauka
If you’re looking for fun and free entertainment, Kihei 4th Friday celebrations are just the ticket! This community event features live music with performances scheduled throughout the evening, so there’s never a dull moment. You can see everything from contestants from The Voice to local acts and even cultural dance performances. Additionally, local food vendors and artisan makers will be on-site selling unique treats and keepsakes.
If you’re traveling with kids, the 4th Friday parties are a great spot to let them burn off some energy. Take advantage of tons of keiki activities like face painting, giant yard games, hula hoops, bubbles, and even specialty photo booths! Parking is free if you’ve rented a car, or public transport can easily get you from your Bello Realty, Inc. vacation rental to the festivities. For a true taste of local flair, the Kihei 4th Friday Town Party is a can’t-miss festival in Maui.
4. Maui Film Festival
August 29 – September 2 at the Stardust Cinema at the A&B Amphitheater
Since its beginning in 2000, the Maui Film Festival has been committed to offering a diverse collection of film premiers, special screenings, and world-class culinary arts celebrations. Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Maui’s tropical scenery, it’s a way for visitors and locals to experience some of the most creative new voices in film while also supporting a local organization that continues to give back to the community.
Described by IndieWIRE as a “jewel-box festival,” the Maui Film Fest is known for its impeccable organization and intimate atmosphere allowing both established and emerging voices to showcase their work. Plus, thanks to the hybrid format, whether you’re in person or viewing online, you can still watch all the selected films.
Whether you’re visiting in late August and want to add a can’t-miss Maui festival to your itinerary or take advantage of the online viewings, your participation will help the organization continue its commitment to bringing meaningful and impactful film to the masses.
5. Festivals of Aloha
September 6 – October 27 at various locations across Maui
The Festivals of Aloha is a months-long initiative held across multiple islands aimed at celebrating the many facets of Hawaiian culture. With the bulk of the festivities happening in Maui, this is a great festival to add to your travel plans if you’re visiting from early September to late October.
From art exhibits and musical performances to hula and basket weaving demonstrations, parades, contests, and more, it’s an all-encompassing celebration of what makes Hawaii one of the most incredible places in the world. Check out the schedule of events and enjoy learning all about the spirit of Aloha during your vacation.
6. Hawaii Food and Wine Festival
October 25-27 in Kaanapali, Maui
This three-weekend event heads to the island of Maui October 25-27 for days of delicious food, incredible craft beverages, and even some friendly competition. Known as the “premier culinary destination event in the Pacific,” the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival is the perfect activity for visitors looking to indulge in the finer side of island life.
Join locals and other food fanatics along with more than 150 internationally celebrated chefs, culinary personalities, sommeliers, mixologists, and wine and spirit manufacturers as they host events like the Viva La Vino wine and Italian cuisine experience or the Backcourt BBQ tour of pitmaster delicacies and creative cocktails. Guests can also attend the 26th Annual Roy Yamaguchi Golf Classic or the first annual HRWF Pickleball tournament!
7. Made in Maui Festival
November 1 -2 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center
For visitors heading to Maui in the fall, the Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival is truly a can’t-miss event. Bringing in more than 10,000 people, on average, the event is in its 10th year and continues to build on its founding goal: to stimulate the island’s economy by promoting locally made products.
Formatted off the success of the Made in Hawaii festival on Oahu, the first Made in Maui festival had over 130 vendors and saw more than 9,000 visitors, both local and tourist alike. Since 2014, they’ve continued to grow, frequently receiving more vendor requests than they physically have space to host. The curated makers are carefully chosen and represent the very best of island goods. Whether you’re looking for a bespoke souvenir or you want to do early holiday shopping during your vacation, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Book Your Festive Maui Getaway Directly Today!
No matter when you visit Maui, you’re likely to stumble upon fantastic local activities that will color your trip with beautiful memories you’ll cherish long after you return home. From big-name annual events to pop-up markets, there are tons of ways to get a taste of authentic Maui.
But before you can even think about attending any of these 7 can’t-miss Maui festivals, you have to book your trip! That’s where Bello Realty, Inc. comes in. Our South Maui vacation rentals are perfect for your next visit. Whether you’re looking for Maui private homes, condos, places with pools, or Maui oceanfront rentals, we have it all. Plus, when you book directly with us, you can avoid all the extra taxes and fees that third-party sites tack onto their bottom line. Check out our available properties and let our local team help you book the vacation of your dreams today!
If you're interested in learning more about Maui Rental Management, our team can assist with that as well! Contact us to learn more.