What if shifting your Maui vacation by just a few days meant catching an event you’d otherwise miss?
From September 2026 through March 2027, Maui’s calendar includes festivals, races, art, college basketball, Hawaiian music, and other local experiences.
Planning around one or two events can add something special to your stay without making your itinerary feel packed.
Find events that fit your travel dates, confirm the latest details with organizers, and leave plenty of room for slow mornings, spontaneous stops, and time to recharge at Kahana Village.
September 5, 2026: Lā ʻUlu Breadfruit Day
Discover Maui through its food, agriculture, and cultural traditions at Lā ʻUlu Breadfruit Day.
Held from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens in Kahului, this free event features presentations, food, craft vendors, entertainment, and activities centered around ʻulu.
Free parking is available across the street at War Memorial Stadium.
It’s a chance to learn more about the cultural and culinary importance of ʻulu while enjoying the garden and event activities.
Best for: Families, food lovers, gardeners, and culturally curious travelers.
Plan your day: Give yourself time to explore both the event and Maui Nui Botanical Gardens without rushing.
October 24, 2026: Roots Reborn’s Día de Los Muertos Fundraiser
Experience an evening centered on remembrance, family, and community at Roots Reborn’s Día de Los Muertos Fundraiser.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the Cameron Center in Wailuku, the event includes live music, food and retail vendors, family activities, cultural programming, and educational exhibits.
Visitors can learn more about the meaning behind Día de Los Muertos while taking part in a community-focused celebration.
Best for: Families, community-minded visitors, and travelers interested in cultural events.
Before you go: Check current ticket options and event details before adding it to your itinerary.
November 6–7, 2026: Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival
Looking for something to bring home with a genuine Maui connection?
The 13th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival is scheduled for November 6 and 7, 2026, at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. The event was created to showcase Maui County businesses and locally made products.
For visitors, it offers a convenient way to discover local makers and shop for products with a meaningful connection to Maui County.
Best for: Shoppers, food lovers, and travelers who want to support local businesses.
Plan ahead: Check the festival website for current hours, tickets, vendor details, and other updates before you go.
November 23–25, 2026: Southwest Maui Invitational
College basketball takes center stage in West Maui during Thanksgiving week.
The Southwest Maui Invitational returns to the Lahaina Civic Center from November 23 through 25, 2026. The field includes Arizona, BYU, Clemson, Colorado State, Ole Miss, Providence, VCU, and Washington.
With three days of tournament action, basketball fans can choose the matchups that matter most to them while leaving room for other West Maui plans.
Best for: Basketball fans, alumni groups, families, and supporters of participating teams.
Plan early: If the tournament is a priority, secure game tickets and West Maui accommodations before filling in the rest of your itinerary.
January 17, 2027: Maui Oceanfront Marathon
Want to add a personal challenge to your Maui vacation?
The Maui Oceanfront Marathon is scheduled for January 17, 2027, with a full marathon, half marathon, 6-miler, and 5K.
The full marathon starts at The Shops at Wailea North Parking Lot and finishes outside Launiupoko Beach Park. The other distances have separate starting points and courses.
Best for: Runners, active travelers, fitness groups, and supportive families.
Race-weekend tip: Confirm the starting location for your distance and review current parking, shuttle, course, and road information before race day.
February 7, 2027: 25th Annual Art of Aloha
The 25th Annual Art of Aloha is scheduled from noon to 3:00 PM at Lahaina Galleries in The Shops at Wailea. The event is free and open to the public.
An initial artist lineup is already posted, with more details to follow. Visitors can view new collections and may have an opportunity to meet participating artists during the event.
Best for: Art lovers, couples, collectors, designers, and travelers seeking a relaxing indoor activity.
Plan your visit: RSVP with the gallery and check the latest event details before building it into your Wailea plans.
March 7, 2027: Maui 5K
Stay active and support Maui County schools at the 16th Annual Maui 5K.
Scheduled for March 7, 2027, at 192 Maalaea Road, the event includes timed and untimed 5K categories, youth divisions, a one-mile run or walk, a stroller category, and virtual 5K or one-mile options.
The variety of categories gives participants of different ages and goals several ways to join in.
The organizer states that 100% of event proceeds are donated to the Maui County school each participant designates during online registration.
Best for: Families, runners, casual walkers, youth participants, and groups with different fitness levels.
Register carefully: Choose the category that fits your goals, especially if official timing or age-group awards matter to you.
Recurring Maui Experience: Mele – The Hawaiian Music Experience
Presented inside Maui Ocean Center’s Sphere Theater, Mele combines live Hawaiian music with 360-degree cinematic imagery and individual headphones.
Maui Ocean Center currently offers the experience on Tuesday evenings, making it an option for music lovers, couples, and families seeking an indoor cultural activity.
Check the performance schedule, availability, and reservation details for your travel dates before making plans.
Make Kahana Village Your Place to Recharge Between Events
Event-filled days are easier when your group has room to spread out and settle in afterward.
Kahana Village offers spacious two– and three-bedroom beachfront vacation rentals in West Maui, between Kaanapali and Kapalua. The units feature full kitchens, open living areas, and private lanais.
That extra space gives families and groups more flexibility to prepare meals, spend time together, and follow different schedules during their stay.
After a full day out, you have a comfortable place to slow the pace and enjoy time together.
Choose the Event That Sets the Rhythm of Your Maui Vacation
The best time to visit Maui depends on the experiences that matter most to you.
Start with an event that fits your interests, confirm the latest details with the organizer, and build the rest of your trip around it.
Leave room for spontaneous discoveries and time to simply enjoy Maui.
Once your dates are set, explore Kahana Village oceanfront rentals and choose the space that fits your group.
