Activities and Events

Art Maui – the most prestigious juried art competition on Maui.

baby lu`au, baby party – a large party put on for a baby's first birthday.

Barrio Fiesta – yearly celebration of Filipino culture held in the summer.

Bon Dance – a festival which is a Buddhist commemoration for the dead held at several missions around the island in the summer.

Boy's Day/Girl's Day – Japanese honor their children on May 5 and March 3.

East Maui Taro Festival – an event which draws crowds to tiny Hana.

Fourth of July Rodeo and Parade – the biggest weekend of the year for Makawao.

Halloween at Lahaina – a Mardi Gras-like parade and party for thousands of revelers.

high school graduation – a major life transition that requires a big party and dozens of leis.

holoholo – to go for a walk or a ride, to cruise for fun.

ho`olaulea – a celebration.

Kalikimaka – Christmas. Christmas is celebrated in a fairly traditional American way.

Kamehameha Day – honors Kamehameha I on June 11. Various activities, including a parade, mark this official State holiday.

Kuhio Day – an official State holiday on March 26 which honors Prince Kuhio, delegate to Congress in the 1920s and advocate for the Hawaiian people.

lunch at The Class Act – gourmet eating at the student-run restaurant at Maui Community College.

makahiki –harvest festival, year.

Makahiki Hou – New Year, celebrated with specific good luck foods and fireworks.

Maui County Fair – held in October, the fair is wildly popular. Excellent place to eat ethnic food not available in restaurants.

Maui Ocean Center – aquarium at Ma`alaea featuring fish from Maui waters.

Maui Onion Festival – annual West Maui event honoring the famous vegetable.

outrigger canoeing – several male and female clubs from Maui compete in 6-person teams for the best times.

playing spoons – fun musical instruments played at local parties. If you are lucky, the spoons will be accompanied by someone playing a bucket.

shopping at Hasegawa General Store – A Hana landmark known for carrying everything under one roof. Also memorable for a song of the same name.

Somos Amigos – yearly street festival honoring Mexican, Puerto Rican, Spanish and Portuguese immigrants.
sunrise and sunset on Haleakala – spectacles of nature enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

surfing – Maui is known for its challenging surf spots, particular the huge waves at a North Shore beach named Jaws.

Ululena – original performance in Lahaina which incorporates Hawaiian myth, dance and music .

windsurfing – athletes come from all over the world to Maui, particularly Ho`okipa Beach, to enjoy the waves.