September
Maui Channel Swim
September 5
Lanai to Kaanapali
This grueling swim is well known by the world class athletes. Individual or six member teams compete in this swim from the island of
Lanai to Maui's Kaanapali beach. Prizes and ceremonies follow the race as well as entertainment.
www.mauichannelswim.com
38th Annual Hana Relays
September 12
Kahului Airport to Hana Ball Park
Six member teams race this 52 mile run on Hana's beautiful scenic roads.
www.vrii.com
Maui Okinawa Festival
Maui Mall, Kahului
September 12
This is a great event which showcases the rich heritage of the islands of Maui. Enjoy LOTS of food, crafts, art, music, and entertainment
for the whole family.
www.mauimall.com
Maui Marathon & Race Weekend
September 20
Kahului to Kaanapali Resort
The Maui Marathon is known as one of the most beautiful marathon races in the world. This 26.2 mile race stretches from Kahului to the
Kaanapali Whalers Village. The last 20 miles of the race twists and turns throughout the Maui shoreline and provides for many jaw dropping
views. The marathon is open to all those who wish to participate. If a marathon isn't for you and you're looking for something a little
gentler, you can also participate in the half marathon, Maui Tacos 5k, or the Front Street Mile on the 19th of September. If interested
for any of these races you can register at http://www.mauimarathon.com/
October
87th Annual Maui County Fair
October 1-4
War Memorial Stadium, Wailuku
Don't miss your chance to take part in the oldest fair in the state of Hawaii. The Maui County Fair offers great rides, a giant food court,
entertainment, arts and crafts, games, exhibits, live stock tent, orchid expo, art displays, horticulture exhibits, and much much more.
Gates are open till midnight!
Lahaina Banyan Tree Hoolaulea
Banyan Tree, Lahaina
September 11
This Lahaina event features the music from the Air Force Band of the Pacific. Enjoy a day filled with art, food, crafts, and live
entertainment under the beautiful banyan tree. Admission is free!
Kapalua LPGA Classic
October 12-18
Bay Course, Kapalua
Some of the greatest female golf players from all over the world gather at Kapalua's Bay Course to compete for the $1.5 million purse.
The LPGA Classic will feature an 18 hole Pro-Am event as well as the 72 hole main event.
www.lpga.kapalua.com
Nissan XTERRA World Championship
October 24
Makena Resort, Maui Prince Hotel
The Nissan XTERRA World Championship is considered to be one of the most challenging triathlons. Taking place in Makena, competitors are
pushed to their limits with a difficult open ocean swim. Competitors then have to bike and run the rest of the rest. The course is difficult
in that much of the terrain consists of rough lava rock. The championship attracts top athletes from all over the world but is open for all
those who wish to participate.
www.xterraplanet.com
Halloween in Lahaina
October 31
Front Street, Lahaina
Also known as the Mardi Gras of the Pacific, Halloween on Front Street is an event you have to see for yourself. Front Street is shut down
to traffic and events start at 4:30 pm with a children's costume parade followed by costume contests, haunted houses, games, live
entertainment, and trick or treating. After the kids head to bed the adults come out to play. This is a great time to watch the streets
fill with wild and amazing costumes. Live entertainment and dancing take place in front of the Banyan Tree and restaurants are open late
providing their own entertainment, drinks, and food.
Aloha Festivals
Location and date to be announced
The Aloha Festival is an event that is held annually throughout all the Hawaiian Islands. This week long festival is dedicated to the rich
Hawaiian culture. One of the highlights of the event is the reenactment of the old Hawaiian Royal Court. Traditional hula dancing and music
will be performed daily. The festival also features many ancient Hawaiian artifacts. This is a great way to learn the history of the Hawaiian
people and the islands.
November
Finally! The Humpback Whales return to Maui! Keep your eyes open!
Hula O Na Keiki Festival
November 13-15
Kaanapali Beach Hotel
Come experience the art and tradition of ancient Hawaiian Hula dancing. Keikis (children) from all over the islands of Hawaii and Japan
come to compete in this three day event. Hula workshops, arts, crafts, and traditional Hawaiian foods will all be available at the 18th
annual Hula O Na Keiki Festival. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Hawaii's past through our islands Keiki.
(808) 667-0011
Na Mele O Maui
November 19th or 20th
Maui Arts and Cultural Center
This 37th annual Na Mele O Maui annual arts and song contests features the talents of Hawaii's Keiki. Keiki from all over the state compete
in this annual competition which showcases Hawaii's culture through art of song.
www.mauiarts.org
2009 Maui Invitational
November 23-25
Lahaina Civic Center, Lahaina
Every year college basketball teams from all around the nation come to compete in this 3 day event. Hosted by Hawaii's own Chaminade
University, teams from Alabama, Notre Dame, Indiana, North Carolina, Texas, and St. Joseph's will battle it out at the 26th Annual Maui
Invitational.
www.mauiinvitational.com
(808) 667-3822
Thanksgiving Day!
November 26
December
The Ritz-Carlton Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date TBA
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
If there is just one tree lighting ceremony you're going to attend this December, the Ritz-Carlton is the one to see. They're famous island wide for this annual grand event. The music and entertainment is some of the best. Every year Hawaii's very own award winning Keali'i Reichel comes to perform as well as some amazing choirs from all over the island. The Ritz provides cookies, hot chocolate, tea, and other beverages free of charge.
Santa makes his grand appearance every year in the most unique fashion. He's been known to parachute in, appear on the roof, and even come in on a surfboard. When night falls the tree lighting ceremony comes to its peak when the Christmas tree and Ritz Carlton grounds are illuminated in thousands of white lights. It's a sight that's truly unforgettable.
This is definitely an event you can't miss if you're on island. Great for children and adults!
8th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date TBA
The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui
Come to the gorgeous Fairmont Hotel and enjoy the lighting of their beautiful Banyan trees. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided for those who wish to attend. If you can't make it out for the ceremony itself, the drive is worth the site of this winter wonderland.
(808) 875-4100
www.fairmont.com/kealani
Holiday Lighting of the Banyan Tree
Date TBA
Lahaina Town, the Banyan Tree
Come join Santa for the annual tree lighting ceremony of the largest Banyan Tree in the United States. This is a wonderful opportunity to join in on some Hawaiian holiday fun! Christmas carols will be performed by different island choirs and there will be a rare opportunity to enjoy some real snow at the "snow zone"! Arts and crafts will be set up along the Banyan Tree and the Old Lahaina Courthouse will be hosting cookie decorating for all children. Entertainment will be going on throughout the night.
11th Annual Billabong Pro Maui
December 8-20
Honolua Bay at Kapalua Resort
This 11th annual surfing competition determines who will be the winner of the Women's World Title Race for the Surfing Professionals World Championship Tour. All competitors give it their all for the events $80,000 purse. Come and enjoy some of your day at Honolua Bay and watch the true professionals rip it up on some amazing waves!
First Light Film Festival
Date TBA
Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului
This annual film festival screens 40 films released at the end of the year that are worthy of an Academy Award. Tickets are available for purchase an hour before the screenings begin.
(808) 242-SHOW (7469)
January
Mercedes-Benz Golf Championship
January 4-10, 2010
Plantation Course, Kapalua Resort
The Mercedes-Benz Championship is known as one of the most exciting events on the PGA Tour. Held on the world famous Plantation Course, the championship is the opening event for the PGA season and features all the winners of the PGA Tour from 2008. All are competing for the $5.6 Million Purse as well as a new Mercedes-Benz.
(866) 669-2440
www.kapalua.com
Maui Paradise Marathon
January 10
Kalama Park, Kihei
The Maui Paradise Marathon is a great way for the whole family to get out and exercise while enjoying all the beauty Maui has to offer at the same time. The race features a marathon, half marathon, 5k, and a series of child races. The races are designed to provide constant views of the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Haleakala.
www.mauiparadisemarathon.com
Wendy's Champions Pro-Am Golf Tournament
January 16-17
Royal Kaanapali Golf Course
Some of the PGA's most famous and legendary golfers come out to play alongside armatures on the Royal Kaanapali Golf Course.
(808) 661-3271
www.kaanapalirsort.com
Wendy's Champions Skins Game
January 16-17
Royal Kaanapali Golf Course
The 23nd annual Wendy's Champion Skins Game brings out the PGA's most legendary players to compete for a purse of $770,000. Past winners have included Hale Irwin, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicholas, and Chi Chi Rodriguez.
(808) 661-3271
www.kaanapalirsort.com
Maui 15K & 5K
January 24
Lahaina Town
Maui's annual fun run takes participants on a 15K or 5K race through historic Lahaina Town and Napili. The race is designed to wind its way through many of the attractions and landmarks which make these two areas so famous and scenic. At the end of the race live Hawaiian entertainment and refreshments will be provided.
(808) 344-3651
February
Maui's Parade of Whales and Whale Day Celebration
February 20
Kalama Park, Kihei
This all day event celebrates the Humpback whale with a parade, entertainment, arts, crafts, food and games!
www.pacificwhale.org
Whale Quest Kapalua
February 26-28
Kapalua Resort
Celebrate Maui's most favorite visitor, the Humpback Whale. This 3 day event will include whale watching excursions, displays, videos, art and photography exhibits as well as the Charity Golf Tournament.
(808) 665-9160 or (888) 665-9160
The Great Whale Count
February 27
Maui's South and West Shores
Join the Pacific Whale Foundation in the important task of counting Maui's Humpback whales.
www.pacificwhale.org
Ongoing Events
Maui Ocean Center's Night at the Reef:
Central Maui
This monthly program allows visitors to explore and discover the Maui Ocean Center's exhibits at dark.
From 6pm-8pm guests are given the opportunity to ask staff and volunteers questions as well as take part in the
many presentations. Complimentary coffee and cookies are served. Other drinks are available for purchase.
http://www.mauioceancenter.com
(808) 270-7000
McGregor Point Lookout Free Whale Watching
McGregor Point on Pali Hwy.
The Pacific Whale Foundation has a naturalist on site from 8:30-3:30 daily to give free information about Maui's
ocean and seasonal whale watching. Look for the Ocean Outreach Van parked in the parking lot.
Sunset Cliff Diving
Black Rock- The Sheraton Maui, Kaanapali
If you're looking for something fun to do at sunset come down to Black Rock at Kaanapali Beach and watch as a young man dressed in ancient Hawaiian attire lights the torches of the Kaanapali Beach walk. People come to watch as he makes his way up Black Rock and dives off the top, torch in hand!
(808) 661-0031
Art Night in Lahaina Town
Lahaina Town
Lahaina Town is known as the "Art Capital of the Pacific". Every Friday night the many galleries which line the quaint streets open their doors to those who wish to visit and take their time admiring the large array of art. You'll find that each gallery hosts the public to complimentary food, wine, and live entertainment. You'll even get a chance to meet some of the artist themselves. This truly is a wonderful way to spend your Friday night on Maui.
