Halloween in Lahaina - October 31 - Front St, Lahaina
An exhibition of all things creative and ghoulish, Maui's Halloween celebration has grown into quite an extravaganza since premiering in 1990. These days, Front Street is closed to vehicles in mid-afternoon in preparation for all the festivities. Live music, holiday-themed activities, arts and crafts, and food booths provide the backdrop, and costume competitions are common in local businesses. Children have their own special parade, and the revelry regularly attracts more than 30,000 attendees
Holiday Lighting of the Banyan Tree - First week of December usually - Front St Banyan Tree Park, Lahaina
Yes, Virginia, this is the tropics, and Norway spruces are few and far between. So, in the spirit of the season, folks adapt the celebration to the location and adorn this striking tree with thousands of lights. Carols are sung, the hula is danced, and even St. Nick shows up to give a nod of approval. Arts and crafts and live music are part of the excitement, and Hawaiian music ensures that the flavor of the festival remains local. There's also food to munch and a snow zone that lets kids delight in the icy cold – however fleeting.
Art Night - May 1 - January 29 - Front St, Lahaina
In celebration of Lahaina's art scene, this event flings open the doors of area galleries and invites passers-by into the inner sanctum. Musicians play, refreshments are served, and guest artists riff about technique, subject matter, and the like. Plus, there's a huge range of art to browse through at your leisure. Find your aesthetic, move at your own tempo, and don't worry about being pressured to buy. The idea is to expose guests to Lahaina's incredible offerings, not to fill a quota. Sure, the scene is social, but everyone is welcome. There's no pretense, and you just might find something you like.
Maui Onion Festival - May 2 usually - Whalers Village Ka‘ana-pali Resort, Lahaina
Named after the island itself, the Maui onion is a much-sought-after commodity, thanks to a signature mild flavor that results from its being grown in volcanic soils in upcountry Kula. This festival gives the local product special attention, making it the centerpiece of recipe contests, cooking demonstrations, and lots of good food. You'll also find kids' games, live music, a farmers market, and even onion-eating competitions. (Your breath's not a problem if other people are eating onions, too!)
Kapalua Wine & Food Festival - June 11 - June 14 - 300 Kapalua Dr Kapalua Resort, Kapalua
A magnificent, palm-peppered outdoor setting makes the opening event of this long-running celebration an appealing harbinger of good things to come. More than a quarter-century old, Kapalua Wine & Food Festival lives up to its name, bringing together amazing foods, top-quality wines, and engaging personalities for an excursion into gastronomic hedonism. Experts regularly mesmerize attendees with spectacular meals, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and gala events. A real treat for foodies.
Maui Film Festival - June 17 - June 21 - various locations, Kahului
This festival has as its mission the promotion of films that (without being maudlin) uplift the human spirit and condition. It premieres works that aren't carried by commercial cinema houses and juxtaposes their viewing against island storytelling methods, including hula. The experience, with all these elements united, is eminently satisfying and demonstrates the commonality between performance and life. Venues and screenings do change, so call for details before attending
Aloha Festivals – Maui - September - various locations, Maui • 808-565-3240
What began in 1946 as a week-long celebration of local culture has evolved into this extensive tribute to Hawaiian heritage, a statewide festival that touches all the islands. History, traditional music, and dance figure into the festivities, along with contests, church services, and the crowning of the royal court. One of the biggest events is a street festival in Lahaina that features arts and crafts, food, and entertainment. A fishing tournament, talent show, and hoe-down are also scheduled.
A Taste of Lahaina & The Best of Island Music - September - Shaw St and Honoapiilani Hwy Lahaina Recreation Park II
An opportunity for Maui County's top restaurants to ply their wares to appreciative attendees, this culinary benefit draws lots of eager folks. Established and fledgling businesses turn out with signature dishes, and a beer and wine garden supplies just the right accompaniments. Feeding more of the senses, live music from local musicians gives the event a festive air, and a children's area caters to little ones. Plus, goods are available for sale, and cooking demonstrations give onlookers a leg up on preparing dishes at home
Maui Writers Conference (on Oahu) - Usually September - 2259 Kalakaua Ave The Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Waikiki
A fantastic resource for aspiring writers, this conference gives attendees access to some of the industry's top editors, agents, publishers, and practitioners. These people who have honed their craft speak about the creative process, offer advice on getting a manuscript published, and share their own trials and successes. A variety of forums is available
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