Chinese New Year on Maui 2026: Where to Celebrate the Year of the Horse

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Chinese New Year is almost here, and Maui is ready to welcome the Year of the Horse with cultural celebrations, lion dances, family activities, and plenty of festive energy.

In 2026, Lunar New Year begins on Tuesday, February 17, and while Maui’s events aren’t as large as Honolulu’s Chinatown festivities, there are still meaningful and fun celebrations happening across the island.

Here’s your guide to what’s happening.

🐎 Chinese New Year – Official Start

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

This marks the first day of the Lunar New Year and the beginning of the Year of the Horse. Traditionally, this is a time focused on renewal, prosperity, family gatherings, and welcoming good fortune.

You may see smaller celebrations, lion dance appearances, or restaurant specials around the island during this week.

🎉 Maui Chinese New Year Festival

Saturday, February 21, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Maui Mall Village, Kahului

This is Maui’s largest Chinese New Year celebration and a must-attend event for families.

The festival typically includes:

  • Lion dance performances (often multiple showings)
  • Martial arts demonstrations including Tai Chi
  • Dragon and ribbon dance performances
  • Keiki crafts and cultural activities
  • Chinese calligraphy and heritage displays
  • Local food vendors and festival booths

It’s free, family-friendly, and filled with color, music, and cultural tradition.

What to Expect at a Maui Lunar New Year Celebration

Lion dances are often the highlight. The lion symbolizes strength and good fortune, and performances traditionally “chase away” bad luck while inviting prosperity for the year ahead.

If you see the lion dancers, you can participate in the tradition of offering a small red envelope donation to “feed the lion” — a fun and symbolic gesture.

Maui Whale Day 2026: Complete Weekend Schedule (Thursday–Sunday + Parade Information)

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It’s time to commemorate World Whale Day, one of Maui’s most significant and enjoyable customs, if you’re visiting the island this week. This yearly event, which is organized by the Pacific Whale Foundation, recognizes the humpback whales who come to Maui’s warm seas every winter.

This is your comprehensive guide to all the events taking place from today through Sunday, including information about the parade.

February 12th, Thursday
Ocean Organic Farm & Distillery: Taste & Music

Enjoy a night of live music, regional cuisine, and island-made cocktails under the stars to start the weekend. Taste & Tunes is a laid-back, neighborhood-focused event that combines celebration and conservation.

The Volunteer Service Project of Mālama Pono

Give back at the beginning of your day. In order to mālama (care for) the land and seas that the whales call home, this early morning stewardship event collaborates with Maui environmental organizations.

February 13th, Friday
Soirée Big Blue at Mākai Glass

This is Whale Week’s signature evening event. In addition to delectable pūpū and served drinks, guests take in a dinner program that highlights the impact of decades of conservation. It’s a sophisticated, joyous evening dedicated to celebrating the efforts that save our ocean ecosystem.

February 14th, Saturday
Day of the Community: Mālama I Nā Koholā

Māʻalaea Harbor Shops is the location.

Visitors of all ages who enjoy keiki and the ocean will adore this family-friendly daytime event. Anticipate:

• Interactive displays on marine science• Presentations of Hawaiian culture
• Keiki crafts and learning exercises• Live music and entertainment

It’s entertaining, educational, and participatory, with a focus on preserving and honoring our whales.

The World Whale Day Parade is scheduled for Sunday, February 15.

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Travel path: South Kihei Road (from Kalama Park to Kamaole I)

One of Maui’s most vibrant and happy community gatherings is the parade. There will be live music, costumes with an ocean theme, adorned floats, local groups, and lots of whale pride. Everyone can use it for free.

Pro tip: Bring water, chairs, and sunscreen, and arrive early for parking.

Kalama Park Post-Parade Festival

Following the procession, there are vendors, events, entertainment, and a community get-together in Kalama Park. The morning is filled with admiration for the water and island energy.

The Significance of World Whale Day

Thousands of humpback whales travel to the warm waters of Maui Nui each winter in order to mate and give birth. World Whale Day serves as a reminder of the value of conservation, education, and stewardship for coming generations in addition to being a celebration.

Whale Week is a potent fusion of culture, community, and ocean love, whether you want to attend one event or spend the entire weekend there.

ART LOVERS…GREAT OPPORTUNITY!

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2026 Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center Annual Juried Exhibition


What it is: Hui Noʻeau’s Annual Juried Exhibition, which features a broad range of artwork from Maui and other artists, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, photography, jewelry, woodworking, fiber arts, digital media, and more.


Date and time of opening: Saturday, January 17th
Ends on: February 20, 2026


Where: Makawao, Maui’s Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center


This is a significant yearly visual arts event on Maui and an excellent opportunity to view a broad range of traditional and contemporary pieces created by both local and visiting artists.

JANUARY NEWSLETTER

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 Aloha All, 

Happy New Year ~ we hope it was relaxing and sensational! 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our annual Children’s Benefit. With approximately $26,000 in combined gifts, including toys, gift certificates, and financial donations, we were able to support Maui County children distributed through Friends of the Children’s Justice Center. Your generosity reached children who might otherwise have gone without, sending a powerful message of care, dignity, and hope. To see some pictures of the Toy Drive click on the link: TOY DRIVE

Maui’s been really busy with visitors over the holidays. It feels so revitalizing to see all the happy smiles around town, the busy restaurants, and everyone enjoying Hawaii’s fantastic weather and beautiful sites. 

Looking ahead to Maui’s August primary and November elections, Mayor Richard Bissen has announced his intention to seek a second term. Additionally, Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura has declared her candidacy for mayor, citing the passage of Bill 9 as a key factor in her decision to enter the race. 

As many of you may be aware Bill 9 has been signed into law and will phase out approximately 6,000 vacation rental units, with changes taking effect in West Maui in three (3) years in and South Maui in five (5) years. Legal challenges to Bill 9 have been filed. 

In other news :

As previously discussed, while Bill 9 was under discussion, the Maui County Council formed a Temporary Investigative Group (TIG). Building on TIG’s recommendations, Councilmember Tom Cook introduced Resolution 25-230 to establish a framework for the proposed zoning changes. After initially being tabled, the Maui County Council later approved the resolution by an 8–1 vote, formally forwarding it (with other amendments) to the Maui Planning Commission for review. This process will take a very long time to get resolved. If you wish additional information regarding this issue, please contact us. 

Market Snapshot 

• New listings: −3.1% single-family to 92, −13.5% condos to 145 

• Pending sales: +48.8% single-family; condos flat 

• Inventory: +14.5% single-family, +18.4% condos 

• Median price: $1.34M (−2.0%) single-family; $640K (−25.6%) condos 

• Days on market: +1.6% single-family to 108 days, +38.5% condos to 118 days 

• Months supply: +23.1% single-family, +29.5% condos 

In addition, median Days on the market for luxury homes was 88 days and for luxury condominiums was 193 days. 

We are presently marketing beautiful ocean view properties, beach front units plus gorgeous homes from many locations throughout Maui and Oahu. We are available to assist you as you move forward in any direction or just simply have concerns you wish to discuss with us. We can also give you valuable information regarding 1031 exchanges on your vacation properties and investment properties. Recent exchange options include Delaware Statutory Trusts (DST). Just ask us for further information. We offer multigenerational experience and opinions. 

Also keep informed with our blog where local information and statistics are posted: https://blog.mauirealestate.net/ 

We sincerely appreciate your support and loyalty. It makes a huge difference. Referrals are truly needed and appreciated. Thanks for reading and subscribing to our newsletter. Ready to make a change in 2026? Email us at dad@MauiRealEstate.NET OR call one of us at our number below. 

MAUI LUXURY REAL ESTATE LLC, The Hansen Ohana ~ Maui’s Real Estate Family over 30 years MauiRealEstate.net 

Council Meeting Today

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Important Maui Council Meeting Today!

December 19th Council Chambers at 9am 

Discussion regarding Amendments to Bill 9 

Also Known as  “TIG”