Category Archives: community

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.

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.

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”

Happy Thanksgiving

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Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving full of love and laughter!

Maui Council Update

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Reminders

Today, November 25, at 9:00 am HST, EDIT POSTPONED TIL 12:00 PM HST the Maui County Council is scheduled to select one of the three finalists to fill the late Council member Tasha Kama’s vacant seat. If the Council cannot reach a decision by midnight, the authority to appoint a replacement shifts to Mayor Bissen. To watch the proceedings via the Maui Council YouTube channel here.

Also, be sure to mark your calendar: per the latest announcement from Chair Lee’s office, the Council will soon conduct the first official reading of Bill 9, including any revisions or amendments introduced at that time. As always, timelines and details may shift, so staying updated is essential.