Category Archives: Events

Holiday Events

Posted on by

MAUI HOLIDAY EVENTS (DECEMBER)

ISLAND-WIDE / PUBLIC EVENTS

  1. Santa’s Arrival by Outrigger Canoe
    1. Location: Wailea Beach (fronting Wailea Beach Resort)
    1. Dates: Usually Dec 23 or 24 (annual tradition)
    1. Info:

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hnmmc-wailea-beach-resort-marriott-maui/experiences/festive/

  • Holiday Lights & Christmas Decorations
    • Location: Lahaina Cannery Mall, Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, Shops at Wailea
    • Info:

https://www.govisithawaii.com/maui-christmas-events-activities/

  • Whale Watching Season Begins
    • Location: Lahaina & Ma‘alaea Harbors
    • Tours:

Pacific Whale Foundation – https://www.pacificwhale.org/cruises/ Trilogy – https://sailtrilogy.com/

  EVENTS BY HOTEL/RESORT

GRAND WAILEA (WALDORF ASTORIA

  • Holiday Feast (Christmas Day Dinner)
  • Kid Activities (cookie decorating, crafts)
  • Live holiday music
  • Location: Wailea
  • Info:

https://www.grandwailea.com/experiences/festive/

WAILEA BEACH RESORT (MARRIOTT)

  • Santa Arrival by Canoe
  • Christmas Eve Storytime with Mrs. Claus
  • Holiday keiki workshops
  • Location: Wailea
  • Info:

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hnmmc-wailea-beach-resort-marriott-maui/experiences/festive/

THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA

  • Holiday Market (local vendors, crafts)
  • Tree lighting & resort-wide decorations
  • Christmas Day “Holiday Harvest Dinner” at Banyan Tree
  • Location: Kapalua
  • Info:

https://event.marriott.com/jhmrz-the-ritz-carlton-maui-kapalua/eventshttps://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/jhmrz-the-ritz-carlton-maui-kapalua/experiences/holidays/

HYATT REGENCY MAUI

  • Drums of the Pacific Christmas Eve Luau
  • Drums of the Pacific Christmas Day Luau
  • Location: Kāʻanapali
  • Info:

MONTAGE KAPALUA BAY

  • Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Prix-Fixe Dinners at Cane & Canoe
  • Holiday wellness + keiki activities
  • Location: Kapalua
  • Info:

https://www.montage.com/kapaluabay/experiences/upcoming-events/

FAIRMONT KEA LANI

  • Christmas Dinner Events
  • Gingerbread displays & Santa appearances
  • Location: Wailea
  • Info:

 NEW YEAR’S EVENTS (DEC 31→ JAN 1)

ISLAND-WIDE / PUBLIC EVENTS

  1. New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Wailea
    1. Location: Off Wailea Beach (Grand Wailea area)
    1. Time: Midnight
    1. Info:

https://www.govisithawaii.com/maui-new-years-eve-fireworks-special-celebrations/

  • NYE Fireworks Viewing Cruises
    • Locations: Depart from Lahaina or Ma‘alaea
    • Operators:

Pacific Whale Foundation: https://www.pacificwhale.org/cruises/ 

Ali‘i Nui: https://aliinuimaui.com/

Trilogy: https://sailtrilogy.com/

Pride of Maui: https://www.prideofmaui.com/

NEW YEAR’S EVENTS BY HOTEL/RESORT

GRAND WAILEA

  • NYE Backyard BBQ
  • NYE Outdoor Movie Night
  • Midnight Fireworks on Wailea Beach
  • 21+ After-Hours Party
  • Location: Wailea
  • Info:

https://www.grandwailea.com/experiences/festive/

THE RITZ-CARLTON, KAPALUA

  • New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball
  • Champagne Toast + Live Music
  • Location: Kapalua
  • Info:

https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/jhmrz-the-ritz-carlton-maui-kapalua/experiences/holidays/

HYATT REGENCY MAUI

  • Drums of the Pacific New Year’s Eve Luau
  • Location: Kāʻanapali
  • Info:

MONTAGE KAPALUA BAY

  • NYE Four-Course Dinner at Cane & Canoe
  • NYE Cocktail Lounge + Live Music + Midnight Toast
  • New Year’s Day Brunch
  • Location: Kapalua
  • Info:

https://www.montage.com/kapaluabay/experiences/upcoming-events/

WAILEA BEACH RESORT (MARRIOTT)

  • Live DJs / sunset parties
  • Family-friendly NYE programming (varies annually)
  • Location: Wailea
  • Info:

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hnmmc-wailea-beach-resort-marriott-maui/experiences/festive/

ANDAZ MAUI

  • NYE Gala Dinner & Dancing
  • Special Chef Tasting Menus
  • Location: Wailea
  • Info:

https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/en-US/oggan-andaz-maui-at-wailea-resort

OTHER SEASONAL OPTIONS (NOT HOTEL-SPECIFIC)

Road to Hana Private Tours (holiday availability varies)

https://www.roadtohanatours.com/ 

Haleakalā Sunrise or Sunset Tours https://www.tourmaui.com/

Snorkel Tours (Molokini, Honolua)

Four Winds: https://www.fourwindsmaui.com/ 

Redline Rafting: https://redlinerafting.com/

Lahaina & Upcountry Holiday Dining

OpenTable listings: https://www.opentable.com/hawaii/maui-restaurants

Moon Blood-Red on September 7th

Posted on by

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the full Corn Moon will bring a total lunar eclipse, also known as a “blood moon.” Mark your calendars accordingly. This year’s final total lunar eclipse promises to be a lengthy, spectacular spectacle.

Where to View It:

Best views: During totality, the Moon will be shining a deep crimson in Asia, Australia, Africa, and a large portion of Europe.

There won’t be a full blood moon in Hawaiʻi or much of North America; only a faint penumbral shade will be seen.

When:

The full moon occurs at 2:09 PM EDT/18:09 PM UTC (8:09 AM HST).

Totality: It is particularly photogenic since it lasts longer than the eclipse in March 2025.

Why Red?

During the eclipse, sunlight is bent by Earth’s atmosphere. Red light filters through, giving the Moon coppery hues as blue light scatters.

A Weekend of Heart-Pounding Action and Family Fun on Upcountry Maui: Prepare for the Makawao Stampede 2025!

Posted on by

The Makawao Stampede is back and bigger than ever at the Oskie Rice Arena, so mark your calendars and bring the whole “ohana!”

Monster Bull Bash & Live Music on Friday, July 4
The Monster Bull Bash will take over the arena for an exciting evening to start off the holiday weekend! A unique live performance by country music star Jimmy Charles kicks off the evening, laying the groundwork for an exciting evening of expert bull riding and exhilarating entertainment.

Paniolo Day is Saturday, July 5.
Enjoy a full day of traditional rodeo excitement as you honor Maui’s cowboy culture! Highlights include the popular Roselani Ice Cream Eating Contest, a family-friendly Keiki Zone, a hands-on petting zoo, and the rodeo’s first performance. Families are encouraged to play, cheer, and take in the charms of the Upcountry on this day.

Patriotic Day and Championship Finals on Sunday, July 6
Patriotic Day, a celebration of tradition and skill, marks the end of the weekend. Watch the thrilling Crowning of Champions as the best competitors attack the arena, participate in the Mahi Pono Watermelon Eating Contest, and support expert operators in the Kubota Excavator Challenge.

The Makawao Stampede is more than simply a rodeo; it’s a multigenerational celebration of culture, community, and rural life. “It’s where families come to make memories that last a lifetime,” the event organizers say.

Visit http://www.OskieRiceEventCenter.com for a complete schedule of events this week, and this Fourth of July weekend, visit Upcountry!

Parade Reminder

Posted on by

Remember that tomorrow is the Makawao Parade!

Tomorrow, Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, Upcountry’s favorite celebration is taking place, so mark your calendar and set your alarm!

The Makawao Fourth of July Parade is a joyous event that fills Baldwin Avenue and Makawao Street with vibrant floats, marching bands, vintage vehicles, paniolo on horseback, and energetic community organizations. Both locals and tourists are drawn to this vibrant celebration of Makawao’s cowboy heritage and creative spirit.

To secure a spot and take advantage of family-friendly attractions like the keiki stick horse race, live music, mouthwatering food vendors, and more, get there early.

Celebrate Upcountry Style: Makawao Parade 2025

Posted on by

Saturday, June 28, 2025

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Attend the Makawao Parade to start off your Independence Day celebrations in a way that is exclusive to Maui! This beloved Upcountry celebration brings Baldwin Avenue and Makawao Street to life with vibrant community groups, vintage rides, vibrant marching bands, and a colorful parade of paniolo on horseback. It’s more than just a parade; it honors Makawao’s artistic flair and cowboy heritage. The day offers a happy fusion of tradition and holiday pleasure, with family-friendly attractions like the keiki stick horse racing, country music, ono grinds, and local merchants.