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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.

Bill 9 December 1st Meeting

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Maui County Council will hold a special meeting on Dec. 1 at 9 a.m. to consider eliminating transient vacation rentals in apartment-zoned areas via Bill 9.

Council Chair Alice Lee plans to bring the bill to second reading in early December, pending first-reading approval on Dec. 1.

Community members can submit testimony by emailing County.Clerk@mauicounty.us

The public may contact the Office of Council Services at (808) 270-7664.

Maui Police Department’s MMEU Program Brings Vital Services to Kihei’s Homeless Community

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The Maui Police Department continues to expand its compassionate outreach with the MMEU (Mobile Medical Educational Unit) Program, a mobile initiative dedicated to assisting Maui’s homeless community by bringing essential services directly to them.

Every Monday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the MMEU bus parks at Kalama Park in Kihei, providing free access to a wide range of health and wellness resources.

The program offers:

  • Food stamp assistance
  • Non-critical wound care
  • Health check-ups
  • Mental health counseling
  • Wellness assessments
  • Financial services guidance
  • Animal care and check-ups

This outreach effort is made possible through the CORE (Critical Outreach & Response through Education) team, located at 55 Mahalani Street in Wailuku. Their mission focuses on connecting Maui’s vulnerable populations with healthcare, education, and social support.

The MMEU Program works closely with a strong network of community partners, including:

  • A Cup of Cold Water
  • Aloha House
  • Department of Education’s Homeless Outreach for Unsheltered Youth
  • Goodwill Hawaii
  • Maui AIDS Foundation
  • Maui Humane Society
  • Private practitioners

Together, these organizations form a caring coalition dedicated to restoring dignity and stability for Maui’s houseless residents.

For more information about the program or to connect with CORE, contact them at (808) 270-6555 or email CORE@mpd.net.

Mahalo to the Maui Police Department and its community partners for their ongoing commitment to compassion, service, and outreach across the island.

Photo and information courtesy of the Maui Police Department.

Hanauma Bay’s Big Change: New Shuttle System and Booking Rules Start November 1

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Big changes are coming to Hanauma Bay starting November 1, as the City of Honolulu launches a new partnership with Roberts Hawaii aimed at reducing congestion and improving the visitor experience. Up to 400 of the 1,400 daily visitor spots will now be tied to Roberts Hawaii’s all-electric shuttle packages from Waikiki and Ala Moana, allowing bookings up to 60 days in advance—while the city’s own reservations will still open just 48 hours ahead and sell out fast. The new system includes transportation, guaranteed admission, and the required safety video shown en route, offering convenience but sparking debate among locals over access and commercialization. Resident entry remains free, and conservation efforts continue to be the bay’s top priority. Source: Beat of Hawaii