Tag Archives: Hawaii

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.

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.