Heading to Maui in 2023? We’ve got great news! You’re in for a beautiful vacation on one of the most magical islands in the world— and in-person events and festivals are returning full-swing in 2023.
From fantastic foodie fests to paniolo parades, get a feel for life on the islands at the best Maui events in 2023.
PGA Sentry Tournament of Champions
When: January 4-8
Where: Plantation Course, Kapalua
What: The Sentry Tournament of Champions is the PGA calendar year opener. The tournament is held at the Plantation Course in Kapalua, consistently ranked the #1 course in Hawaii and known for its unparalleled views.
This tournament is one of the most prestigious in the golfing world, known for its ‘winners only format’— only players who won a PGA event or finished in the top 30 of the final standings are invited to participate.
This year, kids under 15 are welcome to the tournament for free with one adult admission through the Keiki Get In Free program. Don’t miss this family-friendly event!
East Maui Taro Festival
When: April; exact dates TBA
Where: Hana Ballpark
What: It is still unclear if the East Maui Taro Festival will return in 2023, but we sure hope it does! The festival is Hana’s biggest event of the year. For two days, celebrations revolve around the life-giving taro plant— one of the most vital food sources in Hawaiian culture.
The taro festival spotlights local taro farmers, and features live music, hula, poi pounding demonstrations, arts and crafts, and food vendors selling a variety of taro dishes. This community event is an excellent place for visitors to learn more about Hawaiian culture, history, and the many uses of taro.
Maui Marathon
When: April 23
Where: West Maui
What: The Maui Marathon is the longest consecutively held event in Hawaii, now back for its 53rd year! This Boston Qualifier Event boasts a handful of accolades, named one of the Top 10 Most Scenic Marathons in the United States by Runner’s World Magazine.
The marathon starts from the Puunene Sugar Mill in Kahului, then travels the scenic Honoapiilani Highway before ending at the Kaanapali Resort. The event also features a half marathon, a 10k, and a 5k.
Maui Brewers Festival
When: May; exact dates TBA
Where: Maui Arts and Cultural Center
What: There’s yet to be an official word if Maui Brewers Festival is returning in 2023, but we have a hunch it might. In the past, the Maui Brewers Festival has hosted over 40 brewers from around the United States, including over a dozen Hawaii-based breweries.
General admission tickets get you eight 4 oz tastings from breweries of your choice, food selection from over 20 vendors, and live entertainment. If you’d rather skip the beer, the festival also features cider, kombucha, and local root beer tastings.
Kapalua Wine and Food Festival
When: June 8-11
Where: Kapalua Resort, Kapalua
What: Calling all gastronomes: the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival is one of Hawaii’s most acclaimed— and oldest— culinary festivals.
Attendees can hobnob with renowned sommeliers and celebrity chefs while enjoying spectacular wine and food pairings, winemaker dinners, and cooking demonstrations highlighting Maui’s local culinary bounty.
The festival also features wine seminars, gala events, and a golf tournament. The Kapalua Wine and Food Festival is one of Maui’s most sought-after events, so get your tickets well in advance. For those staying at the Hale Mahina, it’s almost a requirement to partake in the fun.
Maui Film Festival
When: June 28-July 2
Where: Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Kahului
What: This annual event honors all things cinema, from the talented actors who light up the big screen to the writers that bring stories to life. This year, the Maui Film Festival will feature five nights of double features held under the stars at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center.
But the entertainment extends beyond the big screen: the festival features eye-opening filmmaker Q&As, presentations with A-list actors, hula performances, and live music. Keep an eye out for lineup announcements and ticket releases!
Makawao Rodeo and Fourth of July Parade
When: July; exact dates TBA
Where: Oskie Rice Arena, Makawao
What: Makawao is Maui’s cowboy capital. Every July 4th weekend, the paniolo town hosts the biggest Upcountry event of the summer: the Makawao Rodeo and Fourth of July Parade.
The weekend kicks off with the exhilarating Bull Bash at Oskie Rice Arena, followed by steer chasing and barrel racing. The festivities are complemented by delicious local eats. Finally, the Fourth of July parade takes over Makawao and Baldwin Avenue, where locals on horseback and vintage cars fill the streets.
Hawaii Food and Wine Festival
When: October; exact dates TBA
Where: Wailea, Kaanapali; exact locations TBA
What: Every October, renowned chefs, winemakers, sommeliers, and mixologists assemble in the islands for Hawaii’s most celebrated culinary event. The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival spotlights Hawaii’s culinary culture and regional cuisine through wine tastings, five-star dinners, and cooking demonstrations with industry heavy-hitters.
The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival was founded over a decade ago by some of Hawaii’s most illustrious chefs— Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong— to benefit local agriculture and culinary programs. The festival is held over several weeks across Hawaii. Keep an eye out for Maui dates, locations, and tickets!
Maui County Fair
When: October/November; exact dates TBA
Where: War Memorial Stadium Complex, Kahului
What: The Maui County Fair is one of the longest-running events on Maui, operating for nearly a century. After a three-year hiatus, the fair is poised to return to War Memorial Stadium in 2023.
This four-day event is more than just a fair— it showcases Maui’s local culture and community. Festivities kick off with an epic parade down Kaahumanu Avenue. In addition to games and carnival rides, attendees can enjoy live music, comedy acts, livestock and horticulture displays, a school-art exhibit, and an enormous food court with to-die-for local eats.
Hawaiian Airlines Made In Maui County Festival
When: November; exact dates TBA
Where: Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Kahului
What: The Made in Maui County Festival is the event of the year! This two-day event is the largest local product show in Maui County, drawing thousands of visitors and residents. Browse over one hundred vendors showcasing Maui County-made goods.
Only the best and brightest local vendors can participate, so you can trust you’re getting quality, made-in-Maui-County products. Shop one-of-a-kind local souvenirs, from jewelry and ceramics to fashion and art.
Not a big shopper? Come to sample ono local grinds from some of the island’s best food trucks, mingle with Maui’s awesome local community, and enjoy live entertainment and prize drawings.
Maui Invitational Basketball Championship
When: November 20-23
Where: Lahaina Civic Center, Lahaina
What: The Maui Invitational is an annual college basketball tournament held every Thanksgiving week at the Lahaina Civic Center. Eight NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams are invited to compete.
On average, the Maui Invitational attracts over 4,000 out-of-state visitors each year. The event is broadcast on ESPN and is one of the year’s most anticipated pre-season basketball tournaments.
We can’t wait to see what other fun festivities 2023 holds. Don’t forget to book a condo with us near your event! Ali’i Resorts is one of the island’s #1 resources for south and west Maui rentals. See you soon!
