Festivals, Paniolo, Hula, Food, Film, and Long Beach Days
Summer 2026 on Maui brings a full calendar of island events, with film in Wailuku, wine and food in Kapalua, rodeo in Makawao, hula in West Maui, fireworks over the water, and long beach days tucked in between.
Some event schedules have shifted as West Maui continues to recover, so it’s smart to check locations before heading out. Still, there’s plenty happening across Central Maui, Upcountry, West Maui, and nearby Lānaʻi.
June 2026
June starts with Hawaiian history and rolls right into a busy stretch of film, food, and wine.
King Kamehameha Day and Maui’s Pāʻū Parade
King Kamehameha Day is observed statewide on June 11, honoring King Kamehameha I. On Maui, the 2026 Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pāʻū Parade and Hoʻolauleʻa are scheduled for Saturday, June 20 from Baldwin High School to Queen Kaʻahumanu Center at 9:45 a.m. The Hoʻolauleʻa is also June 20 at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, starting at 9:00 a.m. The celebration includes hula, music, food, and Maui-made vendors. Expect flowers, horses, and a beautiful tribute to Hawaiian history.
Wailuku Film Festival, June 17 to 21
The Wailuku Film Festival debuts June 17 to 21, 2026, bringing a new film tradition into historic Wailuku. This festival follows the closure of the long-running Maui Film Festival and centers on community storytelling, Indigenous filmmakers, and stories rooted in place. Screenings take place in Wailuku venues, including the historic ʻĪao Theater.
Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, June 25 to 28
The Kapalua Wine & Food Festival returns June 25 to 28, 2026, for its 45th year. This is one of Maui’s signature culinary weekends, featuring chef demos, wine seminars, and the famous Grand Tasting Gala at the Ritz-Carlton Maui.
Makawao Stampede Town Parade, June 27
The 58th Annual Makawao Parade is set for for Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Makawao Town. This is a must-see event featuring pāʻū riders dressed in flowers and local paniolo (cowboys). Hawaii’s cowboy culture dates back to the 1830s, and there is no better place to experience it than the streets of Makawao.
July 2026
July 2026 brings massive energy to the island, particularly Upcountry.
Makawao Stampede & Rodeo, July 3 to 5
Held at Oskie Rice Arena, the rodeo schedule includes:
- July 3: Bull Bash (Evening)
- July 4: Night Rodeo Performance
- July 5: Championship Rodeo Performance
Go early, bring sunscreen, and bring a light layer for the evening—Upcountry is significantly cooler than the coast.
Independence Day Fireworks & Lānaʻi Pineapple Festival, July 4
For July 4, many visitors book fireworks cruises out of Maʻalaea Harbor. Public fireworks plans can shift, so check current local listings before making the evening the centerpiece of your itinerary.
The Lānaʻi Pineapple Festival is listed for July 4, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Dole Park, with local food booths, craft vendors, live music, cultural entertainment, keiki activities, and fireworks.
Obon Season Highlights
Obon season runs through summer on Maui, with bon dances at temples and community gathering places across the island. Current 2026 listings include Puʻunēnē Nichiren Mission on June 7, Wailuku Shingon Mission on June 14, Wailuku Jodo Mission on June 20, Kahului Jodo Mission on June 28, Mantokuji Soto Zen Mission on July 11 to 12, Kahului Hongwanji Mission on July 18 to 19, Makawao Hongwanji Mission on July 25 to 26, Wailuku Hongwanji Mission on August 1 to 2, Lahaina Community Bon Dance at Lahaina Jodo Mission on August 9, and Pāʻia Rinzai Zen Mission on August 16.
August 2026
August keeps the summer calendar going with hula, arts, and late-season Obon gatherings.
Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival, August 22
Scheduled for August 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows, this free festival honors the legacy of Aunty Emma Farden Sharpe. It features hula hālau performances and workshops. This is a top pick for anyone wanting to experience authentic hula in a welcoming West Maui setting.
Maui Calls, August 22
Also on August 22, Maui Calls returns as the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s signature fundraising gala. It’s a dressier night featuring fine wine and gourmet food from Maui’s top chefs in Kahului.
Late Summer Obon Gatherings
Obon season continues into August, with late-summer dances around Maui. Check the current temple schedule before planning around Kula Shofukuji Mission or any other specific Upcountry date.
Making the Most of Your Summer
Don’t Forget the Beach Days – With so many events, don’t overplan. South Maui (Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena) is reliable for sun, while the North Shore (Hoʻokipa) is great for watching turtles and windsurfers. Aim to snorkel early in the morning before the trade winds pick up.
Make Time for Upcountry – Even if you aren’t there for the rodeo, visit Makawao for the galleries and Kula for the farm-to-table food and sweeping views of the central valley.
West Maui Traffic – West Maui is open and welcoming visitors, but traffic can build around Lahaina and Kāʻanapali during event weekends. Give yourself extra drive time, especially for the Hula Festival.
Book Early – Festival tickets and rental cars for the July 4th weekend should be booked months in advance.
Respect the Culture – Whether at a Pāʻū parade or an Obon dance, remember these are living cultural traditions. Be a respectful observer, use reef-safe sunscreen, and support local vendors.
Summer on Maui in 2026 is a blend of beach relaxation and vibrant community recovery. Plan around a few special events, leave plenty of room for the ocean, and let the island fill in the rest.
