Events & What’s Happening
Acclaimed outdoor film festival held under the stars at the Wailea Golf Course, featuring independent films, celebrity appearances, and special screenings
💡The Celestial Cinema screenings are magical for older kids; bring blankets and arrive early for good lawn spots
Annual food and music festival celebrating Maui's culinary culture with tastings from top local chefs, live Hawaiian music, and cultural demonstrations in Lahaina
💡Come hungry and bring cash for extra tastings; the event is very walkable and kid-friendly in the early evening hours
Part of the statewide Aloha Festivals, Maui's celebration includes floral parades, hula performances, and community gatherings honoring Hawaiian culture and heritage
💡The floral parade through Wailuku is free to watch and a wonderful introduction to Hawaiian culture for children of all ages
One of Hawaii's premier road races running from Kahului to Kaanapali along Maui's scenic coastline, with full marathon, half marathon, and 10K options
💡Cheer runners on along the finish line in Kaanapali — kids love the excitement and the beach is right there for a post-race swim
Known as the Mardi Gras of the Pacific, Front Street in Lahaina transforms into one of the largest Halloween street parties in the US with costumes, music, and festivities
💡Arrive before 5pm with young kids to enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere before the adult crowds arrive later in the evening
World championship off-road triathlon held on the slopes of Haleakala in Makena, featuring elite athletes competing in swimming, mountain biking, and trail running
💡Watching the swim start at Makena Beach is free and thrilling for kids; the beach itself makes for a great family day out
Community celebration of humpback whale season featuring educational events, whale watches, and ocean activities centered in Lahaina and Kihei
💡Book a whale watch boat tour early — they sell out fast during peak season, and kids under 5 often ride free
Beloved weekly farmers market held at the Kulamalu Town Center in Pukalani featuring local produce, fresh flowers, prepared foods, and handmade crafts from Maui's upcountry farms
💡Go before 9am for the best selection; kids love the fresh fruit samples and the cooler upcountry temperatures make it especially pleasant
Large weekly outdoor market at the University of Hawaii Maui College in Kahului with over 200 vendors selling local produce, crafts, vintage goods, aloha wear, and homemade foods
💡Bring small bills and let kids pick out a souvenir; the fresh malasadas and plate lunches make for a fun and affordable family breakfast outing
Weekly storytime sessions for young children at Maui County public library branches including Kahului, Kihei, and Lahaina, featuring books, songs, and crafts
💡Check the Hawaii State Public Library website for branch-specific schedules as times and days vary by location; no library card required to attend
Monthly street festival on Front Street in Lahaina celebrating Hawaiian culture with live music, hula performances, local food vendors, and arts and crafts (held the last Friday of the month)
💡The early evening timing works well for families; grab shave ice and stake out a spot near the Banyan Tree for the best hula performances
Planning Your Visit
Neighborhoods & Areas
Local Tips for Families
- 💡Wai'anapanapa State Park and the 'Ohe'o Gulch section of Haleakalā National Park both require timed entry reservations booked through gostateparks.hawaii.gov — these sell out weeks in advance, so book before you book your flights.
- 💡Haleakalā National Park summit sunrise requires a separate timed vehicle reservation ($1 per vehicle plus park entrance fee) available at recreation.gov starting 60 days out; spots for popular dates like weekends sell out within minutes of releasing, so set an alarm for exactly 60 days before your target date at 7am Hawaii time.
- 💡The Costco in Kahului sells Maui snorkel gear sets for roughly $25-35 — buying and leaving behind or returning is often cheaper than week-long rental fees, and the gear fits adults and older kids better than worn rental equipment.
- 💡For the best roadside banana bread on the Hana Highway, the stand run by the Aunty Sandy's family near mile marker 18 in Ke'anae is the one locals direct you to — cash only, and they sell out before noon on busy days.
- 💡Turtle Town near Maluaka Beach in Makena is freely accessible by snorkeling from shore with no boat fee — park at Maluaka Beach, swim south along the lava rock reef, and Hawaiian green sea turtles are reliably present year after year grazing on the reef.
- 💡The Maui Ocean Center in Ma'alaea charges $30+ per adult at the gate but is frequently discounted through AAA, Costco booklets, and the Go City Maui Pass — check before paying full price, especially since families with multiple children feel the entrance cost significantly.
- 💡Food trucks at the Kihei Caffe and along South Kihei Road near Kamaole III offer local plate lunches — loco moco, chicken katsu, and garlic shrimp — for $12-16 per plate, a fraction of resort restaurant prices and often better quality.
- 💡If visiting December through April, the Pacific Whale Foundation runs narrated whale watch tours out of Lahaina and Ma'alaea harbors; the 2-hour morning trips ($40-55 adults, $25-35 kids) have the highest whale activity and calmer seas than afternoon departures.
- 💡Snorkeling at Honolua Bay in northwest Maui is free, requires no boat, and is one of the best coral reef experiences on the island — but the dirt parking area is tiny and fills completely by 8am in peak season, so arrive before sunrise or visit late afternoon when some visitors clear out.