Calendar of Events

Please note that, as with any schedule of upcoming events, the following information is subject to change; always confirm the details before you plan your trip around an event.

For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here, check www.visitmaui.com, www.molokai-hawaii.com, or www.visitlanai.net for events throughout Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Also consult http://events.frommers.com, where you'll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what's happening in cities all over the world.

January

PGA Mercedes-Benz Championship, Kapalua Resort. Top PGA golfers compete for $1 million. Call tel. 808/669-2440 or go to www.kapaluamaui.com. January 5 to 11, 2009.

Ka Molokai Makahiki, Kaunakakai Town Baseball Park, Mitchell Pauole Center, Kaunakakai, Molokai. Makahiki, a traditional time of peace in ancient Hawaii, is re-created with performances by Hawaiian music groups and hula halau (schools), ancient Hawaiian games, a sporting competition, and Hawaiian crafts and food. It's a wonderful chance to experience the Hawaii of yesteryear. Call tel. 800/800-6367 or 808/553-3876, or go to www.molokai-hawaii.com. Late January.

Chinese New Year. Lahaina town rolls out the red carpet for this important event with a traditional lion dance at the historic Wo Hing Temple on Front Street, accompanied by fireworks, food booths, and a host of activities. Call tel. 888/310-1117 or 808/667-9175. Also on Market Street in Wailuku; call tel. 808/244-3888. Chinese New Year can fall in January or February; in 2009, January 26 ushers in the year of the ox.

Wendy's Champions Skins Game at Wailea, Wailea Golf Courses, Wailea Resort. Longtime golfing greats participate in this four-man tournament for $770,000 in prize money. Call tel. 808/875-7450 or go to www.seniorskinswailea.com. Mid-January to early February.

February

Whale Day Celebration, Kalama Park, Kihei. A daylong celebration in the park with a parade of whales, entertainment, a crafts fair, games, and food. Call tel. 808/249-8811 or go to www.visitmaui.com. Early or mid-February.

Whale Quest Kapalua, Kapalua Resort. This weekend-long event celebrates whales through lectures, interactive displays and events, art and photo exhibitions, and walks. Call tel. 888/665-9160 or go to www.kapalua.com. Mid-February.

March

Ocean Arts Festival, Lahaina. The entire town of Lahaina celebrates the annual migration of Pacific humpback whales with this festival in Banyan Tree Park. Artists display their best ocean-themed art for sale, while Hawaiian musicians and hula troupes entertain. Enjoy marine-related activities, games, and a Creature Feature touch-pool exhibit for children. Call tel. 888/310-1117 or 808/667-9194, or go to www.visitlahaina.com. Mid-March.

Run to the Sun, Paia to Haleakala. The world's top ultramarathoners make the journey from sea level to the top of 10,000-foot Haleakala, some 37 miles. Call tel. 808/280-4893 or go to www.virr.com. Late March.

Molokai Hawaiian Paniolo Heritage Rodeo, Molokai Rodeo Arena, Maunaloa, Molokai. A celebration of Hawaii's paniolo (cowboy) heritage. Call tel. 877/88T-RAIL (888-7245).

April

East Maui Taro Festival, Hana. Here's your chance to taste taro in many different forms, from poi to chips. The Hawaiian staple food is celebrated through exhibits, music, hula, arts, crafts, and, of course, food. Call tel. 808/264-3336 or go to www.tarofestival.org. Varying dates in April.

Buddha Day, Lahaina Jodo Mission, Lahaina. Each year on the first Saturday in April, this historic mission holds a flower festival pageant honoring the birth of Buddha. Call tel. 808/661-4303. April 4, 2009.

Celebration of the Arts, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Kapalua Resort. Contemporary and traditional artists give free hands-on lessons during this 4-day festival, which begins the Thursday before Easter. Call tel. 808/669-6200 or go to www.celebrationofthearts.org. April 9 to 12, 2009.

Polo Spring Season Begins. For a complete list of all the polo matches in the cool, upcountry area of Maui, call tel. 808/877-7744 or go to www.visitmaui.com.

David Malo Day, Lahainaluna High School, Lahaina. This daylong event with hula and other Hawaiian cultural celebrations commemorates Hawaii's famous scholar and ends with a luau. Call tel. 808/662-4000 or go to www.visitmaui.com. Mid- or late April.

Banyan Tree Birthday Party, Lahaina. Come celebrate the birthday of Lahaina's famous Banyan Tree with a weekend of activities. Call tel. 888/310-1117 or 808/667-9175, or go to www.visitlahaina.com. Generally the end of April.

Earth Day, Kahului and Maalaea. Maui Nui Botanical Gardens in Kahului (tel. 808/249-2798; www.mnbg.org) and the Harbor Shops in Maalaea (tel. 808/249-8811) host Earth Day celebrations. Late April.

May

Outrigger Canoe Season, all islands. From May to September, canoe paddlers across the state participate in outrigger canoe races nearly every weekend. Call tel. 808/383-7790 or go to www.y2kanu.com for this year's schedule of events.

Lei Day Celebration, Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, Wailea. May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii, celebrated with lei-making contests, pageantry, arts and crafts, and concerts throughout the islands. The Fairmont Kea Lani hosts its own royal court procession. Call tel. 808/224-6042 or go to www.visitmaui.com. May 1.

Kapalua Jr. Vet/Sr. Tennis Championships, Kapalua Resort. Men and women ages 35 and over compete in singles and doubles championship tournaments. Call tel. 808/669-5677 or go to www.kapaluamaui.com. Early May.

International Festival of Canoes, West Maui. At this celebration of the Pacific islands' seafaring heritage, events include canoe paddling and sailing regattas, a luau feast, cultural demonstrations, canoe-building exhibits, and music. Call tel. 888/310-1117. Mid- to late May.

Molokai Ka Hula Piko Festival, Papohaku Beach Park, Kaluakoi, Molokai. This daylong celebration of the hula takes place on the island where it was born. It features performances by hula schools, musicians, and singers from across Hawaii, as well as local food and Hawaiian crafts, including quilting, woodworking, feather work, and deer-horn scrimshaw. Call tel. 800/800-6367 or 808/553-3876, or go to www.molokaievents.com. May 16, 2009.

June

Da Kine Classic Windsurfing Event, Kanaha Beach Park, Kahului. This annual windsurfing slalom race takes place at Kanaha Beach Park, west of Kahului Airport in central Maui. Call tel. 808/877-2111. Early June.

Maui Film Festival, Wailea Resort. Five days and nights of screenings of premieres and special films, along with traditional Hawaiian storytelling, chants, hula, and contemporary music. It begins the Wednesday before Father's Day. Call tel. 808/572-3456 or go to www.mauifilmfestival.com. June 10 to 14, 2009.

King Kamehameha Celebration, statewide. This state holiday (officially June 11, but celebrated on different dates on each island) features a massive floral parade, hoolaulea (parties), and much more. Call tel. 888/310-1117 or 808/667-9194, or go to www.visitlahaina.com for Maui events; call tel. 808/567-6361 for Molokai events. Most events in 2009 will be held June 13 to 14.

Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului. Great music performed by the best musicians in Hawaii. It's 5 hours long and absolutely free. Call tel. 808/226-2697 or go to www.slackkeyfestival.com. Late June.

Kapalua Clambake Pro-Am Golf Tournament, Kapalua Resort. This tournament, which has taken place every year for more than 2 decades, ends with a giant clambake on the beach. Call tel. 808/669-8802 or go to www.kapalua.com. Late June.

Kapalua Wine & Food Festival, Kapalua Resort. Famous wine and food experts and oenophiles gather at the Ritz-Carlton hotel for formal tastings, panel discussions, and samplings of new releases. Call tel. 800/KAPALUA (527-2582) or go to www.kapaluaresort.com. Late June or early July.

July

Polo Season, Olinda Polo Field, Makawao. Polo matches featuring Hawaii's top players, often joined by famous international players, are held every Sunday at 1pm throughout the summer. Call tel. 808/877-7744 or go to www.mauipolo.com.

Lanai Pineapple Festival, Lanai City, Lanai. This festival on the first Saturday in July celebrates Lanai's history of pineapple plantations and ranching, including a pineapple-eating contest, a pineapple-cooking contest, entertainment, arts and crafts, food, and fireworks. Call tel. 808/565-7600 or go to www.visitlanai.net. July 4, 2009.

Fourth of July. Lahaina holds an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration with fireworks lighting the night sky over Lahaina's roadstead. Call tel. 888/310-1117 or 808/667-9194, or go to www.visitlahaina.com. Kaanapali puts on a grand old celebration with live music, children's activities, and fireworks. Call tel. 808/661-3271.

Makawao Parade & Rodeo, Makawao. The annual parade and rodeo event has been taking place in this upcountry cowboy town for generations. Call tel. 808/572-9565 or go to www.visitmaui.com. July 4.

Bon Dance & Lantern Ceremony, Lahaina. This colorful Buddhist ceremony honors the souls of the dead. Call tel. 808/661-4304. Usually early July.

Quiksilver Molokai to Oahu Paddleboard Race, starts on Molokai and finishes on Oahu. Some 70 participants from an international field journey to Molokai to compete in this 32-mile race, considered to be the world championship of long-distance paddleboard racing. The race begins at Kaluakoi Beach on Molokai at 7am and finishes at Maunaloa Bay on Oahu around 12:30pm. Call tel. 808/638-8208 or go to www.molokai-hawaii.com. Mid- to late July.

August

Maui Onion Festival, Whalers Village, Kaanapali. Everything you ever wanted to know about the sweetest onions in the world. Food, entertainment, tastings, and the Maui Onion cook-off. Call tel. 808/661-4567 or go to www.whalersvillage.com. Early August.

Hawaii State Windsurfing Championship, Kanaha Beach Park, Kahului. Top windsurfers compete. Call tel. 808/877-2111. Early August.

Tahiti Fete, War Memorial Gym, Wailuku. An annual festival with Tahitian dance competition, arts and crafts, and food. Call tel. 808/244-8088. Two days in August.

September

Aloha Festivals, various locations. Parades and other events celebrate Hawaiian culture. Call tel. 800/852-7690 or 808/545-1771, or go to www.alohafestivals.com for a schedule of events.

LifeFest Kapalua, Kapalua Resort. A 3-day health-and-wellness event featuring lectures and panel presentations by leaders in the health-and-wellness field, plus ocean sporting events, fitness activities, a health-and-wellness expo, and sumptuous gala dinners. Area resorts and condominiums offer special package rates. Call tel. 866/669-2440 or 808/669-2440, or go to www.lifefestmaui.com. Varying dates in September.

A Taste of Lahaina, Lahaina Civic Center, Lahaina. Some 30,000 people show up to sample 40 signature entrees from Maui's premier chefs during this weekend festival, which includes cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and live entertainment. The event begins Friday night with Maui Chefs Present, a themed dinner/cocktail party featuring about a dozen of Maui's best chefs. Call tel. 888/310-1117 or go to www.visitmaui.com. Second weekend in September.

Hana Relays, Hana Highway. Hundreds of runners, in relay teams, crowd the Hana Highway from Kahului to Hana (you might want to otherwise avoid the road on this day). Call tel. 808/243-9636 or go to www.virr.com. Early September.

Maui Marathon, Kahului to Kaanapali. Runners line up at the Maui Mall before daybreak and head off for Kaanapali. Call tel. 866/577-8379, or go to www.virr.com or www.mauimarathon.com. Mid- to late September.

Na Wahine O Ke Kai, Molokai. The top women canoe paddlers from across the state will arrive at Hale Lono Harbor on Molokai and paddle across the ocean to Oahu. Call tel. 808/259-7112 or go to www.molokai-hawaii.com. Mid-September.

Maui County Fair, War Memorial Complex, Wailuku. The oldest county fair in Hawaii features a parade, amusement rides, live entertainment, and exhibits. Call tel. 800/525-MAUI (6284) (in July, 808/242-2721), or go to www.mauicountyfair.com. Last week in September or first week in October.

October

Aloha Festivals Hoolaulea, Lahaina. This all-day cultural festival, which marks the end of Maui's Aloha Festivals Week, is held at Banyan Tree Park and features Hawaiian food, music, and dance, along with arts and crafts on display and for sale. Call tel. 888/310-1117 or 808/667-9194, or go to www.visitlahaina.com. September or October.

Molokai Hoe, Molokai to Oahu. This men's 40-mile outrigger contest starts in Molokai and finishes at Fort DeRussy Beach in Waikiki. Call tel. 808/259-7112 or go to www.molokai-hawaii.com or www.holoholo.com.

Halloween in Lahaina. There's Carnival in Rio, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and Halloween in Lahaina. Come to this giant costume party (some 20,000 people show up) on the streets of Lahaina; Front Street is closed off for the festivities. Call tel. 888/310-1117 or 808/667-9194, or go to www.visitlahaina.com. October 31.

November

Hula O Na Keiki, Kaanapali Beach Hotel, Kaanapali. This solo hula competition for children ages 5 to 17 has been held for 2 decades. The weekend festival celebrates Hawaiian dance, arts, and music. Call tel. 808/661-0011 or go to www.kbhmaui.com. Early November.

Hawaii International Film Festival, various locations. This cinema festival with a cross-cultural spin features filmmakers from Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the United States. Call tel. 808/550-8457 or go to www.hiff.org. First 2 weeks in November.

EA Sports Maui Invitational Basketball Tournament, Lahaina Civic Center, Lahaina. Top college teams vie in this annual preseason tournament. Call tel. 847/850-1818 or go to www.mauiinvitational.com. Usually held around Thanksgiving.

December

Hui Noeau Christmas House, Makawao. The festivities in the beautifully decorated Hui mansion include shopping, workshops and art demonstrations, children's activities and visits with Santa, holiday music, fresh-baked goods, and local foods. Call tel. 808/572-6560 or go to www.huinoeau.com. Late November and early December.

Na Mele O Maui, Kaanapali Beach Resort. Children from Maui and Molokai, in kindergarten through 12th grade, participate in this traditional Hawaiian song competition. Call tel. 808/661-3271 or go to www.kaanapaliresort.com. Early December.

Festival of Lights, island-wide. Festivities include parades and tree-lighting ceremonies. Marching bands, floats, and Santa roll down Lahaina's Front Street. Call tel. 808/667-9175 on Maui or 552-2800 on Molokai. Early December.

Festival of Trees, Lahaina Cannery Mall, Lahaina. Look for decorated trees as well as entertainment. Call tel. 808/661-5304. Early December.

Lighting of the Banyan Tree, Lahaina. At 6:30pm, Lahaina's historic Banyan Tree is lit up with thousands of Christmas lights for the entire holiday season. Santa Claus makes an appearance and choirs sing Christmas carols accompanied by hula. Kids can join a cookie workshop. Call tel. 808/667-9194 or 667-9194, or go to www.visitlahaina.com. Early December.

Tree Lighting Ceremony, Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, Kapalua Resort. With the flick of a switch, more than 250,000 sparkling lights will illuminate the 25-foot holiday tree and dozens of pine and palm trees around the courtyards of the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua and throughout the resort. Call tel. 808/669-6200 or go to www.kapaluaresort.com. Early December.

Christmas Light Parade, Kaunakakai, Molokai. A light parade with music and holiday arts and crafts. Call tel. 808/552-2800. Mid-December.

First Light, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului. The Academy of Motion Pictures holds major screenings of top films. Not to be missed. Call tel. 808/572-3456 or go to www.mauifilmfestival.com. Late December and early January.

Ongoing Events on Maui

Every Friday night from 7 to 10pm, as part of Friday Night Is Art Night in Lahaina, the town's galleries open their doors for special shows, demonstrations, and refreshments. There are even strolling musicians wandering the streets.

If you're hungry for Hawaiian music, the Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Series (tel. 888/669-3858; www.slackkey.com) features some of the great masters (and some Grammy Award winners) of this guitar style unique to the Hawaiian Islands. Concerts are held every Wednesday night at 7:30pm at the Napili Kai Beach Resort. Tickets are $47; call in advance for reservations.

On the first and third weekends of the month, Hawaiian artists sell and share culture, arts, and crafts under the famous landmark Banyan Tree in Lahaina. On the other weekends, the Lahaina Arts Society holds an exhibit and sale of various works of art in the same place.

Every Wednesday at 5:30 and 7:30pm, the Maui Film Festival (tel. 808/572-3456 or 579-9244; www.mauifilmfestival.com) presents outstanding contemporary and art films at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, 1 Cameron Way (just off Kahului Beach Rd.), in Kahului.

You don't have to spend a good chunk of change and order two drinks to experience the Hawaiian art of hula. There are free hula performances every week. In Lahaina, they take place Saturday and Sunday at 1pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm in the Lahaina Cannery Mall; Wednesday at 2:30pm and Friday at 3:30pm at the Lahaina Center. In Kaanapali, they're held every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 6:30pm at the Whalers Village; and every night at 6:30pm at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. If you would like to try the hula yourself, there are free hula lessons at Whalers Village every Thursday from 3 to 4pm.

It's also fun to check out Maui's outdoor markets, where you can find good deals on gifts to bring home, try the grown-on-Maui produce, and meet the locals. Every Saturday from 7am to 1pm, the Maui Swap Meet (tel. 808/877-3100) is held on the campus of the Maui Community College, in Kahului (in an area bounded by Kahului Beach Rd. and Wahine Pio Ave.; access is via Wahine Pio Ave.). This is Maui's largest outdoor market, filled with everything from vegetables to Hawaiian art. For upscale culinary items, stop by the Aloha Friday Farmers Market, held every Friday from noon to 6pm at the Maui Community College. Here you'll find gourmet vendors like Surfing Goat Dairy, Waipoli Hydroponic Greens/Pacific Produce, Alii Lavender, and terrific baked goods from the MCC culinary students. At the Kaahumanu Shopping Center, on Kaahumanu Avenue in Kahului, the parking lot is filled with bargains every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7am to 3pm. At the Maui Mall, also on Kaahumanu Avenue in Kahului, you'll get great deals on produce every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8am to 5pm. Arrive early to get the best bargains.