The Maui Arts & Cultural Center and Its Lasting Impact on Maui

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center has long been one of the island’s most important gathering places for music, art, theater, hula, and community events. Located in Kahului, the MACC has helped shape cultural life on Maui for more than three decades, giving residents and visitors a place to come together for memorable performances, meaningful traditions, and shared experiences that go far beyond a typical night out.

Outdoor performance at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului Maui

More Than 30 Years of Arts and Community on Maui

Since opening in 1994, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center has become a true island landmark. What began as a vision for a dedicated cultural hub grew into one of Hawaiʻi’s most respected venues for live performance, visual…

375 Views, 0 Comments

From Celestial Nights to New Horizons: Maui’s Film Story Continues

For 25 years, the Maui Film Festival lit up the island with starlit screenings, red-carpet moments, and the kind of magic only Maui could deliver. And at the heart of it all were Barry and Stella Rivers, whose vision brought Hollywood glamour to our shores while keeping aloha at the center. Their “Celestial Cinema” nights, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Wailea’s golf courses, weren’t just movie screenings—they were community gatherings under the stars, where 2,000 people could share popcorn, laughter, and a few goosebumps under Maui’s night sky.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating


The Maui Film Festival wasn’t just an event—it was part of the island’s identity. For more than…

467 Views, 0 Comments

Dancing into Summer: Embracing Maui's Bon Dance Traditions and Community Spirit

As summer begins to unfold on Maui, one of the island’s most cherished cultural traditions comes to life: the Bon Dance season. These joyful and reflective celebrations, deeply rooted in Japanese heritage, are a highlight of summertime across the island. As lanterns glow beneath the stars and taiko drums echo through temple grounds, Bon Dances offer locals and visitors alike a unique chance to honor loved ones, celebrate culture, and connect with the tight-knit Maui community. It’s not just a festival—it’s a feeling, and it speaks to the heart of what life in Hawaii is all about.

Honoring Ancestors: The History of Bon Dance in Hawaii

The Bon Dance, or Obon, is a…

742 Views, 0 Comments

Experience the 2025 Seabury Hall Craft Fair: A Celebration of Community, Culture, and Upcountry Charm

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the picturesque campus of Seabury Hall in Makawao will come alive with the vibrant energy of the 49th Annual Seabury Hall Craft Fair. This cherished event, held annually on the Saturday before Mother's Day, offers a delightful blend of local artistry, entertainment, and community spirit.

A Showcase of Maui's Artistry and Flavor

The craft fair features over 100 local artisans and crafters, presenting an array of handmade goods, including jewelry, ceramics, textiles, woodwork, and traditional Hawaiian art. Attendees can enjoy live performances by local musicians and cultural groups, indulge in a…

613 Views, 0 Comments

Kihei 4th Friday: Music, Community, and Maui Vibes Come Together on April 25th

We’re super excited about this week on Friday April 25th Kihei's 4th Friday features Maui’s own Marty Dread with guitar phenom Keni Blue and our favorite Arlie Asiu and his Trio will opening the show. This is a don’t miss event! Plus, Missy Aguilar will be performing in the Food Court, beloved local storyteller Kathy Collins is back as MC, and the shopping and food scene will be buzzing with local vendors, food trucks, and pop-up booths. You can even catch the biggest car display yet, featuring Classic & Collector Cars and Valley Isle Hot Rodders. There’s a Keiki Zone for the kids, and the best part? It’s a FREE event! Come join the fun on Friday, April 25th from 6 to 9…

683 Views, 0 Comments

The Maui Marathon: Where Passion for Running Meets the Spirit of Aloha

Each spring, runners from around the world gather on the Valley Isle for one of the most scenic races on Earth—the Maui Marathon. This year the competition start and finish will be at the Outrigger Ka'anapali Beach Resort on April 27th. More than just a competition, the event has become a celebration of endurance, natural beauty, and the community spirit that defines life on Maui. For locals and visitors alike, it's an experience that stays with them long after the finish line.

A Race with Deep Roots

The Maui Marathon is Hawaii’s oldest marathon, with its first event held in 1971. Over the years, it has grown into a world-renowned race known for its postcard-worthy course.…

292 Views, 0 Comments

Don't Miss Maui's Springtime Show: Jacarandas Bloom in Upcountry

March 25,2026 Shutterstock1091018198

Every April, Upcountry Maui bursts into dazzling color with the annual blooming of the island’s Jacaranda trees. First introduced to the Hawaiian Islands in the late 1800s, these flowering trees have since become an iconic symbol of springtime in Maui. With their vibrant purple blossoms blanketing the landscape like a watercolor painting, Jacarandas draw locals and visitors alike to the cool slopes of Haleakalā.

Maui’s particularly spectacular display of Jacarandas is largely attributed to Elmer Cravalho, the Valley Isle’s first mayor and longtime champion of Maui agriculture and beautification. Cravalho helped direct the planting of the Jacaranda trees that now line the Kula…

977 Views, 0 Comments

The Annual Winter Humpback Whale Migration Is at Its Peak

February on Maui is one of the most memorable times of year to be near the ocean. Each winter, humpback whales return to Hawaiian waters after traveling thousands of miles from Alaska, and Maui becomes one of the very best places in the world to witness that migration. Their arrival adds another layer of meaning to the season, turning an already beautiful island experience into something unforgettable.

These whales make the journey to Hawaiʻi for the most important parts of their life cycle. They come here to breed, give birth, and nurse their calves in warmer, calmer waters than the cold northern seas where they spend much of the year feeding. For mothers with newborn calves, the protected…

530 Views, 0 Comments

The Maui Invitational, an annual early-season college basketball tournament, has been a cornerstone of Maui's sports culture since its inception in 1984. Traditionally held at the Lahaina Civic Center, this event not only showcases top-tier basketball talent but also significantly boosts the local economy.

In 2022, the tournament attracted approximately 6,500 visitors, resulting in an estimated $24 million in spending on Maui. This influx of visitors benefits local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retailers, providing a substantial economic uplift to the island.

Here's a full list of the teams that are competing in the 2024 Maui Invitational: No. 2 UConn, Memphis, Colorado, Michigan State, No. 3 Auburn, No. 5 Iowa State, Dayton, &No.…

308 Views, 0 Comments

Every year, Maui’s coastline comes alive with one of the most unforgettable natural events in the world: the return of humpback whales to Hawaiian waters. From late fall through spring, these massive and graceful animals migrate thousands of miles from Alaska to the warm, shallow waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. For visitors and locals alike, whale season is a rare opportunity to watch whales breach, tail slap, and surface surprisingly close to shore. It is one of the reasons whale season easily belongs on our Top 10 Things to Do on Maui.

Why Humpbacks Migrate to Maui

Humpback whales return to Maui for warmth, protection, and the ideal conditions needed to breed, give birth, and nurse their calves. The shallow channels between Maui, Molokai,…

450 Views, 0 Comments