Inaugural ‘Maui Comedy Festival’ Brings in 30 Comedians

By David Kvasnicka

The first annual Maui Comedy Festival is happening Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 in Lahaina, and brings with it 30 notable comedians.

The Maui Comedy Festival’s lineup. Courtesy photos.

The three-day event over the Halloween weekend will take place at various venues around Lahaina, seemingly in the same vein as the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Among the comedians of note include Reggie Watts, Greg Proops, Hannibal Buress, Aisha Tyler, Tig Notaro and Marc Maron.

In addition to stand-up performances, the festival will feature unique events including a live taping of The Green Room with Paul Provenza, a special edition of This Is Not Happening hosted by Ari Shaffir, live podcast recordings of Girl on Guy with Aisha Tyler, and The Crabfeast podcast with Jay Larson and Ryan Sickler.

The venues for the festival include the 680-seat Maui Theater, the Lahaina Yacht Club, and Fleetwood’s on Front St.

Organizers say Fleetwood’s on Front St. will serve as the festival’s centerpiece and “main watering hole,” where all three floors will be “packed with laughter” – from stand-up on the rooftop at sunset to a “mainland comedy club vibe” in the cellar lounge.

“Maui is known for not just our natural beauty and world class hotels, but also first-rate entertainment,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa. “We have international film festivals, hula shows, live concerts and now this A-list of visiting comedians.”

VIP and early-bird passes are now on sale for $199 and $399. Both passes give full access to the entire run of the festival – 3 nights and over 20 shows. Individual tickets will go on sale Aug. 15.

Check back with Maui Now for further updates on The Maui Comedy Festival.

Announced Performers:

James Adomian
Nate Bargatze
Ahmed Bharoocha
Hannibal Buress
Michelle Buteau
Ron Funches
Todd Glass
Moshe Kasher
Kyle Kinane
Hari Kondabolu
Jay Larson
Natasha Leggero
Carmen Lynch
Marc Maron
Morgan Murphy
Aparna Nancherla
Mark Normand
Tig Notaro
Eddie Pepitone
Chris Porter
Greg Proops
Paul Provenza
Ari Shaffir
Kevin Shea
Ryan Sickler
Beth Stelling
Aisha Tyler
Sheng Wang
Reggie Watts
Ali Wong