Mark Your Calendar: Unique Festivals on Maui

If you’re planning some time in the Hawaiian Islands for your meeting or incentive group, attendees may be in the spirit of trying something new.  A number of unique adventures only possible on Maui are available in the coming year.

Experience the food, arts and history of the multitude of cultures that call Maui home. Participate in outdoor or indoor activities unique to Maui, it’s towns and residents. Or simply seek out one (or more) of Maui’s many great festivals and events happening throughout the year. Here are a few suggestions:

File image credit: Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.

Celebration of the Arts (March/April): Held annually at The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua resort, Celebration of the Arts is a participatory Hawaiian arts and cultural festival celebrating and discussing the past, present and future of the culture. The festival welcomes residents and visitors to experience and learn about Hawaiian culture through interactions and interactive activities with artisans, cultural practitioners, thought leaders, filmmakers, educators and entertainers in a setting of open discussion.  More at: www.kapaluacelebrationofthearts.com

East Maui Taro Festival (April): This annual event in the east Maui community of Hāna offers one of the single best places to taste a variety of ono (delicious) eats showcasing kalo (taro). Celebrating the multiple uses of the staple food source of the Native Hawaiian diet, as well the agricultural bounty of the island’s east side, the festival offers attendees opportunities to participate in taro-pounding demonstrations, learn all things taro-related, sample delicious locally-sourced dishes, and catch hula performances, live music and other cultural activities. More at: www.tarofestival.org

East Maui Taro Festival. Maui Now file photo.

Maui Film Festival (June): Equal parts film and food fest, this star-studded series of events pairs grazing dinners featuring cuisine from the island’s top chefs with screenings of great films from around the world at gatherings in the Wailea resort area and the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. Events include the Taste of Summer Opening Party, Taste of Wailea grazing dinner, and Celestial Cinema – the last of these featuring under-the-stars film screenings on the Wailea Golf Course. The five-day festival schedule also includes film premieres, gala parties, celebrity appearances, and lots of live entertainment, music and dance. Festival details are available at: www.mauifilmfestival.com

Toes in the Sand Cinema at the Maui Film Festival. PC: file photo courtesy Maui Film Festival.

As hosts to a variety of unique cultural attractions and one-of-a-kind experiences, Maui offer countless amazing ways to craft a rewarding itinerary filled with cultural experiences. For additional information or ideas on how to plan your next visit, find out more through the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority at www.meethawaii.com.