Best Maui Activities

Festivals of Aloha announces 2026 Schedule of Events across Maui County

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The Festivals of Aloha Hāna event take place Oct. 17–24, 2026. PC: Festivals of Aloha

Festivals of Aloha released its 2026 schedule of events and theme, “Ea Mai Ke Kai Mai – Rise Up from the Sea,” in support of Gov. Josh Green’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Our Coastal Kuleana.”

“Ea Mai Ke Kai Mai – Rise Up from the Sea” is inspired by a pule hoʻōla (prayer for long life) found in June Gutmanis’ book Nā Pule Kahiko: Ancient Hawaiian Prayers. The pule is noted as a familial chant stemming from the family of David Malo Kupihea I (1872–1952). The repeated phrase, “Ea mai ke kai mai,” reinforces deeply rooted Hawaiian beliefs that the akua and aliʻi — along with the highly organized systems of kuleana, responsibility and stewardship over which they presided — rose from the sea.

This year’s Festivals of Aloha celebrations will span September and October, with events across Maui, Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi, including Wailuku, Wailea, Hāna and Makawao. Each gathering uplifts the traditions of Hawaiʻi’s communities and kūpuna while inviting residents and visitors alike to share in the spirit of aloha as Maui continues on its path of healing.

For the most up-to-date information, visit FestivalsOfAloha.com or follow Festivals of Aloha on Facebook.

Four Seasons Resort Maui is among the sponsors of this year’s Festivals of Aloha events. Hula dancers grace the stage at a previous event held at the resort. PC: Festivals of Aloha

2026 Schedule of Events

Sept. 4 — Wailuku First Friday

Experience the heart of Wailuku Town as Market Street comes alive 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with local music, ʻono food, artisan vendors, shopping and family-friendly fun. Enjoy entertainment by Makamae Paselio and Just Us from Hawaii Island featuring Kaniala Masoe. wailukufirstfriday.com

Sept. 11 — Aloha Friday at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center

Kick off the weekend with Aloha Friday at Queen Kaʻahumanu Center 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Enjoy live Hawaiian entertainment, cultural demonstrations, island cuisine and activities for the entire ʻohana. The event celebrates the spirit of aloha while supporting Maui’s small businesses and community organizations. Enjoy entertainment by: the Kalama School Ukulele Band, Leimana Purdy and more.

Sept. 19 — 24th Annual Richard Ho‘opi‘i Leo Ki‘eki‘e Falsetto Contest

Celebrate one of Hawaiʻi’s most treasured musical traditions at the 24th Annual Richard Ho‘opi‘i Leo Ki‘eki‘e Hawaiian Falsetto Contest. Talented vocalists will honor the legacy of legendary falsetto master Richard Ho‘opi‘i with performances showcasing the beauty and artistry of Hawaiian leo ki‘eki‘e. Opening the doors at 5:30pm is the Kamehameha Schools Maui Hawaiian Ensemble. festivalsofaloha.com/hoopii

Oct. 3 — Festivals of Aloha: Lānaʻi

Celebrate Lāna‘i’s unique heritage through Hawaiian music, hula, cultural demonstrations, local crafts and island hospitality. This intimate festival at the Four Seasons Lāna‘i 10am – 5pm, offering an opportunity to experience the traditions and aloha that make Hawaiʻi special.

Oct. 9 — Festivals of Aloha: Molokaʻi

Celebrate the rich traditions and enduring culture of Molokaʻi at the Community Health Center with Hawaiian music, hula, local food, cultural exhibits and community pride. Festivals of Aloha on Molokaʻi honor the island’s deep cultural roots while bringing residents and visitors together in the spirit of aloha.

Oct. 17–24 — Festivals of Aloha: Hāna

The Hāna community hosts a weeklong celebration of Hawaiian culture, tradition and community. Festivities include the beloved Hāna Parade and Hoʻolauleʻa, hula and musical performances, sports competitions, cultural activities, local food, contests and opportunities to support Hāna artisans and businesses.

Saturday, Oct. 17 

  • Hāna Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa at Hāna Ballpark. Crafters Fair: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Hāna Parade & Hoʻolauleʻa: 11 a.m., Music: 1–4 p.m.
  • Teen Night: 5–10 p.m. at Helene Hall – Teen Aloha Wear Contest, hosted by Hāna Dragon Football Booster

Sunday, Oct. 18  

  • ʻOhana Beach Day Keiki/Wāhine Shoreline Fishing Tournament at Hāna Bay from 7 a.m.–noon, Weigh-in: noon
  • ʻOhana Play Day Games from 1–5 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 19

  • Craft Fair at Helene Hall: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Sports Night at Hāna Ballpark from 3–9 p.m. – Pickleball, tennis, volleyball, cornhole, trumps and chess

Tuesday, Oct. 20 

  • Craft Fair at Helene Hall: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Sports Night at Hāna Ballpark from 5–9 p.m. – Pickleball, tennis, volleyball, cornhole, trumps and chess

Wednesday, Oct. 21

  • Craft Fair at Helene Hall: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Hāna Arts Annual Talent Show at Hāna Ballpark, Registration starts at 4 p.m. and the Program starts 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 22 

  • Craft Fair at Helene Hall: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Kūpuna Luncheon is from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Hāna-Maui Resort
  • Food Contests will run from 2:30–5 p.m. at Hāna Ballpark
  • Floral Lei Contest is from 5–7 p.m. at Hāna Ballpark
  • Hawaiiana Night & Aloha Attire Contests will run from 5–9 p.m. at Hāna Ballpark

Friday, Oct. 23 

  • Craft Fair at Helene Hall: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Jamboree Night at Hāna Ballpark from 6–10 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 24 

  • Craft Fair at Helene Hall: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Cross Country Golf will run from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Hāna Farmers Market parking lot
  • Hōʻike Night at Hāna Ballpark: Gates open at 4 p.m.; entertainment from 5–10 p.m.

Oct. 23 – 25 — Festivals of Aloha: Wailea 

For Festivals of Aloha at Four Seasons Maui, off-site parking with free roundtrip shuttle service is available at Wailea Event (grassy) Parking, located across from Monkeypod off of Wailea Ike drive

Oct. 23 — 5th Annual Carmen Hulu Lindsey Leo Haʻihaʻi Falsetto Contest at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – Experience an extraordinary evening celebrating the elegance and beauty of Hawaiian female falsetto singing. Contestants from across Hawaiʻi will honor the legacy of Carmen Hulu Lindsey through heartfelt performances that preserve and perpetuate one of Hawaiʻi’s treasured musical traditions. Doors open at 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., the event is free and open to the public. Parking is off-site. festivalsofaloha.com/haihai

Oct. 24 — Hula Is the Heartbeat

Celebrate the living art of hula through inspiring performances, cultural presentations and storytelling reflecting traditions and values passed down through generations. More than dance, hula connects people to history, place and one another. Hālau participating this year include: Hālau Kekuaokala‘au‘ala‘iliahi, Hālau Ke‘alaokamaile, Hālau Kauluokalā and Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka. 4 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., the event is free and open to the public. Parking is off-site.

Oct. 25 — Sounds of the Sea

Relax oceanside as Sounds of the Sea fills Wailea with the music of Hawaiʻi. Enjoy performances by Kūikawā as they celebrate 10 years with their newest album release in a beautiful beachfront setting while celebrating the timeless connection among mele, the ocean and the spirit of aloha. 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., the event is free and open to the public. Parking is off-site.

Oct. 23-25 — Festivals of Aloha: Makawao

Oskie Rice Arena – Celebrate Upcountry Maui during Makawao’s famous Rodeo Weekend with an afternoon of Hawaiian music, hula, cultural demonstrations, local food, artisan vendors and family-friendly activities. Held at historic Oskie Rice Arena, this community celebration highlights Makawao’s unique paniolo heritage while honoring the traditions and aloha that continue to thrive throughout Upcountry Maui. https://maui-rodeo.com/upcoming-events/

Sponsors

Festivals of Aloha extends its mahalo to the organizations and businesses whose support makes these celebrations possible:

County of Maui – Office of Economic Development; Hawaii Tourism Authority; Kilohana by the Hawaiian Council; Hāna-Maui Resort; Hāna Community Association; Hāna Arts; Old Lahaina Lū‘au; HPM; Wailea Resort Association; KPOA 93.5 FM; Pacific Media Group; Maui Health; The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua; Kanile‘a Ukulele; Lahaina Hawaiian Civic Club; Papa Ola Lōkahi; Nā Pu‘uwai; Hui No Ke Ola Pono; Keauhou Shopping Center; Hawaii by Storm; Four Seasons Resort Lana‘i; Pacific Source; Hulunani by Leo; Akamai Broadcasting; The Limo Company; Honua Consulting; Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea; Sonic, Mokulele Airlines; and Manaola Hawai‘i

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