Spring is one of the best times of the year on the Valley Isle. The winter crowds are gone, the spring weather is stunning, some whales are sticking around, and prices are usually lower than during the busy winter and summer seasons. Plus, May Day (May 1) is Lei Day in Hawaii, just one of many reasons to visit Maui in spring! Here are some popular things to do on Maui in spring:
THINGS TO DO ON MAUI IN SPRING
MARCH EVENTS IN MAUI
Whale Watching:
Yes, you can still whale watch on Maui in March. In fact, there are still a ton of whales sticking around through March. Humpback whales start to arrive in Hawaii in fall, usually around November, after migrating from Alaska. Maui’s whale watching season officially kicks off in December and continues into April.
The highest concentration of whales can usually be spotted from mid-January to early March, but plenty hang around into April and even mid-May. Whale watching cruises are a wonderful way to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat!
(Note: most whale watching excursions stop operating in April, as the number of whales declines.) More Whale Watching Tips
Kula Country Farms U-pick Strawberries: Kula strawberries are the best around. If you’re visiting Maui in spring, head Upcountry to Kula County Farms for some fun strawberry picking. Here you can hand pick your own basket of strawberries amidst spectacular views of Central Maui and the West Maui Mountains. This is a great activity for the kids to learn about farming and strawberries, pose in the cute photo ops, and run around in the fun keiki (kids) zone.
2025 Dates: Only available from February through June. Open Tuesdays and Saturdays 9 am to 4 pm. Kula (Upcountry)
Details & Future Dates (as they become available)
Stay in a North Shore and Upcountry B&B or Inn
Ho’omau: Ho’omau is an annual benefit for Punana Leo o Maui, a Hawaiian language immersion school. Held annually at the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, this event is a great way to experience Hawaiian culture, with live music, food, cultural demonstrations, local vendors, and more. Its recommended to purchase tickets in advance. This year’s music lineup features Hawaii favorites like Nuff Sedd and Paula Fuga.
2025 Date: March 29, 2025 Kahului (Central)
Details & Future Dates (as they become available)
APRIL EVENTS IN MAUI
Maui Marathon: The annual Maui Marathon is known as the most scenic marathon in the United States! The course starts and ends in Kaanapali, traveling along the West Maui coastline before looping back at Papalaua Wayside Park. The full marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier event, and there is also a half marathon, 10k, and 5k. Stay in Kaanapali at one of these hotels/resorts!
2025 Date: April 27, 2025 (Ends in Kaanapali, West Maui)
Details & Future Dates (as they become available)
Stay in a Kaanapali Condo
Celebration of the Arts: Held annually at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, Celebration of the Arts is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about Hawaiian culture. This annual event is the largest cultural showcase in the state, hosting over 60 of Hawaii’s best artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, speakers, and entertainers. The event is held over two days and most of the exhibits are free and open to the public, with a few exceptions that require tickets. Come chat with some of Hawaii’s most respected cultural practitioners and learn more about what makes Hawaii so special.
2025 Dates: April 18 & 19, 2025. The schedule of events will be posted as information becomes available. Kapalua (West Maui)
Details & Future Dates (as they become available)
Stay nearby in one of these book-direct Kapalua condos
East Maui Taro Festival: The East Maui Taro Festival is Hana’s biggest annual community event. Taro Fest spotlights and honors taro, the cornerstone crop of a traditional Hawaiian diet. Come talk story with the Hana community, listen to live music, watch hula performances, dine at local food booths, and learn all about taro with poi pounding demonstrations and more. Hana Ball Park, 9 am to 5 pm.
2025 Date: April 26, 2025 Hana (East Maui)
Details & Future Dates (as they become available)
Stay in Hana at these book-direct Hana condos and Hana vacation rentals
MAY EVENTS IN MAUI
May Day is Lei Day: May Day is “Lei Day” in the islands! Lei Day honors Hawaii’s treasured tradition of making, giving, and wearing lei. Lei Day celebrations are usually held on or around May 1. The most prominent anual Lei Day event is held at the Bailey House Museum (Hale Hoikeike) in Wailuku. This free community event includes Hawaiian mele (song) and hula, craft demonstrations and exhibits, and a lei contest and displays.
2025 Date: May 1 at the Bailey House Museum. Wailuku (Central Maui)
Details & Future Dates (as they become available)
Maui Brewers Festival: Craft beer is a big deal on Maui. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Maui is home to the largest craft brewery in Hawaii — Maui Brewing Company — plus two other award-winning craft breweries: Mahalo Aleworks and Kohola Brewery. Maui Brewers Festival spotlights Maui’s love for craft beer, and brings together over 60 breweries from Hawaii and the mainland. The event also features food booths, door prizes, a home brew competition, live music, and more. If you’re not a beer lover, Maui Brewers Festival also features locally-made non-alcoholic beverages and kombucha.
2025 Date: TBD Wailuku (Central Maui)
Tickets, Details & Future Dates (as they become available)
MORE TIPS FOR SPRING ACTIVITIES ON MAUI
Year-round Activities
Free Entertainment: Believe it or not, there are actually lots of free events on Maui. You can check for free events at nearby resorts or hotels. Shopping centers like the Shops at Wailea, Whalers Village, and Queen Kaahumanu Center also regularly host events like live music, ukulele lessons, and free hula shows. Check out my list of 25 Free Things To Do on Maui for other suggestions.
Farmers Markets: Farmers markets happen weekly across the island and are a popular stop for locals and visitors alike. Farmers markets are a great opportunity to discover unique local produce and support local farmers. You’ll often find crafters selling fun souvenirs like jams and jellies, clothing, hot sauce, jewelry, and island-themed goodies. Some of our top favorites include the Upcountry Farmers Market, Napili Farmers Market, and South Maui Farmers Market. See our ultimate guide to Maui Farmers Markets.
Live Music on Maui — Mana’o Radio: Live music is still happening around the island, with local musicians jamming almost every night at some of the island’s best restaurants. To find out who’s performing where, check out Mana’o Radio’s Music2Nite site for a full lineup of live music on Maui.
Mana’o Radio (KMNO 91.7 FM) is Maui’s non-commercial all-volunteer radio station. Instead of a canned, pre-programmed song list, you’ll hear local people (volunteer djs) playing an eclectic selection of the music they love best. Listen while you’re here on Maui, or live stream from their website. Tune in to a truly local radio station! Follow Mana’o Radio on Facebook for the latest word on their broadcast schedule and live events on Maui.
4th Friday Night Town Parties: If you’re visiting Maui toward the end of a month, you might be on island for the Kihei 4th Friday Town Party. This free community event is held monthly (on the 4th Friday of every month) at Azeka Center in the heart of Kihei. You can shop local vendors, peruse local food stands, and enjoy live music. There are also fun games and activities for the keiki as well. More Details.
Grassroots Festivals and Fundraisers: Don’t be shy to buy a ticket and attend local school, church, and charity fundraisers, bazaars, and festivals. These events are a great way for visitors to experience an authentic local gathering, and the organizers will love to have you there. There is always plenty of local food (eating is a priority here on Maui!) and entertainment, and often there are fundraising auctions (silent and live) where you can snag great deals on visitor activities like luaus, golf, dining, and boat tours.
Maui Arts & Cultural Center: This is another excellent resource you should check for upcoming events and performances on Maui, from world-famous celebrities and musicians to symphonies and ballet to local Hawaiian cultural programs and festivals. The Maui Arts & Cultural Center is located in Kahului.
Live Webcams: When you are here planning your day on Maui, check out these webcams to view current weather conditions around the island. It’s not unusual for it to be overcast or rainy in one area but clear and sunny just a few minutes away!
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Aloha! Tiffany here. I've been blessed to call Maui home since 2011. With a background in the island's finest restaurants and hotels, guiding visitors to create unforgettable Maui memories is more than a skill I've mastered—it's a profound source of joy for me.
