Things To Do on Maui in Spring (March-April-May)
Spring is one of the loveliest times of the year on the Valley Isle. May Day (May 1) is Lei Day in Hawaii, just one of many reasons to visit Maui in spring. The winter crowds are gone, the spring weather is stunning, and prices are usually lower than during the busy winter and summer seasons. Here are some popular things to do on Maui in spring.
THINGS TO DO ON MAUI IN SPRING
MARCH EVENTS IN MAUI
Whale Watching: Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii’s warm waters for the winter months, with the first few whales arriving in the fall. Maui’s whale watching season officially kicks off in December and continues well into spring. 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. (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 out of this world. To get your hands on a freshly-picked, succulent Kula strawberry, take a gorgeous drive upcountry to Kula Country Farms. 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.
2023 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
Prince Kuhio Festival: The Hawaiian Islands were previously ruled under a monarchy, and Hawaii still honors its great royalty from the past. Prince Kuhio Day on March 26 is a State holiday remembering Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole (1871-1922). This annual festival in Lahaina honors Prince Kuhio with Hawaiian music, hula, and locally-made arts and crafts. One of the most popular things to do on Maui in spring.
2023 Dates: Festival dates were not yet announced at the time of this writing. Lahaina (West Maui)
Details & Future Dates (as they become available)
Stay in a Lahaina B&B
Maui 5k: The 12th annual Maui 5k was created out of the desire to help our children live a happier, more active and healthy lifestyle. Held in Maalaea at the Maui Ocean Center, the 5k is timed, while the 1 mile is untimed and for keiki (children) or adults of all ages. Funds raised will go toward physical education, fitness, play and athletic programs in our Maui County schools and youth clubs.
2023 Date: March 5, sponsored by Maui Ocean Center and begins at the Maalaea Harbor Shops. Maalaea (Central Maui)
Details & Future Dates (as they become available)
Stay in a Maalaea Condo
APRIL EVENTS IN MAUI
Maui Marathon: The Maui Marathon is known as one of the most scenic marathons in the country. This Boston Marathon qualifier event follows a 26 mile course, tracing a coastal route from the Puunene Sugar Mill to Kaanapali. Stay in Kaanapali at one of these hotels/resorts!
2023 Date: April 23, 2023 (Ends in Kaanapali, West Maui)
Details & Future Dates (as they become available)
Stay in a Kaanapali Condo
Celebration of the Arts: Celebration of the Arts is one of the biggest and best cultural showcases in the state. Held annually at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, this free event is an opportunity for visitors and residents to connect with Hawaiian cultural practitioners, talk story with traditional artisans, and watch Hawaiian performances and films.
2023 Dates: The 31st Annual event is taking place April 7th and 8th. 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
Lahaina Banyan Tree Birthday Celebration: The Lahaina Banyan Tree is celebrating a huge milestone in 2023: its 150th birthday! When this tree was planted in 1873, it was only eight feet tall. Now it encompasses an entire city block, with multiple trunks and huge branches! Celebrate the tree’s birthday with birthday cake, live music, and arts and crafts.
2023 Date: April 22, 2023, 10 am to 2 pm at Banyan Tree Park.
Details & Future Dates (as they become available)
Stay in nearby Kaanapali
East Maui Taro Festival: The East Maui Taro Festival honors all things taro, a staple of the Hawaiian diet (poi is made from taro). This fun event takes place at the Hana Ballpark and features a farmers market, poi pounding, food booths, arts and crafts, live music, hula, and a taro pancake breakfast.
2023 Date: Dates to be announced. 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: The first of May (traditionally May Day) is celebrated as “Lei Day” in the islands, honoring Hawaii’s treasured tradition of making, giving, and wearing lei. If you’re in Maui on May 1, stop by the Lei Day Heritage Festival at the Bailey House Museum (Hale Ho’ike’ike) in Wailuku. This free community festival includes a lei contest and displays, Hawaiian craft demonstrations and exhibits, and Hawaiian song and dance.
2023 Date: May 1 at the Bailey House Museum. Wailuku (Central Maui)
Details & Future Dates (as they become available)
Maui Brewers Festival: Featuring over 68 breweries–craft beers from the mainland and Hawaii—food booths, door prizes, a home brew competition, and live music. This event takes place on the lawn at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
2023 Date: This event has been confirmed for 2023 after a three-year hiatus. May 20. Wailuku (Central Maui)
Tickets, Details & Future Dates (as they become available)
MORE TIPS FOR SPRING ACTIVITIES ON MAUI
Year-round Activities
Friday Night Town Parties: If it’s Friday, there’s a party on Maui! The Town Parties (sponsored by Maui County) take place on Friday evenings in different towns across the island. The town parties are great fun for both visitors and residents, with local food, entertainment, and vendors. More Details.
• First Friday of the month — Wailuku Town Party (Central Maui) – Has not returned since the COVID shutdown
• Second Friday — Lahaina Town Party (West Maui)
• Third Friday — Makawao Town Party (Upcountry); this one takes place every other month, rather than monthly – Has not returned since the COVID shutdown
• Fourth Friday – Kihei Town Party (South Maui)
Free Entertainment: When you are here, make sure you check for entertainment and events at nearby hotels and resorts, as well as island shopping centers, which often offer free hula shows, activities like lei making and ukulele lessons, and live Hawaiian entertainment. And check out my list of 25 Free Things To Do on Maui for other suggestions.
Farmers Markets: A popular stop for locals and visitors alike, peruse the delicious local produce at a nearby farmers market. Enjoy colorful and flavorful fruits and veggies, learn about the unique produce of Maui, and support the local farmers and vendors. Often local crafters and designers are also selling their unique products like jams and jellies, clothing, 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.
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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Happy Travels!
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