Here are 10 reasons that prove summer in Maui is FULL of fun things to do for everyone!
June
35th Annual Kapalua Wine and Food Festival
When and Where: June 9-12
Website: http://kapaluawineandfoodfestival.com/
Why: Uhh, let’s see: some of the best chefs in the Pacific gather to create unforgettable Island-inspired cuisine, and tons of wine…and a golf tournament. Need we say more? (How about it’s the longest running food and wine event in the USA).
Maui Triathlon
When and Where: June 11-12, Makena Beach and Golf Resort
Web: http://www.mauitriathlon.com/
Why: If you’re athletic and inspired, then try out a Hawaiian triathlon. Includes 5K run, kids triathlon and adult sprint triathlon, and warm water.
Na Kamehameha Commemorative Pa’u Parade & Ho’olaule’a
When and Where: June 18th 9am – 5pm, Lahaina Banyan Tree in Lahaina
Web: http://www.kamehamehamaui.com/
Why: A Kamehameha Day parade is a beautiful, moving display of Hawaiian pageantry. Costumed riders on horseback represent each Hawaiian island by color, followed by a massive ho’olaule’a (celebration with food, games, fun of all kind). This year marks Ka Puni ‘Ana O Ka Haneli Makahiki which means “Celebrating 100 Years of Honoring Kamehameha.” 100 years!
Maui Film Festival
When and Where: June 15-19 in Wailea and at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center
Web: http://www.mauifilmfestival.com/
Why: Films, celebrities, good-looking people, the Taste of Wailea and tons of Hollywood elbow-rubbing. This year’s MFF features include “Orange Sunshine,” “It Ain’t Pretty,” “Saltwater Buddha” and “The Last Dalai Lama?,” among others.
Mokuula by Moonlight Summer
When and Where: June 20, 6:30-8:30pm (each quarter on a full moon night: June 20, September 15, December 13), Kamehameha Iki Park.
Web: http://www.mokuula.com
Why: Old-style Hawaiian music and storytelling under a full moon with popular musicians and local elders who tell their stories about Lahaina. This is a free cultural and educational program that’s open to the public.
25th Annual Slack Key Guitar Festival
When and Where: June 26, 12:30pm-7pm, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului
Web: http://www.melemei.com/,
Why: A free outdoor afternoon concert with some of Hawaii’s best slack key guitar players! You’ll also find crafts and food booths.
Relay For Life
When and Where: June 25 & 26, War Memorial Stadium Field in Wailuku
Web: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY16PL?pg=entry&fr_id=71559
Why: Join a passionate community of cancer fighters, survivors and supports across the globe in a walk against the C word.
July
Independence Day in Lahaina
When and Where: July 4, starts at 4pm / fireworks at 8pm along Front Street in Lahaina
Phone: 808-667-9193
Why: You need some Fourth of July action and this is where it’s at. Includes music, food, kids activities and a grand fireworks show. And tons of people watching.
‘Iao Valley 10K
When and Where: July 16, 7:30am race start at Wailuku Municipal Parking Lot off of Vineyard Street
Web: http://virr.com
Why: Aside from the exercise (6.2 miles),‘Iao Valley is absolutely breathtaking. You ascend 600 feet into ‘Iao Valley State Park, then enjoy a long rolling downhill back to Wailuku.
Maui to Molokai Challenge
When and Where: July 23 7am, depart from DT Flemmings Beach in Lahaina
Web: http://supmolokai.org/
Why: SUP is mega-popular now, so you might want to take your paddling (and fun) to a new level with this is a 27-mile relay race. You’ll start at DT Flemmings beach on Maui and end at Kaunakakai Harbor on Molokai. Then you can say you’ve paddled from one island to another!
August
Rinzai Maui Obon Festival
When and Where: services begin at 6pm, Obon dancing at 7pm.
Web: http://rinzai-maui.org
Why: Obon is a time of year in Japan when ancestors and their sacrifices are remembered and appreciated. A “bon” dance is the highlight of the festival, where participants dress in light cotton kimonos and dance to traditional Japanese music. It’s anything but morbid — by the end of the night everyone is having a great time.
Photo credits: mauitime 1 2 3, khaertel, Kamehameha Maui, Mokuula, brendanms, Relay for Life Maui, 66081532@N07, SUPMolokai, Rinzai Maui
Need a hand with your next Maui vacation? Please contact the Sunny Maui Vacations team at info@sunnymauivacations.com or call 808-240-1311, ext. 21. We’ll find you the best vacation rental condo or rental home in South Maui and help you with any and all recommendations and activities across Maui.
