President & certified Hawaii travel expert with 15+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
We may earn a commission when you book or buy through links on this page.
2026 Events and Festivities
April 2026 is set to be a vibrant month on the Hawaiian island of Maui, filled with cultural celebrations, athletic events, and community gatherings that showcase the island's rich heritage and natural beauty. Visitors and residents can immerse themselves in these experiences, each offering a unique glimpse into Maui's diverse traditions and landscapes.
Maui Marathon & Half Marathon
The Maui Marathon is one of the oldest marathon events in the United States. It is renowned for its scenic course, which offers runners breathtaking ocean views and a challenging yet rewarding experience. The event includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K races, catering to various fitness levels.
When: Sunday, April 26, 2026
Where: Start and finish at Kāʻanapali, in front of the Outrigger Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
More Info: Maui Marathon
30th Annual East Maui Taro Festival
The East Maui Taro Festival is a cherished annual event that honors kalo (taro), a staple of Hawaiian culture and cuisine. This festival offers attendees an authentic experience of traditional Hawaiian practices, foods, and arts, all set in the picturesque town of Hāna.
When: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Where: Hāna Ballpark, Hāna, Maui
More Info: Taro Festival
The Celebration of the Arts Festival was a beloved annual gathering at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua that brought together Hawaii's top artisans, educators, cultural practitioners, and entertainers. The festival honored and perpetuated Hawaiian arts and culture through interactive workshops, demonstrations, and performances. After 33 years, the 2025 festival was the final edition. Check the website for any updates on a potential revival.
April 2026 on Maui presents various events that cater to various interests, from cultural enthusiasts to fitness aficionados. The 30th Annual East Maui Taro Festival offers a deep dive into Hawaiian traditions, emphasizing taro's cultural and culinary significance. The Maui Marathon and Half Marathon allows participants to engage in physical challenges amidst some of the world's most scenic landscapes. The island also hosts various cultural events and community gatherings throughout the month.
Breezy trade winds are in place with windward and inland showers expected tonight and early morning through Monday. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday evening—avoid them if rough water concerns you. East-facing shores will see building swell Sunday as Tropical Storm Fausto approaches. Tuesday and Wednesday the storm moves in with heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough seas on the windward side. Forecasters are still narrowing down the exact track, so check updates this weekend. By Thursday normal trades return.
Leeward beaches work through Monday if you stay clear of the high surf. Plan indoor activities or protected bays for Tuesday and Wednesday when the storm passes through.
0:000:52
Voice
Read the transcript
Trade winds are bringing showers to the windward side and inland areas, mostly at night and early morning through Monday. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday—avoid them if you're not comfortable in rough water.
Tropical Storm Fausto arrives Tuesday and brings heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough surf on east-facing shores through Wednesday. The storm is moving fast, so rain won't linger in one spot for days. Forecasters are still narrowing the track, so watch for updates this weekend. Impacts could shift depending on whether it passes north or south of the islands.
Leeward beaches work through Monday if you avoid the high surf. Plan indoor activities or protected bays for Tuesday and Wednesday when Fausto moves through.
0:000:66
Voice
Read the transcript
Right now you've got breezy trade winds with showers mainly at night and early morning on the windward and inland sides. Conditions stay stable through Monday with the same pattern—showers mostly after dark, trades during the day.
High surf is running through Saturday at 6 PM on south-facing beaches. Starting Sunday, east-facing shores will see advisory-level surf building as Tropical Storm Fausto approaches from the southeast. Tuesday and Wednesday the storm moves near the islands with heavy rain and gusty winds on the windward side. It's moving fast at 15 miles per hour, so rain won't sit in one spot for days, but forecasters are still refining the track—updates this weekend will clarify the exact impacts.
Stick with leeward beaches through Monday if you're comfortable in the current surf. For Tuesday and Wednesday, plan indoor activities or protected bays on the lee side while the heavy rain and wind move through.
0:000:48
Voice
Read the transcript
Breezy trade winds this morning with scattered showers on the windward side and inland—mostly at night and early morning. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday; skip them if rough water makes you nervous.
Tropical Storm Fausto moves near the islands Tuesday through Wednesday with heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough surf on the east-facing shores. The storm's moving fast, so rain won't linger in one spot. The exact impacts depend on whether it tracks north or south—forecasters are still pinning down the track, so check updates this weekend.
Plan leeward beaches or protected bays through Monday. Once the trades return to normal Thursday onward, conditions settle back to typical.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
Created with AI from this HawaiiGuide page and read by a computer-generated voice. Double-check fees, hours, and reservations on the full page before you head out. Hawaiian pronunciation is tricky for synthesized speech and a few words may land slightly off; mahalo for your patience as we keep refining.
Mele and Kani are computer-generated voice options chosen for clarity and warmth.
Get Your Free Hawaii Visitor Guide
Enter your email and we'll send you instant access to our free 2026 Hawaii Starter Guide + Summary Guidesheets.