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2026 Events and Festivities
Maui, the enchanting "Valley Isle" of Hawaii, is a paradise renowned for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant cultural heritage. May is a delightful time to visit as the island comes alive with various festivals and events celebrating its rich traditions, arts, and community spirit. From honoring the cherished symbol of aloha—the lei—to indulging in craft brews and local cuisine, May 2026 offers an array of experiences for residents and visitors. Below is a curated selection of notable events on Maui, each offering a unique glimpse into the island's diverse cultural tapestry.
Lei Day Celebration at Maui Ocean Center
Lei Day is a beloved Hawaiian tradition celebrating the lei, a symbol of love, friendship, and the aloha spirit. Established in 1929, this annual event honors the art of lei-making and its significance in Hawaiian culture. Maui Ocean Center hosts festivities featuring live demonstrations, cultural exhibits, and hands-on workshops where attendees can craft their own leis. Partnering organizations contribute to the cultural exchange, offering insights into the history and traditions surrounding the lei. This family-friendly event provides a meaningful opportunity to immerse oneself in Hawaiian customs and connect with the local community.
The Maui Brewers Festival is a highlight for craft beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike. As one of Maui's premier festivals, it features local and national craft brewery tastings complemented by delicious offerings from local restaurants and caterers—all included with admission. Attendees can enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere, making it a perfect occasion to experience Maui's vibrant culinary scene. The festival also serves as a fundraiser for the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, supporting its various arts and educational programs. Whether you're a beer aficionado or simply looking for a fun day out, the Maui Brewers Festival tastes the island's best brews and bites.
A much-anticipated annual event, the Seabury Hall Craft Fair offers a delightful mix of arts, crafts, food, and entertainment. This event is a feast for the senses and supports a noble cause, with proceeds benefiting Seabury Hall's student scholarship fund. Attendees can explore handcrafted goods, savor local delicacies, and enjoy live performances in a picturesque Upcountry setting. Traditionally held the day before Mother's Day, the 2026 edition marks the 50th anniversary.
When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: 480 Olinda Rd, Makawao, HI 96768 (Seabury Hall)
Sharks After Dark: Reggae Night at Maui Ocean Center
For a unique nighttime experience, the Maui Ocean Center presents "Sharks After Dark – Reggae Night." This 21-and-over event invites guests to dance to the rhythms of reggae music from a live DJ while exploring the aquarium after hours. Highlights include live diver presentations inside the 750,000-gallon Open Ocean exhibit and screenings of the "Humpbacks of Hawai‘i" 3D film in the Sphere Theater. Specialty food and beverages will be available, including beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. Enjoying Maui's marine life in a lively and festive setting is an extraordinary opportunity.
May on Maui is a month rich with cultural festivities, musical performances, and community gatherings that allow residents and visitors to engage deeply with the island's heritage and contemporary arts scene. From the time-honored traditions of Lei Day to the lively atmosphere of the Maui Brewers Festival, each event provides a unique experience that embodies the spirit of aloha.
Trade winds are strong right now, with high surf hitting the south shore today. Windward areas are seeing frequent showers through the weekend.
South-facing beaches have dangerous surf today through Sunday—stay out of the water unless you're an experienced swimmer. East-facing shores will build rough water by Sunday or Monday. The bigger picture is a tropical system, Fausto, heading our way. It's weakening but should arrive near the islands by Tuesday or Wednesday as a tropical storm or weaker system, bringing strong winds, rough seas, and heavy rain. The exact track is still uncertain, so check the forecast daily.
Get your beach time and water activities in today through early next week on the leeward side, where conditions stay calmer. Be ready to shift plans by midweek when conditions turn rough.
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Windy conditions across Maui right now, with trade winds gusting strong. South-facing shores have high surf today and will see another big swell Saturday and Sunday—the water's dangerous unless you're an experienced ocean swimmer.
Through the weekend, windward areas will get frequent showers while trade winds stay gusty. The bigger picture arrives midweek: Hurricane Fausto is weakening as it moves toward the islands and should reach Maui as a tropical storm or weaker system Tuesday or Wednesday. That'll bring rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain. Track and timing are still uncertain, so check updates daily.
Hit the leeward beaches and snorkel south Maui coasts today through early next week, but stay out of windward and south-facing waters through Sunday.
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Windy conditions dominate right now with strong trade winds pushing across the island. South-facing shores have high surf today—dangerous water if you're not an experienced swimmer.
Through the weekend, those south shores see another big swell Saturday and Sunday, and east-facing shores will build dangerous conditions by Sunday or Monday. Windward areas get frequent showers. A tropical system—the remnants of Hurricane Fausto—is weakening and headed toward the islands as a tropical storm or weaker system by Tuesday or Wednesday, bringing rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain midweek. Timing and track are still uncertain, so check updates daily.
Leeward beaches on the Kona side stay your best bet today through early next week, but avoid the water on the windward and south shores through Sunday.
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Strong trade winds are pushing showers across windward areas through the weekend. On Kauaʻi, expect frequent showers on the windward side.
High surf is running on south-facing shores today and will build again Saturday and Sunday—stay out of the water unless you're an experienced swimmer. East-facing shores will also see dangerous swell by Sunday or Monday. Hurricane Fausto is weakening as it moves toward Hawaii. By Tuesday or Wednesday it should reach the islands as a tropical storm or weaker system, bringing rough seas, strong winds, and heavy rain. Track and timing are still uncertain, so check updates daily through midweek.
Beach time on leeward shores works through early next week. Plan water activities for today, but be ready to shift if Fausto's track becomes clearer—conditions will deteriorate by midweek.
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.
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