Aloha Festivals ­ Maui

various locations, Maui, HI 808-565-3240

Description: What began in 1946 as a week-long celebration of local culture has evolved into this extensive tribute to Hawaiian heritage, a statewide festival that touches all the islands. History, traditional music, and dance figure into the festivities, along with contests, church services, and the crowning of the royal court. One of the biggest events is a street festival in Lahaina that features arts and crafts, food, and entertainment. A fishing tournament, talent show, and hoe-down are also scheduled.
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Art Night

Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761

Description: In celebration of Lahaina's art scene, this event flings open the doors of area galleries and invites passers-by into the inner sanctum. Musicians play, refreshments are served, and guest artists riff about technique, subject matter, and the like. Plus, there's a huge range of art to browse through at your leisure. Find your aesthetic, move at your own tempo, and don't worry about being pressured to buy. The idea is to expose guests to Lahaina's incredible offerings, not to fill a quota. Sure, the scene is social, but everyone is welcome. There's no pretense, and you just might find something you like.
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Halloween in Lahaina

Front St, Lahaina, HI 96761

Description: An exhibition of all things creative and ghoulish, Maui's Halloween celebration has grown into quite an extravaganza since premiering in 1990. These days, Front Street is closed to vehicles in mid-afternoon in preparation for all the festivities. Live music, holiday-themed activities, arts and crafts, and food booths provide the backdrop, and costume competitions are common in local businesses. Children have their own special parade, and the revelry regularly attracts more than 30,000 attendees.
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Holiday Lighting of the Banyan Tree

Front St, Banyan Tree Park, Lahaina, HI 96761

Description: Yes, Virginia, this is the tropics, and Norway spruces are few and far between. So, in the spirit of the season, folks adapt the celebration to the location and adorn this striking tree with thousands of lights. Carols are sung, the hula is danced, and even St. Nick shows up to give a nod of approval. Arts and crafts and live music are part of the excitement, and Hawaiian music ensures that the flavor of the festival remains local. There's also food to munch and a snow zone that lets kids delight in the icy cold ­ however fleeting. The tree lighting is at 6:30pm on Saturday.
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Kapalua Wine & Food Festival

300 Kapalua Dr, Kapalua Resort, Kapalua, HI 96761 808-665-9160

Description: A magnificent, palm-peppered outdoor setting makes the opening event of this long-running celebration an appealing harbinger of good things to come. More than a quarter-century old, Kapalua Wine & Food Festival lives up to its name, bringing together amazing foods, top-quality wines, and engaging personalities for an excursion into gastronomic hedonism. Experts regularly mesmerize attendees with spectacular meals, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and gala events. A real treat for foodies.
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Maui Film Festival

various locations, Kahului, HI 96753

Description: This festival has as its mission the promotion of films that (without being maudlin) uplift the human spirit and condition. It premieres works that aren't carried by commercial cinema houses and juxtaposes their viewing against island storytelling methods, including hula. The experience, with all these elements united, is eminently satisfying and demonstrates the commonality between performance and life. Venues and screenings do change, so call for details before attending.
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Maui Onion Festival

Whalers Village, Ka'ana-pali Resort, Lahaina, HI 96761

Description: Named after the island itself, the Maui onion is a much-sought-after commodity, thanks to a signature mild flavor that results from its being grown in volcanic soils in upcountry Kula. This festival gives the local product special attention, making it the centerpiece of recipe contests, cooking demonstrations, and lots of good food. You'll also find kids' games, live music, a farmers market, and even onion-eating competitions. (Your breath's not a problem if other people are eating onions, too!)
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