The Soundtrack of South Maui: Where to Find Live Music Across Wailea, Kihei & Makena

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South Maui has always had a rhythm of its own. Maybe it’s the sound of waves rolling into the shoreline, the golden glow of sunset over the ocean, or the way island life naturally slows people down enough to enjoy the moment. 

One of the many perks of living in South Maui is that live music is never far away. Whether you’re looking for a sunset cocktail with a view, a casual evening with local food and island tunes, or a special cultural experience, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the sounds of Maui.

Here are some favorite places to experience live music in South Maui.

Monkeypod Kitchen | Wailea

A longtime South Maui favorite, Monkeypod Kitchen in Wailea is the perfect spot to enjoy local music, island-inspired dining, and one of Maui’s most iconic Mai Tais. With open-air seating, ocean views, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a place where you can easily settle in for an afternoon or evening.

Live music is offered daily, with performances typically scheduled around 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. The lineup changes regularly and features talented Maui musicians including Sunny Kalama, Mike Stills, Elua, and many more. Guests can check their live music calendar for the latest schedule.

Beyond the music, Monkeypod is known for its craft cocktails, 36 craft beers on tap, wood-fired pizzas, fresh day boat fish, and signature desserts like their famous cream pie. Their daily happy hour from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. includes drink specials on draft beers, wine, and cocktails, along with food specials.

Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monkeypod Kitchen is a must-stop for anyone looking to experience the flavors, sounds, and easygoing energy of South Maui.

Lehua Lounge at Andaz Maui | Wailea

For a more elevated evening experience, Lehua Lounge at Andaz Maui offers live music in one of Wailea’s most beautiful resort settings.

Located steps from the beach, this open-air lounge features live entertainment on select evenings, currently including performances Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

With handcrafted cocktails, island-inspired bites, and the peaceful atmosphere of the Andaz grounds, it’s an ideal spot for enjoying live music without the crowds.

Lobby Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Maui | Wailea

There’s something timeless about enjoying live music at a Maui resort lounge, and the Lobby Lounge at Four Seasons Maui delivers exactly that.

Located in the heart of the resort with sweeping ocean views, the lounge features live music nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy a craft cocktail, pupus made with fresh local ingredients, sunset views, and the sounds of talented island musicians throughout the evening.

The lounge also features a nightly hula performance and sunset torch lighting, creating a true sense of place.

Nalu’s South Shore Grill | Kihei

For a more casual, local-style evening, Nalu’s South Shore Grill is a must. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, island-inspired menu, and commitment to featuring local musicians, Nalu’s offers live music every evening.

Their weekly lineup features a variety of Maui entertainers, with performances generally beginning around 7:00 p.m. (and some earlier sets throughout the week). The schedule changes regularly, so guests are encouraged to check their current lineup before visiting.

Beyond the music, Nalu’s is a favorite for local comfort food, cocktails, breakfast, and dishes like fresh poke, island-style favorites, and their popular chicken and waffles.

Wailea Wednesdays at The Shops at Wailea | Wailea

For a family-friendly way to enjoy live entertainment, check out Wailea Wednesdays at The Shops at Wailea.

This weekly live music series features local entertainers and takes place on the lower level of The Shops at Wailea every Wednesday. It’s an easy way to enjoy island music while strolling through shops, grabbing a bite, or spending an evening in one of Wailea’s most popular gathering places.

Special performances often feature well-known Maui musicians, including Kayson Gomes, a Maui-based singer-songwriter and 2017 Falsetto winner, who will perform on July 22 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Shops at Wailea also hosts a Polynesian cultural performance every Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., featuring Hawaiian hula and dances from across Polynesia.

Maui Ocean Center: Mele, The Hawaiian Music Experience | Maalaea

For a deeper connection to Hawaiʻi’s musical heritage, Mele: The Hawaiian Music Experience at the Maui Ocean Center offers a truly unique experience.

Held inside the Sphere Theater, this immersive 360-degree visual and musical journey celebrates the history, stories, and traditions of Hawaiian music. The experience combines breathtaking visuals of Hawaiʻi’s landscapes and ocean environment with live performances from talented island musicians. The show takes place Tuesday evenings, with check-in at 5:30 p.m. and the performance beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Led by renowned Maui entertainer Eric Gilliom, the experience brings together powerful storytelling, Hawaiian classics, and the spirit of aloha. Local musician Vince Esquire has also been part of this special musical experience, helping showcase the depth and talent of Maui’s creative community. General admission is approximately $100 per person, with kamaʻāina discounts available.

Kai Kanani Sunset Cruise | Makena

For something a little different, take your live music experience out on the water. Kai Kanani offers sunset sailing adventures departing from Maluaka Beach in Makena, just south of the Wailea resorts. Their two-hour sunset cruise combines ocean views, live music, food, and drinks for a memorable Maui evening.

Guests can enjoy a three-course appetizer experience, an open bar, a sunset sparkling wine toast, and live music performed aboard the boat as you cruise along Maui’s south shore. It’s a beautiful way to experience the coastline from a completely different perspective.

Maui Brewing Company | Kihei

For a casual South Maui evening filled with local flavor, Maui Brewing Company in Kihei is a favorite gathering spot for both residents and visitors. With brewery-to-table dining, outdoor garden seating, a relaxed beer garden atmosphere, and games to enjoy, it’s the perfect place to settle in with friends and family.

Guests can enjoy a rotating selection of craft and specialty beers on tap, along with island-inspired dishes and classic favorites. Happy hour runs daily from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with specials on draft beers, cocktails, and pizza.

Live music and special events are offered regularly, featuring talented Maui musicians including Ikaika Cosma, Kevin Coloso, Sunny Kalama, Peter & Josh, M.I.G., and more. Entertainment schedules vary, so checking their event calendar is the best way to plan your visit.

Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Maui Brewing Company is an easy spot to enjoy a local beer, great food, and the sounds of Maui’s talented music community.

South Shore Tiki Lounge | Kihei

For a fun, laid-back night out in Kihei, South Shore Tiki Lounge brings together island vibes, live music, great food, and a little nightlife energy. Located in Kihei Kalama Village across from the whale statue and Kalama Park playground, this local favorite offers a relaxed open-air setting with lanai seating, tropical cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.

Live music is featured daily from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with DJs and dancing on select nights from 9:00 p.m. to midnight. The kitchen is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and the bar stays open until midnight, making it a great spot for everything from afternoon pau hana to a late-night outing.

The menu features island-inspired favorites, including pupus, coconut shrimp, tiki fries, burgers, pizza, and creative cocktails. With a kid- and dog-friendly atmosphere, outdoor seating, and a regular lineup of local entertainers, South Shore Tiki Lounge captures the playful, community-focused energy that makes Kihei so much fun.

Recognized locally for favorites like Best Pizza, Best Pau Hana, and Best Bar on Maui, it’s an easy place to add to your South Maui music lineup.

 

From intimate lounges to oceanfront sunsets, live music is woven into everyday life in South Maui. It’s one of the things that makes this community feel so special: the ability to slow down, gather with friends, and enjoy talented local artists surrounded by the beauty of the island.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or discovering Maui for the first time, there’s always another song waiting to be heard.