From Valley Runs to Downwind Races: March in Motion on Maui

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March on Maui arrives with momentum — a month where shoreline races, concert halls, fairways, and cultural gardens all find their rhythm. Early mornings begin along the coast with steady footsteps and salt air, while evenings shift indoors to stages alive with music, storytelling, and laughter. Across the island, the calendar fills with experiences that move seamlessly from oceanfront courses to theater seats and open-air cultural spaces. The season carries a natural balance of energy and ease — offering meaningful ways to engage with Maui’s community throughout the month.

Maui 5K Run & Walk

Sunday, March 1, 2026Māʻalaea / Wailuku

March opens with movement. The Maui 5K is a long-standing community road race offering a 5-kilometer run, a one-mile walk, and virtual participation options for all ages and abilities. Organized as a nonprofit event presented by Maui Ocean Center and Run For Fitness, it brings together runners, walkers, keiki, and families in a festive atmosphere with pre-race music and medals and shirts for participants. It’s less about pace and more about participation. Proceeds support Maui County public and private schools, helping fund physical fitness and athletic programs, while registration includes both timed and untimed options and encourages community involvement on race day or virtually. Expect ocean views, high-fives at the turnaround, and that unmistakable sense of small-island community that makes events like this feel personal rather than crowded.

 

 

Iliza LIVE!

Friday, March 6, 2026 • 7:30 pmMaui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului

Iliza Shlesinger is one of today’s most dynamic stand-up comedians, celebrated for her sharp observational humor and high-energy stage presence. In March 2025, she released her seventh special, A Different Animal, on Amazon Prime Video, adding to her six acclaimed specials on Netflix, including Hot Forever and Elder Millennial. Beyond stand-up, she has written, produced, and starred in the romantic comedy Good On Paper, appeared in films such as Spenser Confidential and Instant Family, authored two bestselling essay collections, and hosts the popular podcast AIA: Ask Iliza Anything—continuing to expand her reach across comedy, film, television, and publishing.

 

 

Makana – Lei Kukui Concert

Saturday, March 7, 2026 • 7:30 pmMaui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului

Makana’s music carries the layered sound of Hawaiʻi — slack-key guitar that feels rooted in tradition, yet fluid and contemporary. A March evening performance at the MACC offers the rare experience of hearing modern Hawaiian artistry in a refined setting. His storytelling weaves through melody, giving both visitors and longtime residents a deeper appreciation for the evolution of island music.

 

 

Drive Like a Woman

Sunday, March 8, 2026 • 3:00 pm – 6:30 pmMaui Nui Golf Club, Kihei

Maui Nui Golf Club in Kīhei is teeing up a spirited Drive Like a Woman golf celebration on Sunday, March 8, inviting women of all skill levels to mark International Women’s Day with community, connection, and fun on the course. The 3 p.m. shotgun start includes a 10-hole round, opportunities to win prizes, and a relaxed post-play gathering at the club’s driving range with pupus, refreshing drinks, and plenty of time for new and seasoned players alike to connect and enjoy the aloha spirit. Designed to be welcoming and empowering, the event reflects the club’s commitment to encouraging more wahine to experience golf in a social, accessible setting that celebrates both the sport and the strong women in our community.

 

 

Valley to the Sea Half Marathon, 10K & 5K

Saturday, March 14, 2026ʻĪao Valley (Wailuku) to Kihei

Few races in Hawaiʻi offer this kind of geographic contrast. The course begins near the emerald peaks of ʻĪao Valley, where morning mist clings to the ridges, and gradually descends toward the bright coastline of Kihei. Runners pass through changing landscapes — valley green to coastal blue — making it one of Maui’s most visually rewarding endurance events. Whether running the half marathon or opting for a shorter distance, participants finish with ocean air and celebration.

 

 

Maui Paddling Hui – March Downwind Races

Saturday, March 14, 2026 & Saturday, March 21, 2026Haycraft to Makena Landing, Maliko to Kahului Harbor (conditions dependent)

When the trades are steady and the ocean lines up just right, Maui’s shores become a world-class downwind playground. The Maui Paddling Hui races are a true expression of island ocean culture. Paddlers launch from Maliko Gulch, reading wind and swell as they connect glide after glide toward Kahului Harbor. Spectators gather at the finish, watching colorful canoes and boards come in across the horizon. It’s athletic, elemental, and distinctly Maui — the kind of event that quietly reinforces how deeply the community is tied to the sea.

 

 

Maui Pops Orchestra – Hawaiian Soul

Sunday, March 15, 2026 • 3:00 pmMaui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului

An extraordinary afternoon of music unfolds as three-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award–winning artist Paula Fuga takes the stage with the Maui Pops Orchestra. Known for her soulful voice and deeply resonant songwriting, Fuga blends contemporary Hawaiian sound with heartfelt storytelling that has captivated audiences across Hawaiʻi. Backed by the rich, sweeping arrangements of a full orchestra, her original songs are elevated into an immersive musical experience—layered, powerful, and emotionally stirring. The performance promises a beautiful fusion of voice and symphony, honoring culture and artistry while creating a moving celebration of music and aloha.

 

 

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes – The Family Reunion Tour

Friday, March 27, 2026 • 7:00 pmMaui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes stands among today’s most accomplished stand-up comedians, known for her sharp storytelling, relatable humor, and dynamic stage presence. With six comedy specials streaming across major platforms, she continues to draw sold-out audiences worldwide. Her latest special, Say I Won’t, premiered on YouTube in May 2023 and quickly surpassed millions of views, further cementing her global reach. Beyond stand-up, Anjelah has built an impressive acting career with appearances in television favorites such as Life & Beth, Superstore, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as film roles in Enough Said and Our Family Wedding. A published author and podcast host, she brings the same authenticity and wit to every creative venture. As she prepares to launch her expansive “The Family Reunion” world tour, Anjelah continues to captivate audiences with comedy that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

 

 

39th Annual Ho‘omau 2026

Saturday, March 28, 2026 • 9:00 am – 6:00 pmMaui Nui Botanical Gardens, Kahului

The 37th Annual Hoʻomau is a vibrant celebration of Hawaiian culture, community, and language taking place at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. This full-day gathering features performances by local hālau hula, keiki from Pūnana Leo o Maui, and a lineup of island entertainers, bringing together music, dance, and cultural expression in support of the Hawaiian immersion preschool program. Attendees can explore a showcase of Hawaiian artisans, demonstrations, food vendors, and a keiki zone, along with both silent and live auctions that benefit Pūnana Leo’s mission to perpetuate ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. With meaningful stories, joyful performances, and opportunities for community gathering, this event honors tradition while uplifting the island’s language-learning efforts.