A Month of Motion: Whales, Art, and Celebration on Maui

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February arrives on Maui with a layered rhythm of culture, creativity, and seasonal wonder. As humpback whales migrate through warm island waters and winter light softens the landscape, communities across the island gather to mark renewal, heritage, and artistic expression. Lunar New Year celebrations bring color and movement to town centers, while painters, musicians, chefs, scientists, and storytellers offer intimate windows into their craft. From gallery openings and live performances to plein air painting, culinary festivals, and ocean-focused conservation events, this month’s calendar reflects Maui as both a living cultural crossroads and a place deeply shaped by nature.

 

Gutenberg! The Musical!

January 30-31, February 1, 5–8, and 12–15, 2026ProArts Playhouse · Kīhei

ProArts Playhouse presents this fast-paced musical comedy following two aspiring playwrights pitching an ambitious Broadway production about Johannes Gutenberg and the invention of the printing press. Performed by a two-person cast portraying dozens of characters, the show delivers clever humor, energetic storytelling, and an engaging night of live theater in an intimate venue.

 

 

Art of Aloha

February 1, 2026Lahaina Galleries at The Shops at Wailea

Lahaina Galleries hosts its 24th Annual Art of Aloha celebration, one of Maui’s premier art exhibitions bringing together a curated selection of internationally recognized painters and sculptors for an afternoon of creativity and connection. This signature event invites guests to meet the artists and explore new works created exclusively for the show, spanning painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Featured artists include Robert Lyn Nelson, known for luminous seascapes that capture the spirit of Hawaiʻi’s oceans; Ronaldo Macedo, whose vibrant works reflect a blend of Brazilian heritage and island color; Steve Turnbull, celebrated for his evocative landscapes; Carrie Graber, whose pieces often merge figuration and abstraction; and Caroline Zimmermann, whose paintings bring refined European sensibilities to tropical subjects. Additional participating artists represent both local Maui talent and international voices, making this exhibition a dynamic showcase of contemporary art and cultural diversity. The event is free and open to the public, offering a welcoming space for art lovers and community members to gather, share stories, and celebrate Maui’s creative spirit.

 

 

 

Lunar New Year Celebrations on Maui

February 6 & 21, 2026First Friday (Wailuku) · Maui Mall Village (Kahului)

Maui welcomes the Lunar New Year with community celebrations held throughout the month across the island. Events feature traditional lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, live music, and cultural performances symbolizing renewal, prosperity, and good fortune. Highlights include large-scale festivities at Maui Mall Village and a traditional Lion Dance performance by Tao Style Martial Arts Academy at First Friday in Wailuku. Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse!

 

 

Maui Arts & Cultural Center

February 2026 Highlights

Maui Arts & Cultural Center · Kahului

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC) is one of Central Maui’s premier cultural destinations, offering a lively mix of music, performance, and arts experiences this February. In addition to several concerts already featured in your calendar, the MACC’s February lineup includes dynamic performances across genres — from mariachi and classic rock to soul, funk, and orchestral music — showcasing both world-renowned touring artists and community favorites.

Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea bring Grammy-winning flair to the Castle Theater on February 4 with their sophisticated all-female mariachi performance blending traditional mariachi essentials with jazz and pop influences, inviting audiences to enjoy vibrant instrumentation and lively musical storytelling.

Foghat rolls into the MACC on February 5 with their classic rock energy, delivering blues-infused riffs and high-voltage stage presence in a night of hard-driven rock and roll that appeals to long-time fans and new listeners alike.

Tower of Power brings its signature horn-driven sound to the Castle Theater on February 21, blending funk, soul, and rhythm for a high-energy performance that highlights the band’s enduring legacy and influence on contemporary music.

Beyond these signature concerts, the MACC’s February calendar continues with other noteworthy performances, including Valentine’s Weekend with The STYLISTICS on February 15 and Maui Pops Orchestra – Rodgers & Hammerstein on February 22, demonstrating the center’s commitment to diverse and memorable artistic experiences throughout the month.

 

 

HeartFest Maui

February 7, 2026

Maui Family YMCA — Kahului

HeartFest Maui returns as a community-wide wellness celebration focused on heart health, active living, and family fun. Hosted at the Maui Family YMCA, this all-ages event runs from mid-morning through afternoon and brings together health and wellness exhibitors, fitness demonstrations, and interactive challenges that encourage participants to explore ways to stay active and grounded. Attendees can enjoy kids games and prizes, face painting, bounce houses, live entertainment, local vendors, silent auction items, healthy food and beverage offerings, and free giveaways throughout the day.

 

 

Maui Songwriters Festival

February 10–15, 2026

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua and select resort venues

The Maui Songwriters Festival returns for a multi-day celebration of the art and craft behind today’s most memorable songs. The festival brings together award-winning and chart-topping songwriters and performers from Nashville and beyond for intimate showcases, storytelling sessions, and headline performances in a stunning Kapalua setting. Programming includes songwriter rounds, featured showcases, VIP experiences such as How I Wrote That Song, and a Valentine’s weekend finale that blends live music with community connection. With a mix of free and ticketed events, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the stories behind the music in an up-close, island setting.

 

 

World Whale Day (Pacific Whale Foundation)

February 9–15, 2026

Various locations on Maui including Mākena Golf & Beach Club, ʻIao Theater, OCEAN Organic Farm & Distillery, Mākai Glass, Māʻalaea Harbor Shops, and South Kihei Road

The 45th Annual World Whale Day Festival, hosted by the Pacific Whale Foundation, brings a week of events honoring humpback whales and marine conservation during Maui’s peak whale season. The celebration blends science, culture, community engagement, and fun across multiple island venues. The week features an Opening Ceremony with a traditional blessing and community welcome, the World Whale Film Festival showcasing films that spotlight ocean conservation and Indigenous ecological knowledge, and the Taste & Tunes evening at OCEAN Organic Farm & Distillery with live music by Tavana and the John Cruz Trio. A signature highlight is the Big Blue Soirée fundraiser at Mākai Glass, combining hosted drinks, dinner, and stories of Pacific Whale Foundation impact. The festival also includes Mālama Pono stewardship projects inviting volunteers to participate in beach cleanups and environmental care. Community Day at Māʻalaea Harbor Shops offers hands-on marine science stations, keiki crafts, and cultural programming, while the World Whale Day Parade along South Kihei Road brings together residents and visitors in a festive celebration of ocean life and conservation. The week’s programming blends education, stewardship, and celebration of the majestic whales that make Maui’s waters their winter home.

 

 

Maui Plein Air Invitational

February 14–22, 2026

Lahaina & various public locations on Maui

The Paint Maui Plein Air Invitational celebrates the island’s stunning light, landscapes, and artistic spirit with a week-long outdoor painting festival featuring about 20 exceptional artists from Hawaiʻi and the U.S. mainland working en plein air — painting directly from nature in real time. Visitors can watch artists capturing Maui’s beaches, mountains, and coastal panoramas during three public painting demonstrations and meet them in person to learn about their creative process. Highlights include a Kick-Off Paint Out at Hanakao‘o Park (Canoe Beach), a Keiki Paint Out for young artists, a Sunset Paint Out with a lecture and slide show, a Quick Draw event in Olowalu, and a Grand Art Sale & Awards Presentation at Village Gallery in Lahaina where newly completed works are displayed and available for purchase. A portion of proceeds supports the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, helping protect and rebuild the historic cultural sites that make Lahaina special.

 

 

Lahaina Food & Wine Festival

February 18–22, 2026

Various venues throughout Lahaina – West Maui

The Lahaina Food & Wine Festival returns for its second year as a five-day celebration of culinary excellence, community, and connection in the heart of West Maui. Designed for food lovers of all backgrounds, this festival goes beyond a traditional tasting event to showcase the people behind Lahaina’s vibrant dining landscape — including chefs, sommeliers, winemakers, farmers, fishermen, and ranchers — in an intimate and welcoming setting.

The festival kicks off with a Champagne & Caviar Welcome Party at Coco Deck, featuring Champagne Collet and chef-curated pūpū that set the tone for a week of elevated flavors. Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy the Kiawe Outdoor Experience at West Maui Gardens, a farm-to-table evening that highlights locally sourced ingredients cooked over kiawe wood with panoramic ocean views.

Signature wine-paired dinners take place at celebrated Lahaina restaurants such as Sale Pepe and Māla Ocean Tavern, offering multi-course menus that explore regional cuisine and showcase expertly matched wines. A Free Keiki Cooking Class invites young chefs (ages 5–10) to discover kitchen creativity alongside adult companions.

Mid-week highlights build to the Grand Tasting Experience at Lahaina Jodo Mission, where top chefs and wine professionals present a walk-around celebration of flavors, with proceeds benefiting local partners. The festival closes on Sunday with Bubbles, Beats & Brunch at Coco Deck, where sparkling wines, island-inspired brunch fare, and music by DJ Eliza bring the weekend to a festive end.

Across its five days, the festival offers a range of experiences — from casual tastings and outdoor dining to more formal seated dinners and community-minded meals — all reflecting Lahaina’s rich culinary heritage and hospitality spirit.

 

 

Whale Tales

February 19–23, 2026

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Whale Tales is Maui’s premier multi-day marine science and ocean education event hosted by Whale Trust, bringing together leading scientists, photographers, storytellers, conservationists, and whale enthusiasts for an immersive series of presentations and experiences. The program includes expert-led talks and discussions offering insights into the latest humpback whale research and marine ecology; a Mauka to Makai Science Expo with hands-on learning and discovery stations; a Community Art Expo highlighting local artists and businesses; and Benefit Whale Watches hosted by event presenters that combine field science with unforgettable ocean encounters. Across the week, participants can also attend special film screenings — including feature ocean films — as well as sponsor receptions and interactive sessions that connect community members of all ages with the wonders of Hawaii’s ocean giants. Whether attending in person or tuning in via livestream, Whale Tales offers an inspiring blend of education, conservation action, and celebration of humpback whales and the marine environment that supports them.

 

 

Stetsons & Stilettos

February 28, 2026

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Wailea

BizMixx Maui returns with its 2026 signature soirée, Stetsons & Stilettos, blending paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) charm with island elegance in a festive evening designed to bring the community together. Hosted by the Maui Chamber of Commerce, this networking celebration features lively music, good food, and spirited social energy that reflect both local character and business connection. Attendees are encouraged to embrace the theme’s spirited style as western flair meets island sophistication for a memorable night of community celebration and support for Maui’s business ecosystem.