November settles over Maui with longer evenings, the first humpbacks surfacing offshore, and winter swells starting to roll into the north shore. The calendar leans local this month, with makers’ markets in Kahului, songwriters in Wailea, and Thanksgiving week traditions that pull ʻohana together from Kula to Kīhei. Here’s what’s happening across the island.
Kapalua Restaurant Week
Monday, October 26 – Friday, November 6
Participating restaurants, Kapalua Resort
Kapalua’s dining rooms open their doors a little wider for two weeks of prix fixe menus and special pricing. Seven restaurants are taking part, from the chef’s three-course tasting at The Plantation House to Sansei’s “Taste of Sansei” menu for two and a three-course dinner with optional wine pairing at The Restaurant at Kapalua Bay. Alaloa Lounge, Banyan Tree, Taverna, and The Pourhouse round out the lineup. Browse the offers at Kapalua Restaurant Week and call ahead, since seating windows and restrictions vary by restaurant.
Mālama Wao Akua 2026
On view through Friday, November 6; Talk Story Thursday, November 5, 4–5 p.m.
Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center, Makawao
The final days of Hui Noʻeau’s 22nd annual juried exhibition are a good reason to drive up Baldwin Avenue. Mālama Wao Akua gathers work from artists of all ages inspired by the native plants, animals, and watersheds of Maui Nui, presented with the East Maui Watershed Partnership. On Thursday, Koa Plauche of The Nature Conservancy leads a talk story, and the People’s Choice Award is announced the same evening. Admission is free, and the galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday.
Magic in Paradise
Sunday, November 1, 7 p.m.
ProArts Playhouse, Kīhei
Magician David Kuraya opens the month at ProArts with an evening of close-up illusion and stage magic. The playhouse’s small room puts every seat near the action, which suits sleight of hand. Bring the keiki for a Sunday night out in South Maui. Tickets are available through Magic in Paradise.
Wildlife Wednesdays
Wednesdays, November 4, 11, 18, and 25, 10 a.m. to noon
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Discovery Center, Kāʻanapali
As the first koholā arrive in Maui waters, naturalists at the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Discovery Center help keiki and families get to know them, along with honu, Hawaiian monk seals, and the island’s other native wildlife. The sessions are hands-on and paced for young learners. Details for each week are listed under Wildlife Wednesdays.
No Ka ʻOi Songwriters Festival
Thursday, November 5 – Saturday, November 7; signature concert Friday, November 6, 7 p.m.
- Songwriters Under the Stars, Molokini Garden at Grand Wailea (Nov 6, 7 p.m., 21+, from $35)
- Exit 209 live podcast with Storme Warren, Botero Lounge at Grand Wailea (Nov 6, 4 p.m., free)
- Free songwriter bar crawl, 21+: Three’s Bar and Grill, Kahale’s, Maui Brewing Company Kīhei
Nashville comes to South Maui for three days of songs told by the people who wrote them. This year’s lineup includes Riley Green, Ernest, Randy Houser, Lukas Nelson, Margo Price, and hit songwriter Liz Rose, with Storme Warren returning as host. The free bar crawl moves through Kīhei, and the signature Songwriters Under the Stars concert fills Molokini Garden on Friday night. All proceeds benefit the Lele Aloha Foundation, which supports Lahaina families, and the Maui Family YMCA’s free youth music lessons. Find the schedule at the No Ka ʻOi Songwriters Festival.
Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival
Friday, November 6, 1:30–6 p.m. (shopping day, $36); Saturday, November 7, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ($9, keiki 12 and under free)
A&B Amphitheater, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Kahului
The island’s biggest showcase of local makers returns for its 13th year with more than 130 vendors and food trucks from Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi. Friday’s limited-ticket shopping day gives first pick, and Saturday brings live music, demonstrations, and fashion shows. To take part, a vendor has to be based in Maui County, and at least half of each product’s value has to be added in Hawaiʻi. Saturday parking is offsite with free shuttles, so check the Made in Maui County Festival site for lot locations before heading out.
Justin Kawika Young
Friday, November 6 (Kapalua) and Sunday, November 8, 5 p.m. (MACC)
- Kapalua Concert Series, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua (Nov 6)
- McCoy Studio Theater, Maui Arts and Cultural Center (Nov 8, $37–$77)
Hawaiʻi-born singer-songwriter Justin Kawika Young plays two Maui dates this week. He earned eleven No. 1 hits on island radio before taking his music to Los Angeles, where he toured with Colbie Caillat and co-founded the band Gone West. His Sunday show at the McCoy is pared down to voice, guitar, and the stories behind the songs. Tickets for the Sunday show are at Justin Kawika Young.
AMERICA: The Happy Trails Tour
Saturday, November 7, 7:30 p.m.
Castle Theater, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Kahului
The band behind “A Horse With No Name” and “Ventura Highway” brings its 55th-anniversary tour to the Castle Theater. Expect the harmonies and acoustic-driven hits that defined 1970s radio. Tickets range from $51 to $171. Seats are available through AMERICA at the MACC.
Comedy Nights at ProArts
November 12, 14, and 28, 7:30 p.m.
- Standup Comedy Showcase, five comics (Thursday, Nov 12)
- Kellen Erskine (Saturday, Nov 14)
- Free Range Comedy (Saturday, Nov 28)
ProArts Playhouse, Kīhei
South Maui’s intimate playhouse hosts three nights of standup this month. A five-comic showcase opens the run midweek. Kellen Erskine takes the stage on Saturday the 14th, and Free Range Comedy closes out Thanksgiving weekend. Check lineups and tickets at ProArts comedy.
46th Hawaiʻi International Film Festival, Maui
Saturday, November 14 – Sunday, November 15, from 1 p.m.
McCoy Studio Theater, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Kahului
HIFF’s neighbor-island showcase brings six programs to the McCoy, with stories rooted in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. Saturday includes Protecting Kahoʻolawe: 50yrs of Aloha ʻĀina and the world premiere of The Navigator. Sunday features Lahaina: Voices of Change and a Pacific shorts showcase. Most screenings include filmmaker Q&As, and tickets are $17 each at HIFF on Maui.
Home in the Islands
Saturday, November 14, 7 p.m.
Castle Theater, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Kahului
Three generations of island music share one stage. Henry Kapono performs the songs of C&K, joined by Keola Beamer and by Jerry Santos with Kamuela Kimokeo, plus rising artists from the Henry Kapono Foundation’s On the Rise program. Beamer previews his new release, Lahaina Ola Hou. Tickets run $39 to $129 at Home in the Islands, and the MACC is collecting Maui Food Bank donations.
Kapalua Wine and Chef Series ft. Laurent Tourondel
Saturday, November 14, 5:30–8 p.m.
Banyan Tree, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Michelin-starred chef Laurent Tourondel joins Executive Chef Glenn Thompson for an evening of Silver Oak wine pairings. Born in France’s Auvergne region, Tourondel has been named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs and Bon Appétit’s Restaurateur of the Year. The dinner is $225++ per person and 21+. Reservations are through OpenTable or 808-665-7089, with details on the Kapalua Wine and Chef Series page.
Reggae at da Playground
Saturday, November 14 and Friday, November 27
- Alborosie and Shengen Clan with Coloso Band (Nov 14, doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., 21+)
- Kabaka Pyramid (Nov 27, doors 7 p.m., 21+)
da Playground Maui
Grammy-winning Alborosie brings his Nine Mile club tour to Maui with the Shengen Clan, playing roots reggae and dub, with Coloso Band opening. Two weeks later, Kabaka Pyramid returns the stage to reggae for Black Friday. Both shows are 21+ with valid ID. Tickets for the Alborosie show are at da Playground.
Winter Fun Fest
Sunday, November 15, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Binhi at Ani Filipino Community Center, Kahului
Binhi at Ani opens its doors for a day of food, dance, and cultural performances. The center has long been a gathering place for Maui’s Filipino community, and its events welcome the whole island. Bring the ʻohana and come hungry. Event details are posted at Winter Fun Fest.
John Cruz Island Style Series
Wednesday, November 18, 7 p.m.
ProArts Playhouse, Kīhei
Nā Hōkū Hanohano winner John Cruz brings his Island Style Series back to Kīhei for a listening-room night. His songs about everyday people and shared island life carry extra weight in a room this size. Seating is limited. Tickets are available through John Cruz.
Hui Holidays
Friday, November 20 – Thursday, December 24, Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center, Makawao
The Hui’s gift shop spills into the main gallery for the season, stocked with work from Maui artists and makers. Ceramics, textiles, jewelry, home goods, bath and body products, keiki gifts, and holiday ornaments fill the Kaluanui estate. Proceeds support local artists and the Hui’s programs. The Kaluanui Holiday Night Market follows on December 3. Plan your visit at Hui Holidays.
Kula School Harvest Festival
Saturday, November 21, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Kula School, 5000 Kula Hwy, Kula
Upcountry turns out for one of its most beloved school fundraisers. The Kula School Harvest Festival brings live entertainment, craft vendors, games, a silent auction, a country store, restaurant row, and a petting farm for the keiki. Every dollar goes back to Kula School students through academic and enrichment programs. Details are at Kula School Harvest Festival.
Hawaiʻi’s Favorite Comedians
Sunday, November 22, 3 p.m.
Castle Theater, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Kahului
Frank DeLima returns from Las Vegas and shares the stage with Andy Bumatai and Augie T for a family-friendly afternoon of local-style comedy. Between them, the three have spent decades poking fun at life in the islands. Tickets are $38 to $68. Get seats for A Celebration of Laughs.
Southwest Maui Invitational
Monday, November 23 – Wednesday, November 25
Lahaina Civic Center, Lahaina
College basketball’s Thanksgiving week tradition plays out at Lahaina Civic Center, with eight teams and 12 games over three days. This year’s field includes Arizona, BYU, Clemson, Colorado State, Ole Miss, Providence, VCU, and Washington. The tournament’s presence in Lahaina puts a national spotlight on West Maui. The bracket and tickets are at the Southwest Maui Invitational.
VIRR Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 26, 7:30 a.m.
Keokea Park, Kula
Start Thanksgiving with a cool Upcountry morning and a 5K run or walk from Keokea Park to the end of Thompson Road and back. Valley Isle Road Runners hosts the trot, with check-in at 7 a.m., and club members run free. Participants are asked to bring nonperishable food or a donation for Maui Food Bank. Register at VIRR Turkey Trot.
Jo Koy
Monday, November 30 – Wednesday, December 2, 7 p.m.
Castle Theater, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Kahului
Jo Koy closes out the month with a three-night run at the Castle Theater. The Filipino American comedian’s stories of family and growing up have made him a favorite with island audiences. Multiple nights give more chances to catch the show. Tour details are at Jo Koy.
From the first songs under the Wailea stars to Thanksgiving morning in Kula, November offers plenty of reasons to get out and gather. Pick a few, bring your ʻohana, and enjoy the season on Maui.