January on Maui unfolds like a living postcard—salt-tipped trade winds, golden winter light, and the rhythmic pulse of the Pacific setting the tone for a month rich in celebration and culture. As the islands welcome the new year, the Valley Isle becomes a stage for oceanfront fireworks, world-class concerts, culinary showcases, conservation gatherings, and athletic feats that trace the coastline at sunrise. Below is a curated collection of unique, one-time experiences happening across Maui in January.

Aerial Fireworks Displays

Grand Wailea

December 31, 2025 – approximately 11:59 p.m.Grand Wailea Resort, 3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea

One of Maui’s most anticipated annual celebrations, the Grand Wailea fireworks display illuminates the South Maui coastline at the stroke of midnight. This public event is visible along Wailea Beach and from many oceanfront areas throughout the resort district. Guests and residents gather across the shoreline to watch the sky light up in a dramatic cascade of color, marking the beginning of 2026 with a sense of excitement and island energy. While the resort hosts its own programming leading up to the display, the fireworks themselves are enjoyed by the broader community.

Four Seasons Resort Lanaʻi

December 31, 2025 – approximately 11:59 p.m.Four Seasons Resort Lanaʻi, 1 Manele Bay Road, Lanaʻi City

The Four Seasons Resort Lanaʻi hosts a midnight aerial fireworks display that lights up the skies above Manele Bay. Although this event takes place on Lanaʻi, the proximity across the ʻAuʻau Channel means that conditions sometimes allow distant viewing from select vantage points on Maui’s west side. Guests on Lanaʻi enjoy an elevated luxury celebration followed by a vibrant midnight show that ushers in the new year with style and island flair.

Kapalua Concert Series Featuring Thunderstorm Artis

January 2, 2026The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua – Alaloa Lounge, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Kapalua

Start the new year with an unforgettable evening of live music at the Kapalua Concert Series, featuring singer-songwriter Thunderstorm Artis. Known for his deeply emotive lyrics and expressive vocal style, Artis blends soulful melodies with genre-spanning arrangements that captivate audiences and create a dynamic concert experience. This intimate performance takes place in the Alaloa Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, where guests can enjoy sweeping views of Honokahua Bay while savoring handcrafted cocktails, fresh sushi and sashimi, and other food and beverage offerings available for purchase. The setting blends relaxed island elegance with vibrant musical energy, making it an ideal way for both visitors and community members to enjoy world-class entertainment in a scenic oceanfront venue. Admission to the concert is complimentary for resort guests and available for a nominal fee to non-hotel guests, making this a memorable and accessible highlight on Maui’s January cultural calendar.

Lokahi Benefit Concert

January 10, 2026Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului

Lokahi: A Celebration of Maui is a special benefit concert and cultural gathering rooted in the Hawaiian value of “unity” — bringing artists and community together for a night of connection, music, and purpose. Headlined by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lukas Nelson, the event features an extraordinary lineup including Paul Simon, acclaimed for his enduring legacy as a songwriter and performer, along with Stephen Wilson Jr., Lily Meola, and the Maui Country Band performing alongside friends and collaborators. 

Set under the stars at the open-air amphitheater of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Lōkahi blends world-class performances with a deeper mission: supporting the Housing for Healthcare initiative, which aims to help recruit and retain essential healthcare professionals on Maui by creating transitional housing options close to medical facilities. Proceeds from ticket sales are directed to this effort, helping address Maui’s ongoing challenges with healthcare staffing and access for both residents and visitors. 

Gates open in the early evening, inviting attendees to settle in and enjoy an inspiring program that reflects both individual artistry and collective community spirit. Lōkahi’s musical journey spans genres and cultures — from Nelson’s Americana-infused storytelling to Simon’s timeless compositions, all underscored by performances from other celebrated musicians. The evening is not only a celebration of performance but a demonstration of how music can unify people in support of shared goals and island resilience. 

Kapalua Wine & Chef Series Featuring Todd English

January 10, 2026

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua – Alaloa Lounge, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Kapalua

The Kapalua Wine & Chef Series continues its acclaimed winter-season programming with a special evening featuring celebrated chef Todd English. Known for his innovative culinary style and deep respect for local ingredients, Chef English brings his signature approach to this exclusive dinner experience set against the stunning ocean views of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Guests enjoy a thoughtfully curated multi-course menu expertly paired with premium wines selected to enhance each dish, creating a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and presentation. The event offers an elevated food and wine experience that blends fine dining with relaxed island elegance, welcoming both visitors and kamaaina to savor extraordinary cuisine in an intimate setting. Whether you’re passionate about wine pairings, cuisine from a renowned chef, or simply looking for a memorable gastronomic evening in paradise, this installment of the Kapalua Wine & Chef Series is a standout event.

Maui Oceanfront Marathon

January 18, 2026Wailea to Launiupoko

The Maui Oceanfront Marathon is one of the island’s signature athletic events, attracting runners from across Hawaiʻi and around the world. The course follows a stunning coastal route beginning in Wailea and continuing along some of Maui’s most scenic shoreline. Participants can choose from several distances, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and shorter fun runs. With ocean breezes, sunrise views, and steady community support along the way, the event offers a memorable combination of physical challenge and natural beauty.

Maui Pops Orchestra: Broadway Pops!

January 18, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului

The Maui Pops Orchestra begins its year with a dynamic showcase of Broadway favorites performed by a full symphony and guest vocalists. This performance blends theatrical flair with orchestral richness, making it a perennial favorite among residents, visitors, and performing arts supporters. Past productions have included selections from classic and contemporary Broadway hits, presented in a family-friendly afternoon setting. The January concert traditionally marks the start of the orchestra’s annual season at the MACC.

Women’s Winter Surf Camp

January 18–24, 2026South and West Maui Beaches

This weeklong immersive surf camp is designed exclusively for women seeking to build confidence and skill in the ocean. The program features daily surf coaching, ocean safety instruction, and personal development workshops led by experienced waterwomen. Participants experience supportive, small-group learning while exploring some of Maui’s most consistent and welcoming surf breaks. The camp emphasizes not only physical technique but also community connection and empowerment.

2026 Maui Pukaball Tournament at Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch

January 21–26, 2026Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch, Lahaina

The 2026 Maui Pukaball Tournament brings together pickleball players from across Hawaii and the Mainland for six days of competition on the west side. Hosted at the Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch, the event features singles, doubles, and mixed doubles divisions, creating opportunities for athletes of various skill levels to participate. Set just steps from the shoreline, the venue provides a scenic backdrop that enhances the energy and excitement of the matches. Spectators are welcome to attend, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and take in the ocean views between games. With its welcoming spirit and well-organized format, the tournament highlights Maui’s growing interest in pickleball and offers a vibrant addition to the island’s January events calendar.

Buy Back the Beach: A Benefit for the Hawai‘i Land Trust

January 24, 2026Old Lahaina Lu‘au, Lahaina

Buy Back the Beach is one of Hawaii Land Trust’s most impactful annual events, dedicated to raising funds that protect and restore coastal lands across the islands. Held at the renowned Old Lāhainā Lū‘au, the evening blends cultural performances, live music, a locally sourced feast, and a strong sense of shared purpose. Guests participate in an inspiring program that highlights ongoing conservation initiatives, celebrates community partners, and encourages stewardship of Hawai‘i’s natural resources. The event supports vital work ensuring that beaches, shorelines, and coastal habitats remain accessible and healthy for future generations.