This weekend – Maui’s own hockey tournament

April 24, 2019 Events

Do you love hockey? Let’s be honest, you probably didn’t come to Maui for the hockey. You probably don’t even think Maui has hockey (besides on TV screens in bars). However, Maui has its own group of hockey playing enthusiasts. Yes, we have a rink, but it’s not necessarily what you’d expect.

Maui’s own (and only) inline hockey rink in Kihei’s Kalama Park.

Kihei has its very own oceanfront sports area located at Kalama Park. Free and open to the public to use, we have tennis and basketball courts, multi-purpose fields used for baseball, kids soccer and kids football practice, a skate park and – yes – an inline skating rink. This is all Maui County owned property, however the County has an agreement with the Maui Inline Hockey Association (MIHA) regarding use of the skating rink. Volunteers run 3 free public skate nights/week (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings) and in return MIHA has inline hockey practices and games the remaining nights.

This weekend (April 26-28 2019) MIHA is hosting their first (in quite a while) inter-island hockey tournament, the Maui Outdoor Classic. Maui’s own hockey leagues are just finishing their winter season this week (rec league has their championship games Thursday night). Then Friday evening the fun begins. Since this is the only rink on Maui, players are excited that there are a number of kid and adult teams flying over from Oahu (look for the KIHA Warriors – Kapolei Inline Hockey, and HI Old School teams on the schedule)!

Admission to the Maui Classic is FREE. Come on down, enjoy some hockey, cheer on the teams! Here is the schedule. Note there are different divisions – kids games are 9U, 12U, 14U. Then for adult leagues there are rec league, 35O (35 and over) and ‘adult’ (elite).

Hockey Season

Love hockey but missing the tournament? No worries. Monday nights are pick-up nights (for older teens and adults), come around 7:30, sign a waiver, borrow some gear and join them. I believe there is a fee ($5 or $10, I can’t remember). We are heading into summer, the adults will play a summer season, details have yet to be announced. Fall season typically runs late September through early December, winter season late January through April. Adult games typically begin around 8PM, the rink closes with lights off by 10PM.

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Halloween and other events on Maui

October 29, 2017 Events

Can you believe October is nearly over? This year is just flying by! This Tuesday is Halloween, and the biggest party to be found is on Front Street in Lahaina. Festivities begin at 4:30PM with a Halloween Parade, costume contests and a general party atmosphere (see here for more details). There will be road closures and parking lot closures in Lahaina, so do your research if you are driving up there, or see if you can buy a shuttle ticket, according to the website there are still some available. Do remember not to drink and drive – I’m sure the police will be out to enforce the law.

Here is a list of other Halloween events on Maui, courtesy of Maui Now.

Also happening this week…. This coming weekend is the Fourth Annual Made in Maui County Festival. I am really looking forward to this event which takes place on the lawn at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. It’s a great place to meet local artists, crafters but also some commercial grade operators. The organizers are selective in regards to the vendors which brings up the quality. Last year I discovered HI Spice, a Kihei hotsauce producer – their Smoked Scorpion hotsauce is really good. My friend Shelley will have a booth of her beautiful Hawaii-inspired photography cards there again this year (Alohi Images).

November 5-11 is Wailea Restaurant Week. Twenty-two Wailea restaurants offer 3 course prix-fixe menus (ranging in price from $29-$59). No tickets required, but reservations are recommended. Just be sure to ask for the Wailea Restaurant Week menu. By the way, if you decide you’d rather eat off the regular menu, that is fine too. This is a great way to try a new restaurant or two for a reasonable price. Drinks are, of course, extra. Wailea Restaurant Week takes place twice a year (also in May).

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It’s Pumpkin Patch time

October 15, 2017 Events

Can you believe we are halfway through October? That means it’s pumpkin patch time. Did you know, Maui has a pumpkin patch? It’s cute!

The best part about it – you drive 45 minutes upcountry, enjoy bi-coastal views and cool off while you’re at it!

Even if you aren’t here this fall to enjoy the pumpkin patch, you can still drive upcountry to enjoy Kula Country Farms which has a great farm stand.

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October’s events on Maui

October 1, 2017 Events

Can you believe it’s already October? This year continues to fly by. Here are a few October’s events to check out if you are here this month.

Kula Country Farms

Their annual pumpkin patch is open again! They also have a small corn maze and farm-style mini-golf course. Check out their facebook page for more details. They are usually closed on Sunday – not sure about the schedule during pumpkin season. This is also a great opportunity to buy yummy locally grown fruit and vegetables!

95th Annual Maui County Fair

This year’s fair is October 5-8 at the fair grounds in Kahului. It starts off with the annual parade Thursday late afternoon, and then is open Thursday and Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday all day/evening. The orchid show is supposed to be amazing. And then of course there are rides, food and much more…

Moonlight Mele Concert

This Hawaiian music concert is hosted by the Maui Historical Society at the Bailey House Museum in Wailuku. Admission is only $5 per person, children 12 and under are free.

12th Annual Ukulele Festival

October 14-15 at the Maui Arts and Cultural Festival. I have friends who go every year – it sounds like a lot of fun!

Maui Marathon

This takes place October 15th. Watch out for runners on the road between Kahului and Kaanapali!

Halloween Haunted House of Horror

This must be a new event – starting October 20th and running through Halloween in the old Hard Rock Cafe space at the Outlets of Maui in Lahaina. Don’t forget to get your parking validated when you buy something at the Outlets!

Halloween in Lahaina

This is an annual event that takes place on Front Street in Lahaina. Yes, there are shuttle buses that run between Kihei and Lahaina, so look into that and get your tickets (for the bus) early. The event itself is free.

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Outdoor Movie in Wailea

August 10, 2017 Events

Do you enjoy an outdoor movie? I love the ambiance of sitting outside – watching the movie, checking out the stars and enjoying the cooler evening temperatures.

Gannon’s, the clubhouse restaurant at the Wailea Gold and Emerald Golf Courses, is hosting another Movie under the Stars event on Saturday August 19th at 8PM. It’s a James Bond event – they will be showing Skyfall. Movie night takes place on their lower lawn. Tickets are $7/person and can be purchased at the door. Tickets include a chair (usually you have to bring your own low-back chair to these sorts of events).

Do bring a light sweater or a beach towel to wrap up in, just in case you get a little chilly.

It sounds like this is a different location than the Maui Film Festival movies which are shown on the golf course’s driving range. This outdoor movie is said to be shown on the ‘lower lawn’ at Gannons. Come early and I’m sure they will point you in the right direction.

They will be serving $5 Bond Martinis at Gannon’s Red Bar beforehand. If you haven’t checked out Gannon’s Red Bar, do have a look at their happy hour menu which has been expanded in the past year or two.

Gannon’s Red Bar

We just had dinner at the Red Bar last week. While Gannon’s dinner menu is quite pricey (for that matter, most dinner menus on Maui are pricey), the Red Bar happy hour menu (3-8pm) is quite reasonable ($6-$14 range). Do tell the seating hostess that you are here for happy hour and (as of the writing of this blog post) they will seat you at a table with a red/orange candle (as opposed to the white candles).

My favorites on the happy hour menu? The volcano fries are amazing!

Have fun!

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Movies under the Stars at the Maui Film Festival

June 25, 2017 Events

This was my first time at the Maui Film Festival. I’ve been meaning to go ever since we moved to Maui seven years ago. I enjoy watching movies under the stars. But you know how it goes – there are family commitments, it’s late in the evening (once it’s dark enough to watch an outdoor movie), I’ve been unsure about parking etc…. so I’ve never gone.

Last night I joined neighbors in going. Tickets can be bought online – mine was $25. Of course, had I pre-planned and bought these a few weeks ago, it would have been cheaper, but in retrospect $25 isn’t a bad deal. It covered my parking, the shuttle bus and two movies under the stars.

I grabbed one of my low beach chairs, a jacket with hoodie (and at last minute a towel), drove to Wailea and parked on the lawn with the streetlights. I’m sure you’ve seen it, across the street from the new Wailea Marriott, kitty corner from the Monkeypod Restaurant. I’ve always wondered why it had a driveway and street lights in the middle of a nicely manicured lawn. Well, turns out it’s an overflow parking lot for Wailea events. From there I caught a shuttle bus to the Wailea Gold and Emerald Golf Course’s driving range (this is next to Gannon’s). There set out on the lawn was a large screen and hundreds of movie goers in their chairs.

movies under the stars — In retrospect, this rainbow on the way to the Maui Film Festival was trying to tell me something. It was a great evening despite the short rain!

Turns out, last night was the first time in their 18 year history that it rained during a movie. It wasn’t too bad, and eventually stopped. I was thankful for my jacket and towel to keep the worst of the rain off.

The movies we saw were Dean (with Kevin Kline) and Class Rank. I enjoyed them both and would see them again.

Note: not all Maui Film Festival movies are shown at the Celestial Cinema (aka the driving range). A number of them are also shown at the Castle Theater (Maui Arts and Cultural Center) and one (free) evening takes place on Wailea Beach (between the Four Seasons and Grand Wailea).

Would I go again? Yes – it was a fun evening! Would I bring the kids? It depends on the movie – I would check the trailers. Last night was definitely an adult crowd.

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Kids golf lessons

June 8, 2017 Events

Coming to Maui this summer and looking for something for the kids to do? How about enrolling them in kids golf lessons? Our friends Renee and Eddie Lee run the golf lessons at the Wailea Golf Academy, located at the Wailea Emerald and Gold golf course. While you can definitely book private lessons for the kids (they can also set you up with adult lessons, by the way), they are running six summer camps this summer (in June, July and August) – for beginner and more advanced students.

Our kids have taken many lessons from Renee. She is great with kids of all ages, patient and in control.

Their lessons are in a private setting at the top of the Emerald & Gold Course’s driving range. For us parents, it has the most beautiful view of the ocean.

The beginner camps are held from 9am-12noon daily on

June 14, 15 & 16
July 12, 13 & 14
August 16, 17 & 18

The intermediate camps are also from 9am-12noon daily

June 21, 22 & 23
July 5, 6 & 7
August 9, 10 & 11

Not here for all three dates in a set – no problem, you can also sign up just for one day of the camp. For more information about the camps check out their website or call them at 808-875-7450. Prices are posted with a discounted rate for residents (parents must hold a valid Hawaii driver’s license).

Additional kids golf lessons

The (cheaper) Maui Nui Golf Course in Kihei also offers kids lessons from time to time and I believe is offering summer camps also. Please inquire directly with them for further information.

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Upcoming events this spring

April 12, 2017 Events

Saturday April 22nd ~ 24th Annual Haiku Hoolaulea and Flower Festival

This fundraiser takes place at Haiku Elementary School from 9AM-4PM. It features live entertainment (bring a chair to sit and enjoy), an artisan market place, flower competition & sale, restaurant row and silent auction. Proceeds benefit the school, Haiku community association and the Haiku Boys & Girls Club.

Saturday, May 13th ~ 44th Annual Seabury Hall Craft Fair

This is THE best known craft fair on Maui which takes place annually the day before Mother’s Day from 9AM-4PM. The setting is on the beautiful private school campus of Seabury Hall in upcountry Makawao. Picture white tents, blooming purple jacaranda and beautiful bicoastal views. There are lots of local artisans and crafters, games for the kids, live music, flower arrangements, restaurant alley, La Patisserie (bakery & coffee shop), a silent auction and also a large rummage sale. Proceeds benefit the financial aid program for Seabury Hall.

Saturday, May 13th ~ 9th Annual Brewers Festival

This festival takes place outdoors at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center from 3:30-7PM. Tickets are $45/person and include two 4oz drink tickets (additional drink tickets available for purchase) and unlimited from 26 local restaurant food trucks (no extra charge). There is live music and entertainment.

A few additional events to look out for:

April 28-May 14th ~ A Few Good Men (Iao Theater)

May 2 ~ Santana (A&B Amphitheater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center)

May 6-7 MAPA Extravaganza

May 20-21 ~ West Side Story (Iao Theater)

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Easter Services

April 9, 2017 Events

I’m having a hard time believing we are already a third of the way through April. For those who are wanting this information, here is the list of this year’s Easter Services in Kihei/Wailea.

Hope Chapel Maui

Friday, April 14th – Good Friday services, 6PM & 8PM
Saturday, April 15th – Saturday Easter service, 6PM
Sunday, April 16th – Sunrise Service, 6PM outdoor lawn area
Sunday, April 16th – Sunday Easter service, 8:30AM & 10:30AM

Kealawai Congregational Church (limited seating and parking)

Thursday, April 13th – Maundy Thursday service 7PM
Sunday, April 16th – Easter Sunrise service 7:30AM

Keolahou Hawaiian Congregational Church (little green church in North Kihei, drive by, I’m sure they have signs about their services posted)

Sunday, April 16th – unknown

Kihei Baptist Church

Sunday, April 16th – unknown

Kihei Lutheran Church

Thursday, April 13th – Maundy Thursday service 7PM
Friday, April 14th – Good Friday service 7PM
Saturday, April 15th – Vigil of Easter service 7PM
Sunday, April 16th – Easter Sunday service 8AM & 10:30AM, 12PM luau (inquire)

St Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church

Thursday, April 13th – Holy Thursday mass 7PM
Friday, April 14th – Good Friday mass 12PM & 7PM
Saturday, April 15th – Easter Vigil 7:30PM
Sunday, April 16th – Easter Sunday mass 7:30AM & 9:30AM

Wishing you a blessed Easter week!

For a few other Easter ideas, check out this blog post by Valley Isle Excursions.

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World Whale Day 2017

February 10, 2017 Events

Next weekend, Saturday February 18th, is World Whale Day. It takes place right here in Kihei.

The Parade of Whales starts at 9AM at the Alanui Ke Alii/South Kihei Road intersection and ends at Kalama Park. It’s not a big one, though last year was a lot of fun (it lasted about 45 minutes or so). Hint, sit or stand facing the ocean, that way you get a great view in addition to entertainment AND you don’t have the sun in your eyes!

Also, you guessed it, South Kihei Road is blocked off for the duration of the parade.

Following the parade there is a festival at the Kalama Park ball field across the street from Foodland. There are kids games, food, live music, a silent auction, local Made in Maui vendors and also a whale information gallery. As far as I can tell, the festival runs from 9:30AM – 6PM.

Admission to the festival is $5 (the parade is free, of course).

seabury hall — a local middle school marching band bringing up the rear

Where to park? You can park for free at both Azeka Mall and Hope Chapel, and yes, there is a free shuttle.

The Pacific Whale Foundation is the main sponsor of this event.

It’s Whale Season

January-March are of course humpback whale season here on Maui. Have you been watching the whales? Do you prefer to watch from shore or by boat?

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Category: Events

Hockey Season

Gannon’s Red Bar

Additional kids golf lessons

A few additional events to look out for:

It’s Whale Season