Best Art Gallery

• Lahaina Galleries (Wailea): Originally founded on Front Street in 1976, this gallery is a true Maui institution. Now located in the Shops at Wailea, it represents a mix of world-renowned international artists and local masters. It’s the kind of place where you can find a whimsical Guy Buffet painting next to a stunning piece of modern sculpture. The atmosphere is upscale but welcoming, and their "Artist Evenings" are a fantastic way to meet the creators behind the work.

• Maui Hands: This is the ultimate destination if you want to support the local economy. They have a strict "100% locally made" rule, representing over 300 Hawaii-based artists. From Ni'ihau shell jewelry to koa wood carvings and fine oil paintings, everything here has a direct connection to the islands. It feels less like a formal gallery and more like a high-end treasure chest of Hawaiian culture.

• Village Gallery (Kapalua): As the oldest art gallery in the entire state of Hawaii (established in 1970), the Village Gallery carries a massive amount of prestige. Their Kapalua location at the Ritz-Carlton is serene and sophisticated. They specialize in "Plein Air" (outdoor) painting, and their collection captures the changing light and landscapes of Maui with a traditional, timeless beauty.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Best Band/Musical Group

• The Green: As one of Hawaii’s most successful musical exports, The Green blends roots reggae with brilliant vocal harmonies and a "modern island" soul. Catching them live is like attending a massive family reunion; they bring an infectious energy that has earned them multiple Na Hoku Hanohano awards (Hawaii's Grammys).

• Ekolu: If you want the quintessential Maui sound, it’s Ekolu. Led by Lukela Keala, their style is smooth, romantic "Island Reggae" that has dominated local radio for over two decades. They are the soundtrack to almost every backyard BBQ on the island

• Kanakas with Attitude (KWA): If you want to hear the "Voice of the Valley Isle," this is it. KWA brings a raw, authentic Jawaiian (Hawaiian Reggae) sound that is deeply rooted in local pride and social consciousness. They are a staple at community festivals and represent the grit and heart of Maui’s backyard music scene.

Best Music Store

• Bounty Music (Kahului): This is the heart of the Maui music scene. Since 1970, Bounty has been the go-to for everyone from touring pros to local kids buying their first ukulele. Walking in, you’ll find a massive wall of ukes and a staff that treats you like an old friend, often giving impromptu mini-lessons as you browse.

• Mele Ukulele (Wailea): If you are looking for a high-end, handcrafted instrument, Mele is world-renowned. Their Wailea shop feels more like a gallery where the "art" happens to play beautiful music.

• Lahaina Music: More than just a retail shop, this has historically been a West Side community hub. They are famous for their welcoming "Aloha Spirit" and for being a place where you can pick up a pack of strings and end up in a twenty-minute conversation about the history of slack-key guitar.

Best Bike Event

• Cycle to the Sun (Haleakala): This is widely considered one of the most difficult hill climbs in the world. Cyclists start at sea level in Pa‘ia and pedal 36 miles to the 10,023-foot summit. It is a grueling, awe-inspiring test of human endurance through multiple climate zones.

• Hawaii Electric Light Parade (HELP), a fun, family-friendly group that rides bikes, scooters, skateboards, and more, adorned with colorful LED lights, every Wednesday and Sunday evenings at sunset in Kihei, meeting near the tennis courts at Kalama Park to spread aloha and joy through South Maui. 

Best Comedy Club

• da Playground Maui (Maalaea): This is the island’s premier "big room" for entertainment. It’s sleek, has incredible sound and lighting, and brings in heavy hitters from the mainland. The atmosphere is high-energy—perfect for a night where you want to dress up and laugh hard.

• ProArts Playhouse (Kihei): While primarily a theater, ProArts transforms into an intimate "Comedy Loft" style venue for stand-up nights. Because the room is small, the connection between the comic and the audience is electric—there’s no "back row" here, which makes for a high-stakes, high-reward comedy experience.

Best Community Arts Space

• Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center (Makawao): Set on the stunning, historic Kaluanui Estate upcountry, the "Hui" is a Mediterranean-style mansion turned art sanctuary. You can wander the grounds for free, see artists-in-residence blowing glass or throwing clay, and take world-class workshops in a setting that feels like a dream.

• Akaku Upstairs: This is where Maui’s "media" meets "art." Located in Kahului, Akaku hosts "Upstairs" salons where they film community speakers, artists, and activists. It’s a vital space for public discourse and digital storytelling, giving a voice to the diverse people of the island.

Best Date Night Activity

• Stargazing at Haleakala Summit: There is nothing more romantic (or humbling) than being above the clouds at 10,000 feet. With almost zero light pollution, the Milky Way looks close enough to touch. Pro tip: Bring the heaviest blankets you own; it gets freezing up there!

• Mulligans on the Blue Dinner Show: Located in Wailea with views of the ocean, this Irish pub offers a lively "dinner and a show" experience, often featuring the legendary Willie K’s family or traditional Irish music. It’s cozy, fun, and unpretentious.

• Sunset Dinner Cruise (Maalaea Harbor): If you want the "postcard" Maui date, this is it. There is nothing quite like watching the sun dip below the horizon while out on the water, with the West Maui Mountains on one side and Lanai on the other. During whale season (Dec–April), your romantic dinner usually comes with the bonus of a breaching Humpback.

Best Museum

• Maui Ocean Center (Maalaea): Often called the "The Aquarium of Hawaii," this isn't just a museum; it’s an immersive deep-sea experience. The 3D "Humpbacks of Hawaii" film is a must-see, making you feel like you are swimming alongside these giants.

• Bailey House Museum (Wailuku): For a true deep dive into Maui's history, this former mission house contains the largest collection of pre-contact Hawaiian artifacts on the island. It’s a quiet, powerful place to learn about the "real" Maui.

Best Neighborhood Event

• Maui Friday Town Parties: Each week, a different town (Wailuku, Lahaina, Makawao, Kihei, Lanai) hosts a massive block party with food trucks, live music, and local vendors. It is the best way to see the unique personality of each Maui district. Check our calendar to see what event is happening near you this week!

Best Movie Theater

• Regency Kihei Cinemas: For a more intimate, "neighborhood" feel, this is the spot. It feels like a throwback to classic cinema, but with the modern comforts you want. Showing modern films as well as some arthouse runs as well. It’s located right in the heart of Kihei, making it an easy "dinner and a movie" destination.

• Regal Maui Mall (Kahului): This is the island’s powerhouse theater. If you want the massive screens, stadium seating, and the latest summer blockbusters with immersive sound, this is where you go. Plus, its location in the Maui Mall means you can grab some Tasaka Guri Guri (a famous local sherbet) right afterward.

Best Festival

• Maui Brewers Festival: Held at the MACC, this is one of the island’s most anticipated parties. It’s a "tasting" event that pairs dozens of craft beers from across the nation with food from Maui's top chefs—all set to a backdrop of live local rock and reggae.

• East Maui Taro Festival: This is a soulful, culturally rich event in Hana. It honors "Kalo" (taro), the spiritual ancestor of the Hawaiian people. You’ll find incredible traditional food, live music, and a chance to see how taro is pounded into poi—it’s a true deep dive into authentic Hawaiian life.

Best Music Venue

• Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC): This is the "Carnegie Hall of the Pacific." Whether it's a world-class symphony in the Castle Theater or a 5,000-person outdoor concert under the stars at the Alexander & Baldwin Amphitheater, the MACC is the gold standard for sound and atmosphere on Maui.

Best Outdoor Event

• Makawao Rodeo: A Fourth of July tradition that celebrates the "Paniolo" (Hawaiian Cowboy) heritage. It’s a high-energy mix of bull riding and barrel racing on the cool slopes of Haleakala. The smell of BBQ and the sound of spurs clinking in the dust make this an unforgettable Maui experience.

• Paddle Imua: This is a multi-discipline paddling race (SUP, OC1, Surf Ski) that crosses the famous Maliko Run. It’s not just an elite athletic event; it’s a massive fundraiser for children with special needs, ending in a "festival" atmosphere at Kanaha Beach Park.

Best Place for Family Fun

• Ultimate Air Trampoline Park: This is the go-to for kids to burn off energy. It’s a massive indoor arena filled with wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, and dodgeball courts. It’s especially popular on the occasional rainy day in Central Maui.

• Kula Adventure Park: For families who prefer the outdoors, this Upcountry spot offers zip-lining and climbing challenges. The cooler mountain air makes it a refreshing break from the beach heat.

Best Place to Dance

• South Shore Tiki Lounge: This Kihei staple transforms from a casual pizza and burger spot by day into a vibrant dance floor by night. With regular DJs and a "come as you are" vibe, it’s arguably the most consistent place on the island to find a crowd dancing to open-format hits.

• Bella Surf Cafe & Lounge: Known as a fun spot for dancing, especially on Friday nights, with a lively DJ scene, latin nights, younger crowd, and high-energy vibe, transitioning from a cafe to a lounge with dance parties, though it's a more intimate setting than larger venues. 

Best Theater Company

• ProArts (Kihei): Located in a cozy 100-seat theater in the Azeka Shopping Center, ProArts is known for high-quality, professional-level productions. They take risks with their shows—from edgy dramas to classic comedies—and the intimacy of the space means there isn't a bad seat in the house.

• Maui OnStage (Wailuku): Housed in the historic, Art Deco-style Iao Theater, this company brings a sense of grand tradition to the local stage. Seeing a musical here feels like a step back into the golden age of theater.

Best Trivia Night

• Maui Brewing Co. (Kihei): Their trivia nights are famously competitive but incredibly fun. You’re playing in one of the most beautiful breweries in the country, surrounded by massive stainless steel tanks and some of the best craft beer in the Pacific.

Best Radio Station

• 92.5 Native FM: If you want to know what Maui sounds like, tune into Native FM. It’s the home of "Island Music," playing a heavy rotation of local reggae and contemporary Hawaiian hits that keep the "aloha vibe" going 24/7.

• 95.1 KAOI: This is the "voice of Maui" for news, talk, and a eclectic mix of music. It’s where locals tune in for community updates and a more varied, adult-contemporary sound.