November brings all kinds of exciting celebrations to The Valley Isle and beyond. From the annual Made in Maui County Festival to Thanksgiving, November is one of our favorite times of year on Maui. Keep an eye out for the arrival of our resident humpback whale population!
What’s happening on Maui for November 2022?
Live music is still happening around the island, with local musicians jamming almost every night at some of the island’s best restaurants. Check out Mana’o Radio’s Music2Nite site for a full lineup of Live Music on Maui.
Don’t miss this month’s biggest event: the Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival! The two-day event runs November 4th and 5th and features hundreds of local vendors selling locally-made goods. It’s a great place to try some ono local food, get a jump on holiday shopping, and support Maui’s small business community.
Read our own recap on this year’s Made in Maui County Festival.
November 2nd
Raye Zaragoza: Raye Zaragoza is an LA-based singer-songwriter known as “one of the most politically relevant artists in her genre.” Armed with an acoustic guitar and a message, Raye gained national attention after the 2016 release of her song “In the River”, a protest song about Standing Rock and the Dakota Access Pipeline. You can catch Raye and her emotive music onstage at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center at 7:30 pm.
November 3rd
Hawaii International Film Festival: Hawaii International Film Festival is an annual cinema event that attracts over 50,000 film enthusiasts from around the world. In 2020, Hawaii International Film Festival screened over 200 films from 45 countries. In 2022, Hawaii Film Festival will continue to operate as a hybrid festival, with virtual screenings and panels, as well as in-person screening events. The online portion of the festival runs November 3-27. For more information and a schedule of events, visit https://hiff.org/
November 4th
Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival: The Made in Maui County festival is the biggest product show in Maui County, attracting hundreds of vendors and nearly 10,000 shoppers. Held annually at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, the two-day features a lineup of Maui County-based vendors selling anything from jewelry and fashion to gifts and food. The festival runs November 4th and 5th from 8 am to 4 pm.
Talk Story with Artist Sally French— Working With Irony and Kitsch: Calling all artists! Kauai artist Sally French will provide a free discussion about artworks that use “kitsch” materials to present an ironic statement. This is a free, public event at the Hui No’eau in Makawao.
November 5th
Eli Mac: Maui’s own Eli Mac will be taking to the stage at Da Playground in Maalaea. Once known for making the top 10 on American Idol season three, the Maui girl is now making waves in the music world, releasing hit singles and touring with bands like Sublime, Iration, and The Green.
Maui Arbor Day Expo: Stop by Maui Nui Botanical Gardens from 9 am to 3 pm for a Hawaiian-style Arbor Day celebration. Over 1,000 native trees will be given away and visitors can enjoy tree and plant care lectures.
Carden Jamboree: After a two year hiatus, the Upcountry party of the year is back in action. Grab your cowboy hat and shine up your boots for a night of barbecue, two steppin’, and live music at the Carden campus in Pukalani. This event will also feature rockin’ live and silent auctions. Proceeds go to Carden’s academic programs, school improvement, and tuition assistance programs. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
November 8th
Hawaiian Craftsman Exhibit: The Hawaii Craftsmen Organization will be taking up residency at Schaefer International Gallery from November 8th to December 23rd. The exhibit will feature 114 works from 92 Hawaii-based artists, showcasing works in ceramics, wood, textile, glass, metal, mixed media, and more. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm at the MACC.
November 10th
Hula O Na Keiki Competition: Held at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, the Hula O Na Keiki is a three-day cultural event and keiki hula competition. Children ages 5-17 will perform and compete for coveted hula titles. The festival is also designed to allow participants and the community to learn about Hawaiian values through cultural demonstrations, presentations, and workshops.
November 13th
Proof of Loyalty— Screening and Discussion: Proof of Loyalty tells the story of Kazuo Yamane, a Nisei Japanese American from Hawaii, who played a strategic role in WWII and changed the course of US history. The film will be screened at the MACC’s McCoy Studio Theater and followed by a Q&A session with the film’s directors.
November 17th
Dover Quartet: The acclaimed Dover Quartet is returning to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center stage. The Grammy nominated quartet has been named one of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years by BBC Music Magazine, and today is one of the most in demand chamber ensembles on the planet.
November 18th
Hui Holidays 2022: Support local this holiday season and browse a plethora of locally made goods at Hui Noeau’s Hui Holidays shop. From November 18th to December 24th, the Hui’s gift shop will expand to include even more handmade products for everyone on your list, including ceramic pieces, glass blown ornaments, locally made beauty products, and more!
November 23rd
Whose Live Anyway?: The cast members of Emmy nominated show Whose Line Is It Anyway? is hitting the Maui Arts and Cultural Center stage on their brand new improv tour. Whose Live Anyway? is an hour and a half of improvised comedy and song based on audience suggestions. Audience participation is key— you might even be asked onstage!
November 24th – HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Turkey Trot: The Turkey Trot isn’t your average race. Winners are the runners who are closest to guessing their time in the 8 mile run, not those who cross the finish line first— no timing devices or cheating allowed! This annual event is hosted by Valley Isle Road Runners at Rice Park in Kula every Thanksgiving Day.
November 26th
Jamie Kennedy: Actor and comedian Jamie Kennedy is bringing his side splitting comedy to Da Playground. The comedian is best known for his roles in the Scream franchise, Malibu’s Most Wanted, and his hidden camera show, The Jamie Kennedy Experiment.
November 30th
The Psychedelic Furs: The Psychedelic Furs are one of the most influential alternative rock bands of all time. Their legacy spans several major hits, like “Love My Way” and “Pretty In Pink”— which subsequently inspired the 1980s John Hughes film. Don’t miss The Psychedelic Furs at the MACC.
Weekly Events
Mondays
Lei Po’o Making: The Shops of Wailea invites guests to learn how to weave ti leaf leis using ferns and flowers. Lei Po’o can be worn on the head and was typically used as a gift on special occasions by Ali’i (Hawaiian Royalty). This event is open to both keiki and adults and runs from 2:30 to 3:30 pm.
Tuesdays
Coconut Husking at the Shops: From 2:30 to 3:30 pm weekly, the Shops of Wailea will be hosting demonstrations of the traditional and modern methods in husking a coconut. Learn how the Hawaiians would use every part of the coconut from food to crafting eating utensils, jewelry as well as furniture.
Polynesian Show at the Shops: This weekly show will highlight Hawaiian hula as well as other dances of Polynesia. The performance will take place at the Shops of Wailea from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
Wednesdays
Lei Po’o Making: The Shops of Wailea invites guests to learn how to weave ti leaf leis using ferns and flowers. Lei Po’o can be worn on the head and was typically used as a gift on special occasions by Ali’i (Hawaiian Royalty). This event is open to both keiki and adults and runs from 2:30 to 3:30 pm.
John Cruz at the ProArts Playhouse: Join Hawaiian acoustic legend John Cruz at the ProArts Playhouse in Kihei every Wednesday night. The multi Na Hoku Hanohano award winning artist performs in a premier listening room where the audience sees, hears, and feels every note.
Slack Key Guitar Show: The Masters of Hawaiian Music Slack Key Show is open for live shows once again. The Slack Key Show ohana will perform each week at 6:30 pm at the Napili Kai Beach Resort. Tickets are required for entry, this show is also streamed online.
Thursdays
Polynesian Show at the Shops: This weekly show will highlight Hawaiian hula as well as other dances of Polynesia. The performance will take place at the Shops of Wailea from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
Coconut Husking at the Shops: From 2:30 to 3:30 pm, the Shops of Wailea will be hosting a demonstration of the traditional and modern methods in husking a coconut. Learn how the Hawaiians would use every part of the coconut from food to crafting eating utensils, jewelry as well as furniture.
Coconut Frond Weaving at the Shops: The Shops of Wailea invites guests to try their hand at the highly developed Hawaiian skill of weaving. Coconut frond weaving was used to make baskets, mats, and even toys. This event runs weekly from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
Fridays
Papa Hula at the Shops: Hosted at the Shops of Wailea, Papa Hula is a celebration of the Hawaiian way of life. Enjoy a complimentary dance lesson, complete with costumes and accessories, and the dance movements and their meanings. This interactive performance runs from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Saturdays
Upcountry Farmers Market: Shop some of the best local souvenirs on the island, indulge in delicious food and support local farmers at one of Maui’s biggest weekly events. Don’t forget to set your morning alarm, as this market favors the early shopper. The Upcountry Farmers Market runs from 7:00 to 11:00 am every Saturday at the Kulamalu Town Center in Pukalani.
Sundays
Maui Gift and Craft Fair: Stop by the Lahaina Gateway Center and browse West Maui’s largest gift and craft fair. This weekly event hosts over 50 vendors, showcasing jewelry, photography, art, crafts, keiki activities, and more. Maui Gift and Craft Fair runs from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm every Sunday.
Maui Sunday Market: Featuring some of Maui’s most renowned food trucks, local vendors, and quality entertainment, the Maui Sunday Market is one of the island’s most popular weekly events. Centrally located at the Kahului Shopping Center, the Maui Sunday Market draws locals and visitors from all corners of the island. The event runs every Sunday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Sunday Night Trivia at Down the Hatch: Put your knowledge of science, art, music, and history to the test at Down the Hatch’s weekly trivia night, featuring lots of amazing prizes! Sign-ups start at 8:00 pm.
Family Class at Island Art Party: That’s right, Island Art Party is back in action! Maui’s most fun, family-friendly art class is once again accepting bookings. Sundays are reserved for Family Class, where ages 8 and up are welcome. From mermaid to sunset scenes and more, select the masterpiece you want to create and bring home your own artwork!
Are you having an event or know of an event worth adding to this list? Let us know!
For more information or to see the best weekly, monthly, and yearly celebrations, check out our calendar of Upcoming Maui Events.
Mahalo for reading our list of the top local Maui events of November 2021! We are thrilled to welcome the holiday season, and can’t wait for all of our visitors and residents to celebrate in style. Aloha!
