Winter Events on Maui

Winter (December, January, February): Whale Songs & New Beginnings

Winter on Maui isn't about snow. It's about the songs of the humpback whales that fill our waters. The air feels fresh, the energy is about renewal, and the island buzzes with the arrival of our most majestic visitors. The holiday season brings festive lights and community gatherings. The new year kicks off with world-class sporting events that take advantage of our perfect winter weather.

Major Event Deep Dive: Maui Whale Festival & World Whale Day (February)

History & Significance

Every winter, we welcome back the koholā, or humpback whales, as they migrate from Alaska to our warm, protected waters to breed and give birth. The Maui Whale Festival is our way of celebrating their return. The event was founded by Greg Kaufman of the Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF), a nonprofit dedicated to protecting our oceans through science and advocacy. At its heart is World Whale Day, observed on the third Sunday of February. This day began here on Maui and has since grown into a global day of awareness for whale conservation. It's a powerful reminder of how this community rallied to help bring the humpbacks back from the brink of extinction.

What to Expect

In past years, the festival was a month-long affair culminating in a massive parade and celebration at Kalama Park in Kīhei. Live music filled the air, food vendors lined the park, and the atmosphere was pure celebration. Since 2020, challenges including the pandemic and the Lahaina wildfires have made hosting such a large-scale public event difficult. However, the spirit of the festival is very much alive.

The celebration now focuses on its core mission: education and conservation. Throughout the season, you'll find community-focused events like the Run & Walk for Whales. The Great Whale Count is a fantastic citizen science initiative where you can help spot and count whales from shore. Various educational talks by marine biologists happen throughout the winter months.

Best For: Families, nature lovers, eco-conscious travelers, and anyone who wants to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of marine life up close.

Other Key Winter Events

Sentry Tournament of Champions (January)

The PGA Tour season kicks off right here at the stunning Plantation Course in Kapalua. This elite event is unique because the field is limited to only those who won a tournament in the previous year. You're guaranteed to see the best of the best in the world of golf. The course overlooks the ocean, and watching these professionals navigate the challenging layout with trade winds swirling is truly spectacular.

The tournament creates a festive atmosphere throughout West Maui. Practice rounds are often more relaxed, and you can get closer to the players. The pro-am events earlier in the week offer a chance to see celebrities and retired athletes playing alongside the pros.

Maui Oceanfront Marathon (January)

For runners, this is a can't-miss event. The course is famous for its breathtaking scenery, running along the coastline from Wailea to West Maui. It's also a certified qualifier for the Boston Marathon, attracting serious athletes from all over the globe. There are also half-marathon, 10K, and 5K options, making it accessible for various fitness levels.

What makes this race special is the support from the community. Local hula halau perform at aid stations. Residents come out of their homes to cheer runners on. The finish line festival at Wailea Beach is a celebration with live music and local food vendors.