2026 Events and Festivities

Makawao Fourth of July Rodeo & Parade

July 4, 2026 (and surrounding weekend)

Oskie Rice Arena, Makawao, Upcountry Maui

What to Expect:

• Morning parade through historic Makawao town
• Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) rodeo events — bull riding, barrel racing, and roping
• One of Hawaii's oldest rodeos, running since 1953
• Food vendors, local crafts, and a uniquely Maui Western-Hawaiian atmosphere

Why It Matters: This is not a transplanted mainland rodeo. Makawao's paniolo culture predates the American West's cowboy era, and this event is one of the few places you can see that heritage on full display. The parade alone is worth the drive upcountry.

More Information: oskiericeeventcenter.com/events

Fourth of July Fireworks

July 4, 2026

Kaanapali and Wailea resort areas

Both the Kaanapali and Wailea resort areas typically put on fireworks displays over the water on July 4th. Exact locations and times vary year to year — check resort websites as the date approaches for confirmed details.

Obon (Bon Dance) Season

Multiple weekends throughout July

Maui Buddhist temples including Paia Mantokuji Mission and Kahului Hongwanji

What to Expect:

• Community dancing around a yagura (raised platform) with taiko drumming
• Japanese festival food — andagi, yakitori, shave ice, noodles
• Open to everyone, no tickets or reservations needed
• Dances typically run Saturday evenings from dusk

Obon honors ancestors and is one of the most distinctly local-feeling events you can attend in Hawaii. Each temple runs its own bon dance on different weekends, so check local listings for the July schedule.

Maui Friday Town Parties

Friday evenings throughout July

Rotating towns: Lahaina, Makawao, Kihei, Wailuku

Free weekly street parties with live music, food trucks, and local vendors. Each town hosts on a different Friday of the month. The Maui County website posts the July rotation schedule.

These are low-key, genuinely local gatherings — a good way to see a side of Maui that the resort areas don't show you.

Napili Kai Slack Key Guitar Concert

Wednesdays, 7:30 PM throughout July

Napili Kai Beach Resort, West Maui

The Masters of Hawaiian Music series features intimate slack-key guitar and ukulele performances in a beachfront setting. Slack-key guitar (ki ho'alu) is Hawaii's signature instrumental tradition, and this weekly concert is one of the best places on Maui to hear it up close.

More Information: napilikai.com

Planning Tips for July in Maui

Book Early: July is peak season. Hotels, rental cars, and popular tours fill up fast. Lock in reservations at least 2-3 months ahead.

Transportation: Rent a car for Upcountry events like the Makawao Rodeo. Makawao is about 45 minutes from most resort areas.

Weather: July is peak summer — expect warm, sunny days in the 80s with trade winds keeping things comfortable. Perfect for beach time and outdoor activities.

Local Tip: Balance organized events with Maui's natural attractions. July's reliable weather makes it ideal for a Haleakala sunrise visit, the Road to Hana, or snorkeling at Molokini Crater.