11 Best Performing Arts in Maui, Hawaii

In April, cultural practitioners, community artisans, artists, and activists gather at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, for a series of events that celebrate Hawaiian tradition and explore current societal topics. Visitors can partake in an awa (kava) ritual, observe lauhala (pandan or hala leaves) weaving, watch locally produced films, and listen to cultural panels. The festival concludes with a celebration luau.

This hub of all highbrow arts features everything from hip-hop and reggae performances and Hawaiian slack-key guitar shows to international dance and circus troupes. The complex includes the 350-seat McCoy Theater, the 1,200-seat Castle Theater, the Schaefer International Gallery, and the elegant Yokouchi Pavilion, used for outdoor concerts. There's also a courtyard café for preshow dining and drinks.

Held annually between mid-June to early July, this international festival attracts big-name celebrities, who come to Maui for cinema and soirées under the stars around Wailea and at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. The not-to-be-missed outdoor Celestial Cinema in Wailea turns golf greens into a spectacular theater under the stars.

Kapalua Resort kicks off the summer in June with the Kapalua Wine and Food Festival. Events are held at various resorts and restaurants in Kapalua and draw celebrated chefs, sommeliers, industry insiders, and foodies for themed tastings, wine seminars, and evening galas. Guests may book tickets to individual events or a festival package; tickets can be purchased online or, as the date of the event nears, at specific venues.

Founded in 1974, this nonprofit performing arts group offers productions, as well as dance and drama classes for children and teens. Recent shows have included Alice in Wonderland, Into the Woods,Nutcracker Sweets, Songs for a New World, and Disney's Frozen, Jr.

Located at the Historic Iao Theater in charming Wailuku Town, this nonprofit theater group stages several shows each season. Performances alternate between benefit concerts, plays, poetry slams, comedy nights, and more. The audience is mostly locals, but visitors are always welcome. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.

A 65-foot catamaran built specifically for Maui's waters, the Pride of Maui has a spacious cabin for live entertainment, a dance floor, and a large upper deck for unobstructed sightseeing. Evening cruises include Polynesian dance performances, top-shelf cocktails, and an impressive spread cooked onboard, including baby back ribs, stir-fried vegetables, and shoyu chicken, plus seasonal desserts.

You can spread out on deck and enjoy the gentle trade winds on this 47-foot catamaran. Cruises are limited to groups of 24, and children two and younger are free. An easygoing attentive crew will serve you hot and cold pupu, along with beer, wine, mai tais, and champagne at sunset.

For nightlife of the celestial sort, children and astronomy buffs can try Tour of the Stars, a one-hour stargazing program on the roof of the Hyatt Regency Maui held Thursday through Monday nights on the hour from 8-11 pm. Check in at the hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to starting time; program availability dependent on weather.

This is a hearty comedy with amazing sleight of hand. Founder Warren Gibson, or a rotating lineup of magicians, entice guests into a swank nightclub with a gleaming mahogany bar, a grand piano, and a resident ghost named Annabelle who tickles the ivories. Servers efficiently ply you with à la carte appetizers, desserts, and cocktails (or purchase the Royal Flush package for a larger meal), while obliging a few impromptu song requests. Then, guests are ushered into a small theater where magic hilariously ensues. Because this is a nightclub act, no one under 21 is allowed.