Spring is one of Maui’s best kept vacation secrets. While winter months are the most crowded (and most expensive) on the island, spring welcomes Maui’s “shoulder season”. By April, Maui’s snowbirds have all but flown the coop and summer crowds have yet to arrive. This means deals on flights, rental cars, and lodging, not to mention the luxury of booking sightseeing tours that are only half full. And while wintering humpback whales may be few and far between, the island itself is in full bloom. Check out list of favorite things to do on Maui in April.
To Dos On Maui This April
April Top Things To Do
Outdoor Activity: Stunning Jacaranda trees in bloom
Every April, Upcountry Maui bursts into dazzling color with the annual blooming of the island’s Jacaranda trees. First introduced to the Hawaiian islands in the late-1800’s. Maui’s particularly spectacular display of Jacarandas is attributed to Elmer Cravalho, the Valley Isle’s first mayor. Cravalho helped direct the planting of the Jacaranda trees that line Kula Highway. Jacarandas at lower elevations (Makawao and Pukalani) tend to bloom in April, while those in higher elevations (Kula) bloom in May. If you’re headed up to Haleakala in April, make sure to take a detour through Makawao and Pukalani to snap some pictures of these beautiful trees.
For Couples: O‘o Farm’s Gourmet Lunch & Farm Tour
What better way to enjoy spring time in Maui than with a deliciously prepared forage-to-feast meal. Spread over 8 acres in Upcountry Maui, O‘o Farm boasts a rainbow array of fruits and vegetables and bi-coastal views. The Gourmet Lunch & Farm Tour guides guests through an interactive farm tour where hand picked vegetables are turned into culinary delights by Chef Daniel Eskelsen. For couples that love their morning cup of joe, enjoy the newly offered “Seed to Cup” coffee tour.
Families: Enjoy a community festival
April is the month for Maui’s community festivals. If you’re looking for pure carnival-style fun – with rides, games, and prizes – don’t miss the island’s 1st Annual Maui County Carnival in Wailuku (April 6 – 9). Budding musicians will love attending specialized workshops at the Maui Steel Guitar Festival (April 28-30). Maui’s annual Ag Fest (April 1), Earth Day Celebration (April 23), and Hoolaulea & Flower Festival (April 22) all include fun keiki games and interactive fun.
Celebrate National Park Week (April 15-23)
The National Park Service celebrates its anniversary by offering FREE admission during select days throughout 2017. National Park Week runs from April 15-23. Maui visitors and residents should take advantage of the FREE admission to Haleakala National Park April 15-16 and 22-23. From catching the sunrise (or sunset) at the summit, to hiking through its otherworldly crater, Haleakala has a wide range of options sure to please any itinerary.
Whale Watching Season Ending Soon
April marks the tail end of Maui’s whale season. While whales can still be seen in Maui waters, their numbers are significantly fewer than during peak season. Most tour operators only guarantee whales through April 15th. After that, your best bet is to try your luck at shore-based whale watching spots such as the Pali Overlook (3 miles northwest of Ma‘alaea Harbor on Route 30) or Wailea Beach Marriott Resort Ocean Path (fronting the Grand Wailea in Wailea).
Easter on Maui
There’s no shortage of stellar Maui eateries that serve up a fabulous Easter Sunday brunch. Many resorts host a brunch/Easter egg hunt combo, so check with concierge staff. If the kids are absolutely dying to see the Easter Bunny, head over to Queen Ka’ahumanu Center in Kahului Monday, March 21 through Saturday, March 26, 9:30am – 9:00pm. For additional dates and times, visit the complete Easter Bunny schedule. Annual Easter egg hunts are also usually held at both Kula Country Farms and Lahaina Animal Farm.
Grand Wailea Grand Dining Room
Location: 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753 (Grand Dining Room)
Time: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Cost: $88 adults / $38 children
Reservations: (800) 888-6100
Highlights: Dine in relaxed luxury at Grand Wailea’s Grand Dining Room, complete with panoramic ocean views.
Haliimaile General Store
Location: 900 Haliimaile Rd, Makawao, HI 96768
Time: 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: $48 adults / $18 children
Reservations: (808) 572-2666
Highlights: An Upcountry classic, Haliimaile General Store offers up a delicious array of breakfast foods, meat dishes, salads, and sweet treats.
Swan Court Hyatt Regency
Location: 200 Nohea Kai Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761
Time: 10am – 2pm
Cost: $53.95 adults / $23.95 children
Reservations: (808) 667-4727 (ext 4727)
Highlights: Dine in the expansive, open air dining room of Hyatt Regency’s Swan Court, complete with waterfalls and majestic swans.
April Festivals On Maui
Date: Friday, April 14 – Sunday, April 16
Time: Varies daily
Location: Ritz-Carlton Kapalua (Kapalua)
Admission: Varies
Highlights: Named the “Number 1 Rated Cultural Event” by Modern Luxury Hawaii Magazine, Celebration of the Arts is a weekend of culture, music, art and learning. The event includes hands-on demonstrations, films, dance, music, and cultural panels led by some of Hawaii’s most respected artists, cultural practitioners, and entertainers.
Date: April 28 – 30
Time: Varies
Location: Kaanapali Beach Hotel
Admission: FREE
Highlights: This is one event that Hawaiian music lovers won’t want to miss. The weekend features special performances, instructional workshops, jam sessions, and open stage concerts. The event is a wonderful immersion into the world of the Hawaiian Steel Guitar, and includes one-of-a-kind educational opportunities. A special Hana Hou concert will be held on Sunday, April 30 at Queen Kaahumanu Center from 12-5pm.
Date: Sunday, April 23
Time: 10am – 6pm
Location: Keopuolani Park Amphitheater (Kahului)
Admission: $7
Highlights: Local environmental groups descend on Keopuolani Park for the island’s annual Earth Day festival. Learn about Maui’s most pressing environmental issues and connect with local farmers, activists, and community groups. Enjoy live music, organic foods, and kid’s activities.
April Community Events
Maui County Ag Fest
Date: Saturday, April 1
Time: 9am – 4:30pm
Location: Maui Tropical Plantation (Waikapu)
Admission: $5
Highlights: This family-friendly event centers on connecting Maui’s local food community. Enjoy fresh flavors from a variety of food booths and live music featuring homegrown talent throughout the day. It’s delicious, inspiring, and informative, all rolled into one.
Maui Classic Car Show
Date: Friday, April 14
Time: 5pm – 9 pm
Location: Campbell Park (Lahaina)
Admission: FREE
Highlights: Classic cars descend on Lahaina Town during the 5th Annual Maui Classic Car Show & 50’s Rock-n-Roll Party. Cash prizes for Best in Show and three different categories. Enjoy fun music and classic cars as they parade down Front Street.
Lahaina Banyan Tree Birthday
Date: Saturday, April 22 – Sunday, April 23
Location: Banyan Tree Park (Lahaina)
Admission: FREE
Highlights: Join the Lahaina community in wishing Hau`oli la Hanau (Happy Birthday) to Lahaina’s famous Banyan Tree as it turns a whopping 144 years old. Spreading over two-thirds of an acre, the Banyan Tree is one of Maui’s iconic landmarks. This family-friendly birthday celebration will be complete with a birthday cake, live music, silent auction, magician, and local Maui artists.
Haiku Hoolaulea and Flower Festival
Date: Saturday, April 22
Time: 9am – 4pm
Location: Haiku Elementary (Haiku)
Admission: FREE
Highlights: Friends and family join in the fun at the 24th Annual Haiku Hoolaulea & Flower Festival held at Haiku Elementary. Live music, culinary delights, and colorful displays highlight the day. Enjoy Haiku School’s famous bake sale, a silent auction, games, and made-on-Maui arts and crafts. Event benefits Haiku Elementary School, Haiku Community Association, and Boys & Girl Club.
2nd Annual Maui County Carnival
Date: Thursday, April 6 – Sunday, April 9
Time: varies – for more information visit the Maui County Community Calendar
Location: War Memorial Stadium (Wailuku)
Admission: Varies ($3-$5); Children under 40” tall are FREE
Highlights: Families get ready for 4 days of nonstop fund with the2nd Annual Maui County Carnival. There promises to be no shortage of rides, games, food, entertainment, and special attractions. Proceeds support the Boys & Girls Club.
Arts & Cultural Events In April
Chinese Kite Festival
Date: Friday, April 14
Time: 10am – 8pm
Location: Wo Hing Museum (Lahaina)
Admission: FREE
Highlights: This traditional Chinese festival celebrates the beautiful and ancient art of kite flying. Developed over 2,000 years ago, kites are still used in China today to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Friday includes exhibits of traditional handcrafted kites, kite making workshops, live music, and food. On Saturday, April 15 from 9-2pm, join kite experts at Lahaina Cannery Mall and put your kite flying skills to the test. The Hawaii Kitefliers Association will wow audiences with incredible aerial displays of acrobatic sport kites and kite fighting. The public can also fly their own kites and enter to win prizes.
East Maui Taro Festival
Date: Saturday, April 29
Time: 9am – 5pm
Location: Hana, Maui
Admission: FREE
Highlights: A truly Hawaiian experience, the East Maui Taro Festival is an immersive weekend of Hawaiian food, agriculture, song, and dance. The festival centers around taro (kalo in Hawaiian), a root crop that is distinguished by its broad, heart-shaped leaves. Revered in Hawaiian society, taro was a staple of the Hawaiian diet and played a fundamental role in the island’s economy and culture. The event features traditional hula and Hawaiian music, poi pounding, farmers market, information booths, locally made crafts, and of course, lots and lots of taro. This annual festival is one of the best opportunities to experience the aloha and traditions of old Hawaii.
April’s Concerts & Shows
Hawaiian Music Series Concert
Date: Thursday, April 27
Time: 6pm-7:30pm
Location: Baldwin Home Museum Lawn (Lahaina)
Cost: FREE
Highlights: Enjoy this FREE outdoor concert series featuring Jacy Edlao & Friends. Blankets and beach chairs are welcomed. A great way to wind down after a day spent exploring Lahaina town.
Recipe of the Month: “Honey Girl” Cocktail
Kick off spring with this delicious blend of tropical fruits and your favorite Vodka
Recipe courtesy of Old Lahaina Luau
1 Tsp Strawberry Puree
2 Ounce Guava Juice
2 Ounce Pineapple Juice
1 Ounce Vodka
Instructions:
1. Coat the bottom of a glass with strawberry puree.
2. Add ice to fill.
3. Layer juices and add vodka.
Weather On Maui In April
Maui in April is an excellent month to explore the island. Strong winter storms, along with their accompanying rain showers and large waves, have faded. Beaches are sunny and water conditions are typically calmer than in winter months. Note, though, that strong trade winds prevail most days and can bring passing showers, particularly along windward shorelines like Hana and Haiku. Of course these spotty rainshowers provide the perfect conditions for rainbows! To avoid challenging ocean conditions and less-than-ideal beach weather, schedule your beach activities for early morning when the wind is most calm.
| Location | Avg. High °F | Avg. Low °F |
|---|---|---|
| Haleakala National Park (Summit) | 60 | 43 |
| Kahului | 82 | 66 |
| Kapalua | 80 | 68 |
| Lahaina | 84 | 67 |
| Makena State Park | 74 | 65 |
| Hana | 79 | 67 |
Ongoing Events In April
| Event | When | Where | Why You Should Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maui Friday Town Parties | Every Friday 6pm-9pm | April 7 Wailuku April 14 Lahaina April 21 Makawao April 28 Kihei | FREE Family-friendly community block parties with live music, food, and fun |
| Maui Made Festival | Every Sunday 9am-5pm | Queen Kaahumanu Center, Kahului | Local vendors showcase their Hawaii wares and crafts. Includes live music. |
| Friday Night is Art Night | Every Friday 7pm-10pm | Lahaina | Gallery shows, artists demonstrations, music, food |
Volunteer Events In April
| Event | When | Where | Why You Should Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly Environmental Volunteer Days (Hawaiian Islands Land Trust) | Every Friday 8am-Noon | Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes & Wetlands Refuge Halewaiu Road Wailuku, HI 96793 | Habitat restoration of native coastal wetlands |
| Malama Honokowai Restoration (Maui Cultural Lands) | Every Saturday 9am-5pm | Meet at the Pu’ukoli’i “Sugar Cane Train” Station Lahaina | Restoration and maintenance of historic Honokowai Valley |
| O‘o Farm Volunteer Days | Every Wednesday 8:45am-11:30am | O‘o Farm 651 Waipoli Rd, Kula | Support sustainable farming practices |
| Community Garden Work Day | Every Wednesday 9am-Noon | The Maui Farm 100 Ike Drive, Makawao | Learn sustainable farm practices with garden work |
| Kākoʻo Iā Kahoʻolawe | 4th Saturday of month April 22 8am-Noon | Kihei Boat Ramp 2988 S. Kihei Rd, Kihei | Work on walking trail and native plant nursery to propagate plants for Kahoʻolawe |
| Hoaloha ‘Aina (South Maui Volunteers) | Every Monday 7:30am-9:30am | Check website for meeting location | Coastal trail and fence maintenance, invasive species removal |
Maui Kayak Adventures
61 Halekuai St., Unit 2
61 Halekuai St., Unit 2
Kihei, HI 96753
United States
