November is a wonderful time to visit Maui. Warm days, seasonal events, live entertainment, and Thanksgiving celebrations offer plenty of ways to experience the island beyond its beaches. It is also an ideal time to enjoy Maui before the busiest winter holiday travel period begins.
At Maui Resort Rentals, our team lives and works on the island, so we have a genuine sense of what is happening throughout Maui. From major annual events and concerts to holiday buffets and locally loved restaurants, we help guests find experiences that make their stay even more memorable.
This blog highlights the best Maui events in November 2026, along with Thanksgiving dinners, unique holiday celebrations, weather and packing advice, and reservation tips. Whether you are planning a Thanksgiving vacation or an early-November getaway, there is plenty to look forward to on Maui.
What Is Maui Like in November?
November marks the transition into Maui’s wetter season, but visitors can still expect plenty of warm, sunny weather. Daytime temperatures typically remain in the low 80s, with cooler evenings and occasional passing showers. Conditions vary by location, with Wailea and Kaʻanapali generally staying warmer and drier than Upcountry and East Maui.
Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a light layer for evenings or higher elevations. A compact rain jacket is also useful, especially when visiting Hana or Upcountry.
November can also bring the first returning humpback whales to Maui’s waters. Sightings are less predictable than during the peak winter months, but keeping an eye on the ocean may deliver an early-season surprise.
November 2026 Events on Maui
13th Annual Made in Maui County Festival
The 13th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui County Festival takes place November 6–7, 2026, at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. This popular family-friendly event brings together more than 100 local vendors showcasing products created throughout Maui County.
Visitors can shop for island-made foods, clothing, jewelry, art, beauty products, home goods, and holiday gifts while enjoying local entertainment, food trucks, fashion presentations, and vendor demonstrations. It is an excellent opportunity to meet Maui makers and ensure that your vacation spending directly supports local businesses. So fun!
America: The Happy Trails Tour
Classic-rock favorite America performs at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on November 7 at 7:30 p.m. The band is best known for enduring hits such as “A Horse with No Name,” “Ventura Highway,” and “Sister Golden Hair.”
The concert offers a fun evening option after visiting the Made in Maui County Festival earlier that day. Because both events take place at the MACC, visitors can easily turn November 7 into a full day celebrating local creativity and live music.
Justin Kawika Young
Maui-raised singer-songwriter Justin Kawika Young returns to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on November 8 at 5:00 p.m. Known for blending contemporary acoustic music with Hawaiian influences, Young has built an international following while staying closely connected to the islands.
The performance is a welcoming option for both longtime fans and visitors interested in hearing music rooted in Hawaiʻi. Discounted tickets are available for children ages 12 and younger, making it another family-friendly addition to Maui’s November calendar.
Alborosie & Shengen Clan
Reggae fans can see Alborosie & Shengen Clan at Da Playground Maui in Wailuku on Saturday, November 14. The performance is part of the Nine Mile United States Club Tour and brings an evening of live roots reggae to one of Central Maui’s best-known music venues.
Da Playground offers a more intimate concert atmosphere than a traditional theater, letting audiences experience the band's energy up close. Check the venue’s current age requirements, entry policies, and performance schedule before purchasing tickets.
Kuraya Magic Show
For an evening of magic and comedy, Maui-born magician David Kuraya performs weekly on Tuesdays at Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows. The intimate one-person show combines sleight of hand, illusion, storytelling, and clean comedy in the resort’s oceanfront Hale Piʻilani Room.
Performances currently run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., making the show particularly convenient for guests staying in Ka’anapali, Napili, or Kapalua. Because the venue is smaller than a conventional theater, we recommend buying tickets in advance.
Hawaii’s Favorite Comedians
Three of Hawaiʻi’s best-known comedians come together at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on November 22 at 3:00 p.m. Hawaiʻi’s Favorite Comedians features Frank De Lima, Andy Bumatai, and Augie T for an afternoon of locally inspired, family-friendly comedy.
Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations for the Maui Food Bank. This adds a meaningful community element as Thanksgiving approaches.
Southwest Maui Invitational
The Southwest Maui Invitational returns to the Lahaina Civic Center from November 23–25, just before Thanksgiving. Eight leading college basketball programs will compete in 12 games over three days, bringing one of the country’s most anticipated early-season tournaments back to West Maui.
The 2026 field includes Arizona, BYU, Clemson, Colorado State, Ole Miss, Providence, VCU, and Washington. The Lahaina Civic Center offers a much more intimate atmosphere than most college basketball arenas, letting spectators experience high-level competition remarkably close to the court.
Tickets, rental cars, restaurants, and West Maui accommodations can become more difficult to secure during tournament week, so definitely plan well in advance.
Krishna Das & Friends Thanksgiving Sunday Satsang and Kirtan
Krishna Das & Friends return to Maui for the annual Thanksgiving Sunday Satsang and Kirtan on November 29 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Held at the Aloha Pavilion at Napili Kai Beach Resort, this intimate gathering continues a Maui tradition Ram Dass established in 2006.
The evening combines devotional chanting, contemporary instrumentation, and community connection while benefiting the Maui Food Bank. Guests are encouraged to bring organic canned or boxed food donations to support Maui County families experiencing food insecurity.
The event also honors Ram Dass's continuing legacy on Maui, making it a particularly meaningful way to close Thanksgiving weekend. Purchase tickets in advance through the official event page.
Where to Have Thanksgiving Dinner on Maui
Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Restaurants and resorts throughout Maui celebrate with holiday buffets, prix-fixe dinners, traditional turkey specials, and menus featuring island ingredients.
Menus and seating times vary each year, and some restaurants don't release final Thanksgiving details until closer to the holiday. Use the following recommendations as a starting point, but confirm the current menu, price, deposit, and cancellation policy directly with the restaurant before reserving. Popular sunset seatings often fill first, so make plans before arriving on Maui.
Thanksgiving Dinner in Wailea
Fairmont Kea Lani
Fairmont Kea Lani offers an oceanfront Thanksgiving dinner on the Polo Lawn in Wailea. The Hawaiian-style feast brings traditional holiday flavors together with locally inspired dishes in an elegant outdoor setting near Polo Beach.
The menu features carving stations with roasted free-range turkey and Kula honey-glazed ham, accompanied by seasonal sides, salads, seafood, and desserts. Live entertainment and the oceanfront location make this a memorable option for families and couples. Reservations are prepaid and should be made well in advance.
Ka‘ana Kitchen at Andaz Maui
Ka‘ana Kitchen at Andaz Maui hosts a Thanksgiving buffet centered on seasonal ingredients and island flavors. Past holiday menus have paired traditional turkey and familiar sides with prime rib, seafood, local produce, and creative desserts.
Evening seatings are generally offered between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m., allowing guests to choose between an earlier family dinner and a later holiday meal. The open-kitchen atmosphere keeps the experience lively, while the Wailea resort setting makes it easy to enjoy sunset before or after dinner.
DUO Steak & Seafood
DUO Steak & Seafood at Four Seasons Resort Maui offers one of Wailea’s most elaborate Thanksgiving buffets. The holiday spread traditionally includes a seafood raw bar, roasted turkey, kiawe-smoked prime rib, seasonal accompaniments, and an extensive dessert selection.
Thanksgiving seatings typically run from midafternoon into the evening. This is a particularly good choice for guests seeking a refined resort experience with enough variety to satisfy both traditional Thanksgiving tastes and seafood lovers. Confirm the 2026 menu and seating times directly with the restaurant when reserving.
Thanksgiving Dinner in West Maui
Duke’s Beach House, Hula Grill, and Leilani’s on the Beach
These three popular oceanfront restaurants traditionally offer Thanksgiving specials alongside island-inspired favorites. Duke’s Beach House is convenient for guests staying in North Kaʻanapali, while Hula Grill and Leilani’s sit at Whalers Village. All three pair a relaxed island atmosphere with excellent sunset views. Reserve a table shortly before sunset if possible, but expect those seats to fill especially quickly.
Sea House Restaurant
Sea House Restaurant sits directly on Napili Bay and is another easy recommendation. Its intimate oceanfront setting, beautiful views, and distance from the larger Wailea and Kaʻanapali resorts make it especially appealing for a peaceful Thanksgiving dinner.
The Plantation House and Merriman’s Kapalua
The Plantation House overlooks the fairways of the Plantation Course with expansive ocean views stretching toward Molokaʻi. Its scenic setting makes it a lovely option for a leisurely Thanksgiving meal in Kapalua.
Nearby, Merriman’s Kapalua offers a more upscale oceanfront experience focused on Hawaiʻi-grown ingredients. It is an excellent choice for couples, celebrations, or anyone who wants Thanksgiving dinner to be a highlight of their Maui vacation. Reserve both restaurants well ahead of the holiday.
Thanksgiving Dinner in Upcountry Maui
Hali‘imaile General Store offers a quieter alternative to Maui’s large resort celebrations. Located near Makawao, the historic restaurant is known for combining familiar comfort food with locally sourced ingredients and island influences.
The Thanksgiving buffet traditionally includes holiday classics alongside local dishes, with options for adults and children. Confirm the 2026 schedule and menu directly with the restaurant before driving Upcountry.
Celebrate Thanksgiving on Land and Sea
Trilogy Thanksgiving Sunset Dinner Sail
Trilogy’s Thanksgiving Sunset Dinner Sail replaces the traditional dining room with an evening on the Pacific. Guests can enjoy a holiday meal, drinks, attentive service, and changing views of Maui’s coastline as the sun sets. Capacity is much more limited than at a resort buffet, so book this experience directly with Trilogy well before Thanksgiving week.
Te Au Moana Luau
Te Au Moana at Wailea Beach Resort combines Thanksgiving dining with Hawaiian music, storytelling, and dance in an oceanfront setting. The experience includes a holiday buffet, traditional luau dishes, and an open bar. This is a good option for visitors who want Thanksgiving dinner to double as a major Maui vacation experience.
Tips for Planning Thanksgiving on Maui
Reserve Thanksgiving dinner before you arrive, especially if you want an oceanfront table or sunset seating. Confirm whether the restaurant is offering a buffet, prix-fixe meal, holiday special, or its regular menu, and review deposits and cancellation policies.
Guests staying in a Maui Resort Rentals vacation home can also prepare dinner in their full kitchen, order takeout, or combine a home-cooked meal with a sunset outing. Shop early, since grocery stores become especially busy during Thanksgiving week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good time to visit Maui?
Yes. November offers warm weather, seasonal events, live entertainment, and fewer crowds during the earlier part of the month. Thanksgiving week is considerably busier.
What is Maui weather like during Thanksgiving?
Daytime temperatures are generally in the low 80s, with cooler evenings and occasional rain. West and South Maui are typically drier than Hana and Upcountry.
What events are happening on Maui in November 2026?
Highlights include the Made in Maui County Festival, several concerts and performances, the Southwest Maui Invitational, and the Krishna Das Thanksgiving Sunday gathering.
Where can you have Thanksgiving dinner on Maui?
Many major resorts and restaurants in Wailea, Kaʻanapali, Napili, Kapalua, and Upcountry offer Thanksgiving buffets, prix-fixe dinners, or holiday specials.
How early should you reserve Thanksgiving dinner?
As soon as possible. Reserve as soon as your preferred restaurant begins accepting Thanksgiving bookings. Oceanfront restaurants, resort buffets, and sunset seatings often fill first.
What should you pack for Maui in November?
Bring lightweight clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a light evening layer, and a compact rain jacket.
Spend November with Maui Resort Rentals
From local festivals and live performances to college basketball and Thanksgiving feasts, November offers many ways to experience Maui’s community, culture, and seasonal traditions.
Maui Resort Rentals provides a comfortable home base near many of the island’s most incredible events, restaurants, beaches, and attractions. Browse our collection of Maui vacation rentals and reserve early for Thanksgiving week. Our locally based team is here to help you plan a memorable November stay. Mahalo for reading!