Maui is buzzing with excitement from this week’s Katy Perry concert! It was one of those things where you had to know someone who knew something. The Wailea resorts often host large conferences for corporations or professional development organizations. This past week SAP was in town and they invited Katy Perry to sing for their employees. Of course word got out, and in the words of my teenagers, half of Maui was there. When I say ‘there’, they were on the beach in front of the Grand Wailea, trying to catch a glimpse and enjoying the free concert, even if just from afar.
These corporate events are pretty hush-hush due to security/crowd concerns, but there are many public concert offerings on Maui where you can actually see the artist, stage (and buy tickets). Here’s how to find out about them.
The MACC (Maui Arts and Cultural Center)
The MACC in Kahului (across from the Swap Meet grounds at the Maui college campus) is of course the largest venue on Maui. Check out their website and sign up for their newsletters to get a heads-up on upcoming shows. Recent sold-out events include comedian Jim Gaffigan (Feb 23, 2023), Willie Nelson and Family (Dec 23, 2022). They have two main venues – indoors at the Castle Theater and outdoors at the A&B Amphitheater. This is also the site of the Made in Maui County Festival hosted every November.
Over the years we’ve seen Elton John, Jake Shimabukuro, Tony Bennett and Old Dominion in concert at the MACC. I personally would love to see Bryan Adams and Michael Buble come to Maui ~ does anyone have any pull? Please?
Da Playground
Another popular though smaller venue is Da Playground in Maalaea Harbor Shops. They offer live concerts, comedy and night club shows.
ProArts Playhouse
The ProArts Playhouse is located in Kihei’s Azeka plaza, home of the post office, Nalu’s, Home Maid Cafe (amazing malasadas) etc. This is an intimate venue offering live theater and comedy. Looking at their schedule, they will be presenting Pride and Prejudice (not your grandmother’s Jane Austen) this month. A friend has seen Eric Gilliom’s White Hawaiian show and says it is fantastic.
Iao Theater
The historic Iao Theater is home to Maui On Stage. It is located on Main Street in downtown Wailuku, featuring mainly live theater and musicals. They will also be hosting two concerts for the Maui Classical Music Festival this May.
Maui Film Festivals
There have traditionally been two film festivals hosted on Maui every year. The Maui Film Festival in June and then another (First Light?) in December. A number of years ago I attended one at the Wailea Gold golf course driving range. It was an amazing location ~ I wonder if they’ll bring that one back again.
Maui Classical Music Festival
Speaking of the Maui Classical Music Festival ~ if you are curious to check out some of Maui’s historic churches and enjoy classical music, do check it out!
Do you check out live shows when on Maui? What are some of your favorites? Which venues am I missing?