Nightlife & the Arts in Maui

Looking for wild island nightlife? We can't promise you'll always find it here—and sometimes you'll just have to be the party. This island has little of Waikiki's after-hours decadence, and the club scene can be quirky, depending on the season and the day of the week. But sometimes Maui will surprise you with a big-name concert, world-class DJ, outdoor festival, or special event. And if the event promises to draw a big crowd, chances are it's at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Wailuku, or the MACC, as it is known.

Lahaina and Kihei are your best bets for action. Lahaina tries to uphold its reputation as a party town, and succeeds every Halloween when thousands of masqueraders converge for a Mardi Gras-style party on Front Street. Kihei is a bit more local and can be something of a rough-and-rowdy crowd in parts. On the right night, both towns stir with activity, and if you don't like one scene, there's always next door.

Outside Lahaina and Kihei, you might be able to hit an "on" night in Paia (North Shore) or Makawao (Upcountry), especially on weekend nights. Your best bet? Pick up the free MauiTime Weekly, or Thursday's edition of the Maui News, where you'll find a listing of all your after-dark options, island-wide.

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