While Maui is best known for its sun-drenched beaches and lush rainforests, the island also offers a thriving arts scene. From world-class galleries and artisan studios to traditional Hawaiian music and dance, the artistic spirit of Maui is as vibrant and diverse as its majestic landscapes.
Whether you're visiting for a few days, spending the winter season here, or are fortunate enough to call this island home, here are some of the most compelling ways to experience the arts on Maui.
Visit the Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center in Makawao
Located on the verdant slopes of Haleakalā in Upcountry Maui, the Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center is one of the island's cultural gems. Housed in a historic plantation-era estate, the center offers rotating art exhibitions, community events, and an array of classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels.
You can stroll through the main gallery and sculpture garden, take a ceramics or printmaking class, or attend one of the seasonal fundraisers—like the popular "Art Affair" gala, which blends fine art with fine dining in a uniquely Maui setting. Best of all, admission is free.
Visit in the late morning and head to nearby Makawao for a lunch of fresh poke or farm-to-table fare at local favorites like Hali'imaile General Store.
Attend a Performance at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC)
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center, or MACC, in Kahului, is the heart of the island's performing arts scene. The venue regularly hosts concerts, dance productions, film festivals, and theatrical performances ranging from local hula halau to international headliners.
The MACC's outdoor Yokouchi Pavilion is particularly special—framed by palm trees and the setting sun- an unforgettable place to hear live Hawaiian slack key guitar or see a contemporary dance under the stars.
The annual Maui Film Festival each summer, which blends cinematic art with island luxury, including starlit screenings and VIP soirees.
Experience Hawaiian Music and Dance at a Luau or Live Show
While some may view luaus as purely tourist entertainment, many of Maui's upscale luaus have evolved into immersive cultural experiences. Events such as ʻAhaʻaina Wailea at the Grand Wailea are performances of high artistic merit, showcasing traditional Hawaiian chants (oli), music (mele), and hula in a narrative format.
For a more intimate experience, look for smaller kanikapila (jam sessions) or hula kahiko (ancient hula) demonstrations at local cultural centers and resorts.
The Shops at Wailea and Whalers Village in Kāʻanapali often host free weekly performances by hula schools and ukulele troupes, offering a polished yet personal experience of Hawaiian performing arts.
Discover Public Art and Murals in Wailuku and Paia
Art in Maui isn't confined to galleries or ticketed venues. In Wailuku—a historic town in Central Maui—colorful murals, street art, and public installations have transformed alleyways and storefronts into a visual narrative of the island's identity.
The Small Town Big Art initiative, a public art project in partnership with the County of Maui, showcases work by local and Native Hawaiian artists, often focused on themes of heritage, environment, and community.
In Paia, an eclectic North Shore beach town with bohemian roots, murals reflect Maui's surf culture and spiritual leanings. It's where you'll find fine art galleries next to juice bars and high-end boutiques—and the art is woven into the texture of everyday life.
Shop Local at Artisan Markets and Studio Tours
For those who appreciate collecting art or hand-crafted décor, Maui's local markets and open studio tours are worth exploring. Events like the Maui Open Studios—usually held annually in February—invite you into the personal studios of painters, sculptors, ceramicists, woodworkers, and jewelry designers across the island.
You can meet the artists, learn about their inspiration, and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces directly. If you're looking to bring a bit of Maui's spirit home with you—or decorate a Maui residence with locally inspired design—this is one of the most meaningful ways to do it.
The Sunday Market at the Maui Swap Meet in Kahului features a strong showing of locally made arts and crafts, including quilts, hand-carved wood bowls, and lauhala weaving.
Take an Art or Photography Workshop on Location
Maui's dramatic natural beauty inspires art collectors and artists in the making. Several established photographers and plein air painters offer workshops and tours, teaching guests how to capture the island's essence—from bamboo forests and cascading waterfalls to windswept coastlines.
Whether you're a seasoned photographer or picking up a brush for the first time, creating art on Maui is a transformative experience. Notable options include the Maui Hands Gallery which offers occasional painting workshops, and photography tours with local pros will take you to secret sunrise spots or lesser-known beaches perfect for capturing golden-hour brilliance.
Uncover Your Own Artistic Rhythms on Maui
Maui's arts scene is an extension of its spirit—layered, soulful, and rooted in the land. Whether you're savoring a graceful hula, acquiring an original oil painting of the coastline, or simply admiring a mural in an old plantation town, the island invites you to slow down, look closer, and connect more deeply.
And that, in many ways, is the essence of luxury living here: art as experience, community, and beauty intertwined. If you're ready to discover a home to inspire your art and soul on this magical island, contact the 'Ohana Real Estate Team today to start your Maui real estate journey.