From humble roots to sold-out headline shows, Grammy-nominated reggae group Rebelution returns to Maui with special guest Tribal Seeds on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. Gates open at 5 p.m., with the show kicking off at 6 p.m. at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s open-air A&B Amphitheater and Yokouchi Pavilion.

This will be a return visit for Rebelution, which was founded in Isla Vista, CA, in 2004. The group’s first visit to Hawaiʻi was in 2007, with their inaugural show in the state held on Maui.

Since the release of their breakout 2007 debut “Courage To Grow,” the band has released five consecutive records that have charted highly on the Billboard Reggae Charts, and multiple that held the No. 1 spot. In 2017, they received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. Rebelution’s electrifying live performances have earned them sell-out headline shows from Red Rocks to The Greek Theatre, as well as festival slots at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, ACL, Glastonbury, and more.

Special guests Tribal Seeds are known for their spiritually driven, refreshing rock vibe infused with the roots reggae style rounding out a reggae superstar night of music. They return to Maui after having performed alongside SOJA at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center in 2023.

Tickets for all General Admission (no reserved seats); $49, $99 (VIP) plus applicable fees; VIP tickets include exclusive access to a standing section in front of the stage, the Yokouchi Pavilion restrooms and VIP bars for those in the 21+ section. / A current photo ID required for all to access any 21+ section.

Global ticket sales have launched for Hawai‘i Fest, a two-day concert honoring island music and Bob Marley’s legacy Feb. 15-16, 2025, at the iconic Moanalua Gardens.

“We want to express that Hawai‘i Fest is truly all about Hawai‘i. Our festival has been crafted to celebrate the rich and vibrant island culture and the music that unites us,” said Jonelle Layfield, one of the event organizers and Miss Hawai‘i USA 2008.

The festival will feature the first USA-curated act for Bob Marley’s 80th birthday celebration by Stephen Marley. The festival will give patrons an opportunity to witness an incredible Marley family collaboration featuring Julian Marley, Ky-Mani Marley, and J Boog. The lineup also boasts the biggest gathering of local and international talent Hawai‘i has seen in some time, including Ashanti, Ja Rule, Sean Paul, YG Marley, Spawnbreezie, CuhDeeJah, and Hawai‘i’s own Kolohe Kai, Natural Vibrations, Ana Vee, and Kanaka Fyah.

Honoring the unique history of Moanalua Gardens, the event will also include performances by some of Hawai‘i’s top hālau hula at the historic pā hula, bridging the festival with the islands’ cultural heritage.

For music junkies who are also foodies, Hawai‘i Fest offers a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Michelin Star Chef David Hartwig will curate a menu of island-inspired dishes made from locally sourced and farm-raised Hawaiian ingredients, elevating the weekend’s festivities.

“With it being both Valentine’s and Presidents Day weekend, it’s the perfect opportunity to plan an ‘ohana (family) weekend or memorable staycation filled with music, culture, and fun,” Layfield added.

Hawai‘i pre-ticket sales launched on Dec. 13 and global ticket sales launched on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. 

• 2-Day General Admission Pass: $179
• 2-Day VIP Admission Pass: $419
• Saturday, Feb. 15 General Admission Pass: $99
• Saturday, Feb. 15 VIP Admission Pass: $249
• Sunday, Feb. 16 General Admission Pass: $99
• Sunday, Feb. 16 VIP Admission Pass: $249

Tickets may be purchased at hawaiifest.com. 

Maui’s 23^rd Art of Aloha will take place on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, featuring ten artists from around the world.

The following individuals will feature their works: Robert Lyn Nelson, Ronaldo Macedo, Dario Campanile, Steve Turnbull, Carrie Graber, Donna Young, Caroline Zimmermann, Alex Bernstein, Sienna Nelson and JP Marsman

The celebration at Lahaina Galleries in The Shops at Wailea will feature the artists’ newest collections, created exclusively for Art of Aloha. The single-day, free event opens to the public from noon to 3 p.m.

Artists attending detail

Robert Lyn Nelson (Maui)
Visionary abstract artist of modern impressionism, cubism and beyond. Creator of the modern marine art genre.

Ronaldo Macedo (Brazil, Maui)
Hawaiʻi’s award-winning plein air artist. Capturing Hawaiʻi, California and iconic Lahaina town. 

Dario Campanile (Italy)
Roman master and creative force of extraordinary abstract expressionism.

Steve Turnbull (Maui)
Maui-based free flowing abstract wood, stone and bronze sculptor.

Carrie Graber (California)
Master luminist and figurative painter in soft realism. Captures Retro Hawaiʻi and the California lifestyle with a Mid Century Modern flare.

Donna Young (Washington)
Figurative expressionist with a distinct, unique style influenced by many cultures, eras and techniques.

Caroline Zimmermann (Italy) 
Unique impressionistic interpretations of Tuscan landscapes, tranquil seascapes and modern florals.  

Alex Bernstein (North Carolina) 
Award-winning, contemporary, abstract glass sculptor known for melding glass and steel. 

Sienna Nelson (Maui)
Maui based impressionistic artist inspired by nature and the beautiful island of Hawaiʻi. 

JP Marsman (The Netherlands) 
Hyperrealism with a twist. Surprising combinations of vibrant objects arranged in a surreal composition.

Renate Event & Design and The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua have announced the return of the Maui Songwriters Festival in collaboration with music industry leader, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Taking place Jan. 15 through Jan. 18, this 10th anniversary event will see headliners Lee Brice and Joel Smallbone, from for KING+COUNTRY, take the stage alongside some of the best songwriters from Nashville.

This year’s festival brings the aloha spirit to life with world-class talent, including ward-winning hit songwriters, artists, producers, and composers from genres spanning Country, Pop, Rock, Americana, Hip Hop, Christian and R&B performing their No. 1 songs and sharing the intriguing stories behind them.

The 2025 festival opens with two complimentary community showcases at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua’s recently reimagined Alaloa Lounge on Wednesday, Jan. 15, and Thursday, Jan. 16. Nashville singer-songwriters Jordan Walker, Frank Ray and Trea Landon will bring their unique sound to the stage on Thursday, Jan. 16, setting the tone for the weekend. For those looking to experience the island’s local talent, Maui’s own singer- songwriters – Akoni Palomino, Tempa & Naor, Gail Swanson – will open the festival with intimate performances.

The festival’s ticketed events include a VIP Meet & Greet and Cantera Negra Tequila Tasting featuring a special performance by Frank Ray on Thursday, Jan. 16. Also debuting this year is the ‘Maui Songwriter Festival FIND’, spotlighting emerging artist Kurt Stevens, an unsigned singer-songwriter brimming with talent. On Friday, Jan. 17, guests can partake in a Wine Tasting and VIP Showcase headlined by four-time Grammy winner Joel Smallbone of FOR KING + COUNTRY and artist-actress MŌRIAH.

Later that evening, the popular “How I Wrote That Song” returns, featuring Grammy-winning songwriter Chris DeStefano alongside Randall King, Brice Long and Deric Ruttan. New to this year’s festival is a family-friendly Movie Matinee Screening on Saturday, Jan. 18. It features “Unsung Hero” 2024 GMA Dove Award Feature Film of the Year starring Joel Smallbone and co- produced by MŌRIAH.

The festival’s grand finale unfolds that night with the highly-anticipated Lee Brice & Friends Finale, along with a special Live Auction in the Aloha Pavilion, concluding the weekend with performances that also include the USAF Band ‘Hana Hou’ of the Pacific.

Katie Neal, the 2024 ACM National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year, will host all events.

With a focus on giving back to the community, a portion of the proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Maui Strong Fund, helping those affected by the Maui fires and to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui. Thanks to the generosity of Maui Songwriters Festival partner-sponsors and attendees, past festivals have raised $170,000 for the Maui community.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit mauisongwritersfestival.com.

Maui Public Art Corps on Tuesday unveiled 17 murals that connect King Kamehameha III Elementary School students to Lahaina’s rich history and culture. The murals were created by artists and students at the school’s temporary campus.

After the school was lost in the Aug. 2023 wildfires, a temporary campus for the school was constructed in Pulelehua. School leadership and FEMA sought to connect students back to Lahaina’s rich history and culture to give students a sense of place where they could heal and grow through art.

“I think these murals are creating a sense of belonging and place for our students,” said Ian Haskins, King Kamehameha III principal. “When we first moved in here, we had pretty much all gray and green, just gray and green. Now, with the art, it’s not only a picture, but (they are) stories of our past, which, hopefully we’ll give our students hope for the future.”

The murals were painted by the husband and wife team of Wooden Wave, Roxanne and Matthew Kawika Ortiz, who were selected by a community panel.

“Just being able to bring color to their campus in a way that they can be proud of,” said Ortiz. “I think it’s really important for them to be able to leave their mark and have that memory as part of the year that they’ve had, where they’ve been able to express themselves in a different way—to get their hands dirty and paint. And to be able to actually literally leave something on the wall for other people to enjoy in the community as well.”

Students from the school also participated by adding sea creatures and coral onto the murals. 

“It made me feel awesome because I love painting and I love participating,” said 5th-grade student Dylin Flinn.

The murals are inspired by the stories of Maui kūpuna who shared their histories through hui moʻolelo, a story gathering process. They will remain at the temporary school location until a new permanent site for the school is chosen. The project will be completed with 35 total murals across the King Kamehameha III campus. 

Funding for this project was provided by the County of Maui, Hawai’i Community Foundation, Hawaiʻi State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Hawai’i Rotary District 5000 Foundation Maui Fires Relief Fund, and private donors of Maui Public Art Corps.  

A signature of Maui Arts and Cultural Center, the Schaefer Portrait Challenge, has been held as a triennial since 2003. This year’s challenge will mark the eighth iteration of this statewide juried exhibition, which presents the unique diversity of the people of the Hawaiian Islands through explorations in portraiture.

The jurors from this year’s event have selected works by 40 artists from Maui, Hawai‘i Island, Lāna‘i, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i. Portraits from the following artists will be featured in the Schaefer International Gallery from Jan. 14 through March 22, 2025:

• Adare
• Neida B. Bangerter
• Arnold Bornios
• Mike Carroll
• Jodie Chock
• Eddie Flotte
• Ingrid Frégeau
• Jett Green
• Barclay Hill
• Jon Hunt
• Ildiko Istvan
• Camille Izumi-Page
• Joyce Jeffers
• Eduardo Joaquin
• MinChong Kim
• Jairus Kiyabu
• Gloria Kniazky
• Kirk Kurokawa
• Lynn Liverton
• Charles Lowrie
• Richie Lucero
• Laurna Malkovich
• Ethel Mann
• Deborah Masterson
• Rachel Melander
• Patrick Mizumoto
• Penny Nichols
• Jennifer Owen
• Challys Pascual
• Abbie Rabinowitz
• Mona Rinaldo
• Nichol Robinson
• Wendy Romanchak
• Joyce Schaunaman
• Sakiko Shinkai
• Damian Smith
• Kathleen Storm
• Eve Teraoka
• Devi Town
• Albert Weight

The challenge has three substantial cash prices, including:

• The Jurors’ Choice Award for $15,000, sponsored by Carolyn Schaefer and selected by jurors;
• The Gene Freedman Artists’ Choice Award for $5,000, sponsored by the Eugene and Ruth Freedman Family Foundation and selected by vote of SPC 2025 exhibiting artists;
• And the Ruth Freedman People’s Choice Award for $5,000, sponsored by the Eugene and Ruth Freedman Family Foundation and selected by popular vote of gallery visitors.

The jurors of the Schaefer Portrait Challenge are:

• Sonnet Coggins, executive director at The Merwin Conservancy, Maui
• Mina Elison, curator at Donkey Mill Art Center, Hawai‘i Island
• Wendy Kawabata, professor of art at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Oʻahu

The Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows in September celebrated its reopening with the launch of its new oceanfront restaurant and bar, Lahaina Noon, and poolside bar, Pineapple Moon. And last month, the resort blessed its brand-new entertainment venue, The Branches.

Hosting its first concert at the venue under a full moon with Maui’s roots artist Tevana & Company, the Royal Lahaina drew a crowd on opening night, Nov. 15.

The resort has since announced its upcoming nightly entertainment lineup at the venue, describing it as a place “to celebrate the people that have made Maui so special” under a century-old Ficus Elastica tree in the heart of the resort.

The Branches entertainment lineup features the following artists:

• Monday — KENNY ROBERTS
• Tuesday — JIMMY CANHA + KAWIKA ORTIZ 
• Wednesday — MARVIN TEVEGA
• Thursday — JOSH KAHULA
• Friday — KAPULE PA’OA
• Saturday — GABRIEL GOEBBERT
• Sunday — DARYL STOKES

The artist lineup is curated by Kika Inc. and is subject to change. Guest artists are welcome, Kanikapila style. 

Open to guests and the community at large, walk-ins are welcome, and a royal valet service is complimentary for the first three hours with purchase of its culinary offerings throughout the resort.

The Branches hours of operations are Monday through Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. with live music nightly from 7 to 9 p.m. Third Fridays will feature larger band performances.

This month’s Third Friday performance features the Maui-based Hammah House Band, with free parking and entry. RSVP here.

Personal Charcuterie Boards are available for purchase, starting at $30. The venue also features a “Roots & Barrel” bar trailer selling fine wines, local craft beers, non-alcoholic and keiki beverages. Libations start at $15 per person. Outside food and beverage are not permitted.

Families are welcome to visit The Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows and The Branches located at 2780 Keka’a Dr. in Lahaina.

The Meet the Artist series returns today (Dec. 17) from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Sandbar in the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. The event was created in the wake of the devastating wildfire that tragically impacted Lahaina.

Globally renowned as the Art Capital of the Pacific, Lahaina was one of the highest-grossing art markets in the United States for decades. The loss of this cultural gem affected many artists losing much of their artwork and venues to display it.

As visitors from around the world returned to the island seeking ways to support Maui’s recovery, Sheraton Maui’s Director of Resort Experience Julian Arp-Sandel saw an opportunity. He said he wanted to create a meaningful experience by fostering a connection with Maui’s artist community and, in turn, put guests and locals alike in a position to address an economic need directly.

While exploring possibilities, Arp-Sandel was introduced to Taryn Alessandro. A local award-winning artist, Alessandro displayed art in two Front Street galleries and lost hundreds of paintings in the fires. Despite her loss, she devoted herself to collecting and distributing art supplies and financial assistance to artists who lost their homes and studio spaces.

Inspired by each other’s passion for supporting the artist community, they made their shared desire a reality. Alessandro brought in former Front Street gallery director Jeska Martodam for her dedication and expertise in producing successful art shows. Through this newfound partnership between Arp-Sandel, Alessandro and Martodam, Meet the Artist came to fruition. It had two runs earlier this year and is returning for its third iteration, featuring 18 of Maui’s finest artists.

“Meet the Artist celebrates the exceptional, inspiring talent of our island’s fine artists by providing them a platform to showcase their work,” Martodam said. “By displaying the caliber of local talent, guests havea rare and special opportunity to meet extraordinary artists in person, learn about their work and hear their stories.”

Located near Lahaina, this program fosters a vital connection between artists and the community. Through Meet the Artist, visitors and locals can engage with exceptionally talented artists, directly support their livelihoods and contribute to the recovery of Maui’s artistic culture as Lahaina heals.

The Dec. 17 event features artworks by Laurna Malkovich and James Knoeppel. After that, the series will occur every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. with a rotating roster of artists. Alessandro’s art will be among the featured works, in addition to renowned artists Rascal, Cudra Clover, Baz Cumberbatch and more.

Check out the entire experience and artist lineup online through Sheraton Maui’s Resort Experience Portal and select the Resort Experience Schedule for additional details and new show announcements.

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center presents Hunter Hayes in a solo acoustic concert at the MACC, the Maui debut for the singer/songwriter and a multi-platinum and Grammy nominated artist. Tickets go on sale online only at MauiArts.org at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 and to the general public Friday, Dec. 20.

Hunter Hayes became the youngest male performer to reach the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart when his single “Wanted” sold more than 3.5 million copies and the music video has reached 90 million YouTube views.

A multi-talented singer and songwriter, Hayes is a platinum-selling artist known for memorable melodies and catchy tunes, and he plays all the 30+ instruments featured on his albums. The Louisiana native has country roots but a musical style that embraces multiple influences.

On his recent album, “Red Sky,” Hayes is executing at the highest level of his musical career, crafting multiple memorable melodies.

Fans have logged on for more than 2 billion on-demand global streams of his tunes since the release of his self-titled debut album along with six gold and platinum-certified singles. He has headlined sold-out shows across the United States and Canada as well as Europe and Asia and toured with stars, including Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. He’s earned more than 50 award nominations and wins, including five Grammy nominations, with one for Best New Artist.

The MACC continues to be dedicated to supporting the ongoing needs for victims of the wildfires. Patrons for this concert are asked to bring non-perishable items for the Maui Food Bank.

Tickets are $45, $55, $65, $75, $125 plus applicable fees. The MACC member 10% discount is available. For those wishing to become a member and receive ticket discounts and many other benefits of membership, they can log on to www.MauiArts.org/membership.

Queen Kaʻahumanu Center invites the community to Countdown to Christmas with events, giveaways, and shopping opportunities running Dec. 18-24. 

The celebration kicks off on Wednesday, Dec. 18 with the final Bingo Bells of the year, taking place from 5 to 7 p.m. at Center Court. Shoppers have the chance to win gift cards and exclusive holiday swag from their favorite Queen Kaʻahumanu Center retailers while enjoying a fun-filled evening.

On Thursday, Dec. 19, don’t miss the performances of School Symphonies from 5 to 6 p.m. Local school bands will fill the center with joyful mele, spreading holiday cheer and showcasing the talents of Maui’s young musicians.

The festivities continue with Frosty Fun Fridays on Dec. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. Parents can enjoy Starbucks coffee and support MEO Youth Services by purchasing popcorn, cotton candy, and cocoa from our cocoa bar for the keiki. All proceeds benefit MEO Youth Services essential work for Maui’s keiki.

Stop by for a full day of activities on Saturday, Dec. 21 with Morning Makeke from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. showcasing local vendors with unique, handcrafted goods. Keiki are invited to a special edition of Keiki Club from 10 to 11 a.m., which includes a surprise visit from Santa himself! RSVP at queenkaahumanucenter.com/event/keiki-club/.

Throughout the week, shoppers can also explore Queen Kaʻahumanu Center’s holiday pop-ups featuring local favorites like Lokal Vibes, Happy Wahine, and Born Hawaiʻi, providing a chance to support local businesses while finding unique, meaningful gifts.

Don’t forget to submit receipts from purchases made between Nov. 26 and Dec. 25 to be entered into Queen Kaʻahumanu Center’s 12 Days of Giveaways. For every $100 spent, shoppers will receive one entry. Winners will be announced daily until Dec. 24 on Queen Kaʻahumanu Center’s Instagram account, @qkcmaui.

“Our events are all about creating joyful memories and supporting all of our businesses who make Queen Ka’ahumanu Center their home,” said Kauwela Bisquera, General Manager of Queen Kaʻahumanu Center. “We invite everyone to make Queen Kaʻahumanu Center part of their holiday traditions.”

For more information on events and to submit receipts for 12 Days of Giveaways, visit queenkaahumanucenter.com/events.