Cultural festival · Kīhei, Maui · From 9 AM
Maui Whale Festival — World Whale Day 2027
Hosted by Pacific Whale Foundation
Date
What to expect
The Maui Whale Festival is an annual February celebration organized by the Pacific Whale Foundation at the peak of humpback whale season, honoring the koholā (humpback whales) that migrate to the Maui Nui Basin. Its centerpiece, World Whale Day, features the Parade of Whales along South Kīhei Road plus a community festival at Kalama Park in Kīhei with music, marine-themed floats, and ocean-awareness activities.
Plan your visit
Parking & access: World Whale Day at Kalama Park is a free, family-friendly community celebration; some festival-week events (whale watches, fundraising dinners) are separately ticketed.
Plan your weekend on Maui
While you’re out for Maui Whale Festival — World Whale Day, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
Farmers markets this weekend
What’s worth a trip this weekend
One email a week: the makers worth seeking out, pop-ups, and Hawai‘i cultural events worth planning around.
About cultural festivals
Hawaii's cultural festivals gather food, performing arts, craft, and community across a weekend or longer. Many trace to the islands' Japanese, Okinawan, and broader Asia-Pacific communities and feature taiko, hula, bon dance, and street-food booths.
Some are free block parties and some are ticketed convention-center markets. Come for the performances and stay for the food booths, craft vendors, and local-product marketplaces.
- Check admission before you go — marketplace and convention-center events may charge entry.
- Parking fills early — rideshare or transit is usually easier.
- Schedules and venues can shift year to year; confirm before you go.
Sources: Pacific Whale Foundation — World Whale Day. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.