Every Friday there is a town party on Maui. These are such fun and a great way to get to know the local scene in a number of Maui (and Lanai) towns. And did I mention they are free? The Fridays are numbered from the first Friday of the month to the fourth and sometimes fifth. Each Friday party is in a different town. For example

• First Friday is in Wailuku
• Second Friday is in Lahaina
• Third Friday is in Makawao
• Fourth Friday is in Kihei
• Fifth Friday when it happens is on Lanai

For each of these parties the streets are closed to traffic and food vendors and food trucks are brought in. There is a musical group or two performing and many times local dance groups and classes come to perform.

Many of the vendors are community group fund raising events for local charities. Others are just ono grinds to eat.

These events are put on my the local communities and have a home spun vibe to them. However don’t make the mistake of thinking that the music is second rate. Here is a secret I will tell you about music on Maui. Only the best musicians can thrive here. Maui is one of few places you can make a living doing music due to the tourism and large number of gigs available. But the competition for doing this is high. What are considered “B” players on Maui are better than “A” players anywhere else. The music is always consistently great. Sometimes you will see top acts.

Justin Young at Wailuku first Friday

The festivities start around 6PM.

To get to Wailuku first Friday town party go to Wailuku town and park wherever you can near Main street. You probably will have to pay to park but often times it will be the Boy Scouts or something like that so pay da money.

For Lahaina second Friday town party is more spread out all along Front Street with the main stage near the banyan tree. Parking is always a challenge at Lahaina, good luck with that.

For Makawao third Friday party it is along Baldwin Avenue, take a look at this map for parking lots.

For Kihei fourth Friday party it is inside the Azeka mall mauka (towards mountain) parking lot off of South Kihei Road near the post office. You can park on the makai (towards ocean) side parking lot.

Fifth Friday is on the island of Lanai (still Maui county) so this takes more planning as you need to take the ferry to and from. You can get a package deal for $60 per person that includes the ferry and ground transport to/from Lanai City. The ferry leaves at 9:45 and if you miss it guess what? You are spending the night on Lanai so don’t get too drunk!

We always go to the Friday parties and you are really missing out of you don’t go. Bring your beach chairs and enjoy the music.