George Kahumoku Jr, Daniel Ho, & Tia Carrere will perform during a Slack Key Show at the ProArts Playhouse on Saturday. Courtesy photo

As we ease into the middle of January, mark your calendars for some live music, poetry, dance, eating and more.

It was recently announced that Congress is allocating nearly $2 billion to help with Maui County’s disaster recovery efforts. While this money will mainly be used to help those affected by the Lahaina and Kula fires build houses, it is no doubt a sign that our island is on its way toward recovery. So celebrate the good news at one of the upcoming events happening on Maui this week and into next.

And, as always, if you have an event you’d like to see featured in our weekly top events list, send us an email at mmoseley@mauinews.com or give us a call at (808) 242-6363.

Enjoy and keep us posted on your favorite events to go to on Maui.

1. U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón at Maui Arts & Cultural Center (Thursday, Jan. 16; 7 p.m., Kahului): The Merwin Conservancy is presenting a reading and talk story with award-winning poet and U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón at Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Thursday. Ada Limón is the 24th Poet Laureate of The United States and the author of six books of poetry, including The Carrying, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award. Her most recent book of poetry, The Hurting Kind, was shortlisted for the Griffin Poetry Prize. Limón is the recipient of a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, Guggenheim fellowship, and was named a TIME magazine woman of the year. Her poem is engraved on NASA’s Europa Clipper Spacecraft that was launched to the second moon of Jupiter in October of last year. As Poet Laureate, her signature project, called You Are Here, focuses on how poetry can help connect us to the natural world. Cash bar and light refreshments to follow. Learn more at mauiarts.org. Tickets start at $25 for entry and $10 for students.

2. Maui Songwriters Festival (Thursday, Jan. 16-Jan.18; times vary, island-wide): From the Alii Nui Exclusive Whale Watch & Snorkel Experience on Thursday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Slip 56 in the Ma’alaea Harbor, to the Nashville Alaloa Live’ Songwriter Showcase Thursday night at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua Resort, this weekend market the annual Maui Songwriters Festival with plenty of events to attend. Visit mauisongwritersfestival.com for more information. Prices vary.

3. Shane Hall & Tavana’s King Tide Tour 2025 (Thursday, Jan. 16; 7:30-9:30 p.m., South Maui): Head down to Mulligan’s on the Blue For this live music event. Premium Tickets range from $25 to $30 and are available as table purchases. General admission tickets are $20 and are available as a single-ticket purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Learn more at mulligansontheblue.com/event/king-tide-tour-with-tavana-and-shane-hall.

4. Aloha Friday at the Monkeypod Ka’anapali (Friday, Jan. 17; 7 p.m.-9 p.m., West Maui): Every Friday you can head down to the Whalers Village area in West Maui and check out the Monkeypod restaurant where musician Damian Awai and others will be performing live music. Grab your friends, something to eat and drink and enjoy the view of the ocean. Learn more at monkeypodkitchen.com/music_ka_anapali.

5. George Kahumoku Jr, Daniel Ho, & Tia Carrere: Slack Key Show at the ProArts Playhouse (Saturday, Jan. 18; 5 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., South Maui): Presented by ProArts Playhouse, Mana’o Radio, and George Kahumoku Jr’s Slack Key Show​ “Virtuosic keepers of a cultural flame” will be performing a wide variety of songs this weekend in South Maui. Expect uniquely Hawaiian styles of slack key guitar, ‘ukulele, and songs with origins that reach back to the early 19th century when Portuguese immigrants brought ‘ukuleles and Mexican cowboys brought guitars to Hawai’i. Ticket prices range from $65 for premium seating; $50 for preferred seating; regular seating starts for $40; partially-obstructed view seats for $35 and $5 off for kama’aina with Hawai’i State ID. For more information visit proartsmaui.org.

6. 2025 Miss Maui USA + Miss Maui Teen USA Preliminary Pageant (Saturday, January 18; 4 p.m., Wailuku): Head to the Iao Theater for the 2025 Miss Maui USA + Miss Maui Teen USA Preliminary Pageant. Watch as five Maui wahine take the stage and compete in three phases of competition. Tickets start at $45 at MauiOnStage.com. Babies and lap-seated children are free.

7. The 17th Maui Oceanfront Marathon (Sunday, Jan. 19; 5 a.m., islandwide): Keep your eyes out for our island runners this weekend during the annual Maui Oceanfront Marathon. There will be events all over the island this weekend, from Kaanapali to Wailea and more. Learn more at mauioceanfrontmarathon.com.

8. Free Movie Night at the South Maui Gardens (Monday, Jan. 20; 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m., South Maui): Located at 35 Auhana Road in Kihei, you can bring the family out for a free movie night at the South Maui Gardens. This Monday they are playing “Lilo and Stitch.” Guests are encouraged to park in the gravel lot. For the best spot, come early, and enjoy some food and non-alcoholic drinks from the 10+ onsite food trucks at Kihei Food Oasis. For more information visit southmauigardens.com/eventscalendar.

9. Wednesday Night Trivia with Trish Da Dish (Sunday, Jan. 12; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Paia): Bring the crew out to Paia Bay Coffee & Bar for Trivia night. Hosted by Trish “Da Dish,” local comedian and radio personality, you can order food and drinks and play for the chance to receive some gift giveaways. Entry is free. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

10. Sheryl Renee Salutes Frank Sinatra Featuring Mary Anne Anderson & Deborah Horner (Wednesday, Jan. 22; 3 p.m., Kihei): Take a melodic trip down memory lane as Sheryl Renee shares how icons influenced her lifelong musical upbringing and career. The award-winning actress and producer is joined by a rotating cast of some talented Maui musicians. Visit proartsmaui.org for more.

Events calendar

Thursday, Jan. 16

VIP Meet & Greet with Nashville Artist & Songwriter Frank Ray — 5-6:30 p.m. at Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Meet our singer-songwriters and enjoy a special performance by Frank Ray while sampling tequila and cocktails paired with chef prepared cuisine. Tickets are $175 at MauiSongWritersFestival.com.

Akaku Upstairs-‘My Partner’ film screening and discussion — 6 p.m. at Akakū’s Media Lab in Kahului. Akakū Maui Community Media will kick off its monthly Akakū Upstairs salon series with a screening of the award-winning feature film, “My Partner,” followed by a discussion with Maui writer Lance D. Collins and Kanaka Maoli Director Keli’i Grace. Akakū salons are free, though registration is required. Seating is limited. Register at akaku.org/salons. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Line Dancing, Swing and Two Step — 6 p.m. at Da Playground Maui in Wailuku. DJ Mashup Mike will keep the energy high with your favorite country hits, while dance instructors Misty and Jenean guide you through the moves. Age 21 plus. $10 at daPlaygroundMaui.com or $15 at the door.

Poet Laureate of the United States Ada Limón — 7 p.m. at Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. Ada Limón is the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States and the author of six books of poetry, including “The Carrying,” which won the National Book Critics Circle Award. Tickets are $25 and $10 for students with ID, plus applicable fees. MauiArts.org.

King Tide Tour with Tavana and Shane Hall — 7-10 p.m. at Mulligans on the Blue in Wailea. To translate the King Tide, it is the highest predicted tide of the year at a coastal location. What a perfect name for this highly anticipated tour featuring these two explosive artists. Tickets $20-$30. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. MulligansOnTheBlue.com.

Ben Miller: Volcano — 7:30 p.m. at ProArts Playhouse in Kihei. Come watch this show where scientist turned stand-up comedian Ben Miller explores volcanology, entomology, Hawaiian history, cats, cookies and more. Tickets $15-$25. ProArtsMaui.org.

Friday, Jan. 17

How I Wrote That Song VIP Experience — 5:30-10 p.m. p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Mix and mingle with singer-songwriters while sampling wines paired with cuisine. $225 per person. MauiSongWritersFestival.com.

Nuff Sedd — 6-9 p.m. at Royal Lahaina Resort and Bungalows in Lahaina. Celebrate community as Hawaii’s very own reggae/Hawaiian style ohana Nuff Sedd debut their new album, “Cup of Aloha,” live at The Branches. Free. No reservations required. All ages welcome. Food and beverage for purchase. No outside food permitted.

Newsies Jr. Musical — 7 p.m. at Seabury Hall’s ʻAʻaliʻikūhonua Creative Arts Center. Seabury Hall presents a musical packed with energy, heart and an inspiring story of standing up for what’s right. The play is based on the Disney film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White, and the Seabury Hall creative team of Julia Golding, Marsha Kelly, André Morissette and Molly Schad lead the cast of 70 middle schoolers for three performances. Tickets are $15 for adults, $ 12 for seniors and $7 for students at seaburyhall.org/arts.

U2 Tribute-Divided by Two — 7-9 p.m. at Mulligans on the Blue in Wailea. The four members of U2 have created some of the greatest songs of our time — authentically recreated by two members of the Timothy Morris Band, father-and-son duo Steve and Timothy Morris, based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Doors open at 6 o’clock. MulligansOnTheBlue.com.

Muriel Anderson Concert with Visuals — 7:30 p.m. at ProArts Playhouse in Kihei. Guitarist, harp-guitarist and composer Muriel Anderson embraces music from all over the world with special guests Uncle George Kahumoku Jr. and Steve Grimes. Tickets $20-$40. ProArtsMaui.org.

Emo Night — 9 p.m. at Da Playground Maui in Wailuku. DJ Pash Sean cranks up the volume with all the emo and pop-punk bangers that got you through your teenage angst. Age 21 plus. Tickets $10 at daPlaygroundMaui.com or $15 at the door.

Saturday, Jan. 18

Maui Swap Meet — 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at UH Maui College in Kahului. Local vendors showcase beautiful souvenirs, art, clothing, bags and custom jewelry as well as delicious food and beverages every Saturday. Early risers can enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.

‘Unsung Hero’ Family Movie Matinee — 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. ‘Unsung Hero’ is a biopic movie of the Smallbone family’s emigration from Australia to the U.S. There will be a special guest appearance by Joel Smallbone from for KING + COUNTRY, the co-director, co-producer, screenplay writer and actor for ‘Unsung Hero,’ and MORIAH, co-producer. MauiSongWritersFestival.com.

Newsies Jr. Musical — Shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Seabury Hall’s ʻAʻaliʻikūhonua Creative Arts Center. Tickets are $15 for adults, $ 12 for seniors and $7 for students at seaburyhall.org/arts.

2025 Miss Maui USA and Miss Maui Teen USA Preliminary Pageant — 4 p.m. the Iao Theater in Wailuku. Five Maui wahine will take the stage and compete in three phases of competition showcasing their authenticity, stage presence and confidence to a panel of judges. Tickets $45 at MauiOnStage.com. Babies and lap-seated children are free.

Hawaii Masters Tour: George Kahumoku, Daniel Ho, Tia Carrere — Shows at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at ProArts Playhouse in Kihei. Four-time Grammy-winner, master slack key guitarist George Kahumoku Jr. performs with six-time Grammy winner Daniel Ho and international star and two-time Grammy winner Tia Carrere. Tickets ​​$35-$65 at SlackKeyShow.com and ProArtsMaui.org.

Lee Brice & Friends-Finale and Benefit Auction — 6-10 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Headliner of the Maui Song WritersFestival Lee Brice & Friends perform their songs and tell the stories behind them. During the evening there will be a brief auction with funds raised going to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui and The Maui Fund for those impacted by the August 2023 Maui fires. $150 for general admission and $250 for VIP. MauiSongWritersFestival.com.

The Timothy Morris Band — 7-9 p.m. at Mulligans on the Blue in Wailea. Timothy Morris is an up and coming, energetic, rock n roll singer-songwriter. Tickets $10. MulligansOnTheBlue.com.

Sunday, Jan. 19

Maui Sunday Market — 4-8 p.m. at Kahului Shopping Center parking lot in Kahului. Ono food, great shopping, live entertainment and tons of aloha every Sunday. Admission and parking are free. MauiSundayMarket.com.

Island Soul Band — 5-8 p.m. at Mulligans on the Blue in Wailea. Join us on Sundays for Maui’s soul, funk and rock dance band Island Soul. Each Sunday features a different singer that the band enjoys performing with. Playing hits from the 80s till now the dance floor is open. $5 cover. Reservations recommended. Tickets $5. MulligansOnTheBlue.com.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Sheryl Renee Salutes Frank Sinatra featuring Mary Anne Anderson & Deborah Horner — 7-8:30 p.m. at ProArts Playhouse in Kihei. Take a melodic trip down memory lane as Sheryl Renee (known as the Lady with the Golden Voice) shares how these incredible icons influenced her lifelong musical upbringing and career. Tickets $25-$40 at ProArtsMaui.org.

George Kuo, George Kahumoku, Shem & Wainani — 6:30-8 p.m. at Napili Kai Beach Resort’s open-air Aloha Pavilion in Lahaina. George Kahumoku Jr. will host with guitarist Shem Kahawaii and hula dancer Wainani Kealoha. Tickets available at SlackKeyShow.com, by phone at 808-669-3858 or at the door.