At first it was a bit strange being a sports fan who has transplanted to Maui. Hawaii is not only a melting pot of cultures, it is a melting pot of professional sports fans. People from all over the country live on and visit Maui brining their loyalties with them. When viewing NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL events on Maui there usually isn’t a clear majority rooting for one team over the other. There is typically an equal amount of cheers and jeers on the big plays of the game. Part of the fun is giving the fan of the rival team sitting next to you a hard time… just be prepared to get an equal amount of grief back.
Perhaps the biggest adjustment to being a sports fan on Maui is the Time Zone difference. Especially NFL Football games on Sunday. With the early games being played at 7:00 A.M. you can spot the true fans as the ones headed to their favorite sports pub just as the sun is rising. You can count me in as one of those fans. It took a while to get used to but now I actually really enjoy the early games. Its an opportunity to grab breakfast while watching the game and still have all of your day to enjoy everything else Maui has to offer.
Of course the biggest difference for Professional sports fans on Maui is the opportunity to watch your favorite team Beachside. Want to make all your friends jealous? Just snap a photo of your game with the ocean in the background. No doubt all your friends on the mainland are watching the same game from a much less picturesque setting. Where else can you take a quick dip in the ocean, build a quick sand castle, and soak up some sun during halftime, intermission, or the seventh inning stretch?
Favorite Places to Watch Sports on Maui
– Westing KOR in Kaanapali
– Bettys Beach Cafe in Lahaina
– Rock N Brews in Paia
– Maui Brewing Company in Kahana
– Mulligans on the Blue in Wailea
– Charley’s in Paia
– Ale House in Kahalui
