About this event
The 2026 Southwest Maui Invitational returns to the historic Lahaina Civic Center from Monday, 23 November through Wednesday, 25 November 2026. Eight major college basketball programs—Arizona, BYU, Clemson, Colorado State, Ole Miss, Providence, VCU, and Washington—will compete across three high-energy days during Thanksgiving week on Maui."For basketball fans, the Maui Invitational 2026 offers a rare combination: nationally relevant early-season matchups, an intimate arena environment, and an unforgettable West Maui setting."The Story of the Maui InvitationalA Prestigious College Basketball TraditionFor the island, the tournament’s return to Lahaina carries particular meaning, bringing visitors and economic activity while supporting the community’s ongoing recovery with sensitivity and respect. The event marks the tournament’s 43rd edition and returns the action to the classic Lahaina venue, known for its close seating, loud crowds, and special atmosphere."The Maui Invitational has long been a source of visitor activity for West Maui, generating up to $20 million in annual economic impact."The 2026 ExperienceWhat to Expect from the TournamentThe confirmed dates for the 2026 Southwest Maui Invitational are 23 to 25 November 2026. The tournament will take place at the Lahaina Civic Center, located at 1840 Honoapiʻilani Highway, Lahaina, Maui, HI. The championship game is scheduled for Wednesday, 25 November 2026 at 2:30 p.m. Hawaiʻi Standard Time, with ESPN set to carry the broadcast.Monday, 23 November 2026: First-round gamesTuesday, 24 November 2026: Championship-bracket semifinals and consolation gamesWednesday, 25 November 2026: Championship, third-place, fifth-place, and seventh-place gamesVenue: Lahaina Civic CenterLocation: Lahaina, West Maui, HawaiʻiField: Eight teams, three days, and 12 total gamesThe 2026 Maui Invitational TeamsA Diverse and Competitive FieldThe 2026 field brings together eight programs from major conferences and basketball traditions. Every team is guaranteed three games, giving fans a full tournament experience rather than a one-night event. This field offers contrasting styles and fan bases, making the 2026 bracket one of the most intriguing early-season tests in college basketball.Arizona WildcatsBYU CougarsClemson TigersColorado State RamsOle Miss RebelsProvidence FriarsVCU RamsWashington HuskiesInto the GamesSchedule and MatchupsThe opening round takes place on Monday, 23 November 2026 at Lahaina Civic Center. All times listed are Hawaiʻi Standard Time.2:30 p.m.: Clemson vs. Ole Miss5:00 p.m.: BYU vs. Washington9:00 p.m.: Providence vs. VCU11:30 p.m.: Arizona vs. Colorado StateThe late-night start times may look unusual to Maui visitors, but they allow national television coverage while creating a distinctive Thanksgiving-week basketball atmosphere in Lahaina.The Lahaina ExperienceWhy the Maui Invitational Is So SpecialThe Maui Invitational is not just another non-conference tournament. It has become one of college basketball’s most prestigious early-season events because it pairs elite teams with an unusual island setting. The Lahaina Civic Center has a capacity of about 2,400, creating an intimate environment unlike the large arenas most of these programs play in during the regular season.Fans sit close to the action.Every possession feels louder.Team supporters travel from across the United States.Players face major opponents early in the season.Coaches can test rotations under pressure.National television gives the games a wide audience.Maui adds a memorable backdrop to serious basketball.Planning Your VisitTickets, Travel, and AccommodationsThe official tournament website offers ticket purchasing and travel packages for the 2026 event, but final official ticket prices may vary by package, session, seating section, and availability. Third-party marketplaces have listed all-session tickets beginning around $385, but resale prices change rapidly and are not official face values.Tickets: Official prices vary by package; third-party all-session listings have begun around $385, subject to changeTransportation: Fly into Kahului AirportAccommodation: Book early in West MauiBefore buying, confirm:Whether tickets are all-session or single-sessionExact seat locationFees and delivery methodRefund policyResale restrictionsAccessibility seatingTournament-package inclusionsHotel and transport optionsOfficial seller statusFrequently Asked QuestionsThe Things People Always Want to KnowWhen is the Maui Invitational 2026?The 2026 Southwest Maui Invitational takes place from Monday, 23 November through Wednesday, 25 November 2026.Where is the Maui Invitational 2026 held?The tournament will be held at the Lahaina Civic Center, 1840 Honoapiʻilani Highway, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaiʻi.Which teams are in the 2026 Maui Invitational?The confirmed field includes Arizona, BYU, Clemson, Colorado State, Ole Miss, Providence, VCU, and Washington.When is the 2026 Maui Invitational championship game?The championship game is scheduled for Wednesday, 25 November 2026 at 2:30 p.m. Hawaiʻi Standard Time.How much are Maui Invitational 2026 tickets?Official pricing varies by package and availability. Third-party all-session listings have started around $385, but prices can change and are not official face values. Purchase through official tournament channels whenever possible.Is the Maui Invitational returning to Lahaina Civic Center?Yes. The 2026 tournament is confirmed for Lahaina Civic Center from 23 to 25 November 2026.How many games does each team play?Every participating team plays three games during the three-day tournament. The bracket includes a championship path and consolation placement games.Verified Information at a GlanceEvent Name: Southwest Maui InvitationalCommon Name: Maui InvitationalEdition: 43rd tournament editionEvent Category: NCAA Division I men’s college basketball tournamentConfirmed Dates: Monday, 23 November to Wednesday, 25 November 2026Venue: Lahaina Civic CenterAddress: 1840 Honoapiʻilani Highway, Lahaina, Maui, HILocation: Lahaina, West Maui, HawaiʻiField: Arizona, BYU, Clemson, Colorado State, Ole Miss, Providence, VCU, and WashingtonTotal Games: 12First-round Date: Monday, 23 November 2026Semifinal Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2026Championship Date and Time: Wednesday, 25 November 2026 at 2:30 p.m. Hawaiʻi Standard TimeChampionship Broadcast: ESPNTicket Pricing: Official prices vary by package; third-party all-session listings have begun around $385, subject to changeBest for: College basketball fans, alumni groups, families, sports travelers, and visitors seeking a Thanksgiving-week Maui experienceMake the most of 23 to 25 November 2026 by bringing your team colors to Lahaina, supporting local businesses with care, and experiencing why three days of basketball in Maui remain one of college sport’s most unforgettable traditions.```