The 2025 Maui Invitational Basketball Tournament returns to the historic Lahaina Civic Center November 24-26, 2025, bringing eight elite college basketball programs together for the 42nd edition of college basketball's most prestigious early-season tournament. This year's field features an exciting mix of traditional powerhouses and rising programs, including Texas, Arizona State, NC State, USC, Seton Hall, Boise State, Washington State, and local favorite Chaminade, all competing for the coveted championship trophy in one of sport's most unique and beautiful settings. With all 12 games broadcast live on ESPN networks and played in the intimate 2,400-seat venue that has witnessed countless basketball legends, the 2025 tournament promises to deliver the signature "Maui Magic" that has made this event a bucket-list destination for college basketball fans worldwide.
Tournament format and schedule
The Southwest Maui Invitational follows its traditional three-day format, with first-round action beginning Monday, November 24th, featuring four compelling matchups that set the stage for championship weekend. The tournament opens with NC State taking on Seton Hall at 2:30 PM ET, followed by USC battling Boise State at 5:00 PM ET. The evening session showcases local favorites Chaminade hosting Washington State at 9:00 PM ET, while the marquee nightcap features Arizona State against Texas at 11:00 PM ET on ESPN2.
Tuesday's semifinal round determines championship game participants while also featuring consolation bracket action, ensuring that all eight teams play meaningful games throughout the tournament. Winners from Monday's first two games meet at 5:00 PM ET on ESPN, while the winners of games three and four clash at 8:00 PM ET on ESPNU. The losers' bracket games provide additional competitive opportunities and help determine final tournament standings.
Wednesday's championship round concludes with multiple games across different tournament brackets, culminating in the championship game that crowns the 2025 Maui Invitational champion. The tournament's unique format ensures that every participating team plays three games, providing maximum competitive value and entertainment for both players and spectators throughout the three-day event.
Historic venue and atmosphere
The Lahaina Civic Center serves as one of college basketball's most unique and intimate tournament venues, with its 2,400-seat capacity creating an electric atmosphere where every fan feels connected to the action on the court. Built in 1975, this modest gymnasium has witnessed some of college basketball's greatest moments and biggest upsets, including Chaminade's legendary victories over top-ranked teams that established the tournament's reputation for March Madness-style surprises in November.
The venue's proximity to the Pacific Ocean and tropical setting creates an unmatched ambiance that distinguishes the Maui Invitational from typical college basketball tournaments played in sterile arena environments. Players and coaches consistently cite the unique atmosphere as both challenging and inspiring, with the combination of passionate local fans, visiting team supporters, and basketball tourists creating energy levels that rival Final Four venues despite the intimate setting.
Participating teams and storylines
The 2025 field features several compelling storylines and coaching changes that add intrigue to an already competitive tournament. Texas enters under new head coach Sean Miller, who was hired from Xavier after the program's disappointing recent seasons under Rodney Terry. Miller brings extensive tournament experience and recruiting prowess that could quickly transform the Longhorns into championship contenders, making their sixth Maui Invitational appearance particularly noteworthy.
NC State competes under first-year head coach Will Wade, who has assembled a highly-regarded transfer class designed to immediately elevate the Wolfpack program. Wade's reputation for developing competitive teams quickly makes NC State a dangerous opponent despite potential early-season chemistry concerns typical of transfer-heavy rosters.
USC enters its second season under Eric Musselman, whose aggressive recruiting has attracted top transfer talent and promising freshmen, though key player Alijah Arenas is expected to miss the tournament due to knee injury. The Trojans' improved depth and Musselman's tournament coaching experience position them as potential championship contenders.
Chaminade's unique role
Division II Chaminade University continues its cherished tradition of participating in odd-numbered years, providing the tournament with its most distinctive storyline and beloved underdog presence. The Silverswords' historic victories over top-ranked teams, including their legendary 1982 upset of Virginia, have created some of college basketball's most memorable moments and established Chaminade as honorary giant-killers in the tournament's lore.
Chaminade's presence adds authentic Hawaiian culture and local community connection that distinguishes the Maui Invitational from purely competitive events. The Silverswords serve as gracious hosts while also competing fiercely for victories that would rank among the greatest upsets in college basketball history, creating unique storylines and emotional investment that enriches the tournament experience for all participants.
Television coverage and accessibility
ESPN's comprehensive coverage ensures that basketball fans worldwide can experience the tournament's unique atmosphere and high-level competition through extensive television and streaming options. All 12 games receive live coverage across ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, with additional streaming availability through the ESPN app that accommodates diverse viewing preferences and schedules.
The tournament's strategic scheduling over Thanksgiving week maximizes viewership opportunities while providing college basketball with premier early-season content during a period of high fan engagement. ESPN's production team emphasizes the tournament's unique setting and cultural elements, showcasing both basketball action and Hawaiian hospitality that distinguishes Maui Invitational coverage from typical college basketball broadcasts.
Travel and accommodation planning
Attending the Maui Invitational requires advance planning due to limited accommodation options and high demand during Thanksgiving week, with many visitors booking hotel reservations and flights months in advance. West Maui hotels in Lahaina and Ka'anapali provide the most convenient access to the Lahaina Civic Center, though tournament popularity often requires expanded accommodation searches throughout Maui to secure reasonable pricing and availability.
Tournament packages through Chaminade University offer all-tournament reserved seating with booster package options, though single-game tickets are not available through the university. Alternative ticketing options may be available through participating schools or secondary markets, though tournament popularity typically ensures strong demand throughout the three-day event.
Cultural immersion and Hawaiian experience
The Maui Invitational provides visitors with opportunities to experience authentic Hawaiian culture alongside world-class college basketball, creating a unique sports tourism experience that extends far beyond the games themselves. Lahaina's historic Front Street offers shopping, dining, and cultural attractions within walking distance of the tournament venue, while Maui's diverse recreational activities provide options for non-basketball hours and extended stays.
Traditional Hawaiian entertainment and cultural presentations often accompany tournament activities, providing educational and entertaining experiences that help visitors understand and appreciate the local community that graciously hosts this prestigious event. The combination of competitive basketball and cultural immersion creates memorable experiences that distinguish tournament attendance from typical sporting events.
Economic and community impact
The tournament generates significant economic benefits for West Maui through visitor spending, hotel occupancy, restaurant patronage, and retail sales that support the local economy during a typically slower tourism period. The event's reputation attracts basketball fans who might not otherwise visit Hawaii, introducing new audiences to Maui's attractions while supporting businesses throughout the island.
Community involvement through local sponsorships, volunteer opportunities, and cultural programming creates connections between the tournament and Maui residents that extend beyond pure economic benefits. The tournament's longstanding relationship with the community reflects mutual respect and shared pride in hosting one of college basketball's premier events.
Tournament history and prestige
Since its 1984 inception, the Maui Invitational has established itself as college basketball's premier early-season tournament, attracting the nation's top programs and creating memorable moments that influence NCAA tournament seedings and national championship races. The tournament's unique combination of competitive excellence and exotic location has produced legendary performances and upsets that remain part of college basketball lore decades later.
Previous champions include numerous eventual national champions and Final Four teams, demonstrating the tournament's role as both elite competition and reliable predictor of postseason success. The prestigious participant list includes every major college basketball program, with invitation to the Maui Invitational considered among the highest honors in non-conference scheduling.
Future tournament announcements
The 2026 field has already been announced, featuring Arizona, BYU, Clemson, Colorado State, Ole Miss, Providence, VCU, and Washington, indicating the tournament's continued ability to attract elite programs years in advance. This forward planning demonstrates the event's prestige and the eagerness of top programs to participate in this unique basketball experience.
Weather and comfort considerations
November weather in Lahaina typically features ideal conditions with warm temperatures ranging from 70-85°F, gentle trade winds, and minimal rainfall, creating perfect conditions for both tournament attendance and extended Maui exploration. The outdoor lifestyle and beach proximity provide natural relaxation opportunities between basketball games, while the comfortable climate makes walking between venues and activities pleasant throughout the tournament period.
Photography and memories
The tournament's unique setting provides exceptional opportunities for photography and memory creation, with the combination of competitive basketball action and tropical paradise creating distinctive imagery that captures both sporting excellence and Hawaiian beauty. The intimate venue allows for close-up action photography, while Maui's stunning landscapes provide spectacular backdrops for tournament documentation and vacation memories.
Mark your calendar for November 24-26, 2025, and experience the magic of college basketball's most unique tournament at the Maui Invitational, where championship-level competition meets tropical paradise in an intimate setting that creates unforgettable memories. Whether you're following your favorite team or simply seeking the ultimate basketball and vacation combination, the 2025 tournament promises three days of elite competition, cultural immersion, and Hawaiian hospitality that defines this legendary event. Book your accommodations and flights early, prepare for an extraordinary blend of hoops and paradise, and get ready to witness why the Maui Invitational remains the gold standard for early-season college basketball tournaments in one of the world's most beautiful settings.
