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When it comes to college basketball, few events match the excitement of the Maui Invitational! This well-known tournament takes place every year on the stunning island of Maui. It’s famous for great basketball and unforgettable moments.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As we prepare for the 2025 Maui Invitational, fans and teams are excited. This tournament promises to be another thrilling chapter in its history. In this blog, we\u2019ll explore the origins of the Invitational and discuss its significance in college basketball.<\/p>\n
The Maui Invitational is an annual men’s NCAA Division I early-season college basketball tournament. It usually takes place in November on the stunning island of Maui, Hawaii. The tournament features eight top college basketball teams competing in a bracket-style format over three days. It’s considered one of the premier preseason college basketball tournaments, attracting top-ranked teams and future NBA stars.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This men’s basketball Invitational started with one of the biggest upsets in college basketball history. In 1982, Chaminade University, a small NAIA school in Honolulu, Hawaii, shocked the basketball world. They defeated the top-ranked University of Virginia Cavaliers. This big win put Chaminade on the map and also inspired a new tournament. This tournament would bring the best college basketball teams to Hawaii!<\/p>\n
Founded in 1984 by college basketball administrator Dave Gavitt, the Maui Invitational was created to honor the spirit of Chaminade’s historic victory. The tournament quickly gained traction, attracting some of the biggest names in college basketball. The first Maui Invitational had teams like Duke, Iowa, and Kansas. This set the stage for the tournament’s future success.<\/p>\n
Note:<\/em><\/span> Chaminade still hosts the event and is back in the 2025 field!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Maui-Invitational-2025.png” alt=”Maui Invitational 2025″ title_text=”Maui Invitational 2025″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Photo Courtesy of Southwest Maui Invitational Chaminade<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Small, loud, and intimate, the Lahaina Civic Center puts fans right on top of the action\u2014a big part of the \u201cMaui Magic.\u201d The tournament returned to Lahaina in 2024 and is back again for 2025. The combination of great basketball and Maui’s beautiful scenery makes this tournament a must-see. If you’re a college basketball fan, you won’t want to miss it!<\/p>\n The tournament follows a single-elimination format, with eight teams competing over three days. Each team is guaranteed three games, as the tournament includes a consolation bracket for teams that lose in the first round.\u00a0<\/p>\n The eight teams invited to participate in this Invitational are typically among the best in the nation. Over the years, the tournament has featured teams such as Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, and UCLA. It also showcases new teams eager to make a name for themselves on a national level. The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high, as a strong showing can set the tone for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Snorkeling Maui” button_url=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.tripworks.com\/widgets\/tripBuilder?showDetail=1&defaultView=gallery&language=en” button_text=”Book Now!” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.47) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0.37) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Maui-Snorkeling-slide.jpg” animation_style=”flip” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Join us for our morning or afternoon snorkeling tours to Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens! Dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish and vibrant marine life, and take the plunge down the slide for an unforgettable experience!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n First\u2011round games (Monday, Nov 24):<\/strong><\/p>\n All 12 games will be televised on ESPN\/ESPN2\/ESPNU<\/a> and available in the ESPN app.<\/p>\n 2025 field:<\/strong> Arizona State, Boise State, Chaminade, NC State, Seton Hall, Texas, USC, Washington State.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2025-Maui-Invitational.png” alt=”2025 Maui Invitational” title_text=”2025 Maui Invitational” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Photo Courtesy of\u00a0 mauiinvitational.com<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This tournament has earned its reputation as one of the premier events in college basketball. For many teams, getting invited to the tournament shows respect and recognition from the college basketball community. It’s a chance to compete with the best in front of a national audience. This stage has created many memorable moments!<\/p>\n One of the reasons the Invitational is so highly regarded is the caliber of teams that participate. The tournament organizers choose teams that are expected to be strong this season. This makes sure the competition is high-quality and exciting. This tradition of excellence has made it a place to see future NBA stars. It\u2019s also a testing ground for teams that want to win championships.<\/p>\n Over the years, the Invitational has created many unforgettable moments. These moments are now part of college basketball history. From buzzer-beaters to breakout performances, the tournament has a rich history of drama and excitement. Here are a few highlights:<\/p>\n 1987: Indiana\u2019s Dominance<\/strong> –<\/strong> The Indiana Hoosiers, coached by the legendary Bob Knight, won the Invitational. This victory helped them secure their fifth NCAA championship. The Hoosiers\u2019 performance in Maui was a precursor to their dominance throughout the rest of the season.<\/p>\n 1992: Duke\u2019s Dynasty –<\/strong> In 1992, Duke, led by coach Mike Krzyzewski, won the Maui Invitational. This season, they also claimed their second straight NCAA title. The Blue Devils\u2019 victory in Maui helped solidify their status as a college basketball powerhouse.<\/p>\n 2004: North Carolina\u2019s Return to Glory – <\/strong>In 2004, North Carolina had a strong basketball team. They featured future NBA stars such as Raymond Felton, Sean May, and Rashad McCants. That year, they won the Invitational. The Tar Heels would go on to win the national championship that season, marking their return to the top of college basketball.<\/p>\n 2011: Kemba Walker\u2019s Emergence –<\/strong> In 2011, UConn\u2019s Kemba Walker dazzled fans. He led the Huskies to the tournament title. Walker\u2019s performance in Maui showed what was ahead. He would later lead UConn to a national championship and earn Most Outstanding Player honors in the NCAA Tournament.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”Snorkeling In Maui” button_url=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.tripworks.com\/widgets\/tripBuilder?showDetail=1&defaultView=gallery&language=en” button_text=”Book Now!” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.46) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0.43) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/banded-sea-urchin.jpg” animation_style=”flip” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Experience our morning or afternoon snorkeling tours to Molokini Crater, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens! Splash into the crystal-clear waters filled with tropical fish and vibrant marine life as you slide into the ocean!<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Invitational has a significant impact on the college basketball season. This impact is felt by both the teams involved and the sport as a whole. Since the tournament happens early in the season, it often helps teams measure their skills. It also gives a sneak peek at which programs might go far in the NCAA Tournament.<\/p>\n For teams, a strong showing in it can build momentum and confidence heading into conference play. The level of competition is high, and winning the tournament can be a significant boost to a team\u2019s resume. On the flip side, teams that struggle in Maui may face questions and challenges as they move forward in the season.<\/p>\n The Maui Invitational also helps college basketball by offering fans exciting games and matchups that might not otherwise occur. The tournament gathers teams from various conferences and regions. This creates exciting matchups that grab the attention of basketball fans.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/maui-invitational-2025.jpg” alt=”maui-invitational-2025″ title_text=”maui-invitational-2025″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Photo Courtesy of Maui Now<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Fri, Nov 21: 9:00 a.m.\u20135:00 p.m.; Sat, Nov 22: 12:00\u20133:00 p.m.; Sun, Nov 23: 12:00\u20133:00 p.m.; Nov 24\u201326: 1 hr before first tip through the last game (closes at halftime of the final game on Nov 26).<\/p>\n Kama\u02bb\u0101ina (Maui residents) tickets<\/a> are available with Maui billing ZIP code verification and in\u2011person digital ticket redemption beginning Fri, Nov 21, 9:00 a.m. $117 for most single games, $164 for semis\/championship, select games $22, and All\u2011Day tickets $310 (Wed sold out at last posting). Keep your ZIP code verification + in\u2011person redemption note.<\/p>\n Digital ticketing:<\/strong> Tickets are delivered by TicketsWest; add to your mobile wallet before arrival. Transfer help and account login links are available on the official site.<\/a><\/p>\n Maui communities are still healing from the August 2023 wildfire. Visitors are asked to travel with aloha, avoid fire\u2011affected areas, support local businesses, and consider the M\u0101lama Maui pledge. Reef\u2011safe sunscreens are required by county rule.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mauisnorkeling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/maui-snorkeling-2.jpg” alt=”maui-snorkeling” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Maui is a beautiful island with plenty to offer visitors. When you’re not watching basketball, be sure to check out some of these popular attractions:<\/p>\n Molokini Crater:<\/strong> Join us for snorkeling in the clear waters of Molokini Crater. This unique spot is a submerged volcanic caldera filled with a diverse array of marine life. Please check out our morning<\/strong> <\/a>or afternoon<\/strong> <\/a>tours!<\/p>\n Haleakala National Park:<\/strong> Hike to the summit of Haleakala<\/a> volcano for stunning sunrise or sunset views.<\/p>\nA Unique Venue: The Lahaina Civic Center<\/h2>\n
The Tournament Format: A Battle of Elite Teams<\/h2>\n
2025 Bracket & Teams<\/h2>\n
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Maui Invitational Schedule (2025)<\/h2>\n
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TV Times<\/a><\/h3>\n
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The Prestige<\/h2>\n
Memorable Moments<\/h2>\n
The Impact on the College Basketball Season<\/h2>\n
Attending the 2025 Southwest Maui Invitational<\/h2>\n
Tournament Tickets<\/h3>\n
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Box-Office Hours<\/h3>\n
Getting to the Games (parking, shuttles, bag policy)<\/h3>\n
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Southwest Maui Invitational<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nRespectful Travel<\/h3>\n
Things to Do in Maui<\/h2>\n