Southwest Maui Invitational 2025: A Deep Dive into College Basketball’s Premier Tournament

Quick Facts (2025)

• • Dates: Nov 24–26 (Mon–Wed)
  • Venue: Lahaina Civic Center (capacity ~2,400)
  • Location: Lahaina, Maui
  • Field (8): Arizona State, Boise State, Chaminade (host), NC State, Seton Hall, Texas, USC, Washington State
  • Title Sponsor: Southwest Airlines (official rebrand to “Southwest Maui Invitational”)
  • TV/Streaming: ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU + ESPN app
  • Daily Game Window: approximately 9:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. HST (all three days)
  • First‑Round Matchups: Seton Hall vs NC State; USC vs Boise State; Washington State vs Chaminade; Arizona State vs Texas

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. 

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’ll explore the origins of the Invitational and discuss its significance in college basketball.

What is the Maui Invitational?

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. 

The Origins

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!

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.

Note: Chaminade still hosts the event and is back in the 2025 field!

A Unique Venue: The Lahaina Civic Center

Small, loud, and intimate, the Lahaina Civic Center puts fans right on top of the action—a big part of the “Maui Magic.” 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!

The Tournament Format: A Battle of Elite Teams

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. 

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.

2025 Bracket & Teams

First‑round games (Monday, Nov 24):

1. Seton Hall vs NC State
2. USC vs Boise State
3. Washington State vs Chaminade (host)
4. Arizona State vs Texas

All 12 games will be televised on ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU and available in the ESPN app.

2025 field: Arizona State, Boise State, Chaminade, NC State, Seton Hall, Texas, USC, Washington State.

Photo Courtesy of  mauiinvitational.com

Maui Invitational Schedule (2025)

• • Dates: Monday–Wednesday, Nov 24–26, 2025
  • Daily game window: roughly 9:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. HST (subject to TV assignments)
  • Where to watch: ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU and the ESPN app

TV Times

• Mon, Nov 24
  • NC State vs Seton Hall — 2:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. HST) · ESPN2
  • USC vs Boise State — 5:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. HST) · ESPN2
  • Washington State vs Chaminade — 9:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. HST) · ESPNU
  • Arizona State vs Texas — 11:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. HST) · ESPN2
• Tue, Nov 25
  • Loser G1 vs Loser G2 — 2:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. HST) · ESPN2
  • Winner G1 vs Winner G2 — 5:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. HST) · ESPN
  • Winner G3 vs Winner G4 — 8:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. HST) · ESPNU
  • Loser G3 vs Loser G4 — 10:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. HST) · ESPN2
• Wed, Nov 26
  • Fifth‑place — 9:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. HST) · ESPN2
  • Seventh‑place — 11:59 p.m. ET (6:59 p.m. HST) · ESPN2
  • Third‑place & Championship — Times/Networks TBD (note this in the post).

The Prestige

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!

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’s also a testing ground for teams that want to win championships.

Memorable Moments

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:

1987: Indiana’s Dominance – The Indiana Hoosiers, coached by the legendary Bob Knight, won the Invitational. This victory helped them secure their fifth NCAA championship. The Hoosiers’ performance in Maui was a precursor to their dominance throughout the rest of the season.

1992: Duke’s Dynasty – 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’ victory in Maui helped solidify their status as a college basketball powerhouse.

2004: North Carolina’s Return to Glory – 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.

2011: Kemba Walker’s Emergence – In 2011, UConn’s Kemba Walker dazzled fans. He led the Huskies to the tournament title. Walker’s 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.

The Impact on the College Basketball Season

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.

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’s resume. On the flip side, teams that struggle in Maui may face questions and challenges as they move forward in the season.

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.

Photo Courtesy of Maui Now

Attending the 2025 Southwest Maui Invitational

Tournament Tickets

• • All‑Tournament ticket‑only (all 12 games)
  • Booster ticket‑only (your school’s 3 games) — Courtside, Reserved, or GA options vary by school
  • All‑Day tickets (Mon, Tue, or Wed; access to all four games that day; one ticket per day, non‑transferable by game)
  • Single‑game tickets are on sale; box office opens on‑site starting Fri, Nov 21
  • Single‑game prices: Monday & 3rd‑place $173, Semifinals & Championship $250, Consolation $60
  • Sales limits & policy: 6‑ticket limit per transaction; all sales final (no refunds/exchanges)

Box-Office Hours

Fri, Nov 21: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sat, Nov 22: 12:00–3:00 p.m.; Sun, Nov 23: 12:00–3:00 p.m.; Nov 24–26: 1 hr before first tip through the last game (closes at halftime of the final game on Nov 26).

Kamaʻāina (Maui residents) tickets are available with Maui billing ZIP code verification and in‑person 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‑Day tickets $310 (Wed sold out at last posting). Keep your ZIP code verification + in‑person redemption note.

Digital ticketing: Tickets are delivered by TicketsWest; add to your mobile wallet before arrival. Transfer help and account login links are available on the official site.

Getting to the Games (parking, shuttles, bag policy)

• • Shuttles connect host hotels — Hyatt Regency Maui, Sheraton Maui, Westin Maui — and the Civic Center; passes include 1‑day, 2‑day, and 3‑day options (e.g., $94 for all three days). First shuttles depart ~1 hour before the day’s first game; return shuttles run ~30 minutes after the last game.
  • Parking is very limited at the Civic Center: $60 single entry or $80 multi‑game on site (card or cash). Prepaid parking isn’t offered; shuttles are encouraged.
  • Clear‑bag policy (12″ × 6″ × 12″ max; small clutch ≤ 4.5″ × 6.5″); the venue is cashless except for parking. Prohibited items and camera restrictions apply.
    Southwest Maui Invitational

Respectful Travel

Maui communities are still healing from the August 2023 wildfire. Visitors are asked to travel with aloha, avoid fire‑affected areas, support local businesses, and consider the Mālama Maui pledge. Reef‑safe sunscreens are required by county rule.

Things to Do in Maui

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:

Molokini Crater: 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 or afternoon tours!

Haleakala National Park: Hike to the summit of Haleakala volcano for stunning sunrise or sunset views.

Road to Hana: Drive the scenic Road to Hana, stopping along the way to explore waterfalls, beaches, and lush rainforests.

How to Watch and Follow the Tournament

All 12 games air across ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU and stream in the ESPN app. Follow the tournament’s official accounts on X/Instagram/Facebook for real‑time updates and behind‑the‑scenes content.

Conclusion

The Maui Invitational has established itself as one of the premier events in college basketball. The tournament has tough competition. It also features beautiful scenery and a rich history. This combination makes it an event that players, coaches, and fans eagerly look forward to each year. As we prepare for the 2025 Maui Invitational, we know the tournament will deliver exciting moments. It will feature unforgettable performances and showcase the best of college basketball.

If you’re checking out the Maui Invitational, which players, coaches, and fans eagerly anticipate, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re watching the games on TV or planning a trip to Maui, there’s plenty to enjoy! This invitational is sure to be a highlight of the college basketball season! Mark your calendars! Get ready for some amazing basketball and join the excitement of the Maui Invitational! 🏀