Maui Invitational announces loaded 2024 field, return to Lahaina Civic Center

After a year away, the Maui Invitational is returning to Lahaina. The tournament is heading back to the Lahaina Civic Center in 2024 after playing in Honolulu this past year following the devastating fires around Maui.

The 2024 Maui Invitational includes a loaded field. UConn, Auburn, Colorado, Dayton, Iowa State, Memphis, Michigan State and North Carolina will all participate in one of college basketball’s most iconic events as it returns to its traditional venue.

“As a long-standing community partner, we are looking forward to welcoming the Maui Jim Maui Invitational back to Lahaina,” Maui mayor Richard Bissen said in a statement, via the AP. “We appreciate their unwavering support and sensitivity in navigating this difficult time and appreciate their commitment to bringing this much anticipated event back to Maui’s community.”

Lahaina was devastated by wildfires in August 2023, spanning more than 2,100 miles over less than a month and killing 453 people. It was the deadliest wildfire in U.S. history, and they caused billions of dollars in damage. The Lahaina Civic Center became an evacuation center, and while it sustained minimal damage, the Maui Invitational opted to play in Honolulu on the island of O’ahu.

Last year’s Maui Invitational was part of the effort to raise money for the community. All told, the college basketball world – along with the tournament and KemperSports – raised $1.7 million for Lahaina last year, and the funds went toward the Maui Strong Fund. Multiple exhibition games were played to raise money for the fires, including Kansas vs. Illinois and Michigan State vs. Tennessee, prior to the season.

“For 40 years, Maui has been synonymous with college basketball, and the island and its people have become family, sharing a special bond with so many of the game’s best players and coaches,” KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner said in a statement. “We’re proud that Tournament teams, partners and fans united around their love and deep appreciation for the people of Maui to help them during their greatest time of need.”

Purdue won this year’s Maui Invitational, defeating Marquette in the tournament championship game. UConn is the headliner of the 2024 event as the Huskies look to repeat as national champions. So far, they look primed for a run in March, bringing a 23-2 overall record and a 13-1 record in Big East play into Saturday’s game against Marquette.

The 2024 Maui Invitational is set for Nov. 25-27 at the Lahaina Civic Center.