Celebrities That Call Maui Home

Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson is still going strong as a singer, songwriter, and talented country musician. He is known for A Moment Isn’t Very Long, Bandera, Band of Brothers, and Good Hearted Woman (among many many others). Willie was born in 1933 in Texas. His folks were not around during his childhood, with his mother leaving and his father remarrying. His grandparents raised him and his sister. It was evident even as a child that Willie had talent, particularly for football. He also joined the US Air Force in 1950 after finishing school. After his time in the military, he was hired by a television company in Vancouver, Washington, which eventually led to his break in music. He has had a lot of success in his working life, with outlaw country as his primary style. He is an activist, outspoken about his beliefs, and also one of many who has had issues with the IRS. We're thrilled to have him on Maui. He lives on the north shore (between gigs on the road.)

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood is another older performer who got a lucky break in country-style movies; only his opportunity came from a career in film, with some pretty famous westerns. Clint Eastwood, born Clinton Eastwood Junior, arrived in the world in 1930. He is known for his acting, directing, productions, and political views. He is also a musician. His break into stardom came with Rawhide. He was to international heights in Man with No Name and Dirty Harry movies. Eastwood has received numerous awards including Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Picture. He also spent two years as Mayor of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. He now has a home in Hawaii, where he devotes a part of his time when he is not directing or starring in a film.

Shep Gordon

Shep Gordon takes on a different celebrity status than Nelson and Eastwood, as he is a talent manager, film agent, and film producer. Born in 1945, Gordon studied sociology before moving to LA to work as a probation officer. Through unexpected encounters, he began to meet people like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. Shep turned to managing musicians such as Alice Cooper (another Maui local), Blondie, Anne Murray, and Frankie Valli. In the 70s, he recognized a niche with culinary careers and created the Alive Culinary Resources. He started representing chefs helping people like Emeril Lagasse become famous. Gordon also began producing films in the 70s, like the Duelist and Kiss of the Spider Woman. He lives on the south shore of Maui.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is the Queen of Media, a title she has earned by creating many shows like the Oprah Winfrey Show that rose to syndication in the 80s. She is one of the first African-American females to take on such a prestigious title and rise to international fame. Her business prowess has given her the distinction of being the only billionaire African American. She is also the greatest philanthropist with her various charities and donations. Oprah had a tough life, which is perhaps why her work in the Color Purple resonated with her and us. Today, she is not only a philanthropist and TV show host, but she is also a notable actress with a home in Upcountry Maui. She's known to host very popular guests at her home in Kula, like Michelle Obama!

Steven Tyler

Steven Tyler, better known as the frontman for Aerosmith, is a songwriter, singer, instrumentalist, and talent judge. Tyler was born in 1948 and owns multiple homes, including one in Makena Maui. He is known for playing the harmonica, percussion instruments, and piano, as well as for his “screaming” ability. In fact, he is dubbed the “Demon of Screamin’” in the music industry. Tyler got his big break in 1970 with albums like Toys in the Attic and Dream On. Life on the road and in a rock band was not always glamorous. In the late 70s and early 80s, Tyler had a motorcycle accident and also suffered from a drug addiction. He was able to get clean, but in the new millennium, he suffered a relapse. Tyler has spent 46 years with his band Aerosmith and continues to release singles of his own. He's one of the more outgoing Maui locals and loves taking photos with tourists.

Woody Harrelson

Woodrow Harrelson is known to most of the pre-millennials for his role in Cheers, which provided his first success in TV. He was the naïve guy from the west trying to make it in a bigger city, which Harrelson played well, particularly earning five Emmy nominations and one win for his role in the TV show. Today, many people recognize him for his roles in the Hunger Games series, Star War's Solo and many many other great roles. He can often be seen playing soccer in Paia or driving his VW bug around.

Owen Wilson

Owen Wilson is notable for his comic roles, and a few serious yet funny roles. Owen continues to take on roles that help us think of him as the comedian. Wilson has two brothers who have acted, although Luke has gained more notice than their third brother.

Mick Fleetwood

Mick Fleetwood is best recognized as the Fleetwood in Fleetwood Mac. He was the co-founder of the band, which played rock tunes throughout Britain and the USA. Fleetwood spent his childhood years in Egypt and Norway, as well as the UK. Mick also spent a little time acting. Today Fleetwood has a solo career, writes, and spends time in Maui. If you go to Front Street, he has one of the better restaurants in Lahaina called Fleetwood's on Front St.

Kris Kristofferson

Kristoffer Kristofferson is a singer, songwriter, and actor. He was born in 1936 and is best known for his collaborations with Shel Silverstein, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and other country artists. He starred in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, and A Star is Born. And speaking of Star is Born, Lukas Nelson, son of Willie, helped remake A Star is Born and can be seen playing guitar alongside Bradley Cooper. Lukas is on Maui quite a bit along with his younger brother.