Roys

Question

We have been in Maui on several trips and love it! Any recommendations as when to go, certain day, sunset, I've heard about bagpipes being played! We are planning a trip in May!!

Answer

Good question! Sounds like you’re talking about Roy’s at Pebble Beach / The Inn at Spanish Bay (not the Maui Roy’s), since you're in Carmel / Monterey County. The nightly bagpiper is a beautiful and very special tradition — here’s a detailed breakdown of when to go, what to expect, and some tips — especially for a May visit.

When to go / best time:

The Spanish Bay Bagpiper plays every evening, rain or shine.
Performance is about 45 minutes long: the piper starts on the first tee of the Links at Spanish Bay and finishes at the fire pits near the Inn’s second green.
The start time depends on the season:
- During Daylight Saving Time (roughly spring–fall), it starts around 5:45 p.m..
- During Standard Time (late fall / winter), it begins about 30 minutes before sunset.
In May, you’ll be in Daylight Saving mode, so the piper should begin around 5:45 p.m. and play until about 6:30 p.m. (per the Pebble Beach Resorts event listing).

Where to watch and enjoy the bagpiper:

A great place to watch is from the fire pits by the Inn’s lobby / patio — very atmospheric and right where the performance ends.
You can also catch parts of the walk from STICKS (sports bar), which is located near the first tee.
Because the fire-pit seating is first-come-first-served, plan to arrive a bit early to grab a good spot, especially in May when it will still be light out early. (Many guests recommend grabbing a drink and heading out to the patio.)

What to expect musically:

The bagpiper plays a rotating repertoire of tunes over the 45-minute performance. In a Q&A, one of the pipers (Lane Olson) said she often plays classics like “Scotland the Brave,” “Amazing Grace,” and “The Skye Boat Song.”

Tips for making the experience special:

Make a dinner reservation at Roy’s or STICKS timed so that you finish your meal around the bagpipe performance — this lets you transition seamlessly into the evening ambiance.
Bring a light jacket — evenings by the coast and near the fire pits can be breezy and cool, even in May. Locals on Reddit regularly recommend dressing warmly.
If you’re staying at Pebble Beach or nearby, this is a must-see “local tradition” moment — many guests say the bagpiper is a highlight of the evening.

Summary / recommendation:

Yes — absolutely plan to go to Roy’s at Pebble Beach / Spanish Bay for dinner *around sunset* in May. That timing gives you the best chance to catch the bagpiper (starting ~5:45 p.m.), and watching from the fire pits is a memorable and atmospheric experience. Combine the music with a relaxing drink or dinner, and you’ll have a very special evening.