What the Hawaii Farmers Union State Convention Is
The Hawaii Farmers Union (HFU) State Convention is the union's yearly gathering of farmers, ranchers, fishers and supporters. The 16th convention, themed "Mahiai Makahiki," ran October 16 to 18, 2026, at the Waimanalo CARES Center (formerly the Waimanalo Research Station) on Oahu. It was the first HFU convention on Oahu since 2017. Speakers included Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, and U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda.
The Three Days
| Day | What happens | Who can attend |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, Oct. 16, 3 to 5 p.m. | Aina Workday at Nation of Hawaii | Sign up through the convention registration page |
| Saturday, Oct. 17, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Public Convention at the CARES Center | Everyone; HFU membership not required |
| Sunday, Oct. 18 | Annual Meeting: policy discussion and adoption and the presidential vote, 9 a.m. to 12 noon | HFU members |
Inside the Public Convention
Saturday offers sessions on farm and food policy, advocacy and markets; talks on aina, food and community; hands-on workshops in soil health, biochar, and cacao and chocolate making; Makahiki Games; and community booths.
Tickets and Scholarships
| HFU member | General admission | |
|---|---|---|
| Last Call, through Oct. 15 | $5 | $15 |
| At the door | $10 | $20 |
Keiki under 12 are free. The Mahiai and Youth Scholarship offers a limited number of awards to new and beginning farmers, ranchers and fishers, and to youth in aina-based programs from neighboring islands, to help them attend. Tickets, volunteer sign-up, community booth applications and scholarship applications are at hawaiifarmers.org/annual-convention.
The Annual Meeting: Who Votes and Key Dates
- Members who are 16 or older, were members as of the August 9, 2026 record date, are in good standing and attend in person get one vote. Members whose membership lapses must renew before or at the meeting.
- Chapters appoint delegates to vote for members who cannot attend.
- The president serves a two-year term. Nominations were due by October 14, 2026, or could be made from the floor; candidates must attend to answer questions.
- Policy resolutions from chapter members were due October 2, 2026, and proposals are posted on the HFU website by October 26, 2026.
- A quorum is 5 percent of voting members, or at least 50 people present in person or by delegate. About 985 members were entitled to vote as of the record date.
Where
Waimanalo CARES Center, 41-698 Ahiki St., Waimanalo, HI 96795.
Questions
Do I have to be a member to attend?
Not for Saturday's public convention. The Sunday annual meeting is for members.
Where do I buy tickets?
Online at hawaiifarmers.org/annual-convention, or at the door on Saturday.
Official Links
- Scholarships help Maui farmers attend the HFU annual convention (Maui Now)
- Notice of Annual Meeting and Election 2026 (PDF)
- Ka Wai Ola calendar listing
- Hawaii Farmers Union United
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Hawaii 4-H Livestock State Show
Statewide 4-H show on Oahu for steers, heifers, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits and poultry, with a livestock auction at 5:30 p.m. on the first day. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 11-12, 2026.
Wahiawa, HI | Organizer: University of Hawaii CTAHR / Hawaii 4-H Official event details - Hawaii 4-H Livestock State Show and Sale
Two-day state finals for 4-H market livestock with a Saturday evening livestock auction, held at Whitmore Village in Wahiawa. Held each year; the most recent dates were July 11-12, 2026.
- Made in Hawaii Festival
More than 400 exhibitors sell Hawaii-made foods and locally grown produce, with buyer, VIP and public sessions. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 20-23, 2026.
Honolulu, HI Official event details - Ewa Carnival
Weekend carnival with rides, games, pony rides and a petting zoo on the Wai Kai Events Lawn. Held each year; the most recent dates were August 15-16, 2026.
Ewa Beach, HI Official event details - Hawaii 4-H Horse Club State Show
Hawaii 4-H horse club members compete at Kualoa Ranch in Kaneohe, closing the summer 4-H livestock show season. Held each year; the most recent date was August 22, 2026.
Kaneohe, HI | Organizer: University of Hawaii CTAHR / Hawaii 4-H Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.