What the Maui County Fair Is
The Maui County Fair is a nearly 100-year-old tradition at the War Memorial Special Events Complex in Wailuku. The 99th fair ran October 1-4, 2026, returning after a six-year hiatus. The County of Maui funded the revival, with a $1.5 million appropriation administered through the nonprofit Festivals of Aloha. Fairgoers found carnival rides, local food, cultural showcases, live entertainment, a drone show, a livestock exhibit with cows, sheep, goats, pigs, bulls and small animals, and a Molokai Marketplace of vendors.
Hours and Admission (2026)
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Thursday and Friday | 5-11 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10 a.m.-midnight |
| Sunday | 10 a.m.-11 p.m. |
Admission was $10 for ages 12 and up, $5 for ages 5-11, and free for ages 4 and under.
Contests and How to Enter
Entry forms and information are on themauifair.com under Parade and Contests. No entry fees were listed for any contest.
Small Animal and Poultry Exhibition
Open to Maui County residents, in Youth and Open divisions. Each exhibitor may enter one animal per category in up to three categories. Entries are first-come, first-served until a category fills, with no post-entries. Applications were due September 21, final changes through September 25, and animals received September 30, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Ribbons go to the top three in each category and division, plus Best in Show and People's Choice. Awards were at 7 p.m. on October 3, with pickup October 4, 5-6 p.m. Questions: 808-268-1404.
Student Horticulture Contest
For students in grades K-12 (adult divisions were paused in 2026). Categories: fruits; vegetables; roots and tubers; herbs and spices; flowers and edible blooms. Drop-off was September 30, 2:30-6:30 p.m. at Queen Kaahumanu Center; pickup October 4, 2-5 p.m. Prizes include Best in Show for elementary, middle and high school, ribbons for first to third place, and special awards for Biggest and Heaviest, Most Unusual, and Best Sustainable Garden Story.
Student Art Contest
One original, matted 2-D artwork per Maui County student in grades K-12, in divisions K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-10 and 11-12. Due by 4 p.m. September 18 at the fair trailer. Selected work was displayed at Queen Kaahumanu Center October 1-4.
Student Media Contest
Students create content on site on October 3 at the War Memorial Complex, individually or in teams of up to six. Categories include Feature Story, Short Film, Photo Essay and Social Media Master. Stock content, AI-generated creative elements and pre-existing media are not allowed. Every entry gets feedback from an industry professional.
Fiber Arts Show
Hosted by The Sewing Hui, open to makers of all ages, drop-off September 12-20 at Sew Special in Queen Kaahumanu Center.
Baby of the Year
For infants and toddlers up to 36 months, held October 3 at 11 a.m. on the entertainment stage. Judging covers health and development, personality, presentation and family involvement.
Esports
Smash on October 3 and Mario Kart on October 4, in divisions of 13 and under and 14 and older, limited to the first 64 players per division. Register online by October 1 and bring a waiver.
Questions
Do contests cost anything?
No entry fees were listed. Gate admission applies.
Can adults enter horticulture?
Not in 2026; adult divisions were paused.
Official Links
- 2026 contests announced: rules, deadlines and prizes
- Contest participants sought: admission and deadlines
- 99th fair opening coverage: hours and attractions
Hawaii County Fairs and State Farm Fair: The Essentials
Hawaii's main agricultural fairs are the Hawaii State Farm Fair on Oahu and the Maui County Fair in Wailuku. The 60th Farm Fair was listed for July 11 and 12, 2026 at Whitmore Village, with livestock and 4-H activities, per WorldAtlas. Dates may change.
Maui County Fair
The 99th fair ran October 1 to 4, 2026 at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku, with a livestock exhibit of cows, sheep, goats, pigs and bulls, per Hawaii News Now.
Entries
Maui's Small Animal and Poultry Exhibition took up to three animals per Maui County resident, with a September 21 deadline, per its announcement.
Next steps
Ask your county 4-H leader or extension office for entry dates and rules.
Maui admission in 2026 was $10 for adults and youth 12 and up, $5 for ages 5 to 11 and free for ages 4 and under. Kauai holds a Farm Bureau fruit and vegetable show in Lihue.
Fair dates and rules change from year to year.
Read the full guide: Hawaii County Fairs and State Farm Fair
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Maui AgFest and 4-H Livestock Fair
Held each year; the most recent dates were May 30, 2026, for the 17th AgFest. It combines the Maui 4-H Youth Livestock Show and Auction with chef contests, farmers market, pancake breakfast and CTAHR booths.
- Molokai 4-H Livestock County Show
Molokai 4-H youth exhibit market livestock at Lanikeha Community Center in Hoolehua as part of the Hawaii 4-H summer show season. Held each year; the most recent date was June 6, 2026.
2200 Farrington Ave., Hoolehua, HI | Organizer: Hawaii 4-H, CTAHR Official event details - Maui County Fair Small Animal and Poultry Exhibition
Held each year; the most recent dates were October 1-4, 2026, with awards on October 3. Open to Maui County residents with up to three small animals or poultry entries in separate categories.
Kahului, HI | 808-268-1404 | Organizer: Hui Livestock Poultry Maui Official event details - Maui County Fair Student Horticulture Contest
Held each year; the most recent dates were October 1-4, 2026. Students in grades K-12 enter fruits, vegetables and herbs, with entries dropped off September 30 and picked up October 4.
Kahului, HI | Organizer: County of Maui Official event details - Hawaii High School Rodeo Maui District Rodeos
Season-opening keiki and leadline weekend of the Maui District high school rodeo series, which runs monthly to district finals in April 2027. Held each year; most recent opener was October 10-11, 2026.
Makawao, HI | Organizer: Hawaii High School Rodeo Association Maui District Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.