How Hawaii Fairs and Livestock Shows Work
Hawaii does not have a single county-fair circuit like the mainland. Instead, a handful of island events carry the agricultural spotlight: the Hawaii State Farm Fair on Oahu, the Maui County Fair in Wailuku, and a produce show on Kauai. Youth livestock projects are tied to 4-H, and the state fair's livestock side has been run with the Hawaii State 4-H Livestock Council. Rules, entry dates and fees change from year to year, so the organizer's current information always wins over a general guide. The details below come from news and event reports, and any date may change.
Hawaii State Farm Fair
The Hawaii State Farm Fair is the state's best-known agricultural fair. A 2026 event roundup from WorldAtlas lists the 60th annual fair for July 11 and 12, 2026, at Whitmore Village on Oahu, next to Kahi Kani Park, with livestock and 4-H activities, a plant sale, a country market, food vendors and contests.
Recent history
- 2025: The fair opened July 12 at 9 a.m. and ran until 7 p.m., with a second day July 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Whitmore Village, its new home. Coverage described a return after a two-year hiatus, sponsored by the Hawaii Farm Bureau.
- 2019: The fair was held July 13 and 14 at Kualoa Ranch in Kaneohe, organized by the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the state Department of Agriculture and the Hawaii State 4-H Livestock Council, with a $5 adult admission and free entry for children and students with valid ID, per Honolulu Magazine.
- 2011: The Star-Advertiser reported that the fair was nearly canceled over leadership changes at the Farm Bureau, so local 4-H ran the livestock competition at Kualoa Ranch, as noted in its report.
The 4-H livestock tent
In 2019, the 4-H Livestock Tent let visitors see steer, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens and a guinea pig, with showmanship events and young handlers ready to answer questions. If you are a parent new to Hawaii 4-H, a visit is the best way to see what a project animal looks like before you commit.
Auctions and Target Weights
The 2011 report described animals being auctioned on the evening of the first fair day, and said young exhibitors aim for a target weight rather than the heaviest animal, since extra weight earns no extra money at auction. The organizers framed that as a lesson in efficiency. Current weight ranges, sale order and buyer rules are not published in the sources found for this guide, so ask your county 4-H office or the livestock council for the current book.
Maui County Fair
The 99th annual Maui County Fair opened Thursday, October 1, 2026, right after the parade, and ran through Sunday, October 4 at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku. It marked the fair's return after a six-year break. The livestock exhibit featured cows, sheep, goats, pigs, bulls and small animals such as guinea pigs.
2026 hours
- Thursday and Friday: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to midnight
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Admission and entries
Per a pre-fair announcement, admission was $10 for adults and youth 12 and up, $5 for ages 5 to 11, and free for ages 4 and under. Entry details for agricultural contests included:
- Small Animal and Poultry Exhibition: open to Maui County residents, up to three animals total, with a deadline of Monday, September 21.
- Student Horticulture: for K-12 students growing fruits, vegetables and flowers, with drop-off Wednesday, September 30, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Queen Kaahumanu Center. Adult divisions were paused that year.
The announcement lists more information at themauifair.com. It did not describe large-livestock entry classes, so contact the fair if you plan to bring a steer, pig or lamb.
Kauai and the Other Islands
On Kauai, WorldAtlas says the Kauai County Farm Bureau Fruit and Vegetable Show in Lihue replaced the larger Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair and focuses on local produce, floral displays, bonsai and backyard-garden entries instead of carnival rides. No date was given. This guide found no published fair details for Hawaii Island, Molokai or Lanai, so check with your local extension office and 4-H leaders.
Other Fairs You May See Listed
The same roundup lists the Ewa Carnival, August 15 and 16, 2026, at Wai Kai Events Lawn in Ewa Beach, with rides, games, food, pony rides and a petting zoo. It is a community carnival rather than a livestock show. The Made in Hawaii Festival, August 20 to 23, 2026, at the Hawaii Convention Center, is a small-business festival and not a fair.
Practical Tips
- Join 4-H or FFA first and ask your leader which fair your project animal can enter before you buy an animal.
- Watch for entry deadlines early. Maui's small animal and poultry deadline fell about ten days before the fair.
- Check dates every year. Both the state fair and the Maui fair have taken breaks, so confirm that your fair is running.
- Plan for shade, water and parking on show days.
- Ask exhibitors questions. Handlers at the 4-H tent were set up to explain their animals to visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the 2026 Hawaii State Farm Fair?
At Whitmore Village on Oahu, July 11 and 12, 2026, per the WorldAtlas roundup.
How much did the Maui County Fair cost in 2026?
$10 for adults and youth 12 and up, $5 for ages 5 to 11, and free for ages 4 and under.
Can I bring a pig or steer to the Maui County Fair?
The livestock exhibit included cows, sheep, goats, pigs and bulls, but entry rules for large animals were not published in the sources found. Contact the fair.
Who runs the 4-H livestock side of the state fair?
The Hawaii State 4-H Livestock Council was a named organizer in 2019.
Hawaii Listings Covered by This Guide
- 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.
- Kauai County Farm Bureau Farm Fair Tribute
Held each year; the most recent dates were August 29, 2026. A Fruit and Vegetable Show anchors the day, with agency booths, bonsai demonstrations, cooking demos by Kauai Community College culinary students and keiki activities.
- Kauai County Farm Bureau Fruit and Vegetable Show
Kauai-grown produce, flower and bonsai show themed Stop the Spread of Invasive Pests, with farmer vendors, agency partners, demonstrations and children's activities. Held each year; the most recent date was August 29, 2026.
Lihue, HI | Organizer: Kauai County Farm Bureau Official event details - Maui County Fair
Held each year; the most recent dates were October 1-4, 2026, for the 99th fair. It features rides, food, parade and contests, with agriculture contests held at Queen Kaahumanu Center and adult horticulture paused for construction.
- 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
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.