After long break, historic 98th Maui County Fair draws more than 100,000 to Wailuku

After six years without the fair, the community came together to celebrate the historic return of the Maui County Fair in Wailuku from Oct. 2-5, 2025.

More than 115,000 fairgoers attended the festival over four days to enjoy E.K. Fernandez rides, games, booths, contests, food and entertainment. Attendance breakdown from fair organizers is: day one - 28,588; day two - 26,538; day three - 27,997; day four - 33,491 (total - 116,614).

Mayor Richard Bissen, who spearheaded the fair's revival, praised the historic community event.

"Sponsored by the County of Maui and brought to life by Festivals of Aloha, key sponsors and countless community partners, this year's fair wasn't just an event - it was a homecoming," Mayor Bissen said. "Mahalo to the many hands that made the 98th Maui County Fair and Parade possible, along with the tens of thousands of residents who made new memories together. The well-being of our people remains one of my top priorities, and we look forward to a hana hou for the fair in 2026."

Under clear skies and with hearts full, residents gathered to reconnect through shared traditions, delicious food, thrilling rides and unforgettable memories.

"This year's fair was about more than fun - it was about healing and remembering who we are," said 2025 fair organizer Daryl Fujiwara, Festivals of Hawaiʻi executive director. "We came together as one 'ohana to celebrate what makes Maui Nui special."

A taste of Maui

With more than 40 nonprofit food booths lining the fairgrounds, flavors ranged from local classics like chow fun, garlic noodles with teriyaki chicken and nachos to sweet favorites like waffle cake, slushy POG, kūlolo sundae and shave ice. Fair staples such as cotton candy and candied apple could also be found.

Scores of local vendors brought clothing, accessories, fishing supplies, food goods and other products and services. Fairgoers also surveyed the array of contests, including Baby of the Year, Orchids, Student Art, Fiber Art, Livestock and E-Sports.

Entertainment for all ages

Entertainment stages lit up with award-winning musicians and performers, live bands and dancers. Highlights included Grammy Award-winning Kalani Peʻa, Hālau Ke'alaokamaile with Nā Kumu Hula Keali'i Reichel, Hālau o ka Hanu Lehua with Kumu Hula Kamaka Kukona, 'Āinaty, Jordan Soon, Da Braddahs, Kaʻikena Scanlan, Hālau Nā Lei Kaumaka O Uka with Kumu Hula Nāpua Silva, Henohea Kāne, Nā Leo Pilimehana and Nuff Sedd.

Thanks to the return of E.K. Fernandez rides, the fairgrounds buzzed with excitement. Fairgoers experienced a variety of attractions including the new Wacky Worm mini coaster, along with longtime favorites, such as Pharaoh's Fury, Super Sizzler and Lolli Swings. Dozens of games lined the fair, with prizes for winners.

Former Mayor Michael Victorino, who worked tirelessly on the Maui County Fair over the years, served as Grand Marshal of the 98th Maui County Fair Parade, which kicked off the festivities Thursday. The parade down Kaʻahumanu Avenue on opening day showcased scores of colorful floats, school bands and cultural displays. The number of parade entrants was approximately 3,500. For a full video of the parade, visit the County of Maui Facebook page.

A County of Maui-driven comeback

Mayor Richard Bissen spearheaded the return of the Maui County Fair at War Memorial Stadium Complex, which did not continue after 2019 due to pandemic, financial and other challenges. Earlier this year, Mayor Bissen proposed and Maui County Council approved the appropriation of $1.5 million from the General Fund to revive this year's fair through contractor Festivals of Aloha. Hundreds of volunteers, local businesses and nonprofits came together to ensure the event's success. For a list of sponsors, visit themauifair.com.

For more information on the fair, visit https://www.themauifair.com/.