The 99th Maui County Fair runs October 1–4, 2026 at War Memorial Special Events Complex in Wailuku, as confirmed by the County of Maui. The organizer has posted admission prices, opening hours, and the Thursday parade. The posted schedule and admission rules make it easier to pick the right fair day.

For a trip already passing through Central Maui, choose Thursday if the parade matters, or a weekend morning if you want an earlier start with children. Keep admission money separate from the ride budget: the gate takes cash, and the E.K. Fernandez Fun Pass does not pay for fair entry.

The official admission page lists these 2026 fair hours:

• Thursday, October 1: 5–11 p.m.
• Friday, October 2: 5 p.m.–midnight.
• Saturday, October 3: 10 a.m.–midnight.
• Sunday, October 4: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.

Thursday's parade starts at 4:30 p.m. The County's August 19 parade announcement says it begins at UH Maui College, follows Kaʻahumanu Avenue, and proceeds to Kanaloa Avenue. Treat parade time and gate-opening time as separate parts of the evening. Leave space in the drive for the event instead of using a normal commute estimate as a promise.

Posted admission is $10 for ages 12 and older, $5 for ages 5–11, and free for children ages 4 and younger. Admission gates accept cash only. For two adults and two children ages 5–11, that is $30 at the gate before rides or food. Recheck the current admission terms before going.

The fair's E.K. Fernandez page explains the Fun Pass app and ride credits. It explicitly excludes fair admission and the food booths and activities operated by the fair and its nonprofit organizations. Set a ride allowance before loading credits: the page says unused credits are not refundable.

The same page advertises discount ride hours on Saturday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to closing. It also advertises free Sunday admission for the first 2,000 attendees through Fun Factory Day. Treat that limited offer as a possibility, not a guaranteed saving; bring admission cash anyway. Check the posted height requirements before buying ride credits for children.

Bring a clear bag if you can. The fair homepage says clear bags are required. The entry policy's “Clear bags!” section also says, “You're still welcome to bring other bags,” followed by a full-search and zip-tie tagging requirement. Those notices do not match. Confirm with the organizer if you need another type of bag.

Empty reusable water bottles are allowed; empty them before the gate. The detailed policy prohibits outside food and drinks, coolers, and glass containers. It also says leaving requires a new admission ticket to return, with exceptions at management's discretion. Finish the car run before entering, and ask the organizer about any necessary exception before arrival.

Use the Maui driving-times guide to compare the trip from your hotel, then check current routing before leaving. Our recommendation is to give the fair its own afternoon or evening instead of sandwiching it between a long excursion and a fixed dinner reservation. Check the organizer's latest parking instructions; do not assume a particular lot, price, or shuttle arrangement.

If you want to add ʻĪao Valley, read our ʻĪao Valley guide for current access and reservation requirements first. Save Hawaii Guide stops in My Trip, and keep the fair's date and entry details with your own trip notes. The fair schedule should set the day's endpoint.

The organizer describes exhibits, local food, and live music on its fair homepage. Check the current program for a performance you want to see; an artist's appearance at a past fair does not confirm a 2026 booking. The County's announcement invites local nonprofits to apply for food-vendor booths, so look at the booth's name and menu before deciding where to spend.

For the rest of the trip, use our October Maui events guide to compare other dates. For this outing, settle the day first, bring gate cash, and check the entry policy again before leaving your hotel.