The 98th Maui County Fair wrapped up recently, celebrating local culture and community spirit with a series of competitions that ranged from the adorable Baby of the Year contest to a display of horticultural prowess by Maui's students. The fair, held at the War Memorial Stadium Complex in Wailuku, drew an impressive crowd of over 115,000 attendees across four days, indicating the event's significant draw for both locals and visitors alike.
According to the County of Maui, Mayor Richard Bissen, "These contests are more than ribbons and trophies -- they represent Maui Nui’s unique blend of culture, creativity and community pride, from our keiki to our kūpuna." The beloved Baby of the Year contest saw over 175 keiki participate, with 50 preselected to make their adorable debut on the fairgrounds' main stage. The competition was presented by Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawai‘i, and Aloha Diaper Bank. Alongside the cuteness overload, the fair hosted an array of competitions, including the Orchid Show, Livestock and Poultry, and the burgeoning E-Sports showdown.
The E-Sports contest kicked into high gear with the Mario Kart World Tournament held at Baldwin High School Gym, while agriculture enthusiasts could delve into the vibrant displays of local flora at the Student Horticulture competitions. The eclectic mix of events showcased at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center featured Student Art exhibits, Fiber Arts, and the stunning varieties of orchids competing for top honors.
A massive mahalo from the county was directed towards the team behind the fair’s success, led by 2025 Maui County Fair Director Daryl Fujiwara of Festivals of Aloha. The event's smooth operation was the result of a dedicated committee's collective effort, which included Jasmine Ryan, Jaydon Isobe, Kanani Dutro, and others, who ensured that everything, from finance management to parking details, was handled with precision.
The livestock competitions brought the farm to the fair, with participants ranging from youth to open categories presenting goats, pigs, and poultry of all kinds. Highlights included Joey Cardoza's Simmental steer and Angus bull taking top placements, and the Grand Prize going to Jeric Bautista for his Sweater Albany bird. To wrap up the diverse showcase, the Fiber Arts segment of the fair saw works of crochet, knitting, quilting, and more earn their creators Best in Show accolades.
Each segment of the Maui County Fair, from the creativity manifest in student art to the digital dexterity required by E-Sports, embodied the strength of community and the pride that Mayor Bissen underscored in his statement. While the fair may be an annual event, the memories and achievements celebrated resonate throughout the year as a reminder of the talent and unity that thrives in Maui County.
