What to Eat at the Maui County Fair (A Local's Picks)
If you only go to the Maui County Fair for one thing, go for the food. The rides are ok, games are fun and the exhibits are sweet, but for me the fair has always been about cruising the food court to figure out which line is shortest to stuff my face!
This year is the 99th Maui County Fair, running October 1 through 4, 2026 at the War Memorial Special Events Complex in Wailuku. Here are the four things I eat every single year, plus a few local tips so you can eat well without the stress.
1. Chow fun noodles
Chow fun is our first stop, every time. Wide, chewy rice noodles tossed on a hot griddle with char siu, green onion and bean sprouts, all glossy with that savory sauce. So ono! It's the kind of food local families have been grabbing at the fair for as long as I can remember.
My tip: get it early, before the dinner rush. It's easy to share, so it makes a great first round while you plan the rest of your eating.
2. Anything with teriyaki chicken
Plate lunch, skewer, bowl, sandwich … if it has teriyaki chicken, I'm in. You'll smell it before you see it, that sweet, smoky char drifting across the grounds from the grills.
The classic way is a plate lunch with two scoops rice and mac salad. If you want something to eat while you walk, go for a skewer. Either way, don’t hold back!
3. Loco moco
I’ll be honest … when I tried Loco Moco for the first time, I was a little skeptical. That immediately changed the second the fork hit my lips! Loco moco is Hawaii comfort food at its finest! White rice, topped with 1 or 2 hamburger patties, topped with a fried egg & then smothered in brown gravy. It's hearty, it's messy and it soooo gooood! Tastes even better eaten outdoors on a warm Maui night.
If you're visiting and have never tried it, the fair is a perfect place to start. You’ll want to find a spot to sit down for this one. Trust me, it's not a walking food.
4. Funnel cake for dessert
Dessert? Yes please! No fair night is complete without funnel cake. Crispy, golden and buried under a snowfall of powdered sugar. Maybe throw on some strawberries and swirl some chocolate sauce on top?! It's the sweet ending I save room for every year.
Grab one to share and find a spot to people watch. And beware: That powdered sugar goes everywhere.
Local tips for eating at the fair
Bring a clear bag. Clear bags are required for entry this year, so plan ahead.
Bring your water bottle empty. Reusable bottles are allowed but must be empty when you walk in. Fill up inside.
Go hungry, and go with friends. Split plates so you can try more.
Eat early or late. Lines are longest around dinnertime, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Check parking and shuttles before you go. The fair posts current details on its Parking and Shuttles page.
See you at the fair!
The Maui County Fair is one of those traditions that makes this island feel like home. Come hungry, say ‘howzit’ if you see me in line for chow fun & tell me your must-eat fair food. I'm always looking for a new favorite.
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