All accepted parade participants must attend a mandatory meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 6–7 p.m. at Pōmaikaʻi Elementary School Cafeteria, where staging assignments, parade rules and admission tickets will be distributed.
As in recent years, the fair route will start at UH-Maui College, and travel along Kaʻahumanu Avenue before proceeding to Kanaloa Avenue.
“The parade brings together ʻohana, businesses, schools, organizations and community groups to celebrate the people, traditions and community spirit that make Maui special,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “It’s an opportunity for our community to come together, share in the excitement and enjoy a cherished part of the Maui County Fair.”

New this year, participating parade units will have the opportunity to compete for “Best Of” awards in five categories:

• Walking/Marching Unit — more than 50 participants
• Walking/Marching Unit — fewer than 50 participants
• Mobile Unit
• Walking/Mobile Unit
• Overall

For parade questions, contact the Maui Fair Administrative Office at 808-214-6120, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., or emailparade@themauifair.com.

For more details on each of the contests and exhibitions at the 99th Maui County Fair, visit https://www.themauifair.com/; click on “Parade & Contests” on the top navigation menu. Participants, volunteers and sponsors are encouraged to sign up to receive information on this year’s event.
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The Maui County Fair brings residents and visitors together for four days of food, entertainment, culture and family fun. Mayor Richard Bissen spearheaded the fair’s return after a six-year hiatus, and earlier this year proposed—and the Maui County Council approved—a $1.5 million General Fund appropriation to support this year’s fair through Festivals of Aloha.
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Located in Honuaʻula on Maui’s South Shore, Mākena Golf & Beach Club (MGBC) works hard at being a caretaker, developing community activities, fostering cultural ties, preserving antiquity, and engaging land stewardship. Humbly acknowledging our position as a developer, we are continually learning, giving back, and ensuring the beauty and history of Honua‘ula is honored and perpetuated. MGBC has made efforts to contribute positively, recognizing the responsibilities that come with building in a place rich in history and natural resources. This approach involves supporting local causes and integrating Hawaiian values, though it's part of a broader conversation about balancing growth with preservation.
 
MGBC seeks to be a good neighbor and steward, centering its local involvement through its employment opportunities, Community Engagement efforts, and support of the Aloha Makena Foundation. MGBC has donated to various Maui nonprofits over the years, with a focus on health, food, housing, and conservation. Examples include matching grants for Mālama Family Recovery Center’s Mana Wahine Garden, sponsorship of Paddle Imua for children with special needs, and support for the Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair. MGBC has also backed youth programs like the Boys & Girls Club Maui's Little Chef Big Chef and the Aloha Mākena Endowed Scholarship at the University of Hawai'i. In terms of sponsorships, MGBC supports golf tournaments such as "Hope on the Fairway" for the Maui Food Bank, and Ulu Mai He Wai for watershed organizations. They also host dinners, including the I Mau Ke Aloha Dinner for land trusts, and a benefit for organizations that support Kahoʻolawe.
 
The 'Ōiwi Resources & Stewardship Department was created to handle natural and cultural resources in Makena. It organizes activities like the Pilina ʻĀina: Seed & Plant Workshop, which teaches native plant propagation, and assumed stewardship of Hale Pili, a canoe house, following its blessing. This department aims to incorporate indigenous perspectives, providing a way to blend development with traditional practices.
 
As the first developer in Hawai'i to introduce "green streets," MGBC sets a dazzling standard for sustainable innovation with a project at Honoiki and Keoneʻōʻio roads. The design focuses on sustainability, allowing better water management and native plant integration to reduce environmental impact.
 
Conservation work includes the Mākena Landing Restoration Project, where invasive kiawe trees were removed, followed by replanting natives to enhance safety and ecology. Partnerships with groups like Hawaiʻi Land Trust and Malama Kahālāwai support these efforts. The Lau Ke Aloha series offers free community events centered on Hawaiian games and art inspired by native species, which tie into larger fundraisers and encourage environmental awareness.
 
MGBC positions itself as part of the community, emphasizing reciprocity to address the implications of its work. This mindset acknowledges the need to give back, though ongoing dialogue with locals ensures these efforts align with broader community priorities.