The Maui County Special Fair Day will return to Wailuku on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, for a private event dedicated to Maui Nui community members with intellectual and developmental disabilities, according to an announcement by Mayor Richard Bissen. Volunteers are being sought for the celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at War Memorial Special Events Complex.

“Join us for a special day at the fair created with people with a wide range of disabilities and access needs in mind --  our goal is for this community to experience the joy, excitement and traditions of the fair in a welcoming environment where accessibility, belonging and inclusion are at the heart of the experience,” Mayor Bissen said. “We also encourage community members to volunteer and be part of an event that gives back in so many meaningful ways. Together, we can create a welcoming experience where everyone feels included, supported and celebrated.”

With approximately 2,000 participants expected this year, Special Fair Day is calling on the Maui community to help make the day possible. The event welcomes individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical and mobility disabilities, Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, blind and low-vision people, autistic and other neurodivergent people, and people with sensory, speech, language, or communication disabilities.

Community members wishing to volunteer and guests wanting to register online can visit www.themauifair.com/special-fair-day; deadline for guests to register is Friday, Sept. 18.  Registered participants will receive confirmation by Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.

Individuals, families, community organizations and businesses interested in volunteering, supporting accessibility efforts or becoming involved with Special Fair Day are encouraged to visit www.themauifair.com/special-fair-day, email accessibility@themauifair.com or call (808) 214-6120 for more information.

Volunteers are needed to welcome guests, assist with registration and check-in, provide directions and wayfinding, support activities, help distribute meals and prizes, assist with event operations and simply help create the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes Special Fair Day so special. Professional disability-services experience is NOT required for general volunteer positions. Volunteers will receive guidance on respectful and inclusive interaction with guests with disabilities. Specialized accessibility and skilled positions will be coordinated separately.

“Special Fair Day has always been such a meaningful tradition for our community, and this year we are taking a closer look at what true inclusion can look like,” said Kate Ducheneau, Accessibility & Inclusion Chair for Maui County Fair Special Fair Day. “As the mom of a child with disabilities, I come to this role first as a parent. I know how much it means when you arrive somewhere and realize someone thought about your ‘ohana before you ever walked through the gate. That is the feeling we want families and individuals to have.”

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 nonprofit Festivals of Aloha.