Save the Date for Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair Saturday, June 4, 2022 War Memorial Special Events Field 9 a.m - 4:30 p.m. - Admission is Free!
We’re getting close now: only a few more weeks until the return of Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair! Presented by Maui County Farm Bureau (MCFB), this hugely popular event will take place once again at War Memorial Special Events Field on Saturday, June 4, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. As always, admission is free! Parking is $5.
New this year – no plastic water bottles. AgFest is shooting for a Zero Waste event. We’re working with Huliau Events once again. We will have a complimentary water station and other beverages will be on sale.
This year marks the 13th celebration of AgFest, bringing with it all the fun, enthusiasm and awareness of the essential role that agriculture plays in Maui’s economy, environment and lifestyle. All the signature events are back—from the Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast, to the Grand Taste, Keiki Zone, Maui 4-H Livestock Show & Auction, Grown on Maui Farmers’ Market and Ag Education—plus a tantalizing array of food booths and food trucks.
Maui 4-H Livestock Association
For the second year, AgFest merges with Maui 4-H Livestock Association to showcase all the hard work of Maui youth, members and their families.
“Maui County is the birthplace of the 4-H program in Hawai‘i,” said Dr. Kyle Caires, University of Hawaiʻi Livestock Agent. “We wanted to support these keiki, our future leaders, by allowing them to complete their projects and showcase their hard work and determination!” Celebrating its 103rd year of 4-H livestock on Maui, young participants in the 2022 Maui 4-H Youth Livestock Show will showcase a variety of animals and host an auction. See www.MauiAgFest.org for the schedule of events taking place in the 4-H Livestock tent from 8 am – 4:30 pm.
The Grown on Maui Farmers Market
The Grown on Maui Farmers Market offers so many good things to fill up your reusable shopping bags! Local farmers will showcase everything from fresh Hawaiian taro, to Lahaina-grown and -made chocolate, to a rainbow of fruits and vegetables grown right here on Maui.
And new this year, Made in Maui joins the market with agricultural products like Maui Fruit Jewelers, plant-based skincare products by Alohi Maui, and purses and bags made from recycled burlap coffee sacks by Lokelani Burlap. It’s all part of Maui’s vibrant agricultural scene and buy local. Sponsored by Bayer, the Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Agriculture Education
Under the Agriculture Education tent, browse through information from local groups like Grow Some Good and Maui Economic Opportunity. The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) offers tips on everything from growing protea to establishing a pollinator-friendly habitat.
Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast
Another favorite event is the Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast. This special morning is a delicious way to kick off the festival, with an island-style breakfast of sausage, eggs, pancakes, juice and coffee from Fairmont Kea Lani, served up with fresh Maui Gold Pineapple. Sponsored by Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, the event honors local farmers for their contributions to our community.
This year’s Maui Legacy Farmers are: Henry Monden, and the Sakagawas, Vidas and Santos families. The event is from 8 to 10:30 a.m.; tickets are $12 for adults; $6 for children 6 to 12 years old; free for children 5 & under.
Grand Taste
This year’s Grand Taste, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., promises to be extra ‘ono! Sponsored by Ulupono Initiative, the event pits 12 local chefs against each other in an impressive display of locavorism: who will win the coveted “Fan-Favorite” award? Each chef selects a locally grown ingredient and creates a dish to showcase that main ingredient. Grand Taste judges give out awards for “Best Protein,” “Best Vegetarian” and “Best Overall.” Ticket holders try all 12 dishes and then vote for their favorite, with awards announced at 4 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance, $40 day of.
Participating Grand Taste Chefs are: Marc McDowell, SixtyTwo Marcket; Sous Sue Kwok, Montage Kapalua; Matt Dela Cruz, Humble Market Kitchin; Ryan Fox, Humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa; Jonathan Pasion, Kō Restaurant at The Fairmont Kea Lani; Ryan Luckey, Leilani’s on the Beach; Joey Macadangdang, Maca Dang Dang; Kalei Ducheneau, Mala Ocean Tavern; Damian Rubio, Merriman’s Kapalua; Jessie Anacieto, Roy’s Kā‘anapali; Enrique “Henry” Tariga, Seascape Māʻalaeʻa at Maui Ocean Center; and Nolan Gonzales, Tin Roof.
Entertainment
AgFest is all about entertainment and education, and you’ll find plenty of both throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On the Entertainment Stage, Mahi Pono will host keiki and adult Watermelon Eating Contests. Alakaʻi Paleka will emcee and give away prizes; and performers include Maui Taiko, and Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua and Kumu Hula Kamaka Kūkona sharing kāhiko and ‘auna. In addition, outstanding island acoustic ensemble Small Kine from the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific will perform twice. Stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Small Kine features four active duty Airmen musicians performing popular island favorites on drums, guitar, bass and vocals.
Keiki Zone
Keiki ready to get the wiggles out? Run them over to the free Keiki Zone sponsored by A&B, Inc., open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a colorful selection of magic shows, face painting, balloon arts and three bouncers. If that’s not enough, there’s keiki trucks and tractors for keiki fun and big shiny commercial farm tractors and machinery on display.
AgFest is hosted by MCFB and Maui 4-H Livestock Association in partnership with the County of Maui and the Office of Economic Development, along with generous sponsors and industry allies. MCFB gives a big mahalo to gold sponsors Bayer, Mahi Pono, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association, Pacific Radio Group, Pukalani Superette, and Ulupono Initiative. Mahalo also to bronze sponsors Young Brothers and Hawaiian Electric.
Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair is Maui’s signature agricultural festival. Formerly known as the annual “Maui County Agricultural Festival,” AgFest merged with Maui 4-H Livestock Association in 2019 and moved to War Memorial Special Events Field to further expand. The event gives attendees an exciting overview of Maui’s ag industry, with a chance to meet farmers and ranchers and to enjoy the island’s rich agricultural history and culture.
For a final schedule of events and to purchase tickets for Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast and Grand Taste, visit www.MauiAgFest.org.