Maui County, HI Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting agency
- Department of Parks and Recreation
- Permit type
- Special events permit
- Standard duration cap
- 5 consecutive days
- Legacy festival exception
- 15+ consecutive years running
- General violation fine
- $150 to $500 per conviction
Summary
Any carnival, bazaar, fair, or festival held in a Maui County park needs a special events permit from the Department of Parks and Recreation before it can happen. Permits generally cap out at five consecutive days, and running one unpermitted risks a $150 to $500 fine.
"Special events permit" means a permit for events, activities, fundraising activities, political fundraisers, or tournaments, determined to require a permit, but which do not meet other permit requirements. ... A.Permits required. Certain use or reserved use of a park or recreational facility is subject to the issuance of a permit. Any person, entity, or organization wishing to conduct any activity, event, community class, or program within any park or recreational facility shall obtain a permit from the department prior to conducting the activity, event, lesson, demonstration, class, or program. ... Duration. Other than Maui County legacy festivals and leagues, permits must not exceed five consecutive days, unless authorized by the council by resolution. ... Anyone who violates any provision of this chapter, except sections 13.04A.070(B)(1), 13.04A.070(E), 13.04A.260, or 13.04A.360 shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of no less than $150 and no more than $500.
Full Breakdown
090. The code defines a "special events permit" as covering events, activities, fundraising activities, political fundraisers, or tournaments that do not fit other permit categories, and it separately defines a "vendor" as anyone authorized to sell goods, products, or services at the event. Organizers apply through the department with the event's date, hours, anticipated attendance, and equipment needs, and must pay fees and deposits set in the county's annual budget ordinance before the permit issues. 100(D) caps most special-event permits at five consecutive days unless the county council authorizes a longer run by resolution; the only automatic exception is for a "Maui County legacy festival," one that has run in the county for at least fifteen consecutive years at the same or a nearby park.
Custodial deposits secure cleanup and are forfeited if the site isn't restored, and cancellation notice requirements range from seven days for department-sponsored events up to thirty days for commercial permits. The director can deny an application if the site isn't suitable, a scheduling conflict exists, or the applicant has past citations or unpermitted events on record, and can revoke a permit mid-event for illegal or disorderly conduct.
Violations & Fines
Under section 13.04A.270(A), violating any provision of chapter 13.04A, other than a short list of carve-outs for trespass and vehicle rules, carries a fine of no less than $150 and no more than $500 upon conviction. A prior parks citation or a past event run without a permit is grounds for the director to deny a future special events permit under section 13.04A.100(F). Permit holders also forfeit custodial and key deposits if they fail to clean up or return keys within two business days of the event ending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a street fair in a Maui County park always need a permit?
How long can a Maui festival permit last?
What happens if an organizer runs a fair without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maui County
Compare Maui County to another location·View the Hawaii special events & permits overview
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