Your Insider Guide to the 2026 ‘Iolani Fair

 

 

The annual fair returns, with a theme of Beneath Island Skies, bringing a joyful weekend of community, connection and local-style fun to ‘Iolani School. Enjoy classic rides by E.K. Fernandez, test your luck at Midway Games, get crafty in the Keiki Kountry tent, browse the General Store and bid on the silent auction. New highlights include an e-sports video arcade room and two island-inspired keiki craft stations.

 

Come hungry because this fair is famous for its incredible food lineup. Fan-favorite carnival classics like giant turkey legs and waffle dogs return alongside local staples, such as gumbo, huli beef sandwiches, Okinawa soba noodles and mochisadas. This year also features a new selection of gourmet offerings, including poke bowls, jerk chicken, garlic shrimp and indulgent desserts like chocolate mousse crunch and panna cotta.

 

All the food and fun are for a good cause. Proceeds raised benefit student programs, including travel and experiences outside the classroom, for the school’s 2,200 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

 

Click to the information you want to explore:

• Where and When
• How to Pay
• What to Do
• What to Eat
• Tips

 

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SEE ALSO: Things to Do on O‘ahu in April 2026

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Where and When

The fair takes place at ‘Iolani School in Mō‘ili‘ili on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, from noon to 10 p.m.

 

Where to Park

Parking is available at Kaimukī High School (entrance on Winam Ave.) for $5 cash with no in-out privileges. The lot will be open on Friday from 6:45 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

 

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How to Pay

Admission to the fair is free. Rides, games, food and activities are paid with scrips, which are 50 cents each. E.K. Fernandez rides range from 8 to 12 scrips, games range from 5 to 6 scrips per play, and keiki games and activities range from 2 to 10 scrips. Scrips can be purchased with cash, credit or debit cards.

 

These booths will accept credit and debit payments in addition to scrip.

• Lei Po‘o
• Logo Shop
• ‘Ohana Quilters (handmade quilts)
• Plants
• Sweets & Treats (featuring jams, jelly, baked goods and snacks)

 

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What to Do

 

 

Games

Play games galore and collect prize coupons to redeem at the Trading Post. Games include Air Ball, Break the Plate, Dragon Treasure, Fat Cat Baseball, Frog Bog, Pepsi Ring Toss and many more.

 

 

Keiki Activities

At the Keiki Kountry tent, young fairgoers can play games, like Ducky Dash, Garden Dig, Go Fish, Horse Wrangler and Wagon Wheel. Get glam with hair and body glitter as well as glitter tattoos. There are also arts activities, such as creating slime and deco fans. Leaning into the theme, new craft stations include spy bottles and jellyfish mobiles.

 

 

Rides

Carnival favorite EK Fernandez will be there with six family rides. Only scrips will be accepted.

• Balloon Race – 8 scrips
• Jungle Twist – 8 scrips
• Lolli Swings – 8 scrips
• Magic Maze – 8 scrips
• Seven Seas – 12 scrips
• Zero Gravity – 12 scrips

 

General Store

Score homemade jams and jellies, kimchee, baked goods and quilts at the General Store. Lei po‘o, plants and henna tattoos, as well as ‘Iolani Fair and exclusive ‘Iolani School logo items will also be for sale.

 

Silent Auction

The online silent auction will go live on Wednesday, April 15, and end on Saturday, April 18, at 7 p.m. Winning bidders can pick up their items from the fair office on Saturday, April 18, from 8 to 10 p.m. or Sunday, April 19, from 9 to 10 a.m.

 

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SEE ALSO: Your Guide to Farmers Markets on O‘ahu

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What to Eat at the ‘Iolani Fair

Fill up on all of your fair favorites like the huli beef sandwich, gumbo and Okinawa soba noodles, but save room for this year’s new items, including Hiyashi Chuka, a refreshing noodle dish; a limited number will be made with kalo noodles, highlighting the island theme. Wash it all down with an Island Pink Lemonade made with a splash of cranberry juice, popping boba or lychee jelly, and served with an illuminated ice cube and tropical garnish.

 

 

Food Booth Menu

*New for 2026

• BBQ
  • Jerk Chicken*
  • Garlic Shrimp*
  • Combo w/ Chicken and Shrimp*
• Fries & Onion Rings
  • Truffle Garlic Fries
  • Plain Fries
  • Onion Rings
  • Nacho Cheese Sauce*
• Teri Hamburger
• Teri Cheeseburger
• Huli Beef Sandwich With Au Jus
• ‘Iolani Waffle Dog
• Local Bowls
  • Orange Chicken
  • Kalua Pork and Cabbage
• Malasadas
  • Mochisadas
  • Mochisadas with Custard Filling
• Asato Family Shop Sherbets – Strawberry, Green River and Passion Orange
• Okinawa Soba Noodles
• Pizza
  • Pepperoni Pizza Slice
  • Cheese Pizza Slice
• Smoothies
  • Strawberry Cream
  • Cookies and Cream
• Jumbo Smoked Turkey Legs
• Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

 

Gourmet Tent

• Mains
  • Hiyashi Chuka*
  • Mauka to Makai Bowl* (Pork Lechon Kawali and ‘Ahi Poke)
  • Seafood Roll
  • Tofu Poke Salad
• Desserts
  • Chocolate Mousse Crunch*
  • Island Fruit Tart*
  • Panna Cotta*
  • Pizookie*
• Drinks
  • Coffee Jelly
  • Island Pink Lemonade*
  • Italian Cream Soda (Strawberry or Liliko‘i)
  • Milk Tea

 

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Tips

1. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to stay protected during the day.
2. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and refill at the water stations on campus.
3. Tote bags or small backpacks are great for carrying your purchases, game prizes or fair finds. There is also a Will Call booth to stash your stuff.
4. Restrooms are located near the centerfield gate entrance.
5. Parking can fill up quickly, so consider carpooling or using rideshare services.

 

‘Iolani Fair, April 17 and 18, noon to 10 p.m., ‘Iolani School, 563 Kamoku St., Mō‘ili‘ili, iolanifair.org, @iolani_school

 

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Laura Dornbush is a regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine. @ldornbush