This year’s Maui County Fair, to be held October 2 to October 5, 2008, promises an all new orchid show put on by the Maui Orchid Society. If the idea of change frightens some, the Fair also promises to offer most of its other popular attractions, including the local favorite, deep fried twinkies.

With travel to the islands slumping, now is a good time to start planning a getaway to the Maui that includes a trip to its unique County Fair. Room rates and interisland fares are starting to dip and availability is good, making a trip to Maui more affordable than its been in a while.

For example, a room at the no-frills Maui Beach Hotel, which is walking distance to fair grounds, offers a nightly rate during the fair of $117 for a standard room. The Hawaii Superferry offers interisland transport for $59 each way from Honolulu.

For more details about the new orchid show at this year’s fair, see my article in the current issue of Hana Hou!.