Maui's 13th annual Made in Maui County Festival returns this year, giving local makers and small businesses a boost ahead of the holidays.

• The festival runs over two days at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, with a Friday shopping and wholesale/retail buyers day followed by a bigger public festival day on Saturday.
• Thousands of shoppers are expected on the main day, with early arrivals getting free tote bags while supplies last.
• The event spotlights dozens of small Maui businesses selling food, snacks, clothing, jewelry, and wellness products, many of them made by hand in home studios.
• Organizers note that manufacturing in Hawaii is costly and difficult, making the festival an important showcase for local creativity and small-business survival.
• Tickets are available online, and organizers are encouraging visitors from other Hawaiian islands to travel in for the event.

Outlook: The festival is expected to draw strong local turnout again this year as shoppers look to support island-made goods for the holidays.