What makes a festival on Kauai so much fun for malihini (visitors) and
kamaaina (residents)? Well, they’re easy to find, they have
interesting cultural themes, there’s always good food and good music,
shopping is varied and reasonable, and there’s entertainment and
activities for children, too. And of course, there’s plenty of aloha
for everyone!
Various towns on Kauai hold annual festivals and hoolaulea
(celebrations) including Koloa, Waimea, Hanalei, Kapaa, Hanapepe and
Lihue. The festivals are at parks, community centers, shopping
villages, and hotels, so just find the correct town and look and listen
for the music and bustle of people. Free parking will be nearby, most
are child friendly, and seating for kupuna (seniors) is often set up
under a tent at daytime events.
What Kinds of Festivals are There?
Kauai’s multicultural population, history, and flora and fauna
contribute themes that are lively, interesting and educational. There
are many native Hawaiian ceremonies, music concerts, lei contests, and
hula competitions. Japanese festivals include bon dances at Buddhist
temples, cultural and art fairs, and events centered on Okinawan
culture.
In addition to honoring Hawaiian royalty, historic events and culture
with parades, hula shows, luau, and concerts, we celebrate American
holidays with a festive 4th of July concert and fireworks, Christmas
parades, and Veterans’ Day gatherings. The music, dances and costumes
of Tahiti and Polynesia, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, China and
southeast Asia, and Latin America can also be enjoyed at various
events. Kauai celebrates its hard-working farmers and ranchers at farm
fairs and rodeos. Local parades include equestrian pau units, with
female riders dressed in flowing skirts and all riders adorned with
intricate, colorful flower leis. Creative island artisans and crafters
incorporate island fruits, herbs, coffee, and flowers into baked goods,
yummy preserves, tasty sauces, and scented soaps, candles, and bath
products which are offered for sale in booths at nearly every festival.
Island Flavors Abound At Festivals
Any Kauai Festival has to have food—that’s key to the event’s success.
Sample favorite island foods at very reasonable prices from standard
outdoor fare like hamburgers and corn dogs, to “local” dishes with
Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, Puerto Rican and Portuguese flavors.
Annual culinary events showcase Hawaii’s fine seafood and produce and
the talents of island chefs.
Join the Fun!
Kauai Festivals are not staged exhibitions for a few people; they are
genuine community gatherings that bring together old friends and new to
enjoy each other’s company, to share food and to enjoy local music and
culture. Admission to festivals and fairs is free or usually minimal,
so families can enjoy the day or evening together. Organizers work hard
to make children and seniors comfortable.
Within view of Kauai’s magnificent mountains or idyllic beaches, you’ll
find festivals and fairs with a lot of aloha. You’ll meet families from
all parts of the island and visitors from all over the world. You’ll
enjoy music, foods, and products from many cultures and places. Enjoy a
Kauai Festival and you’ll have fond memories of the fun and aloha that
you discovered there!
