Welcome to the heart of Kauai, full of historic celebrations and cultural festivities. Here are some of the best annual Lihue Kauai events that you won’t want to miss.
Feature Photo Courtesy of King Kamehameha Day Kauai Facebook
May
Celebrate your love of Leis with the Annual Lei Day Celebrations at the Kauai Museum. Held on the first of May, Lei Day festivities involve honoring the Aloha spirit. These beautiful garlands of flowers when gifted represent a great sign of respect. The Kauai Museum Lei Day Celebrations are hosting multiple workshops and competitions for all to enjoy.
If you’re looking to directly contribute to the Kauai community, join the Annual Visitor Industry Charity Walk! All funds raised from the walk will serve over 60 non-profit organizations on the island.
June
In honor of King Kamehameha, Lihue offers the King’s Parade Celebration & Ho’olaule’. The Parade boasts large floats, dancers, and equestrians as they travel along Rice Street, adorned in colourful ornaments.
If you’re looking for more opportunities to learn and support the arts of Hula, stop by the Annual Hula Exhibition at the Kauai Beach Resort & Spa! In this event, instructors host multiday workshops and special questionnaire sections for those who are curious about these traditions. Dancers will wrap up the weekend with a grand performance that you won’t want to miss!
July
Come and fall in love with the Concert in the Sky, a festival of lights and music hosted by the Kauai Hospice. Pitched in the Vidinha Stadium Soccer Field, the Kauai Hospice organizes the largest fireworks display in all of Kauai.
October
The Hilton Garden Inn at Wailua Bay welcomes musicians of the Pacific and beyond in the Kauai Songwriter’s Music Festival. The festival invites several famous poets, lyricists and artists to engage with the local community. Throughout the event, opportunities to participate in several workshops will also be given, to celebrate the art of songwriting.
It’s time to embrace autumn with pumpkins, crafts and drums! At the Annual Chocolate & Coffee Festival there are 40+ vendors of various chocolates and coffee to be sampled. Special vendors, activities, and live entertainment will contribute to a full evening of warmth.
November
Ever heard of Slack-Key Guitar? Its a style of playing, originally an indigenous art form, developed in the 19th century by native Hawaiians. The Hawaiian Slack-Key Guitar Festival is held in honour of this lineage, in the form of an annual 4 hour concert at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall.
December
Wrap up the year with the Lights on Rice Parade. Follow Rice Street to see one of Kauai’s largest family-friendly attractions. Familiarize yourself with the many performers, floats, glamorous decorations, and rich history these streets have to share.
Looking for holiday gifts to bring back to your relatives? Come to Kauai’s Holly Jolly Holiday Fair! There are a plethora of vendors who specialize in all sorts of apparel. Immerse yourself in the Kauai community with local schools choirs and bands performing live. Get into the merry spirit by greeting Santa Clause himself.
If you prefer a more cozy way to greet the holidays, you’ll enjoy the Holiday Hula Celebration. This event holds a variety of musical presentations, anywhere from traditional dance to contemporary. The Holiday Hula Celebration organizes bake sales and craft fairs to present a chance to find the most unique gifts for your loved ones.
