The vibrant nature of Kauai provides ample reason to celebrate. Enjoying life and sharing enjoyment with community is what Kauai does best. Each element gives rise to inspiration, like mango season or traditional drumming! So, there is always something to honor, to share and to celebrate. Festivals are evolved containers for these celebrations; a blend of deeply rooted tradition and modern expression of abundance!
No matter what time of year you visit, there is a festival to join in the fun and experience Kauai’s cultural brilliance.
Spring Festivals
May Day By The Bay (May)
Location: Waiʻoli Beach Park, Heʻe Rd, right on Hanalei Bay.
Admission: $5 entry fee, 5 & under free.
Taking place on the scheduled Saturday in May, this event is a celebration of Hawaiian culture, featuring traditional art, music, dance, food and community efforts. One of the most intimate and endearing festivals of the year, this event illuminates Hanalei Bay and provides a lovely environment to enjoy the whole day!
Anahola Prince Kuhio Day (March)
Location: Anahola Beach Park
Admission: Free!
A day of honor, activities and entertainment, this Saturday-only festival is held to reaffirm the courageous legacy of Prince Kuhio and his impact on native Hawaiian cultural preservation. A ceremony starts the day and sets the tone, followed by exhibits, live music and hula performances.
Summer Festivals
Koloa Plantation Days (July)
Location: Koloa and Poipu
Admission: free!
This week-long event is a collaboration between cultural organizations, foundations, local businesses and grand resorts. Commemorating Kauai’s first sugar plantation and the diverse background of those who migrated to work it, this elaborate festival hosts a spectrum of events and activities throughout the week. Visit Koloaplantationdays.com for an updated schedule.
Sand Castle Contest (August)
Location: Hanalei Bay, usually south end by Pavillions.
Admission: free!
This family-fun event is a congregation of playful sand castle amateurs and impressive sand art professionals! No one is turned away and everyone is welcome to participate in this day-long competition. Spectators, swimmers and beach-combers also contribute to the community vibe. Stroll the strip to see some of the most impressive sand castles on the Pacific!
Waipa Music & Mango festival (August)
Location: Halulu Fish Pond (just north of Hanalei town)
Admission: $10 adults, $1 keiki.
Celebrating the summer’s mango harvest and all the sweetness that comes along with it, this lively event features live music, local crafts and everything mango you can imagine! Right on Hanalei Bay, this is a fleeting, day-long festival you don’t want to miss! Visit Waipafoundation.org for updated information.
Tahitian Dance Competition & Festival (August)
Location: Kapaa Beach Park
Admission: $7 adults, keiki 12 and under free.
This impressive competition brings Tahitian dancers and drummers from all over the Pacific. Saturday and Sunday are packed with performances, ceremonies, cultural displays, and over 40 local food and art vendors.
Fall Festivals
Kauai Coconut festival (October)
Location: Kapaa Beach Park
Admission: $5 adults, keiki 12 and under free.
Two days of coconut festivities fill the field! Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, local vendors and everything coconut you can conjure!
Emalani Festival (October)
Location: Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow in Koke’e State Park
Admission: free!
Commemorating Queen Emma’s journey to the Koke’e uplands and Kilohana vista in 1871, a reverent procession begins the ceremony, followed by hula performances, live music and traditional ceremonies. Local vendors line the field, while locals and visitors alike are welcomed to pull up a blanket and enjoy the authentic entertainment.
Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival (October)
Location: Hanapepe Town
Admission: free, but tickets guarantee free sampling and souvenir tote bag. $15 in advanced, $20 at the door.
Friday and Saturday in Hanapepe are transformed to appease chocolate and coffee lovers alike! Like music fills the air, while demonstrations and educational presentations provide a holistic experience. Sample some of Kauai’s finest local products and indulge in the divine nature of locally-grown goods. Visit https://www.kauaichocolateandcoffeefestival.com for updated information and schedule of events.
Winter Festivals
Waimea Town Celebration (February)
Location: Waimea Town
Admission: varies per event
This festival is Kauai’s largest and oldest! Nine days of cultural and recreational events fill the old plantation town with excitement. Enjoy everything from keiki activities to hula to live music to a film festival to an ice cream eating contest! Visit Waimeatowncelebration.com for updated information.
Kalo Festival (December)
Location: Halulu Fish Pond (just north of Hanalei town)
Admission: $3 adults, $1 keiki.
A fun and unique celebration of one of Kauai’s most important food staples. Enjoy activities, food demonstrations and competitions featuring Kalo (taro) in all it’s diverse and delicious forms! Visit Waipafoundation.org for updated information.
*As the festivals change specific dates/times each year, PLEASE VISIT KAUAIFESTIVALS.COM for up-to-date information. MAHALO!*