Events Calendar - Kauai

Every July Fourth
"CONCERT IN THE SKY"
This annual fundraiser for Kauai Hospice offers the largest aerial fireworks show on Kauai, as well as family fun and games, and great food from top hotels and restaurants. Gates open at 2pm with continuous live entertainment. Vidinha Soccer Field in Lihue. Admission price is $10 for adults; $5 for keiki (children) 6 - 12 yrs; under 5 free. Tickets available after May 1 at all Big Save and Menehune Food Marts. For more information call (808) 245-7277.

Last Week of July Every Year
KOLOA PLANTATION DAYS
A full week of special events and festivities. Including entertainment, sporting events, craft fair, block party, rodeo, Hawaiian games, a parade, historic walks & videos, and a full day celebration. For more information call (808) 822-0734.

Late July
HAWAIIAN SAILING CANOE ASSOCIATION RACE
The Hawaiian sailing canoe association will be holds its longest race of the season. Fifteen Hawaiian sailing canoes race from Haleiwa, Oahu to Nawiliwili, Kauai--90 miles in a 6-man sailing canoe. Both men and women race this event together. No gender divisions. For more information call Terry Galin (808) 262-4681.

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June Through August
OBON DANCES AND FESTIVALS
Buddhist temples throughout the islands celebrate the Obon tradition, which was brought to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants and evolved into a social and cultural event, as well as a religious custom, designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merrymaking. Special services usually start at 7:00 p.m. followed by a festival with bon (folk) dance at 8:00 p.m. Held at different temples on different dates. Check newspapers for schedule.

Early August
KAUAI MUSIC FESTIVAL
A four-day celebration of the art of song writing, offering seminar style instruction for small groups of songwriters, lectures, panel discussions, song writing contest, demo recordings, festival marketplace and two major concerts. America's top performing songwriters will be there. Events to take place at the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort in Lihue. For more information call (808) 634-6237.

Early August Through Late September
TROUT FISHING SEASON
Fishing in streams and reservoir of Kokee State Park starts on the first Saturday in August, continues for 16 consecutive days, then on weekends and holidays through to the end of September. Fishing license required. For more information call State Department of Land and Natural Resources (808) 274-3344.

Early August
HEIVA I KAUAI
The annual Heiva I Kauai Iorana Tahiti in Lihue is an International Tahitian dance competition, taking place over several days, with solo and group performances, plus traditional and contemporary drumming categories. The Heiva begins with a Blessing, Opening Ceremony and Tamaraa honoring visiting dignitaries and the participating competitors. The program includes the Mr./Miss Heiva I Kauai Pageant. This is a colorful introduction to the festivities that follow, which include dinner and a show. For more information call (808) 822-9447.

Late August
KAUAI COUNTY FARM BUREAU FAIR
Annual county fair features rides, food, entertainment, crafts, orchids for sale and more. Vidinha Stadium, Lihue. For more information call (808) 828-2120.

GARDEN ISLAND ORCHID SHOW
An orchid show of hundreds of varieties. Orchids are on display and for sale along with lectures and demonstrations of general orchid culture. Held in Lihue at Vidinha Stadium and part of the Kauai Farm Bureau Fair. For more information call (808) 742-0333.

Early August Through Late September
TROUT FISHING SEASON
Fishing in streams and reservoir of Kokee State Park starts on the first Saturday in August, continues for 16 consecutive days, then on weekends and holidays through to the end of September. Fishing license required. For more information call State Department of Land and Natural Resources (808) 274-3344.

Late Summer to Mid Fall
ALOHA FESTIVALS
Aloha Festivals is Hawaii's premier cultural showcase, a celebration of Hawai'i's music, dance and history intended to preserve the unique island traditions. Events include Royal Court Investiture, a Falsetto Competition, luau and much more. For more information call (808) 589-1771. Mid to Late

September
KAUAI MOKIHANA FESTIVAL
An annual celebration of Hawaiian culture and arts featuring events across the island, including two days of hula competition, a stringed instruments competition, and a hoolaulea (party) with music, food, crafts, and more hula. For more information call (808) 822-2166.

Mid September to Late October
ART KAUAI
The Kauai Society of Artists annual juried art exhibition. Kukui Grove Exhibition Hall. For more information call (808) 823-0579.

Late September
MATSURI KAUAI
A full day of music and dance performances, exhibitions and demonstrations celebrating the Japanese culture. Participate in mochi pounding, oshibana, tea ceremony, and kimono dressing. Live performances, bon dance, games, crafts and food. Kauai Memorial Convention Hall, all day. For more information call (808) 822-5353 or (808) 335-3219.

Late Summer to Mid Fall
ALOHA FESTIVALS
Aloha Festivals is Hawaii's premier cultural showcase, a celebration of Hawai'i's music, dance and history intended to preserve the unique island traditions. Events include Royal Court Investiture, a Falsetto Competition, luau and much more. For more information call (808) 589-1771.

Mid September to Late October
ART KAUAI
The Kauai Society of Artists annual juried art exhibition. Kukui Grove Exhibition Hall. For more information call (808) 823-0579.

First Weekend in October
COCONUT FESTIVAL
An annual event that features all things coconut, highlights the cultural, social and historical importance of the coconut. Unique coconut foods, crafts, games and contests will be featured. Kapaa Beach Park, East Side, all day. For more information call (808) 651-3273.

Mid October
KAUAI POWWOW
Over 200 Native Americans from across America and many friends join in a celebration of cultural exchange with the people of Kauai, accompanied by visiting youth drum groups. Native American and Native Hawaiian-made crafts, clothing, food, musical instruments and hands-on activities. Native American dancing all day. Ten a.m. to sundown both days. Kapaa Beach Park. For more information call (808) 335-5427.

Mid October
EO E EMALANI I ALAKAI FESTIVAL (QUEEN EMMA FESTIVAL)
The annual EmMalani Festival commemorates Queen Emma's historic 1871 trek up Waimea Canyon and into the Alakai Swamp. Enjoy the royal procession, authentic hula, traditional Hawaiian music, crafts and exhibits. Kokee State Park. Free. For more information call (808)335-9975.

Mid October
HAWAIIANA FESTIVAL
The annual Hawaiiana Festival at the Hyatt Regency, Kauai, features a talk-story tour of unique flora and fauna and a day of demonstrations portraying some of the Hawaiian culture's unique arts and crafts.  The event features a series of performances and entertainment, a protocol ceremony to the Aloha Week Court, multiple demonstrations, talk-story sessions, teaching of unique Hawaiian arts and crafts, as well as a Hawaiian buffet lunch.  Multiple educational sessions are also offered. For more information call Stella Burgess, 808-240-6369.

Mid to Late October
HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
This annual event specializes in Pacific Rim films and offers a wide assortment of newly released and obscure films. Films are shown at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center and theaters across the island. For more information visit the Hawaii International Film Festival web site. For more information call (808) 528-3456 ext. 17.

Late October
HANAPEPE SPOOK NIGHT
The Hanapepe Town Association presents its annual Hanapepe Spook Night, located in the Town Park from 2-6pm. A costume parade will start at 3pm within the park. Prizes and light refreshments for participants will follow. Free to the public. Don’t cook! Come grind with Da Imu Hut in Hanapepe Town Park and off you go to start your evening of fright at Russell the Rooster’s “Haunted House” located at Storybook Theatre 5-8pm!

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Six Times A Year
GARDEN ISLAND ARTISAN FAIRE
over 40 Artisans from Kaua'i showcase an array of handcrafted products from Kaua'i and Polynesia.
There’s Hawaiian music all day, Plate lunches, Hawaiian Shave ice, and Smoothies.
Free and open to the public Poipu Beach from 9am-3pm.
For more information call 808-245-9021.

September through May
KAUAI CONCERT ASSOCIATION CONCERT SERIES
The Kauai Concert Association concert series features a wide variety of performances including
Latin/jazz, string quartet, modern and classical dance, piano/violin, jazz piano, gospel, classical
piano, a jazz festival and more. Programs vary year to year.
All performances take place at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center.
Ticket prices range from $30 to $45. For more information call (808) 245-SING.

Late November
HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR FESTIVAL "KAUAI STYLE"
The Kauai Slack Key Guitar Festival features many of the island's top slack key guitar
artists. Radisson Kauai Beach Resort, Lihue. For more information call (808) 239-4336.

Late November
HYATT HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
Handmade arts and crafts are displayed by over 60 island crafters including
Niihau Shell leis, Koa wood jewelry, lauhala woven picture frames and much more.
Presented annually at the Hyatt Regency Kauai. For more information call (808) 240-6337.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday (ongoing)
KAPAA HISTORY TOUR
Interpretive guides from the Kauai Historical Society give 90-minute walking tours on
the history and architecture of Kapaa Town. For more information call (808) 245-3373.

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday (ongoing)
OLD WAIMEA SUGAR PLANTATION WALKING TOUR
Tour Waimea Plantation Cottages and the neighboring Waimea Sugar Co. "camp" houses
dating from the turn of the century. For more information call (808) 335-2824.

Friday and Sunday (ongoing)
SLACK KEY GUITAR - MUSIC OF HAWAII
Delightful concerts of Hawaiian slack key guitar and ukulele with songs and stories
inspired by the beauty of Kauai. Fridays at 4pm and Sundays at 3pm,
Hanalei Community Center. Admission fee. For more information call (808) 826-1469.

Monday (ongoing)
HISTORIC WAIMEA WALKING TOUR
Tour historic Waimea, the place Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii. Waimea was once
a major population center and home to ruling chiefs. Missionaries established schools
and rice and sugar growers changed the landscape. Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes.
The 90-minute free tour begins at the West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center in the morning.
For reservations or more information call (808) 338-1332.

Friday Nights (ongoing)
HANAPEPE ART NIGHT
Participating galleries take turns hosting weekly original performances or demonstrations with a theme.
Every Friday night is unique. All the galleries are lit up and decked out, giving the town a special, festive atmosphere. Enjoy a stroll down the streets of quaint, historic Hanapepe Town and meet the local artists. For more information call (808) 335-0343.

Every day (ongoing)
COCONUT MARKETPLACE ENTERTAINMENT
Free entertainment every day at 5:00 p.m. The shows vary and often include hula.
For more information call (808) 822-3641.

Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (ongoing)
KAUAI MUSEUM TOUR
Docents provide interpretation of Kauai and Niihau culture as they lead tours through the museum's galleries.
For more information call (808) 245-6931.

All Month (ongoing)
KAUAI CHILDRENS MUSEUM
A nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing and perpetuating a permanent science,
art, and cultural exploratory museum. A hands on, touch, see, feel, and learn, museum of
experience for the children and adults of Kauai and island visitors.
New for 2004: Sea Chest Secret hands-on exhibition about Hawaiian Culture
and 18th century ocean navigation. Located just under the Whale Tower at
Kauai Village (Safeway) Shopping Center, in Kapaa.
For more information call (808) 823-8222 or email frank@kcdm.org.

Every Friday (ongoing)
ALOHA FRIDAYS
Free lei-making workshops are held every Friday at the West Kauai Technology & Visitors Center
from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Come learn how to create the Hawaiian symbol of aloha.
For reservations or more information call (808) 338-1332.

Monthly on the Closest Saturday to the New Moon (ongoing)
MONTHLY STARWATCH
Kauai is an ideal location for astronomical observation. The Kauai Educational Association
for Science & Astronomy conducts a monthly star watch in Kaumakani at the softball field.
Follow highway 50 west past Hanapepe. After mile marker 18, look for KEASA signs on the right.
Follow the KEASA signs for parking and star watch. A monthly meeting at 6:00 p.m. is followed
by the public star watch at sunset. For more information call (808) 332-7827.