2009 Festivals

Kaua‘i Music Festival
July 29-Aug 1, 2009
The Kaua‘i Music Festival is a four-day celebration of the art of songwriting. At the festival, attendees learn songwriting from some of the best songwriters and Grammy-winning producers. Participants’ music will be heard in small group seminars and in the songwriting competition. For more information, visit www.kauaimusicfestival.com.

Heiva I Kaua‘i
August 1-2, 2009
The annual Heiva I Kaua‘i Iorana Tahiti in Lihu‘e is an International Tahitian dance competition, thanking place over several days, with solo and group performances, plus traditional and contemporary drumming categories. For more information, call 808-822-9447.

Na Holo Kai Outrigger Canoe Race
August 15, 2009
The longest event in the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association racing series is an outrigger canoe race from Haleiwa on the north shore of O‘ahu to Nawiliwili on Kaua‘i. Fifteen Hawaiian 6-man sailing canoe race 90 miles. For more information, call Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association at 808-247-3559.

All Girls Rodeo
August 16, 2009
Enjoy the All Girls Rodeo at Kealia Arena, across from Kealia Beach. Open-air bleacher seating with ocean view and cheer for Kaua‘i’s finest cowgirls, ranging in age from grade-schoolers to grandmothers, as they compete in six rodeo events – barrel racing, steer undecorating, goat tying, pole pending, daily team roping and breakaway roping. A lunch wagon is on hand with local favorites. Free admission. Show is from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 808-639-3091.

Garden Island Orchid Show
August 27-30, 2009
See hundreds of orchid varieties at the Lihu‘e Convention Center – Vidihna Stadium. Orchids are on display and available for sale. Enjoy lectures and demonstrations of general orchid care.

The Kaua‘i Marathon 2009
September 6, 2009
Enjoy sparkling blue water , pristine white sand beaches and lush rainforests. For the first time, all of these features will be seen from a runner’s-eye view during the inaugural Kaua’i Marathon. The scenic course, which starts at Po‘ipu Beach, is certified by USTAF and AIMS. Registration and further information is available at www.thekauaimarathon.com.

Kendall Pacific
September 12, 2009
Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association hosts a canoe race from Nawiliwili to Waimea on Kaua‘i. For more information, call Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association at 808-247-3559.

All Girls Rodeo
September 13, 2009
Enjoy the All Girls Rodeo at Kealia Arena, across from Kealia Beach. Find open-air bleacher seating with ocean view and cheer for Kaua‘i’s finest cowgirls, ranging in age from grade-schoolers to grandmothers, as they compete in six rodeo events – barrel racing, steer undecorating, goat tying, pole pending, daily team roping and breakaway roping. A lunch wagon is on hand with local favorites. Free admission. Show is from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. For more information, call 808-639-3091 or visit www.kauaiallgirlsrodeo.com.

Kaua‘i Mokihana Festival
September 20-26, 2009
A week-long Hawaiian cultural event features Hawaiian instrumental competition, composers contest, hula competition, lectures, workshop and more! For more information, call 808-822-2166 or visit www.kauai.net/mokihana.

Hawaiiana Festival
October 1-3, 2009
Enjoy a variety of Native Hawaiian cultural practices such as wood carving, lauhala weaving, tapa-making, feather arts, poi pounding, the art of kakau, stone carving, lei making, music and dance. The festival includes a lu‘au with Hawaiian food and entertainment. The event will be held at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa and is free and open to the public. For more information, call 808-240-6369.

Malama Ola Festival
October 1-3, 2009
The Malama Ola Festival (to take care of life) will be taking place at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa’s ANARA Spa. Guests will partake in classes such as hula aerobics, Hawaiian martial arts, yoga, and lomilomi massage. Enjoy teaching and demonstrations on uses of Hawaiian medicinal plants, the importance of mana (spirit) in health, the concepts of ho‘oponopo (to make things right), and the healing fundamentals of ha (breath). Open to the public and free of charge. For more information, call 808-240-6369.

“Is Hawaiian Culture Alive And Well”
October 2, 2009
Hawai‘i Hotel and Lodging Association – Kaua‘i Chapter presents an all-day conference with panel discussions on topics such as the connection of Kane to Hawaiian language and hula, issues surrounding Hawaiian ancestors and burials and marketing the Native Hawaiian culture. The event will be held at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa and is free and open to the public. For more information, call 808-240-6369.

Kauai’s 12th Annual Coconut Festival
October 3-4, 2009
Enjoy this celebration of the coconut, which showcases its cultural, social and historical significance to the people of Polynesia. The event includes contests, games, food, entertainment, cooking and craft demonstrations with coconut, historical and cultural displays, and local arts and crafts. Event is held at Kapa‘a Beach Park. For more information, visit www.kbakauai.org, or call 808-651-3273.

Eo E Emalani I Alaka‘i Festival
October 10, 2009
Held annually, this colorful festival in the mountains recreates Queen Emma’s trek to Koke‘e in 1871. Hawaiian music, hula, procession, exhibits and Hawaiian craft demonstrations. Free to the public. For more information, call 808-335-9975 or visit www.kokee.org.

Matsuri Kaua‘i 2009
October 17, 2009
This cultural festival celebrates Japanese art, traditions, music and dance. The day-long event features traditional Odori dancing, karaoke, tea ceremony demonstrations, ikebana flower arrangements, bonsai displays, mochi pounding and Japanese food and crafts. For more information, call 808-822-5353.

Aloha Festivals Parade & Ho`olaulea
October 17, 2009
Enjoy Hawaiian music, food and crafts. This is a free to the public event that runs from 10:30 am - 3:30 pm. For more information call the Kaua`i Museum Gift Shop at 808-246-2470.

2009 Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run
October 31, 2009
Enjoy Kaua‘i’s Premier annual Old Koloa Sugar Mill Run. This race starts at the Anne Knudsen Park in Koloa Junction. The 10-mile race starts at 7:00 a.m., while the 5K and 10K races start at 7:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.oldkoloasugarmillrun.org.

Second Annual Aha‘aina, Steak BBQ And Beachside Concert
October TBD, 2009
Join in on the fun at the Kaua‘i Historical Society’s Second Annual Aha‘aina at Lydgate Park main pavilion. Enjoy steak with all the fixings along with entertainment by local performers. Call and reserve tickets today at 808-245-3373, or visit www.kauaihistoricalsociety.org.

The Ghoulish Goblin Garden Bash
October TBD, 2009
The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) and the Hawai‘i Invasive Species Council team up to provide spooky and educational festivities to children and their families in celebration of Halloween.

The Ghoulish Goblin Garden Bash will be held at NTBG’s South Shore Visitors Center across from Spouting Horn. RSVP is required. For more information, call 808-332-7324, ext. 228.

Hyatt Holiday Craft Fair
November TBD, 2009
Enjoy handmade arts and crafts displayed by more than 60 island crafters including Ni‘ihau shell lei, koa wood jewelry, lauhala woven picture frames and much more. The event is held annually at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa. For more information, call 808-240-6337.

28th Annual Kaua‘i Handworks
November TBD, 2009
Visit this popular annual Kaua‘i Handworks craft fair to browse more than 25 vendors all selling products that have been made on Kaua‘i. The craft fair is held at the Wilcox Elementary School. For more information, call 808-651-2626.

Veteran’s Day Parade
November 11, 2009
The Veteran’s Day parade honors men and women who have served in the United States Military. The parade winds through Kapa‘a Town and ends at Kapa‘a Ballpark for music and special recognitions as well as viewing of military vehicles. Entertainment, food and drinks are available at the park. For more information, call 808-826-1469.

The Annual Festival Of Lights/Lights On Rice Parade
December 4, 2009
Watch the lighting of Christmas decorations on the grounds of the Historic County Building. This family event includes local entertainment, Christmas caroling and a parade of floats. Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and proceeds down Rice Street ending at the Historic County Building. For more information, call 808-826-1469.

Christmas Craft Fair At Kaua‘i Museum
December 5, 2009
Enjoy the annual Christmas Craft Fair at the Kaua‘i Museum. Visit the museum, support local artisans, enjoy delicious food and participate in Hawaiian music and hula performances. The event is from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information, call 808-245-6931.

Easter Seals Hawai‘i Gingerbread Festival
December TBD, 2009
Easter Seals Hawai‘i on Kaua‘i will be selling gingerbread houses for the annual Gingerbread Festival at Kukui Grove Shopping Center. Participants can get together to construct a gingerbread house with family, friends or co-workers. Gingerbread Festival packages must be pre-ordered. Packages can be reserved by calling 808-245-7141. All proceeds raised will benefit Easter Seals Hawai‘i for the Kaua‘i Early Intervention Program.

Annual Boat Parade Of Lights
December TBD, 2009
The Nawiliwili Yacht Club’s Annual Boat Parade of Lights will take place at Nawiliwili Harbor starting at 6:30 p.m. Boats lit by strings of holiday lights and decorations will motor around the commercial harbor, jetty wall area and Kalapaki Bay for about an hour. The public is invited to view the parade from the jetty or harbor area adjacent to the U.S. Coast Guard Nawiliwili Moorings. For more information, call 808-742-2512.

Holiday Hula Christmas Celebration
December 13, 2009
Enjoy a Hawaiian Christmas performance by Na Hula ‘O Kaohikukapulani. The event includes chants, hula, Christmas melodies, a silent auction and pupus. For more information, call 808-335-6466.

Waimea Town Parade
December 19, 2009
Waimea Town gets decked-out with holiday cheer! Celebrate with street-front lighting and the annual parade, which starts at 6:00 p.m. Come early to enjoy the refreshments and entertainment following the parade. For more information, call 808-338-9957.

Audobon Christmas Bird Count
December 19, 2009
Join the Koke‘e Museum and volunteer for the annual Christmas bird count. Trek into some of the most botanically-rich areas of the island and enjoy the opportunity to see Kaua‘i’s native birds. For more information, call 808-335-9975.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks
December 31, 2009
Enjoy an aerial fireworks display in the early evening at Po‘ipu Beach Park. The event is free. For more information, visit www.poipu-beach.org.

Ongoing Events on the Island of Kauai

Aloha Friday Lei Making Workshop
Free lei-making workshops are held every Friday at the West Kaua‘i Technology & Visitors Center from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Come learn how to create the Hawaiian symbol of aloha. For reservations and more information, call 808-338-1332.

Coconut Marketplace Entertainment
The Coconut Marketplace is an open-air market, which houses 70 different shops and restaurants. Every Wednesday evening the marketplace offers free entertainment at 5:00 p.m. and includes local hula dancers. For more information, call 808-822-3641.

E Kanikapila Kakou Program
Composers, songwriters and kumu hula share their compositions, knowledge and love of Hawaiian music. Learn songs on the ‘ukulele and sing with the presenters in a backyard-style jam held at Island School auditorium in Puhi, Mondays, 6:00-9:00 p.m. For more information, contact Garden Island Arts Council at www.gardenislandarts.org, giac@hawaiilink.net, or 808-245-2733.

Hanapepe Art Night
Every Friday, Hanapepe Town’s nine galleries open their doors for an evening of artistic adventure. Stroll through Main Street and enjoy fine art and live entertainment. You can also purchase local goodies and crafts as you make your way through the galleries. You’ll find the perfect souvenir from your visit to Kaua‘i. Friday nights, 6:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call Carol Bain at 808-246-2111.

Historic Waimea Walking Tour
Tour historic Waimea, the place where Captain Cook first landed in Hawai‘i. This town was once a major population center and the home to ruling chiefs. Missionaries established schools, and rice and sugar growers changed the landscape. Every Monday, the free 90-minute tour begins at the West Kaua‘i Technology and Visitor Center in the morning at 9:30 a.m. For reservations and more information, call 808-338-1332.

Hula Show At Harbor Mall
Enjoy a free hula show every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. at Harbor Mall. For more information, call 808-245-6255.

Kapa’a History Tour
Interpretive guides from the Kaua‘i Historical Society give 90-minute walking tours on the history and architecture of Kapa’a Town. Tours area held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $5 for keiki under 12. The minimum tour size required is two adults. Reservations required. For more information, call 808-245-3373.

Kaua‘i Museum Tour
From Monday through Friday, docents provide interpretation of Kaua‘i and Ni’ihau culture as they lead tours through the museum’s galleries. Free tour with admission. The tour occurs every Monday at 2:00 p.m., and every Tuesday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 808-245-6931.

Monthly Starwatch
Kaua‘i is an ideal location for astronomical observation. The Kaua‘i Educational Association for Science & Astronomy conducts a monthly starwatch in Kaumakani at the softball field at sunset. For more information on dates and times, call 808-332-7827.

‘Ohana Day
Families and visitors are invited to join Kaua‘i Museum for a day of demonstrations, exhibits and fun. View native Hawaiian art and artifacts preserved in the main exhibit. Held on the first Saturday of every month. Admission is free. For more information, call 808-245-6931.

Old Waimea Sugar Plantation Walking Tour
Tour Waimea Plantation Cottages and the neighboring Waimea Sugar Company “camp” houses, which date from the turn of the century. Tours are held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9:00-10:30 a.m. For more information and reservations, call 808-337-1005.

Slack Key Guitar And ‘Ukulele Concerts
Enjoy traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar and ‘ukulele every weekend at the Hanalei Family Community Center from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($15 keiki/seniors). For more specific information, call 808-826-1469 or visit www.alohaplentyhawaii.com

Tahitian Dance
Urahutia Productions presents free Tahitian dance performances every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00-5:45 p.m. at Po‘ipu Shopping Village. Performances are held at the Center Stage. Come and enjoy the beauty of Tahiti. For more information, call 808-742-2831.

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