2009-2010 Festivals

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.

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 12, 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 13, 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.

Hula Ho'ike 2010
February 6, 2010
Leilani Rivera Bond and Halau Hula o Leilani. Kaua'i War Memorial Convention Hall, Lihue, 7:00 pm. Crafts, gifts, food sales from 5:30. Leilani Bond and Halau Hula o Leilani present a colorful, exciting evening of Hawaiian music and hula by keiki and adult dancers, plus the rhythm of Tahitian drums and dances. Call Leilani Bond at 808-651-0682, Darryl Low at 808-651-0864 or email darryl.leilani@hawaiiantel.net.

33RD ANNUAL WAIMEA TOWN CELEBRATION
February 19 – 20, 2010
Old-fashioned plantation-style fun. Events include a canoe race, an ice cream eating contest, the Captain Cook Fun Run, an `ukulele competition, a lei contest, the Paniolo Challenge and continuous free entertainment. For more information, call (808) 338-1332 or visit www.wkbpa.org/events.html.

PRINCE KUHIO CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS
March 21 – 28, 2010
Join a week of festivities in honor of Prince Kuhio’s birthday and birthplace. Ceremonies are presented by the Royal Order of Kamehameha at Prince Kuhio Park. After, visit the re-creation of a Hawaiian village atmosphere with demonstrations and interpretation at the Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort & Spa. Contact Stella Burgess at (808) 240-6369 or visit http://princekuhio.wetpaint.com/.

A TRIBUTE TO PRINCE KUHIO / 13th ANNUAL ROYAL PA`INA
April 17, 2010
A TRIBUTE TO PRINCE KUHIO / 13th ANNUAL ROYAL PA`INA
”A tribute to Prince Kuhio honoring Kauai’s Prince. Music by Kaukahi, hula and gourmet dining. (COPIED FROM WEBSITE)” Contact the Kaua`i Historical Society at (808) 245-3373 or visit www.kauaihistoricalsociety.org.

30TH ANNUAL LEI DAY CELEBRATION
May 1, 2010
May Day is Lei Day at Lihue’s Kaua`i Museum. Enjoy the vibrant colors and tropical fragrances of the lei on display. Along with a Lei Contest, there will be delicious food and handmade crafts to purchase. For more information, call Kaua`i Museum at (808) 245-6931 or visit http://www.kauaimuseum.org/visit/events/mayday.html.

32ND ANNUAL VISITOR INDUSTRY CHARITY WALK
May 15, 2010
This is Hawaii’s largest single-day fundraiser, taking place simultaneously on O`ahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kaua`i. Proceeds benefit local charities. Features food, beverages and local entertainment along the three-mile walk. Call (808) 246-5149 or visit http://www.charitywalkhawaii.org/kauai.html.

9TH ANNUAL KAUA`I POLYNESIAN FESTIVAL
May 27 – 30, 2010
This four-day event features a Polynesian dance competition and exhibition, cultural workshops, arts and crafts and lots of delicious island-style food. Call (808) 335-6466 or visit www.kauaipolynesianfestival.org.

BANANA POKA ROUND UP
May 30, 2010
Koke`e Museum’s annual forest education fair. Features Hawaiian music, environmental exhibitions, forest craft workshops and family activities. Contact the Koke`e Natural History Museum at (808) 335-9975 or visit www.kokee.org

TASTE OF HAWAI`I
June 6, 2010
This popular culinary event brings together over 50 of Hwai`i’s innovative chefs who will prepare samples of their signature dishes. Held at Smith’s Tropical Paradise in Wailua, proceeds support Rotary projects all over the world. Visit www.tasteofhawaii.com.

KAMEHAMEHA DAY PARADE & HO`OLAULE`A
TBA
A Ho`olaule`a will feature entertainment, arts and crafts as well as food booths with island favorites. Contact the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission at (808) 586-0333 or visit www.hawaii.gov/dags/king_kamehameha_commission.

28TH ANNUAL KAUA`I HULA EXHIBITION
June 6, 2010
An evening of Polynesian history through dance perfomed by the dancers of Na Hula O Kaohikukapulani at the Kaua`i War Memorial Convention Hall. Cultural chants, history and food. Contact Kapu Alquiza at (808) 335-6466.

21ST ANNUAL CONCERT IN THE SKY
July 4, 2010
Residents and visitors of all ages celebrate July 4th at Lihu`e’s Vidinha Stadium with family fun, great food from Kaua`is top hotels and restaurants, continuous live entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show set to music. For more information, contact Kaua`i Hospice at (808) 245-7277 or visit www.kauaihospice.org/events_currentevents.htm.

25TH ANNUAL KOLOA PLANTATION DAYS
July 17 – 25, 2010
Sport events, historic walks, rodeos, block parties, a craft fair, Polynesian dancing and entertainment throughout the week. For event schedule, call Koloa Plantation Days at (808) 652-3217 or visit www.koloaplantationdays.com.

HEIA I KAUAI IORANA TAHITI
July 30 - August 1, 2010
Dance groups from Tahiti, Hawai`i, the US mainland, Japan, and Canada take part in this Tahitian dance competition. Also traditional and contemporary drumming categories. For more information, call (808) 822-9447 or visit http://tikiripolynesianinstruments.com/heiva.htm.

KAUA`I COUNTY FARM BUREAU FAIR
TBA
Fun for the whole family. Features floral and cooking demonstrations, hula halau exhibition, petting zoo, great island food and much more. Held at Vidinha Stadium, Lihu`e. For more information, contact the Kaua`i County Farm Bureau at (808) 337-9944 or visit http://kauaifarmfair.org/.

ALOHA FESTIVALS KAUA`I
TBA
Cultural events, activities and programs. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Hawaiian culture while having lots of fun. Most events are free with your Aloha Festivals ribbon. Contact Aloha Festivals at (808) 391-8714 or visit http://www.alohafestivals.com/.

THE KAUA`I MARATHON 2010
September 5, 2010
Kaua`i’s tropical paradise will become the backdrop for this world-class event, which will lead runners through one of the world’s more beautiful marathon courses and donate net proceeds to local charities. Visit www.thekauaimarathon.com for more information.

26TH ANNUAL KAUA`I MOKIHANA FESTIVAL
TBA, September
Island-wide events featuring a dance competition for men and women, a composers’ contest, crafts, festivals, lectures and workshops. Call (808) 822-2166 or visit http://www.maliefoundation.org/mokihanafest.html for more information.

14TH ANNUAL COCONUT FESTIVAL
October 2 – 3, 2010
This popular event highlights the cultural, social and historical importance of the coconut. Crafters will be on hand selling their island products. Come join the fun and participate in coconut games, coconut crafts and coconut contests. Event will be held at Kapa`a Beach Park. Contact the Kapa`a Business Association at (808) 651-3273 or visit http://www.kbakauai.org/Pages/coconut-festival.html.

22ND ANNUAL EO E EMALANI I ALAKA`I
October 2, 2010
Located on the meadow fronting the Koke`e Natural History Museum. Various hula halau from across the state come to dance. Features a royal procession, Hawaiian entertainment, hula, crafts and demonstrations. Contact the museum at (808) 335-9975 or visit www.kokee.org.

MATSURI KAUAI 2010
TBA, October
A full day of music, dance performances, exhibitions and demonstrations celebrating the Japanese culture. Participate in mochi pounding, oshibana, a tea ceremony, and kimono dressing. For more information, call (808) 335-8431.

HAWAIIANA FESTIVAL
TBA
A three-day series of educational programs, plus entertainment and lu`au designed to teach the customs, crafts and spirit of Hawai`i’s native people. View lauhala weaving, stone carving, use of feathers, lei making, etc. Learn about ancient Hawaiian traditions and practices. Located at the Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort & Spa. Contact Stella Burgess at (808) 240-6369.

LIGHTS ON RICE PARADE
December 3, 2010
Approximately 40 lighted parade entries come from all over the island. This popular event follows the opening ceremony of the Festival of Lights. Starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (808) 241-4925.

HOLIDAY HULA CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
December 12, 2010
A Hawaiian Christmas performance by Nah Hula O Kaohikukapulani. Chants, hula and Christmas melodies. The night includes a silent auction and finger foods. For more information, call (808) 335-6466.

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. Reservations are required for this free event. 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.

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.

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 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. 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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