Beautiful Kauai landscape with festival atmosphere

What's On in Kauai: Annual Festivals & Events Throughout the Year

Experience the vibrant culture and aloha spirit of Kauai through its festivals, markets, and celebrations

Kalani Miller, local Kauai expert

Written by a Local Expert

Kalani Miller

Feeling the Rhythm of Kauai

The sound of slack-key guitar floats on trade winds. Waves crash against ancient lava rock. Sweet plumeria mixes with salt air. These sounds and scents fill my days here on Kauai, and they're the same elements I try to bring into every story I share.

I'm Kalani Miller, and I've always believed that to truly know Kauai, you have to feel its rhythm. It's in the music drifting from a lanai. It's in shared laughter at a town parade. It's in the taste of fresh mango from a farmer's market. These moments, found at our events, are where the real spirit of the island lives. They're more than just dates on a calendar. They're how our community shares its stories, its history, and its aloha with the world.

To live on Kauai is to be part of a vibrant culture that celebrates its heritage while embracing the present. For those visiting, tapping into this life is the key to a truly memorable experience. One that goes far beyond the postcard views. It's about connecting with the ʻāina (land) and its people.

Traditional Hawaiian hula dancer performing with ti leaf skirt and lei

Your Journey Through Kauai's Events

In this guide, I want to take you on a journey through Kauai's vibrant event scene. We'll explore the island's most important annual festivals, organized by season so you can plan your trip accordingly. Then, we'll dive into the weekly events that are the true heartbeat of our island. The farmers markets, art nights, and music spots that I and other residents cherish. Finally, I'll share some practical tips for making the most of your visit. Let's get started!

🎭 Major Festivals

Experience Waimea Town Celebration, Koloa Plantation Days, and the Kauaʻi Mokihana Festival throughout the year.

🌺 Weekly Events

Discover farmers markets, art nights, and live music venues that bring the community together every week.

📅 Planning Tips

Get insider advice on booking, timing, and making the most of your Kauai event experience.

Explore Kauai's Event Calendar

Dive deeper into each festival and discover the weekly events that make Kauai special

ℹ️ Quick Info

  • Major Festivals: 3 annually
  • Best Time: Year-round
  • Markets: Daily options
  • Cost: Many free events

📅 Event Calendar

  • Waimea February
  • Koloa July
  • Mokihana September

📧 Stay Updated

Get the latest Kauai event updates and exclusive local tips.