The Heartbeat of the Island
Weekly farmers markets, art nights, and live music that bring the community together
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerThe Heartbeat of the Island: Your Guide to Recurring Events
While the annual festivals are incredible, the true, day-to-day rhythm of Kauai is found in its recurring events. This is where communities gather each week to share food, art, and music. Tapping into these is the surest way to feel like a resident.
Kauai's Farmer's Markets: A Bounty in Every Town
One of the best ways to taste the real Kauai is to visit our farmer's markets. This is where you'll find the sweetest pineapple, the juiciest mangoes, and the famous "apple bananas" that taste nothing like what you get on the mainland. But it's more than just food. It's where you connect with the people who cultivate our ʻāina and support our island's goal of sustainability. You'll find everything from exotic fruits like rambutan and lychee to fresh-baked goods and coffee.
Visiting a market is a cultural experience. You support farmers, get produce that was likely picked that very morning, and often enjoy live music and a festive atmosphere.
Weekly Farmer's Market Guide
Monday
Koloa Sunshine Market (Koloa Ball Park) - 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
A true 'Sunshine Market'—produce only! Great for stocking your condo with fresh fruit for the week. It's quick and popular with residents, so get there on time.
Pau Hana Market (Kukui Grove, Lihue) - 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
A great end-of-day market with fruits, flowers, and treats. I love grabbing some candied pineapples or mango pie here.
Tuesday
Waipa Farmers Market (Hanalei) - 2:00 PM – Dusk
My North Shore favorite. Set in a beautiful valley, it has a great vibe with crafts, gourmet goat cheese, and organic produce. A true community gathering spot.
Wednesday
Kapaʻa Sunshine Market (Kapaʻa Beach Park) - 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
This is a big one, with a huge selection of produce, including lots of organic options. Arrive right at 3 PM when the whistle blows!
Kauai Culinary Market (Shops at Kukuiʻula, Poipu) - 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
More of an upscale experience. Perfect for foodies! Find honey, jams, and gourmet salts. There's live music and a beer and wine garden, making it a great evening out.
Friday
Hanapepe Sunshine Market (Hanapepe Park) - 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
A small, produce-only market. Perfect to visit right before you head to the Hanapepe Art Night to stock up on snacks.
Saturday
Grove Farm Market (Puhi Park, Līhuʻe) - 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
A fantastic Saturday market. It brings together farmers, fishermen, and food stands. Great for grabbing breakfast or lunch and browsing artisan products.
Hanalei Farmers Market (Hale Halawai) - 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
A classic North Shore experience. A great mix of produce, food artisans, and handmade crafts. It has a wonderful vibe and is a must-do if you're in the area.
Art & Music Under the Stars: Experiencing Culture
Hanapepe Friday Art Night: Kauai's Biggest Little Town Comes Alive
Every Friday night, something magical happens in Hanapepe on the West Side. This historic town, with its charming, weathered storefronts that look like they're straight out of the plantation era, transforms into a bustling, festive street party. Since 1997, "Art Night" has been a beloved island tradition for both residents and visitors.
From 5 PM to 8 PM, the main street comes alive. The air fills with the sounds of live music—you might hear a Hawaiian trio, a jazz guitarist, or even a classic rock band—and the delicious smells of food from street vendors and a fleet of food trucks. All of the town's art galleries, and there are more than a dozen, keep their doors open late, and artists set up booths along the sidewalk to display their paintings, jewelry, and crafts. You can wander into unique shops like the Talk Story Bookstore, the westernmost bookstore in the United States, or the Banana Patch Studio, famous for its hand-painted ceramic tiles. The atmosphere is wonderfully low-key, friendly, and entrepreneurial—it's the perfect place to find a unique, Kauai-made souvenir and connect with the island's creative community.
Kalani's Take
Hanapepe on a Friday night is pure magic. I love to start by walking across the famous swinging bridge just as the sun is setting, then grab a plate from one of the food trucks—the offerings are always changing and always delicious! My advice: Arrive a bit before 5 PM to find good parking at Hanapepe Town Park before the main street gets busy. Wear comfortable shoes for strolling, as some of the sidewalks are historic and uneven. And bring some cash, as not all the small vendors take credit cards. It's the perfect, relaxed way to experience our island's creative soul.
Other Artful Evenings
To showcase the island's widespread creative spirit, it's worth noting other recurring art events. The Princeville Night Market brings a similar vibe to the North Shore on the second Sunday of each month, and the Downtown Lihue 2nd Saturday Night Market offers another great opportunity to explore arts and crafts in a festive setting.
Finding the Rhythm: Kauai's Best Live Music Spots
Music is woven into the fabric of life on Kauai. From the gentle, finger-picked melodies of slack key guitar to lively jazz and rock, you can find live music almost any night of the week. It's the perfect soundtrack to a beautiful Kauai evening. Here are a few of my go-to spots, depending on the vibe you're looking for.
For Authentic Hawaiian Music
Tahiti Nui (Hanalei)
This place is a legendary institution on the North Shore. It's casual, friendly, and has been run by the same family for generations. This is the place to go for live Hawaiian music nightly and traditional slack key guitar on Fridays. It's an absolute must-do for an authentic taste of Hanalei nightlife.
Hukilau Lanai (Kapaʻa)
If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience with fantastic music, this is your spot. They feature wonderful live music, often slack key and contemporary Hawaiian artists, in their Wally's Lobby Bar from Wednesday to Saturday. It's perfect for a relaxing, sophisticated evening with great food and cocktails.
For a Jazzy, Upscale Vibe
Stevenson's Library (Poipu)
Located in the Grand Hyatt Kauai, this is not your typical beach bar. It's a refined, elegant lounge with dark wood, cozy sofas, and, as the name suggests, books lining the walls. They feature live jazz nightly, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. It's a great excuse to dress up a bit and enjoy one of their specialty cognacs or single-malt scotches.
For a Lively Bar Scene
Tradewinds (Kapaʻa)
This is a fun, carefree spot that showcases a variety of bands playing everything from blues and rock to Hawaiian music. They also have wildly popular karaoke nights, making it a great place to let loose with a group of friends.
Duke's Barefoot Bar (Līhuʻe)
Situated right on Kalapaki Beach, this open-air bar has a classic, fun-in-the-sun vibe. The live music perfectly complements the sunset views over the bay, making it a fantastic spot for a casual afternoon or evening.
ℹ️ Quick Info
- Markets: Daily options
- Art Night: Every Friday
- Live Music: Nightly
- Cost: Mostly free
📅 This Week
- Mon: Koloa & Pau Hana Markets
- Tue: Waipa Market
- Wed: 2 Markets
- Fri: Market & Art Night
- Sat: 2 Markets