Kauai Cultural and Unique Experiences

Explore authentic traditions, vibrant art, and unique cultural experiences that connect you to the heart and soul of a destination.

Local Farmers’ Markets: A Guide to Kauai’s Fresh Produce

The island’s local farmers’ markets, or Sunshine Markets, offer a delightful way to experience fresh, locally grown produce and connect with the island’s community. Whether you’re stocking up on ingredients for a meal, searching for unique souvenirs, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, these markets are a must-visit for both locals and tourists.

Why Visit Kauai’s Farmers’ Markets?

  1. Fresh and Seasonal Produce: Kauai’s tropical climate provides an abundance of fruits and vegetables year-round. From juicy mangoes to sweet pineapples, you’ll find flavors that embody the essence of the island.
  2. Support Local Farmers: Shopping at these markets helps sustain Kauai’s small-scale farmers and artisans, ensuring the preservation of the island’s agricultural traditions.
  3. Cultural Connection: Many markets feature local crafts, handmade goods, and live music, offering a glimpse into Kauai’s rich cultural tapestry.

Top Farmers’ Markets on Kauai

Hanalei Farmers’ Market

  • When: Saturdays, 9:30 AM to Noon
  • Where: Hanalei Neighborhood Center, North Shore
  • Highlights: This vibrant market is a North Shore favorite. Enjoy fresh taro, papayas, lychees, and tropical flowers while browsing locally made jewelry and art.

Kapa’a Sunshine Market

  • When: Wednesdays, 3:00 PM
  • Where: Kapa’a New Town Park, East Shore
  • Highlights: Centrally located, this market offers a wide array of produce, including sweet potatoes, avocados, and dragon fruit. You’ll also find vendors selling fresh honey and kombucha.

Hanapepe Sunshine Market

  • When: Thursdays, 3:00 PM
  • Where: Hanapepe Community Park
  • Highlights: This market boasts fresh bananas, coconuts, and herbs, as well as local snacks like taro chips.

Kekaha Farmers’ Market

  • When: Saturdays, 9:00 AM to Noon
  • Where: Kekaha Neighborhood Center, West Side
  • Highlights: Discover the flavors of Kauai’s West Side with offerings like tropical jams, starfruit, and sweet oranges. The laid-back vibe makes it perfect for a leisurely morning.

Poipu Farmers’ Market

  • When: Wednesdays, 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
  • Where: The Shops at Kukuiula, South Shore
  • Highlights: Combining a farmers’ market with an artisan fair, this market features farm-fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food trucks.

Must-Try Local Produce

  1. Pineapples: Sweet and juicy, Kauai pineapples are a tropical delight.
  2. Mangoes: Look for them in peak season (May to September) for the best flavor.
  3. Taro: A staple in Hawaiian cuisine, taro is used to make poi and other traditional dishes.
  4. Papayas: These are a perfect addition to your breakfast or smoothie.
  5. Avocados: Larger and creamier than mainland varieties, Kauai avocados are a treat.

Tips for Visiting Farmers’ Markets

  • Arrive Early: Many popular items sell out quickly, so plan to get there when the market opens.
  • Bring Cash: Most vendors accept cash only, though some may take credit cards.
  • Reusable Bags: Help reduce waste by bringing your own shopping bags.
  • Taste Samples: Vendors often provide samples of their products—take advantage to try before you buy.
  • Ask Questions: Farmers are happy to share preparation tips and stories about their produce.

Hawaiian Cultural Events and Festivals

Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage is deeply rooted in the traditions of its native people, blending influences from Polynesian, Asian, and Western cultures. Hawaiian festivals and cultural events offer a window into the vibrant traditions, art, music, and history of the islands. Whether you’re visiting Kauai, Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island, immersing yourself in these celebrations is a meaningful way to connect with the spirit of Aloha.

1. Merrie Monarch Festival (Big Island)

  • When: Annually in April
  • Where: Hilo, Big Island
  • What: The Merrie Monarch Festival is the premier hula competition in Hawaii, attracting performers and enthusiasts from around the world. Named after King David Kalakaua, known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his love of Hawaiian culture, the festival features week-long events including hula performances, arts and crafts fairs, and a lively parade.
  • Why Attend: Experience the beauty and storytelling of hula, alongside traditional Hawaiian chants and music.

2. Aloha Festivals (Oahu)

  • When: September
  • Where: Honolulu and Waikiki, Oahu
  • What: The Aloha Festivals celebrate Hawaiian culture and traditions with parades, hula performances, and live music. The highlight is the floral parade with floats adorned in tropical blooms, accompanied by marching bands and pa’u riders in traditional Hawaiian attire.
  • Why Attend: This is Hawaii’s largest cultural festival, embodying the warmth and hospitality of the islands.

3. Kauai Mokihana Festival

  • When: September
  • Where: Various locations, Kauai
  • What: This week-long celebration features music, hula competitions, Hawaiian language classes, and lei-making workshops. It’s a cherished event for preserving Hawaiian traditions on the Garden Isle.
  • Why Attend: Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere while learning about Kauai’s unique cultural identity.

4. Prince Lot Hula Festival (Oahu)

  • When: July
  • Where: Moanalua Gardens, Oahu
  • What: This non-competitive hula event honors Prince Lot Kapuaiwa, who helped revive the tradition of hula during a time it was suppressed. The festival features both ancient and modern hula performances in a serene outdoor setting.
  • Why Attend: Perfect for hula enthusiasts and those seeking a more intimate cultural experience.

5. Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (Big Island)

  • When: November
  • Where: Kailua-Kona, Big Island
  • What: Hawaii’s coffee heritage is celebrated with farm tours, coffee tastings, parades, and cultural performances. It’s the oldest food festival in the state and showcases the unique flavors of Kona coffee.
  • Why Attend: Coffee lovers will relish the opportunity to learn about the history and craft of Hawaiian coffee production.

6. Maui Whale Festival

  • When: February
  • Where: Various locations, Maui
  • What: This festival celebrates the annual migration of humpback whales to Maui’s warm waters. Events include educational talks, eco-tours, and a Whale Day celebration with live music and family activities.
  • Why Attend: Connect with Hawaii’s marine life and the importance of ocean conservation.

7. Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival (Kauai)

  • When: October
  • Where: Kokee State Park, Kauai
  • What: This unique festival commemorates Queen Emma’s journey to the Alakai Swamp in 1871. The event includes hula, music, and storytelling that celebrate her contributions to Hawaiian history.
  • Why Attend: Immerse yourself in a historically rich and intimate cultural gathering.

8. Lei Day Celebrations (Statewide)

  • When: May 1
  • Where: Statewide
  • What: Lei Day honors the tradition of lei-making and the significance of lei in Hawaiian culture. Festivities include lei-making contests, hula performances, and live music.
  • Why Attend: Witness the creativity and craftsmanship of lei artisans and experience the beauty of aloha in floral form.

9. Hoolaulea Events

  • When: Various times throughout the year
  • Where: Statewide
  • What: Hoolaulea (community celebrations) are festive gatherings featuring food, music, and dance. They are often held in conjunction with larger festivals and provide an authentic glimpse into local traditions.
  • Why Attend: These events are lively and welcoming, offering the chance to enjoy local cuisine and entertainment.

10. Waimea Town Celebration (Kauai)

  • When: February
  • Where: Waimea, Kauai
  • What: This week-long festival highlights the history and culture of Waimea, the site of Captain Cook’s first landing in Hawaii. Enjoy paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) events, hula performances, and local food.
  • Why Attend: Celebrate Kauai’s diverse history in a fun, family-friendly environment.

Tips for Attending Hawaiian Cultural Events

  • Plan Ahead: Many festivals draw large crowds, so plan your accommodations and schedule early.
  • Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of cultural practices and traditions, such as removing your shoes before entering certain areas.
  • Engage with Locals: Don’t be shy about asking questions or participating in workshops—locals are often eager to share their knowledge and aloha spirit.
  • Dress Comfortably: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and bring sunscreen, water, and a hat for outdoor events.

Attending Hawaiian cultural events and festivals offers a deeper connection to the islands’ traditions and people. Whether you’re drawn to the artistry of hula, the flavors of local cuisine, or the stories of Hawaiian royalty, these celebrations provide unforgettable experiences filled with aloha.

Taking a Dog Out for the Day from the Kauai Humane Society

The Kauai Humane Society (KHS) has developed a unique program that gives our island visitors an opportunity to borrow a dog for the day. When I am walking my dog, Chew E Lewis, I often have tourists come up to me and want to pet him, and they share with me how much they miss their dogs. They often say they need their dog fixed. Well, you can satisfy your dog withdrawal by going to our Kauai Humane Society and picking up a friendly dog to share a day at the beach and/or a hike. The dogs wear an adopt me vest, which gives them a chance to possibly meet their next owner. Sometimes, the tourists take the dogs home with them permanently, too. This innovative program, called “Shelter Dogs on Field Trips”, has been around for about two years now.

The main goal of the program is for people to enjoy the natural beauty of Kauai while taking along a shelter dog on an adventure. The dogs enjoy getting to hike, run on the beach, and swim in the ocean but really enjoy receiving lots of love and attention.

People love the opportunity to take a field trip with a shelter dog. Many visitors actually return to KHS to do a second or third field trip during their vacation and have shared that it was the best part of their trip.

Borrowers are provided with water, bags, towels, and all kinds of other goodies to make the experience even better.

By the way, it is okay to fall in love! On average, four dogs a month are adopted to visitors. The Kauai Humane Society even helps orchestrate the trip home if you do choose to take your new friend back with you.

Pick-up hours

11 am to 1 pm Tuesday-Friday

10 am to 12 pm Saturday and Monday

Return by

5:30 pm Tuesday-Friday

3:30 pm Saturday and Monday

Dog-friendly places to visit include:

Mahaulepu Beach, Poipu

Kalapaki Beach, Lihue

Sleeping Giant, Wailua

Moalepe Trail, Wailua

Wailua Arboretum, Wailua

Kokee State Park/Waimea Canyon

Most beaches allow dogs unless they are county-maintained beaches or parks. Kapaa Beach Path is the only exception.

Guidelines:

Participants must be at least 18 years old

A liability waiver must be signed.

Your credit card number will be recorded for a $200 deposit in the event the dog is not returned.

Dogs must be in an enclosed vehicle (no riding in an open convertible or in the open bed of a truck).

Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed off-leash or in any dog park.