Cultural

This annual event that takes place every February celebrates Captain Cook's arrival in the islands. For two days, the town is filled with a multitude of sporting events ranging from a canoe race to a marathon. On the edge of town, you'll even find a carnival complete with Hawaiian food and fun. Other activities include ice cream eating, lei and ukulele contests. Most events are free to spectators. See their website for event times.

The Kauai Pow Wow Council, a members-only group dedicated to preserving Native American heritage on the islands, holds this event every year. It is intended to promote the culture, educate people, and perhaps even raise a little money for the organization. Expect to find all the normal elements of a Hawaiian street party or festival - crafts booths, entertainers, art displays, etc. offered up with a Native American twist instead of the normal Hawaiian one. Activities and demonstrations are also planned. Admission is free.

If nothing else, you've got to love the fun, creative name of this West Kauai festival. It actually refers to the banana poka, a clinging vine commonly found in the vicinity. Banana poka, while pretty, can actually be a bit too prevalent, it crowds out many of the other plants. In order to combat it, the folks at Koke'e Park invite all and sundry to come and "round up" the vine once a year. Music, craft workshops and all kinds of get-to-know-nature activities are on the agenda as well. Complimentary admission. See website for yearly particulars.

Is it any wonder that the citizens of Kaua'i take Earth Day very seriously? The island's natural beauty is its greatest claim to fame, and everyone, whether local or tourist, would like to see it stay that way. Residents and visitors alike can learn more about island ecology and preservation. Live music, food stands and cultural displays help to liven up the party. In the evening, a sumptuous all-you-can-eat luau meal is served. Complimentary admission; pay for meals. Note: The location listed below is tentative; check the Web site for up-to-the-minute information.

Hawaii's beloved but beleaguered Queen Emma, a hapa-haole (half white) woman who married Kamehameha IV, was a tireless advocate for the Hawaiian people. She fought for their rights, raised money for a hospital and helped to set up schools. This annual festival is in honor of the Queen, who took the name Kaleleonalani after her husband's death. A procession is followed by a craft fair with live music and hula. This is part of the annual Aloha Festival celebration. Admission is free.

Ring in the holiday Kauai-style with this brightly-lit, evening parade. The event, which winds down Rice Street and ends at the island's biggest craft fair, includes a Christmas tree lighting as well as a light and decoration display at the historic County Building. Christmas folk art by Auntie Josie Chansky is among some of the beautiful offerings of the craft area. Entertainment, caroling, and of course, the floats of the parade all bring the holiday season to life. The opening ceremony takes place on December 7th beginning at 6p and lasts until 6:30p. The Park Lights Extravaganza and Santa & Mrs. Claus can all be enjoyed Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6p to 8p from December 7th until the 31st.

This spectacular show is held in conjunction with the Kauai Country Farm Bureau Fair. It features literally hundreds of different strains of the exotic flowers that are perhaps Hawaii's most famous product. Wander through the sweet-smelling aisles and stare at vividly colored Birds of Paradise and Heliconia. Almost all of them were grown on local independent farms. There will also be guest speakers and presenters. This event is held at the Lihue Convention Center.

This festival of Hawaiian music is highlighted by some of the biggest performers from throughout the islands, including slack key artists who mix blues with the sounds of the South Pacific. In addition, visitors are treated to food, crafts, T-shirts and CDs. The fee for the festival, held at the Kaua'i Marriott Resort and Beach Club.

Children in grades kindergarten through 4th can hang out at the Discovery Museum in Kapa'a every weekday in the summer. Camp counselors lead the children in all kinds of activities: science experiments, art projects, scavenger hunts and more. The goal is to keep it as active and fun as possible (read: no TV here). Anywhere from six to 30 children show up each day. Most activities take place in the museum or the outside garden, and there is always supervision. Lunch is not provided.

Head out to Vidinha Stadium for a fun-filled day at the county fair. It's not too big or too fancy, but there's plenty to do and see. Lose a few dollars playing the midway games, introduce a youngster to the joys of the merry-go-round, and snack on junk food from the concession stands. Puppet shows, contests and live music are also on the schedule. Some rather big-name performers headline this fair - Willie K. rocked the stage in the past. Admission is USD4 for adults and USD2 for children.

The Kauai Music Festival is a boon to all aspiring musicians. Visitors can attend concerts of popular international artistes and learn songwriting techniques from leading American songwriters. The festival schedule includes one-on-one consultations with renowned personalities in the field of music, as well as a number of contests to test your songwriting and music skills. Tickets are available online. Check the Web site for updates.

It only just started in 2001, but this event's organizers are already referring to it as an annual occurrence. There's no reason why it shouldn't become a tradition, either. A lot of great activities are packed into the three-day event. Graceful hula dancers, impressive Samoan Fireknife performers, and obscure yet talented musicians make an appearance on the festival stage. Delicious native foods are served. There are even hands-on workshops for people who aren't content to simply watch from the sidelines.

King Kamehameha's birthday is a cause for celebration around the islands, and Kaua'i is certainly no exception. The whole island, locals and tourists alike, comes out to take part in this parade and in the festival that follows. The parade starts at Vidinha Stadium, goes up Rice Street, and finally finishes at the County Building where the Ho'olaulea (festival) kicks off. This is a family-friendly fair with live music, food, craft exhibits and more. Awards are given to several parade participants: best-decorated float, best marching unit, etc. Admission is free.

Equal parts street fair, festival and celebration of heritage, this week-long event is popular with Hawaiian locals and tourists. Ostensibly, it celebrates the history of the sugar trade, something that was instrumental to Kauai's commercial development and racially diverse community. However, it's really more of an excuse to frolic and have fun. Check out the "Backyard Jam" Parade or the Sheraton's Block Party. Rodeo events, live entertainment and craft fairs are also part of the festivities. Admission is free.

Since 1938, the March Of Dimes organization has been one of the preeminent fund raising organizations for pediatric research. Money raised by this organization helps to reduce infant mortality and prevent birth defects and low birth weight babies. The organization has had a presence in Hawaii since 1938. Some of the pledge money will trickle back to mainland research centers, but a lot will stay on the island. Most choose to walk as part of a team (five or more people), but sometimes people walk individually. The course is only three miles; it starts and ends at Lydgate Park. There will be a dance afterward.

The concept of Sunday brunch, as executed by Hawaiian luxury hotels, is glorious and decadent beyond belief. Privileged guests feast on fresh shellfish, dozens of salads, imported cheeses, savory entrées and more. With a half-dozen Kauai hotels offering Sunday brunch, it's hard to know where to go— except during Taste of Hawaii. That's because, for this festival, all the top chefs—from all the islands!—come to one spot. Some people laud this as the best event of its kind in the entire state.

A spirit of camaraderie and purpose prevails at this annual fund raising event. Kauai participants will walk a course that measures a little over three miles, beginning and ending at Kukui Grove Park in Lihue. Local entertainers provide music, while onlookers encourage the walkers and pit stops offer refreshment. Charity Walks take place on three of Kauai's neighbor islands simultaneously. Although Hawaii Hotel Association sponsors this event, you don't need to be a member or even know a member in order to participate. Simply collect the minimum pledge and show up at the starting line.