The Garden Island of Kauai is a wonderful place to vacation during the holiday season. There are a great selection of special holiday events that are sure to please every member of the family.
Here are a few of the most popular events that will take place in 2012.
If you know of other events to add to this list, please email me and I'll add them.
November 24 - Women Artists of Kaua'i Holiday Fine Art Festival and Fundraiser -This 4th annual festival will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hanapepe United Church of Christ. This is a great chance to purchase the original paintings, photography, pottery, sculpture and mixed media of top female local artists including Patrice Pendarvis, Anna Skaradzinska, Dawn Lundquist, Helen Turner, Marionette Taboniar, Leslie Hagen, Caylin Spear, Donia Lilly, Debbie Barklow, and Rhonda Forsberg. Musical entertainment will be provided by Dr. Matthew Miller. The HUCC "Lanai Cafe" will be serving sandwiches, soups, salads, baked goods, and beverages. For more information visit www.womenartistsofkauai.blogspot.com/ or contact Marionette at womenartistsofkauai@yahoo.com.
December 1 - Waimea Tree Lighting - At 6:00 p.m. the annual lighting of the Waimea town Christmas tree will take place at 6:00 p.m. Waimea Town is the most decorated town on the island and every night brings additional delights. Stroll along Main Street and Waimea Canyon Drive to enjoy the spirit of the season offered by residents and businesses from dark until 9:00 p.m.
December 2 - Christmas Craft Fair at the National Tropical Botanical Garden - The 9th annual "Christmas Craft Fair in the Garden" will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center of the NTBG located on Kauai's south shore at 4425 Lawa'i Road, Po'ipu, just opposite Spouting Horn. This is a free event that will feature lots of Kauai Made products, jewelry, a special Keiki (children's) Korner, a plant sale, lots of local food and music featuring Paul Togioka on guitar, Nick Castillo contemporary Hawaiian songs, and Anela Lauren on harp. For more information, you can call the visitor center gift shop at 808-742-2623 or visit their website.
December 7 - Lights on Rice Christmas Parade - The annual Christmas celebration in Lihu'e begins at 6:00 p.m. with the annual "Lights on Rice" Christmas Parade down Rice Street in Lihu'e and ending at Kauai's Historic County Building. The parade includes lighted floats, bands and local groups and ends with songs of the season sung by the Kauai Chorale and a lighting countdown led by Santa to open the town's annual Festival of Lights.
December 7-24 - Festival of Lights - Following the "Lights on Rice" Christmas Parade, the Festival of Lights display inside the County Building, featuring the decorations created by Josie Chansky, opens to the public and can be seen every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. through Christmas Eve. Find out more about the Festival of Lights or visit their website.
December 8 - Kauai's Breakfast with Santa - Sweet Marie's Hawaii Restaurant & Bakery will host their annual Breakfast with at their new location at 3-3204 Kuhio Highway in Lihue. Seating times are 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Reservations are requested at 808-823-0227. Breakfast items will include Reindeer Hotcakes, Santa Hat Fresh Strawberry Waffles and much more. There will be a story time with Santa, a chocolate dipped marshmallow "make and take" and photos with Santa. Prices are $17.95 for adults (10 & over), $12.95 for children (3-10). Children under 3 can eat for free.
December 9 - Kauai Holiday Hula Celebration - Kauai's annual Holiday Hula Christmas Celebration will take place at the Grand Hyatt Resort in Poipu. This year's theme is "Let's hula for Christmas." Now in its 26th year, the Halau Na Hula O Kaohikukapulani from Hanapepe, Kauai will present an evening of hula, chant, and music for the holiday featuring over 150 dancers and musicians. The doors will open at 5:00 p.m. and the evening's program will begin at 6:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchase for $15 in advance by calling 808-335-6466 or you can buy them at the door for $20. For more information, visit their website.
December 10 - Christmas Gifts Concert - The Performing Arts Center at Kauai Community College will host their annual Christmas Gifts Concert at 6:00 p.m. The concert will feature a serenade by string students of Helen Sina, featuring Ethereal Harmony, Magic Violins, and Amoroso, with guest performances from Ballet Kauai, directed by Daniel Nelson. There will also be a Christmas crafts fair and refreshments for purchase. Tickets cost just $8 and are available in advance by calling 808-652-0706. They will also be available at the door. You can also visit their website.
December 16 - Kauai Christmas Hula Concert - Leilani Rivera Low and Halau Hula o Leilani of the Kauai Cultural Center will present their annual family oriented Christmas hula concert at the Kauai War Memorial Convention. Over 75 adult and keiki dancers will perform to Hawaiian Christmas songs as well as as feature a selection of Maori and Tahitian dances. Local crafts and food will be available for purchase in the lobby beginning at 5:00 p.m. The auditorium will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for just $15. You can also visit their website.
December 18 - Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade - The 18th annual Waimea Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade will begin at dusk (approx. 6:00 p.m.). This is one of the island's most popular holiday events and spectators should intend to arrive early since parking is limited to areas at either end of town. Parking details are available on their website. The parade begins at Waimea Canyon Park and goes down Kaumualii Highway to Ala Wai Road where it turns inland to Waimea Road, then back west to end at Hofgaard Park in the center of town. After parade festivities include live, on-stage free music at Hofgaard Park, with free beverages, baked goods and treats provided by local business. Visit their website for more information.
See our related features on 2012 Christmas and Holiday Events on the Neighbor Islands
