Kauai Events November

Downtown Lihue 2nd Saturday Night Market (Kress Street)

Downtown Līhu‘e transforms into a bustling open-air market on the second Saturday of every month. Over 40 vendors line Kress Street offering handmade jewelry, home décor, local art, island wear, and delicious food from Kauaʻi’s best food trucks. It’s family-friendly, free, and the perfect way to kick off your island weekend.

Why go: The community vibe is contagious — think live Hawaiian music, ono eats, and friendly locals ready to chat about their crafts. It’s the event that makes you feel instantly part of Kauaʻi life.

Insider tips:

• Parking fills quickly; arrive before 5 pm.
• Bring a reusable tote for your finds.
• If you stay in Poʻipū or Kapaʻa, leave early to beat sunset traffic.

When: November 8th,  4 PM - 8 PM

Where: Lihue

More Info: 2nd Saturday Night Market (Kress Street)

Kauai Veterans Celebration (Community fair)

Held the first Saturday in November, the Kauaʻi Veterans Celebration honors service members with a day of live music, local food, crafts, and community appreciation. It’s a heartfelt, down-to-earth event that welcomes everyone — visitors and locals alike.

Why go: You’ll experience Kauaʻi’s community spirit in full swing, complete with island-style hospitality, great food, and performances by local musicians.

Insider tips:

• Admission is free, and veterans enjoy complimentary meals and services.
• Pair the morning celebration with an afternoon stroll at nearby Kalapaki Beach.

When: November 8th, 9 AM - 2 PM

Where: Lihue

More Info: Kauai Veterans Celebrations

Princeville Night Market (North Shore)

Every second Sunday, Princeville’s open-air shopping center turns into a lively night market filled with handmade art, local vendors, and live Hawaiian music. Picture the golden glow of a North Shore sunset, the scent of fresh food truck fare, and the gentle rhythm of ukulele melodies drifting through the air.

Why go: It’s a relaxed, family-friendly evening with a distinctly North Shore vibe — creative, colorful, and scenic. You can pick up unique Kauaʻi-made souvenirs while enjoying a casual dinner outdoors.

Insider tips:

• Arrive early (around 4 pm) to shop before dark and catch the sunset.
• Seating is limited, so consider bringing a lightweight chair if you plan to linger for music.

When: November 9th, 4 PM - 8 PM

Where: Princeville Shopping Center

More Info: Princeville Night Market

Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival — Kauaʻi Style (33rd Annual)

This annual festival is a cultural gem and a must-see for music lovers. Hawaiian slack key guitar — known locally as kī hō‘alu — is one of the islands’ most beautiful musical traditions. The event brings together legendary performers and emerging artists for an afternoon of soulful, soothing melodies that celebrate the essence of Hawaiian music.

Why go: It’s authentic, intimate, and deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. The sound of the guitars against the ocean breeze is simply unforgettable.

Insider tips:

• Admission is usually free or low-cost; arrive early for a good seat.
• The resort setting makes it easy to grab a drink or meal nearby.
• Bring a light cover — afternoon clouds often roll through Līhu‘e.

When: November 23rd, 1 PM - 5 PM

Where: Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa (Līhu‘e)

More Info: Slack Key Guitar Festival

How I'd Plan a November Week on Kauai

• If you’re here the weekend of Nov 8–9:
  Spend Saturday morning at the Kauaʻi Veterans Celebration to enjoy live music and community aloha, then wander over to the Downtown Līhu‘e Night Market that evening for street eats and shopping. On Sunday, make your way north for the Princeville Night Market — the perfect way to end the weekend with live tunes and sunset views.
• If your trip is late-month:
  Anchor your Sunday around the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival on November 23 — a relaxed, music-filled afternoon that captures the heart of Hawaiian culture.
• Where to base:
  Līhu‘e is central to many events and offers easy airport access, while Princeville/Hanalei provides that lush North Shore escape paired with creative evening markets.
• Logistics & weather:
  Expect daytime highs around the low 80s °F with light showers possible. Bring a light rain jacket, stay hydrated, and dress casually — aloha shirts, sundresses, and slippers fit in anywhere.
• Shopping smarter:
  Look for the “Kauaʻi Made” seal on products to support local artisans and small businesses. Night markets are enjoyable for discovering authentic island goods you won’t find in the resort shops.

November on Kauaʻi is mellow, musical, and full of aloha. This month's events — from veterans celebrations to outdoor markets and the rhythmic strum of slack key guitars, give you a front-row seat to the island’s culture and community. Whether you spend your days exploring waterfalls or lounging on Hanalei Bay, wander through one of these gatherings. You’ll leave with full heart, full belly, and maybe a few handmade treasures to remind you of your time on the Garden Isle.