As summer turns to fall, the festivities aren’t slowing down on the island of Kauai. From food truck battles to cultural festivals to grandmaster bamboo flute players, here are the coolest events and festivals coming to Kauai in September.
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2023 Events and Festivities
Events for Kauai in September 2023 will be posted in the coming weeks. Typically, we'll update this page about six to eight weeks before the month in question. Below, you can review a summary of what happened within the last 12-18 months, as many of these Hawaii events are held annually.
2022 Events and Festivities
Battle of the Food Trucks
Food trucks are a huge part of what makes Kauai such a fantastic island. This delectable attribute is celebrated in September by the annual Battle of the Food Trucks. Kress Street in Lihue will become a paradise for food lovers as food trucks from around the island gather to showcase their best creations.
When: Sunday, September 11th, 2 PM - 6 PM
Where: 2976 Kress Street, Lihue
More Info: Parking Lot Paina Instagram
Kauai Mokihana Festival
Hosted by the Malie Foundation, the Mokihana Festival is a week’s worth of cultural celebration, education, music, hula, and more. Through a series of workshops and performances, attendees will immerse themselves in everything that makes Hawaii such a beautiful and unique place. For more info on specific events and locations, check the event website linked below.
When: September 18th - September 24th
Where: Various Locations
More Info: Malie Foundation - Kauai Mokihana Festival
Makai Music & Art Festival
The Makai Golf Club in Princeville is a perfect scenic location for an outdoor afternoon of food, music, local crafts, and more. The cocktails and burgers here are of particularly legendary status. Best of all, the festival is free to attend and even free to park.
When: Wednesdays, September 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 1 PM - 5 PM
Where: 4080 Lei O Papa Road, Princeville (Makai Golf Club)
More Info: Makai Golf - Music & Art Festival
The Kauai Marathon & Half Marathon
There is no more beautiful location than Kauai for those looking to burn off some piña coladas and mixed plates. September sees the return of the Kauai Marathon & Half Marathon. Photos and videos can only do the jungles and ocean vistas on the route justice.
When: Sunday, September 4th, 6 AM - 3 PM
Where: 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Koloa
More Info: The Kauai Marathon
Shakuhachi Grandmaster Riley Lee
The Shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese flute made from bamboo. Riley Lee is the first non-Japanese musician to achieve the rank of grandmaster. The 1-hour concert will benefit the Lawai International Center in Lihue. Register for the event online at www.lawaicenter.org
When: Sunday, September 18th
Where: 3343 Kanakolu Street, Lihue (Lawai International Center)
More Info: Riley Lee
Hawaii Line Dance Festival
This is the kind of all-boxes-checked event that the whole family can get behind. In addition to open-line dancing, there will also be lessons and workshops. There will also be food and over 30 craft vendors. Plus, the whole 2-day event is a major fundraiser for the Kauai Veterans Center.
When: September 16th - September 17th
Where: 3215 Kauai Veterans Memorial Hwy, Lihue (Kauai Veterans Center)
More Info: Hawaii Line Dance Festival
We hope you find this to be a helpful starting guide to planning your September in Kauai. As always, mahalo, and best wishes for your visit!
Updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides
If you're visiting Hawaii soon, be sure to download a copy of one of our updated 2023 Hawaii Visitor Guides. We've updated the packets with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and for those who've been a time or two as well).
Select a 2023 Travel Guide
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