Part of our Hawaii guide.
2 places and guides from our Hawaii coverage, gathered into one page.
Kauai's Vibrant Hanapepe Friday Night Festival & Art Walk
Every Friday night, the quaint town of Hanapepe on Kauai transforms into a lively hub of art, music, and food. Local artists showcase their work, food vendors serve up delicious eats, and live music fills the air. It's a great opportunity to experience the local culture and meet friendly residents. Don't miss out on this unique Kauai experience! The festival turns Hanapepe into a vibrant hub of activity, where you can browse paintings, photography, and handmade crafts from island artists while sampling plate lunches, fresh poke, and shave ice from food trucks. The streets close to traffic, letting you wander freely between galleries and pop-up stalls. If you’re planning a trip around Kauai, this Friday night event is a perfect way to cap a day spent exploring the island’s Hawaiian hidden valleys and waters or relaxing on its beaches in Hawaii. Arrive early to snag parking near the old town, and bring cash for vendors who don’t take cards. The festival runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. year-round, rain or shine, and admission is free. Many visitors combine it with a sunset stop at the nearby swinging bridge or a quick detour to the secret sea glass beaches of Kauai before the light fades. For those wondering how long is the ferry ride from Maui, it’s not relevant here—Kauai is a separate island reachable only by air from Honolulu or direct flights from the mainland. But if you’re island-hopping, you can get from Maui to the Big Island for a short inter-island flight, then continue to Kauai on another leg. The festival’s food vendors often feature local favorites like laulau, kalua pig tacos, and coconut haupia, giving you a taste of authentic island cuisine without a sit-down restaurant. After the art walk, stick around for live hula performances and fire dancers that sometimes appear after 8 p.m. The event draws both tourists and locals, so you’ll find a friendly, community vibe that makes it one of the top travel tips and local favorites in Hawaii for a Friday night out.
Christmas: Celebrate The Holidays In Paradise
Welcome to Hawaii, where the spirit of aloha merges with the magic of Christmas to create a truly unforgettable holiday experience. While snow-covered landscapes may be associated with the holiday season, Hawaii offers a unique and enchanting alternative. Imagine celebrating Christmas with palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze, warm golden sands, and the rhythmic sounds of ukuleles playing festive tunes. The holiday season in Hawaii is a delightful blend of traditional customs and unique island flair. From the vibrant decorations adorning the streets to the joyful festivities that fill the air, Hawaii offers a one-of-a-kind Christmas celebration that will surely leave you with treasured memories. December is is peak tourist season in Hawaii, so book flights and accommodations months in advance—hotels on Oahu and Maui often sell out by October. Christmas Day itself sees many local restaurants closed, but resort buffets and luaus run special holiday menus, often featuring roasted pig, poi, and macadamia nut desserts. On Kauai, the Festival of Lights at the historic County Building in Lihue runs from early December through New Year’s, with a giant Christmas tree, animated displays, and nightly entertainment. On the Big Island, the Hilton Waikoloa Village hosts a massive gingerbread house competition and a tree-lighting ceremony. For a quieter holiday, consider a stay in one of the Hawaiian hidden valleys and waters like the north shore of Kauai or the Hāmākua Coast, where you can hike through rainforests and swim in waterfalls instead of hitting crowded beaches. Many visitors also enjoy a Christmas morning snorkel at Hanauma Bay on Oahu or a sunset sail off Lahaina on Maui. If you’re traveling with kids, the Honolulu City Lights parade on the first Saturday of December features floats, marching bands, and Santa arriving by outrigger canoe. Remember that inter-island flights fill up fast during the holiday weeks, so book those early too. And while the weather stays warm—typically 75–85°F in December—pack a light jacket for evening breezes and occasional rain showers. Whether you’re attending a Christmas Eve service at a historic church like Kawaiahaʻo in Honolulu or simply relaxing on the sand with a mai tai, the islands offer a holiday experience that’s both festive and distinctly Hawaiian.
