Got families heading to Hawaii this fall looking for a little something different? Travel Agent breaks down five notable events worth pitching to multigenerational clients heading to the Aloha State this fall.
Wailuku First Friday (October 2)
This event represents a fun and community-minded way for clients to rub elbows with locals. On the first Friday of each month on Market Street, the town of Wailuku hosts a party with live entertainment, artists, crafters and food specials at various restaurants.
With activities for the keiki (children) and multiple entertainment stages, it’s no wonder thousands regularly attend each Wailuku gathering. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Wailuku is the only town party with a beer garden. There is no admission for the event, whcih runs from 6-9 p.m.
Visit www.mauifridays.com/wailuku
The 18th Annual Coconut Festival (October 3-4)
The Kapaa Business Association presents Kauai’s 19th Annual Coconut Festival at Kapaa Beach Park. Celebrate all that is coconut with unique coconut crafts, coconut games, delicious coconut foods and contests with some of the best crafters, artists and entertainers in Hawaii.
Clients will be treated to non stop music, taiko drummers, hula, and fun. There will also be a children’s stage, petting zoo, inflatables and coconut activities. Also, there will be cooking demos by some of the island’s best chefs.
Visit www.kbakauai.org
Kauai Food Tour (October 6-27)
Foodie families can hop in their car and follow a guide on a tasting adventure through Kauai’s North Shore. Clients will experience out-of-the way establishments, taste products made with exotic fruit, sample Hawaiian food, learn about Tiki cocktail culture, meet farmers and food artisans, and more.
This unique food tour is centered on the regional cuisine of Hawaii, where the host community lives, eats and plays. This food tour includes tastings at six stops, an experienced guide with plenty of local culinary knowledge and tasty surprises in between. The four-hour tour ends at a farmers market where you will meet our favorite vendors and sample their products. At the end of the tour, you are free to stroll through the market and purchase gifts of aloha, or food to enjoy during your clients' stay.
Visit www.tastingkauai.com
First Aloha Friday on the Porch (October 9)
Master lei maker Randy Lee uses a variety of natural materials to fashion gorgeous lei from the freshest fern, leaves and flowers that he personally gathers from the rain forests of Panaewa.
Clients will enjoy the skill and wonderful stories that this well-respected practitioner has to offer. Each Friday, on the front porch of the Volcano Art Center Gallery, visitors and kamaaina alike are invited to experience a free, hands-on workshop presented by hospitable Hawaii Island practitioners. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Gallery Porch.
This free event is supported in part by a grant from the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the County of Hawaii, Dept. of Research and Development. However, National park entrance fees may apply.
Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org
Eo E Emalani I Alakai Festival (October 10)
Kauai’s mountain forests echo with the sounds of Hawaiian music and traditional chants at this free annual festival, held the second Saturday in October, mist or shine. Visitors attending “Eo e Emalani i Alakai” step back in time, when a traditional royal procession arrives at noon (festivities begin at 10 a.m).
Queen Emma and her entourage enter the lovely Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow on horseback, accompanied by hula halau from around the state who perform chants and dances as gifts for the Queen. Exhibits, craft demonstrations, and snack sales make it a lovely outdoor day for Kauai residents and visitors.
Visit www.kokee.org
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