August 31–September 6, 2026

Aloha from Kauaʻi! Labor Day weekend is approaching, and this is a particularly lively week on the Garden Isle. The headline event is Sunday’s sold-out Kauaʻi Marathon & Half Marathon in Poʻipū, while the days leading up to it bring farmers markets, free hula, live music, art, and plenty of opportunities to support local makers.

Weather-wise, expect a classic trade-wind week with warm temperatures, breezy conditions, and passing showers—especially on the North and East sides. Winds are forecast to strengthen later in the week, so mornings will generally be your best window for calmer beach conditions and outdoor adventures.

Weather & Ocean Outlook

The National Weather Service forecast for Kauaʻi calls for daytime temperatures generally reaching the upper 80s near the coast this week. North and East Kauaʻi should see recurring passing showers, with a wetter period possible Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Thursday and Friday become breezier to windy, with trade winds continuing into the weekend.

Ocean conditions are worth watching this week. A new south swell is expected to build Tuesday and peak Wednesday just below advisory levels, while east-facing shores should remain elevated from trade-wind swell. East and southeast shores could become especially rough and choppy Thursday into Friday as winds increase.

For swimming and snorkeling, start early, choose lifeguarded beaches when possible, and always check posted conditions before entering the water.

What’s Happening This Week

Tuesday — Farmers Market in Kapaʻa

On Tuesday, September 1, the Farmers Market at Coconut Marketplace runs from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Expect locally grown vegetables and seasonal fruit along with baked goods, cold drinks, local honey, herbs, handcrafted items, and other island products.

It is an easy stop if you are spending the day along Kauaʻi’s East Side and a good place to pick up fruit and snacks before heading to the beach.

Tuesday — Statewide Warning Siren Test

If you hear warning sirens around 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, there is no need to be alarmed. Hawaiʻi is conducting its regular monthly test of the statewide outdoor warning siren system. The test consists of a one-minute steady tone and is accompanied by a test of the Emergency Alert System.

Wednesday — Makai Music & Arts Festival

Wednesday afternoon is a great time to head north. The Makai Music & Arts Festival at Princeville Makai Golf Club runs from 1:00–5:00 p.m. and features live Kauaʻi musicians along with local artists, jewelry makers, crafts, and other vendors. Admission and parking are complimentary.

Pair the festival with a morning in Hanalei, Kīlauea, or at a North Shore beach for an easy full-day itinerary.

Wednesday — Free Hula & Fire Knife Show

On Wednesday evening, Coconut Marketplace in Kapaʻa hosts a free hula show with fire knife dancing from 5:00–5:30 p.m. The performance features traditional Hawaiian music, hula, colorful costumes, and Polynesian dance.

Friday — Aloha First Friday Art Night

Friday evening brings Aloha First Friday Art Night to Hale Līhuʻe from 5:00–8:00 p.m. The evening includes art, music, an open mic, comedy, food, and a beer garden fundraiser. It is a relaxed way to spend Friday night while experiencing Kauaʻi’s local creative community.

Saturday — Free Hula in Princeville

If you are staying on the North Shore, stop by Princeville Center Saturday, September 5, from 1:30–2:30 p.m. for a free hula performance featuring Haunani Kaui, Auntie Bev Kauanui, Hui Hula O Kehaulani dancers, and ukulele players.

Saturday — Kauaʻi Marathon Keiki Run

Marathon weekend gets underway Saturday morning with the 13th Annual Kauaʻi Marathon Keiki Run near the Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi. The run begins at 9:00 a.m. and includes age-appropriate distances for children ages 2–12. Registration requirements apply, but even visitors who are not participating should expect extra activity around Poʻipū throughout the weekend.

Sunday’s Big Event — Kauaʻi Marathon & Half Marathon

The 17th Annual Kauaʻi Marathon & Half Marathon takes over the South Shore on Sunday, September 6. The race begins at 6:00 a.m. in Poʻipū and draws runners from around the world to one of the most scenic—and challenging—destination races in Hawaiʻi.

The 2026 race is officially sold out, but you do not need to be running to enjoy the atmosphere. Spectators can expect hula dancers, Taiko drummers, volunteers, and community support along the course, with an oceanfront finish in Poʻipū.

If you are not participating, the important takeaway is traffic: expect significantly more activity around Poʻipū and Kōloa on Sunday morning. Give yourself extra time and avoid planning a time-sensitive South Shore drive during race hours if possible.

Local Business Highlight

This is an excellent week to make local shopping part of your itinerary. Tuesday’s farmers market, Wednesday’s Makai festival, and Friday’s art night all offer opportunities to purchase directly from Kauaʻi farmers, artists, musicians, food producers, and makers.

Instead of waiting until the airport to buy souvenirs, look for locally made jewelry, artwork, honey, tropical fruit, coffee, baked goods, and handcrafted gifts during the week. You’ll come home with something that actually reflects the island while putting more of your vacation spending directly into the local community.

Road & Travel Advisories

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has an extensive slate of roadwork scheduled through Friday, September 4.

On Kaumualiʻi Highway, expect work around Pua Loke, Puhi, Kīpū–Kōloa, Kōloa, ʻŌmaʻo, Lāwaʻi, and ʻEleʻele–Hanapēpē. Several Kōloa-area projects are nighttime closures, while other work takes place during the day. A 24-hour left-turn-pocket closure near Puhi Road is also scheduled Tuesday through Friday, with a detour to Nohou Street for Kauaʻi Community College access.

If you are driving between Līhuʻe and Poʻipū or heading west, allow extra time rather than relying on a tight schedule. Roadwork is weather permitting and can change without notice.

Poʻipū Water Service Note

Visitors staying around Kiahuna Plantation Drive should be aware of an overnight water service shutdown from 10:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, until 6:00 a.m. Thursday, September 3.

The affected area runs from and includes Poʻipū Shopping Village through Kiahuna Plantation Resort. If your accommodations are in that area, store enough water for overnight needs and check with your resort or property manager for property-specific information.

Best Day-Trip Ideas This Week

For a North Shore day, start early in Hanalei or Kīlauea on Wednesday, enjoy the beach while winds are lighter, grab lunch locally, then head to the Makai Music & Arts Festival in Princeville from 1:00–5:00 p.m.

For an East Side day, visit Tuesday morning’s Coconut Marketplace Farmers Market, explore Kapaʻa and the coastal path, then return Wednesday evening if you want to catch the free hula and fire knife show.

For the South Shore, consider visiting earlier in the week rather than Sunday. Marathon weekend will bring extra energy to Poʻipū, but also more traffic and crowds. If you enjoy race-day excitement, Sunday morning can be a memorable time to cheer on runners before settling into a slower afternoon.

Visitor Tip of the Week

This is a week when timing matters. With stronger trade winds expected later in the week, a south swell building Tuesday and Wednesday, roadwork across several parts of the island, and the Kauaʻi Marathon on Sunday, an early start will make almost every adventure easier.

Use mornings for beaches, snorkeling, canyon views, and longer drives. Save farmers markets, art nights, live music, shopping, and relaxed meals for later in the day.

Most importantly, don’t try to race around Kauaʻi. The island is at its best when you leave enough room in the schedule for a roadside fruit stand, an unexpected rainbow, a local musician, or a beach you hadn’t planned to visit.

Have a wonderful Labor Day week on the Garden Isle. Aloha! 🌺