November 2–8, 2026
Aloha from Kauaʻi! The first full week of November brings a wonderful mix of island culture, live Hawaiian music, local markets and family-friendly activities. Two weekend highlights are the Eō e Emalani celebration honoring Queen Emma on Saturday and the Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival on Sunday. There is also a special exhibition celebrating Kauaʻi’s native birds and forests, plus the Kauaʻi Writers Conference throughout the week.
One important planning note: Eō e Emalani has moved from Kōkeʻe to the Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa in Poʻipū because Kōkeʻe State Park remains closed. Other mountain attractions are still affected by storm recovery, so check access before driving inland.
Weather & Ocean Outlook
Expect warm coastal days, generally around 81–83°F, with breezy trade winds and passing showers through much of the week. Windward and mountain areas are more likely to see showers, while sunnier breaks can develop elsewhere. Friday may be somewhat drier, but intermittent rain remains possible into the weekend. Pack a light rain layer and keep longer outdoor outings flexible.
Ocean conditions need extra care early in the week. A High Surf Advisory is in effect for north- and west-facing Kauaʻi shores through Monday evening, November 2. A Small Craft Advisory covers Kauaʻi coastal waters into early Tuesday. Another northwest swell could raise surf again Thursday and Friday. East-facing beaches may stay choppy in the trades. Before swimming, snorkeling or boating, check the latest forecast and ask lifeguards about conditions.
What’s Happening This Week
Monday, November 2 — Family Time & Local Markets
Coffee and Play for Keiki at Hale Līhuʻe runs from 9:00 a.m.–noon, offering a relaxed morning option for families. In the afternoon, the Anahola Farmers Market is scheduled from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at Anahola Marketplace. On the South Shore, the Poʻipū Night Market is listed from 4:00–8:00 p.m. These are easy places to find local produce, food and handmade goods.
Tuesday, November 3 — Local Crafts & Free Hula
The Kauaʻi Made Craft Fair at Kauaʻi Shores Hotel in Kapaʻa runs from 3:00–7:00 p.m., with island-made gifts and artwork. YWCA Kauaʻi also hosts free hula lessons at Hale Līhuʻe from 4:00–5:00 p.m.; advance sign-up is requested. If you are driving across the island, Election Day means no routine state highway lane closures are scheduled unless specially permitted.
Wednesday, November 4 — Makai Music & Art Festival
Spend Wednesday afternoon at Princeville Makai Golf Club, where the free Makai Music & Art Festival is scheduled from 1:00–5:00 p.m. Enjoy live music and browse work from local artists and makers. Later, Coconut Marketplace in Kapaʻa lists a free hula and fire knife performance from 5:00–5:30 p.m. Check the event organizer if showers affect outdoor programming.
Thursday, November 5 — Kauaʻi Museum Courtyard Market
The free First Thursday Courtyard Market at Kauaʻi Museum in Līhuʻe runs from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with local art, culture and island-made goods. Museum admission is separate if you decide to explore the exhibits indoors. Coconut Marketplace also offers a free midday Hawaiian music, hula and fire knife show from noon–1:00 p.m.
Friday, November 6 — Native Birds, Art & Music
The Wings & Woodlands exhibition opens with a free reception at 6:00 p.m. at the Kauaʻi Society of Artists Gallery in Kukui Grove Center, Līhuʻe. Created with Kauaʻi conservation groups, the show celebrates native birds, forests and the people protecting them. The exhibition continues November 7–12. Earlier, the Kauaʻi Made Craft Fair at Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa is scheduled from 3:00–7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 7 — Arbor Day & Eō e Emalani
Kukui Grove Center hosts the free 22nd Annual Kauaʻi Arbor Day from 9:00 a.m.–noon, featuring native and ornamental tree giveaways, conservation information and a keiki planting area. Trees are intended for planting, so this is especially fun for island residents, while visitors can enjoy the educational activities.
The 38th Annual Eō e Emalani celebration takes place from 5:00–9:00 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt Kauaʻi Resort & Spa in Poʻipū—not Kōkeʻe. The ticketed evening honors Queen Emma with Hawaiian music, hula and cultural presentations. General admission includes seating and a dinner bowl; advance tickets are available. This is a particularly meaningful way to experience Kauaʻi’s history and living traditions.
Sunday, November 8 — Slack Key Guitar & Princeville Night Market
The 34th Annual Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Festival — Kauaʻi Style runs from 1:00–5:00 p.m. at Outrigger Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa in Līhuʻe. Expect an afternoon of Hawaiian guitar and vocals from a rotating lineup of performers; tickets are listed at $12–$25. If you are on the North Shore, the free Princeville Night Market runs from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Princeville Center, with local artists, food and handmade gifts.
Also This Week — Kauaʻi Writers Conference
The Kauaʻi Writers Conference takes place November 2–8 at the Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort on Kalapakī Beach. Master classes run November 2–5, followed by the main conference November 6–8. The program brings together authors, agents and publishing professionals for talks and workshops. It is a ticketed event, so check registration availability directly rather than assuming walk-in access.
Local Business Spotlight
Make a morning coffee stop part of your island exploring. In Līhuʻe, Rainbeau Jo’s on Rice Street offers coffee, smoothies and breakfast favorites near downtown shops and Kauaʻi Museum. On the East Side, Java Kai in Kapaʻa is a lively spot for locally roasted coffee, pastries and breakfast before exploring the Coconut Coast.
For souvenirs with a personal connection to Kauaʻi, shop directly from makers at the Anahola Farmers Market, First Thursday Courtyard Market, Kauaʻi Made fairs and Princeville Night Market. Purchasing locally made artwork, food or gifts helps support island farmers and small businesses.
Road, Park & Ocean Advisories
Hawaiʻi DOT lists several weekday work zones for November 2 and November 4–6. On Kaumualiʻi Highway, expect lane shifts near Kahili Road in Kōloa (8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.) and possible single-lane closures near Piko and Akemāmā roads in Lāwaʻi (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.). On Kūhiō Highway, raised-crosswalk work is scheduled in Anahola (8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.), with storm-debris removal near Hanalei (7:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.). Additional work is listed on Kuamoʻo Road in Wailua Homesteads and Waimea Canyon Drive. There are no routine state lane closures scheduled Tuesday, November 3, for Election Day. All roadwork is weather permitting.
Hāʻena State Park has reopened for reserved day visits, and Waimea Canyon Lookout is open during daylight hours. However, Kōkeʻe Road remains closed, other Waimea Canyon viewpoints and Kōkeʻe State Park remain closed, and all Kauaʻi state-park camping is still suspended. The relocated Eō e Emalani festival is a reminder not to follow older listings that still direct visitors into Kōkeʻe.
A Good Way to Plan Your Week
Early week: Choose a local market or museum stop, and keep beach plans flexible around the high surf and breezy trades. Wednesday is ideal for a Princeville afternoon at Makai Music & Art Festival if the weather cooperates.
Thursday and Friday: Enjoy the Kauaʻi Museum market, then make time for the Wings & Woodlands art opening. Both are easy ways to connect with the island beyond its beaches.
Weekend: Spend Saturday morning at Arbor Day in Līhuʻe and Saturday evening at Eō e Emalani in Poʻipū. Sunday is perfect for Hawaiian slack key music, or a relaxed North Shore afternoon ending at the Princeville Night Market.
Visitor Tip of the Week
November is a beautiful time to experience Kauaʻi’s culture as well as its coastline. A conversation with a local artist, a Hawaiian music performance or a visit to a farmers market can become the highlight of your stay. Check weather and ocean conditions each morning, respect park closures, and leave extra time for roadwork and unexpected island discoveries.
Have a wonderful week on the Garden Isle. Aloha!
Useful Links for Current Updates
National Weather Service — Hawaiʻi forecast and advisories
Hawaiʻi DOT — Kauaʻi road closures
Hawaiʻi State Parks — Kauaʻi park status
Kauaʻi Festivals & Events — island calendar
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