President & certified Hawaii travel expert with 15+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
We may earn a commission when you book or buy through links on this page.
2026 Events and Festivities
April on Kauai, known fondly as Hawaii's "Garden Isle," offers visitors and residents an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in the island's rich tapestry of culture, creativity, and community spirit. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, lush landscapes, and vibrant local traditions, Kauai becomes even more lively during April 2026, featuring exciting events and festivals celebrating everything from music and crafts to local brews and cultural heritage.
Kauai Brewers Festival
Craft beer lovers unite at the Kauai Brewers Festival, transforming downtown Līhu'e into a lively block party filled with excitement, music, and exceptional beverages. Brewers from Hawaii showcase their finest craft beers and delicious non-alcoholic options, making the festival inclusive for all visitors. Complemented by local food vendors, live entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere, this festival promises a delightful and memorable day celebrating Hawaii’s thriving brewing culture.
When: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Kress Street, Līhuʻe
More Info: Kauai Brewers Festival
Leftover Salmon – High Country Kauaʻi 2026 (4th Annual)
This highly anticipated three-night concert event brings music fans together for a vibrant showcase headlined by the acclaimed jam band Leftover Salmon. Known for their fusion of bluegrass, rock, country, and Cajun/Zydeco, Leftover Salmon will share the stage with special guests Sam Bush, Holly Bowling, and Jason Carter with Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, plus an Andy Thorn Mac Miller tribute set. The Porter Pavilion at Anaina Hou Community Park, set amid lush greenery in Kīlauea on Kauaʻi's North Shore, provides an intimate yet lively atmosphere.
A vibrant weekly event showcasing the best of Kauai. It features locally grown produce, honey, value-added products, and a wide array of items from Kauai's talented artists, including handcrafts, jewelry, clothing, and artwork. Visitors can enjoy live music and local food vendors in a beautiful setting, making it a must-visit for experiencing Kauai's community and creativity.
When: Sunday, April 12, 2026, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Princeville Shopping Center, Princeville
More Info: Princeville Night Market
The Kauaʻi Uʻkulele Festival
Celebrating Hawaii’s iconic instrument, the Kauaʻi ʻUkulele Festival is a joyful and culturally rich event. This free festival attracts musicians, enthusiasts, and families for a full day of performances by skilled ʻukulele artists, engaging workshops, and opportunities to connect with like-minded ʻukulele lovers. Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for how this small instrument has come to symbolize Hawaii’s spirit of aloha.
Date: Expected mid-April 2026 (check website for confirmed date)
Location: Kukui Grove Center, Lihue
More Information:Ukulele Festival
April 2026 on Kauai promises many events that beautifully illustrate the island’s diverse cultural landscape. Whether you're a music aficionado, craft enthusiast, culinary adventurer, or enjoy engaging in authentic community events, Kauai’s lineup in April offers something special for everyone. Each festival and event celebrates local talents and traditions and strengthens the island’s vibrant sense of community, ensuring every attendee leaves with memorable experiences and a deeper appreciation for Kauai’s unique charm.
Dry conditions on Oʻahu today, with breezy wind in exposed areas. Drier weather continues through Wednesday as moisture clears out.
A medium-sized northwest swell will bring elevated surf to north and west-facing shores tonight through Sunday morning—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. Winds remain breezy through Sunday, easing slightly Monday and Tuesday before picking up again Wednesday. A Small Craft Advisory is active through Monday morning for most coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Scattered showers arrive Thursday into Friday.
South and west shore beaches work well through Sunday for calmer conditions. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're drawn to bigger waves.
0:000:54
Voice
Read the transcript
Skies are drying out across Maui today through Wednesday as moisture clears. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed and terrain-favored spots.
North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell moves in—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then strengthen again Wednesday. The next chance of scattered showers arrives Thursday through Friday.
If you're heading to the beach, south and west shores are your best bet through Sunday. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're into bigger waves.
0:000:53
Voice
Read the transcript
Mostly clear and dry today on the Big Island, with noticeably breezy winds in exposed areas and terrain-favored spots. That breeze continues through Sunday.
North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell arrives—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. South shores stay small. A Small Craft Advisory covers most coastal waters through Monday morning due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive statewide Thursday to Friday.
Head to the south and west shores for beach and snorkeling through Sunday. If bigger waves interest you, the north shore has surf to watch tonight into Sunday morning.
0:000:49
Voice
Read the transcript
Drier air is moving in through Wednesday. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed areas.
Tonight into Sunday morning, a medium-sized northwest swell will push elevated surf onto the north and west shores—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive Thursday or Friday.
Hit the south and west shores for swimming and snorkeling through Sunday. If you want to watch big waves, the north shore is worth a look tonight into Sunday morning.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
Created with AI from this HawaiiGuide page and read by a computer-generated voice. Double-check fees, hours, and reservations on the full page before you head out. Hawaiian pronunciation is tricky for synthesized speech and a few words may land slightly off; mahalo for your patience as we keep refining.
Mele and Kani are computer-generated voice options chosen for clarity and warmth.
Get Your Free Hawaii Visitor Guide
Enter your email and we'll send you instant access to our free 2026 Hawaii Starter Guide + Summary Guidesheets.