Kauai Matsuri Festival

Japanese culture is the point of Matsuri Kauai, held at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihue so local groups can put their talents on stage and keep the traditions going. Dance circles, taiko drumming, bonsai, and tea-ceremony practitioners have been part of the gathering, and delegations tied to Suo Oshima and Iwaki appear among the friends of the festival. The hall becomes a showcase rather than a street fair. Give the performance sets priority if you want the culture side, and stay for a full dance or drum piece rather than sampling only the edges.

Our take: Stay for a full dance or taiko set instead of only walking the edges of the hall.