OED Announces Recipients of County of Kauai Cultural Grants

Written By Jesse Mahorney

LIHUE — The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development (OED) is pleased to announce the recipients of its Fiscal Year 2025-26 Kauai Cultural Program and Events Grants.

“These projects reflect the heart of Kauai, our people, our stories, and our deep connection to place,” said OED Director Nalani K. Brun. “We are proud to invest in community-driven work that uplifts local voices, strengthens cultural practice, and brings people together in meaningful ways.”

Following a competitive review process, a selection committee evaluated 26 proposals and awarded funding to 15 projects, totaling $141,628. All funded projects take place on Kauai and align with community priorities and the Kauai Destination Management Action Plan.

This marks the first year the program has been offered as a standalone funding opportunity, reinforcing the county’s commitment to supporting community-based cultural projects and events that strengthen Kauai’s cultural landscape, celebrate place-based knowledge, and create meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike, according to a county press release.

The Office of Economic Development announced the list of projects selected for funding this year:

  • Garden Isle Resource Conservation and Development Council, Wings and Woodlands Art Exhibit and Festival – An immersive art exhibit and workshop series held Nov. 13-20 in Lihue, honoring Kauai’s native birds and forests through creative expression and community education.

  • National Tropical Botanical Garden, Ohia Love Fest and Na Lauae o Makana Summer Education Program – Support for the annual Ohia Love Fest and a hands-on student cultural and environmental education program in Haena rooted in ike Hawaii.

  • Kukulu Kumuhana o Anahola, Ola Ka I Kauai me Niihau – A two-day, community-based Hawaiian language celebration held Feb. 27-28, during Mahina Olelo Hawaii, that elevates the everyday use of olelo Hawaii while strengthening connections among residents, visitors and cultural practitioners.

  • Malie Foundation, 2026 Kauai Kings Parade – Community-centered workshops held March through May preparing participants for the June floral parade in Lihue, celebrating Hawaiian paniolo culture through lei and horse lei making, pau wrapping, equestrian skills, float building and traditional floral practices.

  • Kauai Federal Credit Union Foundation, Salt and Color – Expansion of a successful inaugural event into a two-event series held May through July, featuring public exhibitions and evening gatherings with live art and cultural demonstrations, film screenings, music, and locally sourced food honoring Hawaii’s ocean culture through Common Grounds philosophy.

  • YWCA of Kauai, Kauai Pride Parade – A free, family-friendly parade and celebration held June 6, featuring floats and walking groups from across the community, followed by local vendors, food trucks, entertainment, community resources, and inspiring speakers in a welcoming and inclusive public space.

  • Iwikua, Na Heihei a Ola – A community running event held Feb. 21, celebrating wellness, resilience and the living history of the West Kauai community.

  • Malama Kauai, 2026 Kauai Chocolate and Coffee Festival – The 11th annual festival held in October, honoring two of Kauai’s most important agricultural crops, cacao and coffee, through community celebration, education and local enterprise.

  • Anaina Hou Community Park, Home in the Islands Festival – A three-day festival in partnership with the Henry Kapono Foundation that raises awareness and support for the On the Rise artist mentorship program through public cultural activities.

  • Hoike Kauai Community Media, Hoike Youth Media Education Project – An expansion of free public service announcement bootcamps in the spring that teach Kauai youth to create meaningful, community-driven media.

  • Garden Island Arts Council, Lihue Airport Window Displays – Continuation of the educational and cultural programming featured in the Lihue Airport window displays showcasing local artists.

  • Kauai Concert Association, Laughing Fox Outreach Educational Services and Performance – A weeklong series of educational outreach services for Kauai public and private schools by Native American flutist and storyteller Laughing Fox, culminating in a public performance.

  • Kauai Veterans Council, 2026 Kauai Veterans Celebration – A community gathering held Nov. 7, at the Kauai Veterans Center honoring and supporting veterans and their families.

  • Royal Coconut Coast Association, Kapaa Walking Tour Project – A community-based cultural initiative preserving and sharing Kapaa Town’s history through a fully digital, self-guided walking tour.

  • Kekahu Foundation, Ka Leo o Ka Malama: The Voice of Stewardship – A 12-month media project running February 2026 through January 2027 leveraging Kauai Community Radio (KKCR) to support the Kauai Destination Management Action Plan by promoting responsible tourism and strengthening communication between the county and residents.

For more information, contact the OED at 808-241-4946 or email oed@kauai.gov.

Jesse Mahorney