LIHUE — The County of Kauai’s Office of Economic Development is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Kauai Cultural Programs and Events Grant.
These awards support initiatives that not only preserve and perpetuate Kauai’s unique cultural identity but also stimulate local economic development by creating jobs, attracting residents and visitors to cultural experiences, and supporting community-based industries.
“These projects reflect the heart of our island — rooted in tradition, driven by community, and full of purpose,” said Nalani Brun, director of the Office of Economic Development. “When we invest in culture, we’re not only uplifting identity and connection — we’re also generating real economic activity that supports local jobs, businesses, and families. This is how we build a stronger, more resilient Kauai.”
From educational workshops and music festivals to heritage celebrations and creative place-making, this year’s awardees reflect the island’s cultural richness and resilience. Their work strengthens Kauai’s communities, enhances quality of life, and promotes sustainable cultural and economic futures.
2025 Grant Awardees:
• Pihana Ka Ikena – Na Mamo Kaiaulu. A community event with workshops and educational opportunities fostering cultural leadership and intergenerational knowledge exchange focused on traditional Hawaiian healing.
• Garden Isle Resource &Development Corp. – E Malama Pono Mana. A project honoring the historical and cultural significance of Mana through storytelling and preservation.
• Hosea Lovell Foundation – The Ko‘olau Limu Festival. A community celebration of limu, food sovereignty and reef stewardship rooted in Native Hawaiian practice.
• Hui Maka‘ainana o Makana – La ‘Ohana Workshops. Ohana-based workshops promoting traditional Hawaiian practices and education.
• The Hanalei Initiative – Celebrating and Preserving Hanalei’s Chinese Heritage. A culturally inclusive effort honoring the history of Hanalei’s Chinese community.
• National Tropical Botanical Garden – ‘Ohi‘a Love Fest &Na Laua‘e O Makana Educational Series. A creative blend of environmental education and cultural storytelling honoring ‘ohi‘a and laua’e.
• Hawaii Opera Theatre – Opera Express Kauai. A traveling opera program introducing youth to classical performance through a local lens.
• Rice Street Business Association – Lights on Rice Street. A festive, holiday community-powered lighting event promoting local pride and economic activity.
• Rice Street Business Association – Ho‘okipa Kaiaulu at Hale Lihue. A series of cultural pop-ups and performances enhancing the vitality of Lihue town.
• Kala Foundation – Kauai Chocolate &Coffee Festival. A locally focused festival celebrating agriculture, culinary arts and cultural pride.
• Kauai Japanese Cultural Society – Kauai Matsuri, 40th Anniversary. A longstanding festival honoring Japanese traditions and community contributions.
• Kauai Concert Association – 2025-26 Concert Season. A concert series promoting artistic excellence and cultural education across Kauai.
• I Ola Wailuanui – Huli Ka Lima i Lalo, Cultural and environmental stewardship through hands-on learning at Wailua’s sacred sites.
• Southside Arts Initiative – Southside Music &Arts Festival. A family-friendly festival spotlighting local musicians, artists and performers in Koloa.
• Port Allen Fishing Club – Kamali‘i Challenge. A culturally grounded youth fishing competition promoting ocean knowledge and stewardship.
Funding for the Kauai Cultural Programs and Events Grant is administered by the County of Kauai’s Office of Economic Development.
For more information, contact the Office of Economic Development at 808-241-4946 or oed@kauai.gov.
