Festival of Lights (Hawaii)

The Festival of Lights on the island of Kauai is an annual holiday celebration held in Lihue, Hawaii. It typically runs from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Day. The festival features unique and whimsical decorations made primarily from recycled materials and adorned with local Hawaiian flair.

The late Auntie Josie Chansky is credited with starting the festival. For many years, she meticulously decorated her home with these inventive creations, drawing visitors from all over. Following her passing, community efforts preserved and expanded upon her legacy, transforming the festival into a larger, publicly displayed event.

The main display is housed within the Historic County Building Park in Lihue. Volunteer artists and community members create new decorations each year, often incorporating items like plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and discarded plastics into imaginative displays that celebrate the holiday season with a distinctly Hawaiian twist. The festival not only showcases artistic creativity but also promotes environmental consciousness and recycling within the community.

The Festival of Lights is a free event open to the public. It is a popular attraction for both tourists and local residents, offering a vibrant and culturally rich holiday experience. The unique decorations and the story behind their creation contribute to a special and memorable celebration during the Christmas season.