Throughout the island of Kauaʻi, you will find landmarks, cultural experiences, and local businesses rooted in Japanese culture.

Attend Matsuri Kauai

Matsuri Kauai is held every October at the Kauaʻi War Memorial Convention Hall in Līhuʻe. The festival highlights local talent while celebrating and preserving Japanese culture. Visitors enjoy activities such as mochi-making, tea ceremony, gyotaku, taiko drumming, traditional Japanese dance, and more!

Take a Tour Of A Healing Sanctuary

Lawai International Center is one of Kauaʻi's most unique Japanese cultural treasures. This sanctuary is home to 88 miniature shrines, built by the Issei (first-generation Japanese immigrants) as a replica of a Shikoku pilgrimage route. Schedule a guided tour to visit one of the oldest Buddhist temple sites in the U.S.

Kauai Japanese Cultural Society

Founded in 1985, the Kauai Japanese Cultural Society is dedicated to perpetuating Japanese culture, promoting an understanding of Japanese arts and values, and fostering goodwill and friendship between Japan and the U.S. All who are interested in cultural activities such as Japanese arts, dance, karaoke, calligraphy, ikebana, taiko, tea ceremony, language, and more are welcome to become members.

Eat at Kauai Sushi Station

Kauai Sushi Station is a highly acclaimed sushi food truck located in Līhuʻe. Renowned for its artistic presentation and high-quality ingredients sourced locally and from Japan, it has been voted the best sushi spot in the nation by Yelp for two consecutive years.

Visit a Japanese Stone Lantern

Kapaʻa Beach Park is home to a 15-foot cast concrete Japanese stone lantern, built in 1915 as a commemoration of the Russo-Japanese War. In 1943, the monument was buried to prevent vandalism during World War II, a time of anti-Japanese sentiment, and as a display of loyalty to America. It was forgotten about until its re-erection in 1987, led by Mayor Tony Kunimura and the Kauai Historical Society.

Stop by Koinobori Kauaʻi

Koinobori Kauaʻi is an annual event hosted in Kapaia Valley. Over 600 carp-shaped windsocks hang over the area to honor sugar plantation immigrants and celebrate Children's Day (May 5th), a tradition brought to Hawaiʻi by Japanese immigrants. This event is a symbol of strength, hope, and multicultural heritage in Hawaiʻi.

Explore A Japanese Garden

The Japanese garden at Kukuiolono Park in Kalāheo offers charming paths, a footbridge, fountains, statues, bonsai trees, and diverse plants. Visitors enjoy the meditation pavilion and distinctive collection of Hawaiian lava rock artifacts, a serene environment for reflection. The garden connects to walking trails with breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.