LIHUE, Hawaii — Aluminum cans are transformed into vibrant flowers and water bottles into cheery butterflies at the 26th Annual Festival of Lights inspired by local designer Elizabeth Freeman. Local artisans help Freeman bring the award-winning, uniquely Kauai-style extravaganza to life, incorporating recycled and reclaimed materials that would have otherwise ended up in the trash.
From Thanksgiving night, Nov. 24, to New Year’s Day, the public is invited to take in the fantastical light display at the Historic County Building, 6-11 p.m. Folks can also bring their cameras and phones, and have their photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, 6-8 p.m. every Friday from Dec. 2 to 24.
Millions of lights will create a festive public space accented by dozens of coconut trees wrapped in colorful lights and snowfall, and meteor lights projected throughout the park. Five of the most popular themed trees will sit atop the porch of the county building. The trees will feature a wide variety of upcycled decorations influenced by local culture and sites.
For a different view of the display, visit the Kauai Festival of Lights website. See a new 360-degree virtual tour of last year’s interior display and get an up-close, top-to-bottom view of the decorated Historic County Building filled with themed trees and huge wall and floor displays.
Local artist and designer Freeman calls Kauai her home, where she teaches and inspires residents to upcycle trash into treasured ornaments. She has provided the direction for the event’s displays since its inception and has had her work displayed at the Smithsonian Institute and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.
