With more than 750 miles of stunning coastline, Hawaii’s breathtaking sand seems almost endless. While we love wiggling our toes in the sand and enjoying long walks on the beach as much as the next person, there’s one other sand-centric activity we love even more: building sandcastles at the Hawaii Sand Festival. And we’re not talking about sandcastles made by keiki. We’re talking massive, ornate, sand sculptures that are worthy of a spot in a museum. You won’t want to miss this magical summer event.

Every August, the sands of Hanalei Bay is transformed into a magical sandcastle wonderland at the annual Hawaii Sand Festival & Sandcastle/Sculpture Contest!
Harneet Bajra, 2015/Hawaii Sand Festival
Mark your calendar. This year’s event will take place Saturday, August 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the shores of Hanalei Bay.
Danny Hashimoto, 2011/Hawaii Sand Festival
You don’t need to be a professional sandcastle builder, or even an artist: anyone can join in and create a magical sand sculpture. This event is free and open to all ages, including individuals and teams.n
Kit Ferderer, 2014/Hawaii Sand Festival
If you can imagine it, you can create it.
Kit Ferderer, 2014/Hawaii Sand Festival
You will undoubtedly find traditional sandcastles...
Harneet Bajra, 2015/Hawaii Sand Festival
but you will also find everything from sea creatures...
Matt Feeser, 2013/Hawaii Sand Festival
...to detailed mountain ranges...
Aaron Feinberg, 2010/Hawaii Sand Festival

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...and everything in between!
Kit Ferderer, 2014/Hawaii Sand Festival
Whatever you create, just be sure to follow the rules and use nothing but sand, seawater, and hand tools to create a unique sculpture.
Matt Feeser, 2013/Hawaii Sand Festival
Prizes will be awarded at the end of the event to both those working individually and as part of a team.
Sara Wall. 2012/Hawaii Sand Festival
Whether you plan to build a sand sculpture or just check out everyone else's work, the whole family will have a blast at this unique festival!
Harneet Bajra, 2015/Hawaii Sand Festival
Matt Feeser, 2013/Hawaii Sand Festival
The event is organized by the Hawaii Association of Sand Sculptors and is fueled by the desire to not only showcase unique art but an appreciation for the ocean and the islands as well.
Aaron Feinberg, 2010/Hawaii Sand Festival
What are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Hanalei the first weekend of August for Hawaii's only sand sculpture contest!
Sara Wall, 2012/Hawaii Sand Festival

For more information about the Hawaii Sand Festival, visit their website. You can also follow them on Facebook to check out all of the incredible sandcastles and sculptures that have been made in the past.

If you plan on visiting Hanalei for this epic festival, why not make a weekend out of it and explore this charming town on Kauai’s north shore?

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