The lush, volcanic slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa, above the western shoreline of the Big Island of Hawaii, are more than just stoic monuments of natural beauty; they influence island weather, serve as a support structure and habitat for the region's diverse collection of wildlife, and are central to giving life to one of the world's most revered coffee varieties—Kona coffee.
Farmed from the verdant foothills of Hualalai and Mauna Loa, the Coffea arabica plant, more commonly known as Kona coffee, is among the world's rarest, most expensive, and most favored coffee varieties. The unique coffee-bearing plant is also at the heart of this vibrant farming community, which has cultivated, cared for, and curated a tight-knit community and culture across nearly two centuries of the singular agrarian pursuit.
A celebration across generations
To truly understand and appreciate Kona coffee, one must delve into its storied past and follow the narrative of native traditions and influences that began in the early 1800s when a Spanish physician planted the island's first coffee plants. Although those early attempts failed to produce a meaningful yield, those first plantings laid the groundwork for today's Kona coffee successes, including:
- 650 farms specializing in cultivating Kona coffee
- 3,500 acres of land dedicated to farming Kona coffee
- Production of roughly 3.8 million pounds and $14 million worth of Kona coffee
Honoring current and past farmers, artisans, and pioneers of the Big Island's Kona coffee culture, the 52nd Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival aims to do precisely that.
This yearly celebration, which runs from November 3 to November 12, is central to the region's legacy and brings together those who toil the volcanic slopes with those who want to learn and understand more about what it's like to be part of a genuine coffee culture.
About the festival
The festival considered Hawaii's oldest food-centered celebration, spans ten days and offers an in-depth, multi-sensory journey into Hawaiian heritage and the world of premium coffee. To attend, one needs only to purchase a $5 festival button, which grants access to most events and tours. The button also provides discounts on events that require additional ticket purchasing.
Schedule and notable festival events
Including single and multi-day events and programming, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival takes place at more than 20 locations across a 15-mile stretch of the Big Island's western coastline from Honaunau-Napoopoo to Kailua-Kona. Notable areas and venues for this year's events include the Aloha Theatre, Donkey Mill Art Center, King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Resort, Kona Coffee Living History Farm, and Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa.
Below is a select list of art exhibitions, competitions, expos, tastings, and tours, all of which help to make the festival one of Hawaii's most distinguished annual events.
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Kona Coffee Living History Farm tour: Sponsored by the Kona Historical Society, tour the historic, award-winning farm that serves as a showcase for early 20th-century KonaCoffee farmers, including the farm's original 1920s farmhouse. (November 3, 6, and 7)
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Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Lantern Parade: Closing out day one of the festival is a walking parade that traverses the half-mile journey from Kailua Pier to Hale Halawai, highlighted by lanterns and authentic cultural dress. (November 3)
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Cultural Activities and Exhibitions at The Donkey Mill Art Center: In addition to its program of workshops, the Donkey Mill Art Center will also host "The Aina Speaks" Exhibition. (November 4)
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Holualoa Coffee and Art Stroll: The historic village of Holualoa is the place to be on day two of the festival for a day of art gallery tours, abundant food options from local vendors, and meet, greet and sampling with local Kona coffee farmers. (November 4)
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Greenwell Farms - Seed to Cup Farm Tour: See how the Kona Coffee process happens today — from the farming and cultivating to the final pour — with this 90-minute walking tour. (November 5-10)
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UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Picking & Farm Experience: You've seen how to farm it, and now you have the opportunity to pick some Kona Coffee yourself under some expert guidance. (November 5-10)
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Events at Kona Coffee & Tea: Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the venerable Kona Coffee & Tea will host several coffee-specific events during the festival, including Kona Coffee Barista Training (November 6) and the Kona Coffee Latte Art Throwdown (November 9).
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7th annual 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon: A scenic 13.1-mile run along the Kailua-Kona coastline. New for this year is a 5K run. (November 11)
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Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Ho'olaule'a: Closing out the festival with plenty of food and fun, live music, arts and crafts, cultural displays, a lei contest, and, of course, samples of Kona Coffee. (November 11)
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The Grand Finale - A Taste of Kona: The official end to the festive portion of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival — a Recipe Contest, Big Island Showcase, and the Kona Coffee Expo occurs on November 12 — the Grand Finale is an adult-only evening of local, high-end cuisine, silent auction, and live music and dancing. (November 11)
Discover your ideal Big Island lifestyle with a trusted real estate partner
If you're captivated by the camaraderie and sense of community on display at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, no doubt you'll find the rest of the Big Island just as enchanting.
If you're interested in exploring more of what the Big Island has to offer, including the Kailua - Kona luxury real estate market, contact professional broker Kris Hazard today. Allow Kris' experience and expertise to help you navigate this majestic island marketplace to find your perfect Hawaiian luxury home.
If you're interested in exploring more of what the Big Island has to offer, including the Kailua - Kona luxury real estate market, contact professional broker Kris Hazard today. Allow Kris' experience and expertise to help you navigate this majestic island marketplace to find your perfect Hawaiian luxury home.
