Coffee connoisseurs and visitors who just want a whiff of life in Hawaii's famous coffee country will not want to miss the annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. The only coffee festival in the United States, this 10-day event is set for Nov. 6-15. With the exception of a few admission charges, a festival button admits wearers to all official events, and there are dozens to choose from.
One of the favorites is the Cupping Competition, where visitors can expect to watch judges rate beans grown by Kona coffee farmers. Winners proudly display their awards for years. Visitors at the morning competitions are invited to taste entries, talk to judges, and purchase coffee from the farmers.
Brewalalai - Best of Taste is set for Monday to Saturday in Kealakekua. Special free tastings of the top three Gevalia cupping competition finishers from the past eight years 6:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
A highlight is a tour of the Kona Historical Society's Kona Coffee Living History Farm. This authentic coffee and macadamia nut farm, preserved by the society, was homesteaded in 1900 by Japanese immigrants and is listed on both the State and National Registers for Historic Places. The guided living history tour, gives visitors a unique opportunity to learn first hand what daily life was like for coffee pioneers. Tours are conducted at 10 a.m. on Nov. 8, 10 and 11.
Other headliners are the International Lantern Parade, at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 6, in Kailua-Kona, the Holualoa Village Kona Coffee Tasting & Art Stroll, Nov. 7, the ever-popular coffee picking contest, a farm and mill tour and the grand parade on Nov. 14. Events are held at various locations.
For more information, visit www.konacoffeefest.com
