The Ka‘u Coffee Festival is back for the ninth annual celebration of the region’s award-winning brew.
The week-long festival–supported by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, many sponsors and volunteers–will host a series of events beginning May 19 and continuing through the weekend of May 27 and 28. Many events are free, while some require a small fee and reservations. All activities will center around the flavor and aroma of Ka‘u coffee and the people and place that produce it.
Friday, May 19, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Pa‘ina & Open House at historic Pahala Plantation House featuring music, hula, food and house tours. Located at the corner of Maile and Pikake in Pahala. Hosted by Pahala Plantation Cottages, Ka‘u Chamber of Commerce and The Ka‘u Calendar newspaper. Free, donations accepted for Miss Ka‘u Coffee Scholarship Fund. Learn more at www.kaucoffeefest.com, www.pahalaplantationcottages.com or by calling (808) 928-9811.
Sunday, May 21, 2 p.m. – Ka‘u Coffee Recipe Contest offers a free cooking competition with cash prizes at Ka‘u Coffee Mill. Entries are accepted in pūpū, entree and dessert categories and all recipes are made with Ka‘u coffee. Free coffee tasting and meet-and-greet with Miss Ka‘u Coffee. Find contest entry info online or call Lisa at (808) 928-0550.
Monday, May 22, 5:30 to 10 p.m. – Observe the heavens from the summit of Makanau during an evening of stargazing at Ka‘u Star Gazing. The fee is $35 with refreshments, including shuttle transportation departing from Ka‘u Coffee Mill. Sign up onlineor call (808) 928-0550.
Throughout the week – Visit Ka‘u coffee farms and enjoy the scenic and historic beauty of Ka‘u, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach, Honu‘apo fishponds, the cliffs of Ka Lae—the southernmost place in the U.S.—and the nearby Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Stay in one of the many accommodations in Ka‘u. Visit www.kaucoffeefest.com for participating coffee farms and accommodations.
Wednesday, May 24, and Thursday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Explore historic flume systems of the sugarcane era and development of hydroelectric power on a Ka‘u Mountain Water System Hike in the Wood Valley rainforest. Participants are limited to 30. The $40 fee includes lunch. Sign up onlineor call (808) 928-0550.
Saturday, May 27:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Ka‘u Coffee Festival Ho‘olaule‘a—a full day of live music, hula, food booths, local crafts, keiki activities, educational displays, guided coffee tastings and farm/mill tours headquartered inside and out of the Pahala Community Center. This free event is a great place to “talk story” with Ka‘u coffee growers.
9:30 a.m. to noon; 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – The Ka‘u Coffee Experience offers Ka‘u coffees prepared using a variety of methods by professionals. Farm tours with shuttle transport will be offered for $20 at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., plus 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.. Call (808) 929-9550 or register online.
Sunday, May 28: Learn about the specialty coffee industry with presentations coffee experts at the Ka‘u Coffee College at Pahala Community Center. The Ka‘u Coffee College has become known for hosting renowned industry professionals from around the globe. This event is free, donations are appreciated. Call (808) 929-9550 or learn more at www.KauCoffeeFest.com.
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Sponsorship and vending opportunities are available for the Ka‘u Coffee Festival. Learn more online or call (808) 929-9550.
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