6th Annual Avocado Festival in Kona This Weekend

Tonight marks the first night of a three day avocado extravaganza being held at the Keahou Beach Resort in Kona, on February 16 and February 18, and the Kealekekua Bay Bed and Breakfast on February 17.

The Kalanikai Bar and Grill at Keahou will kick off the festivities Thursday evening, with a charity event benefiting the Kona Pacific Public Charter School. Pupus, beer from Kona Brewery, silent auction, music and dance will go on through 9 p.m. There’s a $15 donation at the door.

On Friday February 17, the Kealakekua Bay Bed and Breakfast will host a Farm-to-Fork five-course dinner for $85 per person. The meal is avocado inspired and includes offerings from Chef Devin Lowder, and Dessert Chef, Hector Wong.

Wong will prepare a seven-layer avo dessert for the night’s gastronomic foray into feasting with avocadoes. Call 328-8150 for reservations.

Finally, on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., head back to Keahou Beach Resort for a fun free day of avocado education. Learn about grafting, enter a recipe contest, buy plants and enjoy a sample of avocado sushi roll ups created by the culinary students at West Hawai’i Community College. Chef Wong will also be there to demonstrate how to make a seven-layer chocolate cake using organic local avocado and Keahou’s chocolate.

For more information visit www.avocadofestival.org. Keahou Beach Resort is located at 78-6740 Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona.