Farm Fest and Open House at Kona Coffee Living History Farm

Kona Coffee Living History Farm will host a free open house and farm festival event on Sept. 30. Courtesy photo.

Kona Historical Society invites the public to attend an open house Farm Fest at its Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This year’s event is themed “From Farm to Table,” and will include family-friendly activities centered around the many sustainable foods grown in Kona. Celebrity Chef Sam Choy will prepare dishes and drinks using vegetables and fruits picked on-site at the farm. Sandy’s Drive In will show up to cook a traditional plantation-era dish, chicken hekka.

Homesteaded by Japanese immigrants, the Kona Coffee Living History Farm preserves the story of Kona’s coffee pioneers during the years of 1925 to 1945. The coffee mill and farmhouse will be open to tours relating the domestic life of Kona’s coffee farmers.

Throughout the grounds of the Farm, historical interpreters, cultural practitioners and volunteers will be hosting “Hands on History” activities where guests can practice the art of lauhala weaving, Japanese calligraphy, medicinal gardening and pan roasting coffee, among others.

The Songbird of Miloli‘i, Diana Aki, will also return to the farm to perform local music on the lawn.

The free community event is intended to share Kona’s rich farming history with both visitors and residents. Shuttles sponsored by Hawai‘i Forest and Trail and Robert’s Hawai‘i will be providing rides between the Kealakekua Ranch Center parking area and Kona Coffee Living History Farm from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Parking will not be available at the farm.

This event is being sponsored by Hawai‘i Community Federal Credit Union, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Candy Sargent and Farm & Garden.

For more information, call Kona Historical Society at (808) 323-3222 or visit www.konahistorical.org.