Get ready for the Ka‘ū Coffee Experience

The 14th Ka‘ū Coffee Festival returns in June providing a unique, interactive experience showcasing the diverse and award-winning coffees grown by coffee farmers in the sprawling, southern rural district of Hawai‘i Island.

The free Ka‘ū Coffee Experience will take place on June 8 at the Pāhala Community Center from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is hosted by the Big Island Coffee Roasters, the award-winning roaster and processor of Ka‘u coffees.

The Ka‘ū Coffee Experience is part of the festival’s main event, a colorful ho‘olaule‘a “celebration” with numerous coffee tasting booths, broke da’ mouth food booths, arts and crafts, community educational displays, Hawaiian music and hula performed by people of all ages.

The Experience offers attendees different Ka‘ū coffees prepared by professional baristas using a variety of brewing methods. Ka‘ū Coffee farmers will be available to “talk story” with attendees who can learn about the history, culture and terroir of the Ka‘u coffee region and how farmers, roasters and baristas work together to bring out the best flavors and aromas of the beans.

Founded in coffee traditions dating to the 1800s, Ka‘ū coffee burst onto the specialty coffee scene by winning numerous coffee quality awards. These accolades highlight the unique combination of people and place that makes Ka‘ū coffee a favorite across the globe and recognized as a world-class, coffee-growing origin.

Commercial coffee roasters wishing to attend the Ka‘u Coffee Experience can contact Gloria Camba of the Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Cooperative at camba_gloria@yahoo.com.

The Pāhala Community Center is located at 96 Kamani St., in Pāhala.

With support from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Hawai‘i County, community sponsors and volunteers, the week-long 2024 Ka‘ū Coffee Festival is designed to celebrate Ka‘ū as a premium coffee growing origin and a unique visitor destination. Many events are free, while others require a nominal fee and reservations.

Find info on the full lineup of java jumping festival activities at www.kaucoffeefestival.com and follow Ka‘ū Coffee Festival on Facebook and @kaucoffeefest on Twitter and Instagram.