The Kona Coffee Picking Contest showcased the unique techniques of beginners, the experienced and veterans Sunday morning at the picturesque Ueshima Coffee Co. estate in Holualoa.
The Kona Coffee Picking Contest showcased the unique techniques of beginners, the experienced and veterans Sunday morning at the picturesque Ueshima Coffee Co. estate in Holualoa.
Competitors had three frenzied minutes to pick the ripest, cleanest coffee cherries. Leaves and debris, as well as coloring, resulted in point deduction.
Winners in each division received prizes.
In the Senior Division, Helen Lorance of Holualoa got first place, followed by Carl Nozaki of Kealakekua (second) and Betty Matusi of Captain Cook (third).
Ayako Tazana won the Junior Boys & Girls Division.
Kasey Silva-Barawis of Kailua-Kona and David Vazques of Kealakekua tied for first place in the Keiki Division. Mildred Diaz of Captain Cook got second while Evan Curry of Kailua-Kona and Kalani Aquino of Holualoa tied for third.
In the Open Division, Angela Nagana of Kealakekua got first place, followed by Zerek Barawis of Kailua Kona (second) and Zyman Barawis of Kailua-Kona (third).
Sophia Larson of Kailua Kona won the Pee-Wee Division while Kian Yamane of Captain Cook got second and Takeo Shinotori of Waikoloa placed third.
In the Akachan Division, Francisco Vazquez of Kealakekua got first place, followed by Juan Diego Valdovinos of Kealakekua (second) and Azure Tottermann of Waikoloa (third).
Jose Acosta of Kailua-Kona won the Amateur Division while John Kalahiki of Kealakekua got second and Yuki Ochiae of Tokyo placed third.
This contest was part of the 43rd annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, which preserves, perpetuates and promotes Kona’s coffee heritage and culture. The festival is running now through Nov. 10. For more information, visit konacoffeefest.com.