The Ka’u Coffee Festival perks into its eighth season with activities starting today and continuing through May 22. ADVERTISING The Ka’u Coffee Festival perks into its eighth season with activities starting today and continuing through May 22. The festival not
The Ka’u Coffee Festival perks into its eighth season with activities starting today and continuing through May 22.
The festival not only showcases Ka’u’s many award-winning coffees, but also offers a host of unique and fun family activities.
“The festival highlights the efforts of our hard-working Ka’u coffee producers, and also offers unique activities that showcase the heritage District of Ka’u. Many events are only available during the festival,” says Chris Manfredi, festival organizer.
Today from 5:30-9:30 p.m., is paina and open house at historic Pahala Plantation House featuring music, hula, food and house tours. Hosted by Pahala Plantation Cottages, Ka’u Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Farmers Union United and The Ka’u Calendar newspaper, the event and tours are free, however, donations will be accepted for the Miss Ka’u Coffee Scholarship Fund. Info: www.pahalaplantationcottages.com; 928-9811.
This year’s Ka’u Coffee Recipe Contest offers nearly $2,000 in cash prizes as adult and student contestants vie in pupu, entree and dessert categories 11 a.m. Saturday at the Ka’u Coffee Mill. The free event stages entertainment, a chance to meet Miss Ka’u Coffee, recipe and coffee sampling and a tour of the Ka’u Coffee Mill and Farm. Admission are free. The entry deadline was May 9.
Also Saturday is the annual Miss Ka’u Coffee Pageant showcasing the crowning of Miss Ka’u Coffee Jr., Miss Ka’u Coffee and Miss Ka’u Coffee Peaberry. Contestants compete in talent, speech and evening wear while participating in Miss Popularity, Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic contests. Winners receive scholarships. Doors open 6 p.m. at the Ka’u Coffee Mill. Cost is $10 at the door.
New to this year’s lineup is Lobsterpalooza, a leisurely Sunday afternoon picnic on the lawn at Punaluu Black Sand Beach. Beachside entertainment is by Larry Dupio Band with special guest Full Tilt Band from 2-6 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com.
On Friday, May 20, enjoy Coffee & Cattle Day at 10 a.m. at Aikane Plantation Coffee farm. Learn how descendants of Ka’u’s first coffee farmer integrate coffee with other agriculture. A $25 fee includes an all-you can eat buffet. Visit www.aikaneplantation.com or call 927-2252 for more information.
Also May 20, observe the heavens from the summit of Makanau at Ka’u Star Gazing, 5:30-10 p.m. Enjoy a presentation on the history of Makanau, a summit sunset and the night sky via a guided laser beam tour of the stars. Cost is $45, which includes refreshments and shuttle transportation. Sign up at www.kaucoffeemill.com or call 928-0550.
The free Ka’u Coffee Festival Hoolaulea on May 21 sprawls inside and outside the Pahala Community Center. Learn the secret to brewing the “perfect cup of coffee” at the Ka’u Coffee Experience where coffee professionals prepare Ka’u coffee a variety of ways from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Outside, hoolaue’a attendees can talk story with coffee farmers and other vendors and artisans at booths, many with free samples. There will also be food booths.
Find out how coffee is grown, picked and processed during Ka’u Coffee Farm and Mill Tours. Sign up at the hoolaulea for the $20 tour, complete with shuttle transport, departing 9:30 and 11 a.m., as well as 12:30 p.m., 2 and 3.
On Sunday, May 22, learn about the coffee industry at the Ka’u Coffee College at Pahala Community Center. The Coffee College hosts educational seminars by local and journeymen coffee industry experts and a reverse trade mission. Free, donations appreciated.
The festival is supported by the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development, Hawaii Tourism Authority and Hawaii Department of Agriculture, and local sponsors.
A full schedule of events, as well as additional information, can be found online at www.kaucoffeefest.com.
