The 49th annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival toasts the roast with 10 days of coffee events from Friday through Sunday, Nov. 1-10. Big Island residents and visitors are invited to participate in the colorful and tasty events brewing this year.
Gather up friends, family, recipes, coffee, art and lei and be a part of the festivities.
Calling all Kona coffee farmers! Kona Coffee Cupping Competition
Coffee entries must be 100% Kona coffee, grown in Kona. Coffee will be scored on the globally accepted and recognized Specialty Coffee Association cupping format using a 100-point scale and evaluated in a double-blind format in the commercial and specialty divisions. Pacific Coffee Research oversees the competition. Entries must be received by Friday, Oct. 25.
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Lantern Parade
Community groups and individuals are invited to walk along Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona in the glowing procession of light, music and color starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1. This year, in addition to lighted lanterns, parade participants can purchase luminary bags for $1 and decorate them prior to the parade. Check-in will be at Kailua Pier; check-in no later than 4:30 p.m. The parade starts at the pier and ends at Hale Halawai. Deadline to enter is Friday, Oct. 25.
KTA Super Stores Kona Coffee Recipe Contest
Foodie alert! Do you have a favorite recipe using 100% Kona coffee? Enter in the professional, amateur, culinary student and keiki divisions. Submit entry by Oct. 25 and receive a free 2019 festival button and a $25 KTA grocery certificate just for entering. There’s cash prizes and bragging rights, too. Deadline for entries is Oct. 25.
Kona Coffee Lei Contest
This beautiful event is part of the festival’s Hoolaulea on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Makaeo County Pavilion in Old Kona Airport Park in Kailua-Kona. There are two categories, Wili and Kui. Entries must be submitted by 9 a.m. Nov. 9 at the pavilion.
For a complete listing of the 2019 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival events, to register or for more information, visit www.konacoffeefest.com.
You can also follow the festival on social media @konacoffeefest.