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KA’U — Explore, savor and enjoy the unique coffee and regional flavor of the island’s southern district at the 16th Ka‘u Coffee Festival. The annual event celebrates Ka‘u’s award-winning brew with a weeklong lineup of activities May 25-31.

Supported by a host of community sponsors and volunteers, the Ka‘u Coffee Festival is designed to celebrate Ka‘u as a premium coffee growing origin and a unique visitor destination.

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Many events are free, while others require a nominal fee and reservations. All activities feature the exceptional flavor and aroma of Ka‘u coffee and the remarkable people and special place that produce it.

Note the 2025 festival schedule is subject to change; visit www.kaucoffeefestival.com for the latest information.

Sunday, May 25: Ka‘u Coffee Recipe Contest offers a cooking competition for adults and keiki at 10 a.m. with cash prizes at the Ka‘u Coffee Mill. Entries are in pupu, entree and dessert categories for adult and student divisions. All recipes are made containing Ka‘u coffee, and attendees enjoy free coffee tastings and entertainment. The entry deadline has passed.

Sunday, May 25: Pa‘ina &Open House 6-9:30 p.m.at historic Pahala Plantation House featuring music, hula, food and house hosted by Ka‘u Coffee Growers Cooperative. Free potluck, donations accepted.

Wednesday, May 28: Ka‘u Mountain Hike &Lunch explores the historic flume systems of the sugarcane era and development of hydroelectric power in the lush Wood Valley rainforest. Time is 9 a.m.to 2 p.m., $85 per person, includes lunch and snacks. Reservations are limited to 30 participants: email events@kaucoffeemill.com; a waitlist will be available once spots are filled.

Thursday, May 29: “Cowboy up” for Coffee &Cattle Day 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. at scenic Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm. Find out how descendants of Ka‘u’s first coffee farmer sustainably integrate coffee with pasture-raised beef. Presentation shares Aikane’s different coffee varieties and processing methods. Fee includes a hearty, all-you can eat outdoor buffet featuring local specialties. Reserve your spot at (808) 927-2252.

Friday, May 30: Ka‘u Star Gazing enables sky seekers to view the heavens via telescopes guided by professional astronomers from the hills surrounding Ka’u Coffee Mill. Find out how stars are instrumental in the age-old Hawaiian art of wayfinding and navigation. Time is 5:30 to 10 p.m., $85 fee includes a tasty barbecue supper and shuttle transport to the viewing site. Reservations are limited to 30 participants: email events@kaucoffeemill.com; a waitlist will be available once spots are filled.

Saturday, May 31: An island-style celebration will be held 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. at the free Ka‘u Coffee Festival Ho‘olaule‘a — the festival’s grand finale of local music, hula, local food and crafts and keiki activities headquartered inside and out of the Pahala Community Center. A ho‘olaule‘a highlight is the free Ka‘u Coffee Sensory Experience where a variety of Ka‘u coffees are prepared using different brewing methods by professional baristas 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. Hosted by the Big Island Coffee Roasters, the Experience is at the Community Center.

The festival’s mission is to raise awareness of Ka‘u as a world-class, coffee-growing origin. For more information and festival updates, visit www.kaucoffeefestival.com and follow Ka‘u Coffee Festival on Facebook and @kaucoffeefest on Twitter and Instagram.