The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival returns for its 54th edition November 7-16, 2025, bringing ten days of coffee artistry, cultural celebration, and island hospitality to Hawaii's Big Island. Known as Hawaii's oldest food festival, this beloved gathering transforms Kona's historic towns and coffee farms into a living showcase of nearly 200 years of coffee heritage, from traditional farm tours and cupping competitions to vibrant lantern parades through Kailua-Kona's streets. With over 40 events spread across multiple venues, the festival offers something for everyone—whether you're a coffee connoisseur seeking the perfect brew or a family looking to experience authentic Hawaiian culture through music, dance, and artisan demonstrations.
Festival dates and structure
The 2025 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival runs from November 7-16, with events scattered throughout the Kona region. A simple $5 festival button (available at dozens of local businesses or event venues) grants access to most activities, making this one of Hawaii's most accessible cultural celebrations. Children 5 and under attend free, and the button also provides special rates for premium ticketed events. The festival spans multiple locations from Holualoa village in the mountains to waterfront venues in Kailua-Kona.
Signature events not to miss
Big Island Showcase (November 9)
The festival's centerpiece event takes place at the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, featuring the Recipe Contest that begins at 11:00 AM after doors open at 10:00 AM. This showcase brings together Kona's finest coffee producers, local chefs, and artisans in one spectacular venue overlooking the Pacific.
Holualoa Coffee & Art Stroll
One of the festival's most cherished traditions, this annual stroll through the historic mountain village of Holualoa allows visitors to meet coffee farmers, browse local galleries, and experience the artistic community that has grown around Kona coffee culture. The event features both Chef's Choice and People's Choice awards for coffee tastings.
Festival Ho'olaule'a
Sponsored by Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, this daylong celebration at Makae'o County Pavilion brings together live multicultural entertainment, an ethnic food court, lei-making contests, and the signature artisans market featuring Made in Hawaii products. Local coffee farmers offer tastings and sales throughout the day.
Lantern Parade
Perhaps the most magical moment of the entire festival, hundreds of participants carry colorful lanterns through historic Kailua Village at sunset, creating a river of light that winds through the town's streets. The parade is followed by traditional Hawaiian music and dance performances at Hale Halawai.
Coffee education and experiences
Farm tours and tastings
Multiple coffee farms open their doors during the festival week, offering visitors the chance to see how Kona coffee is grown, harvested, and processed on the volcanic slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualalai. Island Sun Coffee provides complimentary tours at 9 AM, 11 AM, and 1 PM, showcasing not only coffee production but also diversified crops including cacao, mangos, and avocados.
Barista training and competitions
For coffee enthusiasts wanting to perfect their brewing skills, the festival offers barista training sessions covering manual brewing techniques, espresso preparation, milk steaming, and latte art. These educational sessions culminate in the popular Kona Coffee Latte Art Throwdown competition.
Cupping competition
Professional coffee tasters and enthusiasts gather for the annual cupping competition, where Kona coffee is evaluated using standardized tasting protocols. This event offers insight into the sophisticated palate development that distinguishes premium Kona coffee from other varieties.
Cultural immersion opportunities
Traditional Hawaiian crafts
The Donkey Mill Art Center hosts cultural activities throughout the festival, including lei making, lauhala bracelet weaving, papermaking with local fibers, and natural dyeing using turmeric (olena). Participants take home their handcrafted items while viewing the exhibition "Hānau ka Mo'olelo" (Born of Story).
Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Pageant
This unique competition combines traditional pageantry with coffee knowledge, as contestants demonstrate their understanding of Kona coffee history, production methods, and cultural significance. The winner receives scholarship funds and becomes an ambassador for Kona coffee culture.
The unique terroir of Kona coffee
What makes this festival special is its celebration of a truly unique agricultural product. Kona coffee can only be grown in a specific microclimate on the western slopes of the Big Island, at elevations between 800 and 2,500 feet. This Kona Coffee Belt, protected by volcanic mountains and blessed with perfect precipitation patterns, produces coffee that has been prized worldwide for over 200 years. The festival showcases this exceptional terroir through tastings, farm visits, and educational presentations.
Planning your visit
Getting there
The festival takes place primarily in and around Kailua-Kona on the Big Island's west side. Kona International Airport is the closest arrival point, with most festival venues within a 30-minute drive. Rental cars are recommended for traveling between farm tours and mountain venues like Holualoa.
Where to stay
Kailua-Kona offers the most convenient base, with hotels ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Many visitors also stay in vacation rentals throughout the Kona region. Book early, as November is peak season for both tourism and coffee harvest.
Festival button locations
Purchase your $5 festival button at numerous locations throughout Kona, including KTA Super Stores, Ace Hardware, local coffee shops like Green Flash Coffee and Kona Heaven Coffee, and specialty stores like the Kimura Lauhala Shop in Holualoa. Buttons can also be bought at most event venues.
Beyond coffee: festival atmosphere
While coffee is the star, the festival celebrates the complete cultural ecosystem that has grown around Kona's coffee farms. Musical performances range from traditional Hawaiian to contemporary island music. Local artists display coffee-inspired artwork, and the food scene extends far beyond coffee to include traditional Hawaiian dishes, ethnic specialties, and fusion cuisine that reflects the islands' diverse cultural heritage.
Practical tips for festival-goers
Weather and dress
November in Kona typically features warm, pleasant weather with occasional light rain. Dress comfortably for outdoor events, bring sun protection for daytime activities, and consider a light jacket for evening events in the mountains around Holualoa.
Transportation between events
Many events require travel between different locations. Plan your daily itinerary carefully, allowing time for driving between venues. Some events offer shuttle services, particularly for farm tours.
Family considerations
The festival is designed to be family-friendly, with activities suitable for all ages. Children especially enjoy the lantern parade and cultural demonstrations. Many events provide hands-on learning opportunities that engage young visitors with Hawaiian culture and coffee production.
Supporting local community
The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Kona's coffee heritage. Festival proceeds support educational programs, cultural preservation initiatives, and scholarships for local students. By attending, visitors directly contribute to the sustainability of this unique agricultural and cultural tradition.
Mark your calendar for November 7-16, 2025, and prepare to immerse yourself in ten days of coffee culture, Hawaiian tradition, and community celebration. Whether you're a serious coffee aficionado or simply looking to experience authentic Hawaiian culture, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival offers an unmatched opportunity to taste, learn, and celebrate in one of the world's most beautiful coffee-growing regions. Book your Big Island accommodations now, and get ready to discover why Kona coffee has captivated the world for nearly two centuries.
