Festival Opening Weekend Events

Sugai Kona Coffee Talent Night
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Konawaena
81-1043 Konawaena School Road, Kealakekua

Television’s top-rated reality singing competitions like American Idol, America’s Got Talent and The Voice are no real match for Kona Coffee Talent Night. Everyone’s invited as residents and visitors join in for some great “Kona’s Got Talent” style karaoke entertainment. A $3 Festival button is required for admission and will be sold at the door.

                                   
Holualoa Village Coffee & Art Stroll
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
GPS = 19"37'08.45"N - 155"57'03.47" W (Holualoa Inn)
Located in Holualoa, a 15 minute drive from Kailua up scenic Hualalai Road to Mamalahoa Highway

A beautiful day of art and Kona coffee tastings as the quaint Holualoa Village becomes a stage for all things coffee.  The Coffee & Art Stroll is a premier marketplace with a diverse collection of artists and boutique art galleries along with over two dozen estate Kona coffee farms.

UCC Hawaii Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Pageant
6:30 p.m. No-host cocktails
7:30 p.m. Pageant
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa Convention Center
78-128 Ehukai St., Keauhou

The spotlight shines on the Big Island’s talented young women and crowns Miss Kona Coffee and Miss Aloha Hawaii 2012. Tickets are $30 plus a Festival button. Ticket hotline 557-0677.

UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Picking Contest    
7:30 a.m. Registration Ÿ 8:30 a.m. Competition
Ueshima Coffee Farm
75-5568 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa

Coffee pickers of all levels and experience including pioneers, pros, novices and keiki (children) are invited to test their ability by picking Kona coffee by hand. Winners received generous cash prizes and gifts from UCC for picking the most Kona coffee within the three-minute time limit. A great event for the entire ohana (family). A $3 Festival button is required for participation and will be sold at the event.

KTA Super Stores Kona Coffee Recipe Contest & Big Island Showcase
12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa Convention Center
78-128 Ehukai St., Keauhou

Amateurs, culinary students, keiki (kids) and professional chefs compete for prizes and recognition as they present their favorite entrée and dessert recipes featuring 100% Kona Coffee.

The Big Island Showcase features displays and samples of Hawaii Island products including Kona coffee, a cooking demonstration, and door prizes. Public tasting of the contestants’ recipes follows the 2:00 pm award presentation.  A $3 Festival button is required for participation and will be sold at the event.

Festival Weekday Events

Kona Historical Society
Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tour
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
82-6199 Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook
GPS: N19° 29.461 W155° 54.805
Ph: 808-323-2006

Educational and fun self-guided tours tracing back the history of Kona coffee pioneers through the period between 1925 and 1945. Special $10 rate with Festival button, available for purchase at the site.

Keauhou Resort Kona Coffee Label & Website Display
Keauhou Beach Resort
78-6740 Alii Drive, Keauhou

Standout Kona coffee labels and website designs that best market Kona’s world famous coffee compete for cash and prizes.

Kona Coffee Council Farm & Mill Tour
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Pick up at Hale Halawai County Pavilion
75-5760 Alii Drive, Kailua

Visit three working Kona coffee farms in North and South Kona. $50 fee includes transportation and lunch. Call 808-443-7112 for required reservations or log onto www.kona-coffee-council.com to book online.

Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tour
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
82-6199 Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook
GPS: N19° 29.461 W155° 54.805
Ph: 808-323-2006

Educational and fun self-guided tours tracing back the history of Kona coffee pioneers through the period between 1925 and 1945. Special $10 rate with Festival button, available for purchase at the site.

                                   
Whole Cup and UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Cupping Competition – Preliminary Round
8:00 a.m. – noon
Keauhou Beach Resort
78-6740 Alii Drive, Keauhou

Presented by Kamehameha Schools and Keauhou Resort

Cupping is a coffee tasting technique used evaluate a coffee’s characteristics. Kona coffee farmers submit their coffee for judging in this preliminary round of the prestigious Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Cupping Competition. Judges will conduct side-by-side tastings allowing them to appraise the differences of each entry.

Kona Coffee Art Exhibit
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Keauhou Beach Resort
78-6740 Alii Drive, Keauhou

Presented by Keauhou Resort

Local artists interpret the Kona coffee lifestyle in different art mediums. Art is judged and available for sale. Vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice award.

Keauhou Resort Kona Coffee Label & Website Display & Competition
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Keauhou Beach Resort
78-6740 Alii Drive, Keauhou 

Standout coffee labels and website designs that best market gourmet Kona coffee compete for cash prizes.

Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tour
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
82-6199 Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook
GPS: N19° 29.461 W155° 54.805
Ph: 808-323-2006

Educational and fun self-guided tours tracing back the history of Kona coffee pioneers through the period between 1925 and 1945. Special $10 rate with Festival button, available for purchase at the site.

Kona Coffee Market Day and Cultural Events
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.          
Makaeo County Pavilion (Old Airport Events Pavilion)
75-5500 Kuakini Highway (northern most end of Kuakini Hwy.)

Presented by Kamehameha Schools

Kona Coffee farmers will have their coffee brewed and available for festival attendees to taste and purchase. A $3 Festival button is required for attendance and will be sold at Makaeo County Pavilion.

Kona Barista Jam
1:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m.
Keauhou Beach Resort
78-6740 Alii Drive, Keauhou 

Presented by Kamehameha Schools and Keauhou Resort

Lively informational setting of small workshops designed to expand espresso and barista knowledge, share industry trends, cupping, shot pulling and how to compete in UBC. A $3 Festival button is required for attendance.

Whole Cup and UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Cupping Competition – Finals
8:00 a.m. - noon
Keauhou Beach Resort
78-6740 Alii Drive, Keauhou 

Presented by Kamehameha Schools and Keauhou Resort

The competition continues as judges conduct side-by-side tastings of the finalists, narrowing down the favorites and awarding the 2011 winner of the prestigious Whole Cup Kona Coffee Cupping Competition. Awards ceremony to follow.

Kona Coffee Art Exhibit
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Keauhou Beach Resort
78-6740 Alii Drive, Keauhou

Presented by Keauhou Resort

Local artists interpret the Kona coffee lifestyle in different art mediums. Winners and results of Peoples Choice Awards announced. 

Keauhou Resort Kona Coffee Label & Website Display & Competition
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Keauhou Beach Resort
78-6740 Alii Drive, Keauhou

Judges name the best Kona coffee labels and websites.

Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tour
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
82-6199 Mamalahoa Highway, Captain Cook
GPS: N19° 29.461 W155° 54.805
Ph: 808-323-2006

Educational and fun self-guided tours tracing back the history of Kona coffee pioneers through the period between 1925 and 1945. Special $10 rate with Festival button, available for purchase at the site.

Kona Coffee Market Day and Cultural Events
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.          
Makaeo County Pavilion (Old Airport Events Pavilion)
75-5500 Kuakini Highway (northern most end of Kuakini Hwy.)

Presented by Kamehameha Schools

Local cultural craft artisans from different ethnic groups will share crafts and activities with Festival goers. Crafters will provide the materials and know-how for the hands-on crafts including lauhala weaving, lei making and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. A $3 Festival button is required for attendance and will be sold at Makaeo County Pavilion.

Ultimate Barista Challenge Hawaii
Noon  –  6:00 p.m.
Keauhou Beach Resort
78-6740 Alii Drive, Keauhou

Presented by Kamehameha Schools and Keauhou Resort

The Ultimate Barista Challenge® is an action packed coffee and espresso competition where baristi compete with latte art and espresso frappe challenges.

Kona Coffee Council Dinner & Benefit Auction
6:00 p.m. no-host cocktails
7:00 p.m. Buffet dinner
Keauhou Beach Resort
78-6740 Alii Drive, Keauhou

The evening is hosted by members of the Kona coffee industry and includes a buffet dinner, silent auction and live entertainment. Everyone is welcome. $45 per person. Reservations required, call 322-6575

Festival Finale Weekend Events

Keauhou Resort Kona Coffee Label & Website Display
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Keauhou Beach Resort
78-6740 Alii Drive, Keauhou 

See the winning standout coffee labels and website design that best market gourmet Kona coffee.

Kona Coffee Council Farm & Mill Tour
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Pick up at Hale Halawai County Pavilion
75-5760 Alii Drive, Kailua

Visit three working Kona coffee farms in North and South Kona. $50 fee includes transportation and lunch. Reservations at 322-6575.

Family Festival and Veteran Salute
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.          
Makaeo County Pavilion (Old Airport Events Pavilion)
75-5500 Kuakini Highway (northern most end of Kuakini Hwy.)

Enjoy family-friendly games, activities and entertainment throughout the day. A $3 Festival button is required for attendance and will be sold at Makaeo County Pavilion.

Big Island Running Company Miracle Mile Run
4:30 p.m.

Runners gather at Coconut Marketplace. Race will wind its way through Historic Kailua Village. $10 entry fee. $15 entry on race day. For information 327-9333 or log onto bigislandrunningcompany.com

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Parade
5:00 p.m.
Route: Royal Kona Resort to King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel

Festival goers are invited to Historic Kailua Village to watch the colorful floral floats, marching bands, and as the sun goes down, lanterns that light up the parade route as the Festival celebrates Kona’s heritage with groups in colorful ethnic costumes.

Cultural Program
7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel parking lot

An evening of multi-ethnic performances, foods and coffee tastings following the parade. Colorful Bon dance gets everyone on their feet!

Keauhou Resort Kona Coffee Label & Website Display
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Keauhou Beach Resort
78-6740 Alii Drive, Keauhou 

See the winning standout coffee labels and website design that best market gourmet Kona coffee.

Kona Coffee Marketplace–Festival of Artists and Ethnic Foods
9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.          
Makaeo County Pavilion (Old Airport Events Pavilion)
75-5500 Kuakini Highway (northern most end of Kuakini Hwy.)

Presented by Kamehameha Schools

Hawaiian soulful recording artist Paula Fuga will be on-stage for a 90-minute concert. Paula will be accompanied by Michael Love, guitarist. Community groups offer ethnic foods and crafts at their booths. A $3 Festival button is required for attendance and will be sold at Makaeo County Pavilion

KBXtreme Scholarship Bowling Tournament
9:00 a.m.
KBXtreme
75-5591 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona
Open to all bowlers. Format is 9 Pin, No-Tap Singles, 100% handicap. Proceeds benefit Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship. A $3 Festival button is required to participate.

Kona Coffee 101 Seminar
11:00 a.m. –  noon
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa Convention Center
78-128 Ehukai St., Keauhou

A panel discussion focusing on history of Kona coffee from 1813 to present, growing and farming Kona coffee, Kona coffee profile, other coffee origins around the world and production numbers in comparison to Kona. A $3 Festival button is required to participate.

Aloha Makahiki Concert
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa Convention Center
78-128 Ehukai St., Keauhou

Sponsored by Heavenly Hawaiian Farms, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, Ua Mau Company & Ohana Keale Foundation

Presented by Keauhou Resort

Ancient Hawaiian blessing of Makahiki by Kumu Mika Keale-Goto with Halau Keale, Honalo, Kona and Tokyo, Japan. Traditional Hawaiian music and hula with renowned musicians including Aaron Mahi, George Kuo, Martin Pahinui, Stephen Akana and more.