Every November, the enchanting slopes of Holualoa Village come alive with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the buzz of cheerful conversations, and the vivid stories of dedicated coffee farmers. The 2024 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival marked a spectacular celebration of this legacy, spotlighting Kona's finest coffee and the people behind it. Here’s an inside look into the Holualoa Coffee & Art Stroll and the Kona Coffee Cupping Contest — two signature events that capture the essence of Kona coffee.
Holualoa Coffee & Art Stroll: A Personal Favorite
On Saturday, November 5, my family and I strolled through the charming Holualoa Village, as we've done for years. This year was extra special as the Stroll celebrated its 25th anniversary, a milestone for an event originally created to connect farmers and consumers and to showcase the village's vibrant art galleries and shops.
The streets brimmed with the spirit of aloha. Coffee farmers shared their journey, offering samples of their lovingly crafted brews. Food vendors dished out delicious local bites, and galleries featured unique coffee-themed art. The day was filled with meaningful exchanges — it’s a place where every cup of coffee comes with a story.
Our family eagerly participated in the People’s Choice Award, a tradition we look forward to each year. This time, Aloha Star Coffee emerged as the crowd favorite, and it’s easy to see why. We also fell in love with Mauka Meadows Coffee, appreciating its silky texture and balanced sweetness. In fact, we purchased both Mauka Meadows and Aloha Star Coffee, as we always make it a point to take home the favorites of the year.
This Year’s Highlights:
- Chefs’ Award Winners:
- 1st: Greenwell Farms
- 2nd: Kanalani ʻOhana Farm
- 3rd: Mauka Meadows
- People’s Choice Winners:
- 1st: Aloha Star Coffee
- 2nd: Kona Sunset/Two Owls Coffee
- 3rd: Hala Tree Coffee
Kona Coffee Cupping Contest: Celebrating Innovation and Tradition
The 2024 Kona Coffee Cupping Contest brought together 80 of the region’s best growers, showcasing their exceptional beans to a panel of international coffee experts. Judges evaluated fragrance, aroma, and taste, revealing how each farm's meticulous choices in cultivation and processing translated into outstanding flavors.
This year’s competition featured two divisions:
- Kona Heritage Division: Highlighting the traditional washed Typica beans.
- Creative Division: Encouraging innovation with experimental fermentation methods, unique varieties, and bold flavor profiles.
Top Honors:
- Kona Creative Award:
- 1st (tie): Hula Daddy Kona Coffee & Uluwehi Coffee
- 3rd: Kona Farm Direct
- Kona Heritage Award:
- 1st: ʻOhana Martin Farm
- 2nd: Cancino Family Farm
- 3rd: ‘Apapane Coffee Farm
A Testament to Quality and Dedication
Both events exemplify the artistry and dedication behind every cup of Kona coffee. From traditional cultivation techniques to modern experimentation, these farmers honor Kona’s rich heritage while pushing the boundaries of flavor. As regular attendees, we are continually amazed by the innovation and passion of the Kona coffee community.
Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a casual drinker, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is a wonderful celebration of craftsmanship and community. Be sure to mark your calendars for next year—you won’t want to miss the opportunity to sip, vote, and connect with the stories behind one of the world’s most renowned coffees.
I've included links to this year’s winning farms, many of which offer tours. I highly recommend visiting them to experience firsthand what makes Kona Coffee so uniquely exceptional!