Pour Some Fun at the Ka’u Coffee Festival
Showcasing all that makes the rural District of Ka’u so special, the Ka‘u Coffee Festival is set to perk with activities for all ages, April 24-May 3.
Now in its seventh year, the festival not only showcases Ka’u’s multi, award-winning coffees at numerous events, but also features stargazing, a rainforest hike and more.
“We’ve got something for everyone to enjoy over 10 days,” says festival organizer Chris Manfredi. “While all of last year’s great events return to the festival, we’re always trying to exceed the expectations of our guests. When you have a vibrant community producing some of the finest coffee grown anywhere, my job is actually pretty easy. We’ve added a second mauka hike to keep up with popular demand.”
One popular reprise is the tasty recipe contest using Ka’u coffee as an ingredient. The Ka’u Coffee Recipe Contest offers friendly competition in pupu, entrée and dessert categories April 25 at the Ka’u Coffee Mill. During the 2 p.m. judging, visitors can enjoy free entertainment, coffee and recipe sampling.(http://www.kaucoffeefestival.com)
The Pahala Community Center is the new venue for the annual Miss K‘au Coffee Pageant where doors open at 6 p.m. on April 26.
The highlight of the 10-day activity lineup is the free Ka’u Coffee Festival Ho‘olaule‘a on May 2 that sprawls both inside and out of the Pahala Community Center. New this year, admission into the tasty Ka‘u Coffee Experience is free and coffee enthusiasts can sample professional barista-guided tastings of Ka‘u coffees prepared a variety of ways – like a pour-over French press or cold brew – 9:30 a.m. To noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Outside, attendees can talk story with friendly coffee farmers at decorated booths with free sampling. Also on tap are “broke da mouth” food booths serving hot plate lunches, fresh baked goods and ethnic, local-style treats by local community organizations.
