Kona Coffee Cultural Festival

Every November, Kona celebrates its world-famous beans with ten days of parades, farm tours, tastings, music, hula, and cultural events—the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, recognized as Hawaiʻi’s oldest food festival (founded in 1970). In 2025, the 54th festival runs November 7–16 across Kailua-Kona and Holualoa.

Coffee Festival Highlights

• Lantern Parade – Nov 7: A glowing kickoff marching from Kailua Pier to Hale Halawai on Aliʻi Drive.
• Holualoa Coffee & Art Stroll – Nov 9 (9 am–2 pm): Historic Holualoa Village turns into a street festival with local roasters, artists, and food vendors.
• Kona Coffee Recipe Contest – Nov 9: Community tasting and culinary competition at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa.
• Latte Art Throwdown – Nov 13: Baristas show off at Kona Coffee & Tea.
• Ho‘olaule‘a – Nov 15: The big community celebration at Makaeʻo (Old Airport) Pavilion—live entertainment, lei contest, artisan market, farmer booths and tastings. Festival button is required to attend.
• Cupping Competition Awards – Nov 16: Meet the winning farms and taste why Kona is world-renowned.

Tickets, Buttons, and Entry

Many events are open to the public with the purchase of a Festival Button (age thresholds and any add-on tickets vary by event). For 2025, the Festival Button is $10 for attendees 12 and older. Buttons are sold locally and announced via the festival’s channels. Check the Coffee Festival page for specifics.

Where the Festival Is Held

Events are concentrated in Kailua-Kona (along Aliʻi Drive and nearby venues such as Hale Halawai, Makaeʻo Pavilion, and Coconut Grove) and Holualoa Village up the mauka road—an artsy, coffee-farm community that hosts the beloved Coffee & Art Stroll.

Tips for a Smooth Visit

• Plan your day around the schedule. The lineup changes daily—mix a farm tour, a tasting, and an evening show for a great sampler. 

• Parking & shuttles. Popular days (like the Holualoa Stroll) use designated parking areas and a shuttle; arrive early if possible.

• Be prepared for sun & showers. You’ll be outdoors for the festival—pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water, and a light rain layer.

• Respect the culture. The festival honors generations of Kona coffee farmers—look for opportunities to “talk story,” tip performers, and buy direct from local producers.

The Kona Coffee Cultural the best time to experience Kona coffee from tree to cup—walk heritage streets by lantern light, meet the roasters behind your favorite bag, watch champion baristas up close, and taste award-winning beans—all in one celebratory week. We hope to see you there!