November 6–15, 2026 | Ten days of coffee, culture, and Kona community
Kona is famous for its sunny beaches, spectacular sunsets, and crystal-clear waters, but some of the Big Island’s most memorable experiences are found farther inland. This November, the 55th annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival returns for ten days celebrating one of Hawaiʻi’s most treasured agricultural traditions.
With coffee farm tours, local food, live entertainment, artisan markets, and cultural events, the festival offers a wonderful reason to explore beyond the shoreline.
Where Is the Festival Held?
Rather than taking place at a single venue, the festival unfolds across Kona’s historic villages, coffee farms, galleries, and community gathering places. Events are hosted throughout Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, Kealakekua, and surrounding coffee-growing districts, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to explore different parts of the region.
Here are a few highlights to put on your itinerary:
November 6: Lantern Parade and Artisan Market
Kick off the festival in Historic Kailua Village. Browse the Made in Hawaiʻi Artisan Market at Hale Halawai County Pavilion, then watch the colorful Lantern Parade travel from Kailua Pier toward the pavilion. A multicultural showcase follows, making this a festive introduction to Kona’s diverse heritage.
November 7: Holualoa Coffee & Art Stroll
Head uphill to the charming village of Holualoa, where coffee farms, art galleries, and local businesses come together. Sample locally grown coffee, meet producers, browse handmade artwork, and enjoy the cooler mountain atmosphere.
November 8: Kona Coffee Recipe Contest
Coffee takes center stage in the kitchen at the KTA Super Stores Kona Coffee Recipe Contest and Big Island Showcase, hosted at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa. Expect creative culinary ideas that demonstrate just how versatile Kona coffee can be.
November 9–13: Coffee Farm Tours
Throughout the festival, participating farms offer opportunities to learn about coffee cultivation, harvesting, processing, and roasting. Some tours even let visitors experience coffee picking firsthand.
November 14: Ho‘olaule‘a
One of the festival’s signature gatherings takes place at Makaeʻo Pavilion. Expect Hawaiian music, cultural demonstrations, food vendors, local artisans, historical exhibits, and opportunities to meet coffee farmers and sample their brews.
The ten-day celebration also includes coffee competitions, a latte art throwdown, a coffee cocktail competition, and the announcement of award-winning coffees.
A $10 festival admission button provides access to many festival events and discounts on select ticketed activities. Check the official schedule for event-specific details and registration requirements.
Why Kona Coffee Is So Special
Kona’s coffee-growing tradition dates back to the early 19th century. Along the slopes of Hualālai and Mauna Loa, mineral-rich volcanic soils, sunny mornings, afternoon cloud cover, and mountain rainfall create distinctive growing conditions.Much of Kona’s coffee industry is still rooted in family farms, where generations of growers have refined their craft.
When shopping for coffee, look for 100% Kona Coffee rather than a Kona blend, which combines Kona-grown beans with coffee from other regions. Visiting a farm and tasting different roasts is one of the best ways to appreciate what makes this coffee special.
Three Farms Worth Visiting
Greenwell Farms: Learn about the journey from coffee tree to finished roast on a guided farm tour.
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation: Explore the higher slopes of Hualālai and discover how elevation and growing conditions influence coffee production.
UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Estate: Experience coffee growing in Holualoa, with opportunities to learn about harvesting and sample estate-grown coffee.
Check individual farm schedules before visiting, particularly during festival week.
Make Kona Your Home Base
Whether you spend your days sampling award-winning coffee, browsing local artwork, or exploring the countryside, the festival offers a different perspective on island life.Stay close to the action while enjoying the comfort and privacy of a vacation rental. Big Island Stays offers a wide selection of properties for couples, families, and groups exploring Kona and the Kohala Coast.
Explore our vacation rentals and book directly at bigislandstays.com to start planning your November getaway.
Mahalo
– Your Big Island Stays Ohana
