Most latte lovers have heard of Kona coffee. Aficionados, however, know that Hawaii Island also lays claim to another outstanding java: Kau coffee.
In fact, Kau coffee is so good that Starbucks has made it part of its Reserve program, selling it at some of the world’s best coffee houses.
Clients can sip and study the heady brew at its source during the Kau Coffee Festival, a perky annual event in the island’s southernmost region. This year’s celebration runs from May 8-17.
Travel advisors can pitch the festival to a broad range of clients, from cappuccino cravers to the growing number of travelers seeking a unique immersion into the destination.
With its widespread appeal, the festival honors the flavor and aroma of Kau coffee and the people and place that produce it, according to Chris Manfredi, organizer for Kau Coffee Festival.
“Ours is a representation of authentic Hawaii that’s far from the resort experience,” Manfredi said.
During the festival, clients get to know members of the local coffee industry.
Credit: 2020 Kau Coffee FestivalA Lively Blend of Events
From start to finish, the festival taps into a variety of today’s travel trends.
History buffs will appreciate the kickoff paina (Hawaiian word for small party) and open house, held at the beautifully restored Pahala Plantation House, where the manager of the 19th-century Kau Sugar Plantation once lived. Island tunes, hula dancers, potluck food and house tours get people into the spirit of their surroundings.
Active clients can take part in the Kau Mountain Hike, exploring the fascinating flume systems of one-time sugar plantations and enjoying a picnic lunch.
For agritourists and those with green thumbs, the Kau Valley Farms Nursery event introduces hydroponic vegetable operations as well as coffee and tea plantings, while showcasing panoramic views.
Families get a kick out of Kau Coffee and Cattle Day at Aikane Plantation Coffee Company. There, clients can go on a hayride, learn how cows and crops integrate, and dig into a barbecue buffet.
Students of the bean can attend Kau Coffee College, with presentations by visiting coffee experts from around the globe.
And, clients interested in Hawaiian heritage and celestial navigation can sign up for the festival’s stargazing activity. Participants are shuttled to the sacred summit of Makanau, where they look up at clear night skies and hear legends and lore of the area.
Hula dancers entertain the crowd during the Kau Coffee Festival's Hoolaulea.
Credit: 2020 Kau Coffee FestivalHoolaulea: A Day of Caffeine and Charm
The most popular date on the festival calendar is the hoolaulea (outdoor party) at Pahala Community Center, which is located between Punaluu Black Sand Beach and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The all-day party presents elegant hula performances and peppy entertainment by top musicians. Clients can chat with coffee farmers, taste and buy their products, peruse island crafts and try dishes that locals love.
Additionally, the hoolaulea features the Kau Coffee Experience, where folks sample brews made via varying methods, from French press to pour-over.
On the same day, clients can tour coffee farms and see firsthand how beans are cultivated, picked, processed and roasted — and take sips of the results.
“Interacting with people who produce some of the finest coffee grown anywhere is rewarding for any coffee lover,” Manfredi said.
Fascinating farm tours teach clients about the coffee-making process, from bean to cup.
Credit: 2020 HTA/Heather GoodmanMaking a Stay Out of It
Manfredi encourages festival attendees to stay in the Kau area, the island’s least populated district.
With no traffic or stoplights, the remote region is known for its beaches of white, black and green sand; hiking trails by the sea and through forests; and ultra-fresh food, from grass-fed beef to the day’s catch.
Several vacation rentals, cottages and retreats are situated either within walking distance of the festival or a short drive away.
“Kau’s peace and majesty are truly memorable,” Manfredi said. “We have expansive vistas, undeveloped coastlines and dramatic mountains with spiritual significance. This is the real Hawaii — how Hawaii used to be and still lives on.”
By the end of the festival, clients will find renewed appreciation not just for each cup, but also for the personalities and the culture behind it.
The Details
Kau Coffee Festival
www.kaucoffeefestival.com
