Coffee Processing and Growing Expertise at Free Ka‘ū Coffee College May 5

Festival Organizer Chris Manfredi.
Photos from previous Ka‘ū Coffee College events. 

Leaders in the specialty coffee industry and orchard research are presenting a host of educational opportunities for island coffee farmers at the annual Ka‘ū Coffee College 9 a.m.-pau, Sunday, May 5, at the Pāhala Community Center.

The annual educational series is part of the Ka‘ū Coffee Festival, which opened last Friday and continues this week with a variety of fun and interactive activities at different venues before culminating this coming weekend with an all-day ho‘olaule‘a Saturday, May 4, and the college on Sunday.

The Coffee College has proven to be a place of learning, sharing and networking—featuring coffee’s leading professionals from around the globe while bringing industry experts to Ka‘ū to interface with local growers and make valuable connections.

“This year’s college focuses on needs expressed by local growers,” notes long-time festival organizer Chris Manfredi. “In particular, we’ve found that estimating the harvest can be elusive and challenging and has caused some issues, particularly in the wake of last year’s volcanic eruption. Being better able to accurately predict yields helps bolster good business practices.”

The Coffee College opens with “Increasing Coffee Production in Ka‘ū,” by Andrea Kawabata. Based in Kona, Kawabata is an assistant extension agent for coffee and orchard crops with University of Hawai‘i’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources cooperative extension service. Since 2011 she has been on the forefront of coordinating and providing coffee berry borer integrated pest management recommendations to growers throughout the state and beyond. She also conducts research applicable to farmers.

“A Rapid Visual Estimation of Coffee Yield in Hawai‘i” is explored by Dr. Adel Youkhana. A researcher and lecturer in the Natural Resources and Environmental Management department at University of Hawai‘i-Manoa, Dr. Youkhana holds a Ph.D. in NREM. With his colleagues, Dr. Youkhana has published numerous research papers and his efforts have delved into shade coffee agroecosystems, biofuel feedstock production and silviculture of coffee hybrid Leucaena.

Learn how to process distinctive coffee with added yeast strains during a presentation by Brittany Horn, owner/founder of Pacific Coffee Research. Located in Kealakekua, PCR is a specialty coffee education center and the Specialty Coffee Association’s premier training campus in Hawai‘i. It is home to a Coffee Quality Institute-certified cupping lab. PCR has partnered with Lallemand, a global leader in the development and production of yeasts, to introduce its line of Lalcafe coffee yeasts. PCR provides support for producers wanting to add yeast strains to their fermentation process by assisting in designing trials and providing cupping feedback.

Cal Westergard, an environmental health specialist with the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Branch, offers a talk on “Pesticide Safety Training.” He previously worked in pesticide enforcement in Saipan prior to moving back to Hilo in 2015. Westergard is an expert on the updated federal Worker

Protection Standards regarding proper pesticide use and safety and can share what the standards are, to whom they apply, and what is needed to be compliant. Learn how to safely mix and apply pesticides in the coffee orchard.

Admission to the Ka‘ū Coffee College is free, though donations are appreciated. Refreshments will be served.

The Ka‘ū Coffee Festival is underway and all activities are open to the general public; some require a fee. Find details at kaucoffeefestival.com or phone 808-929-9550.

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Founded in coffee traditions hailing to the 1800s—plus the hard work of former sugar plantation workers—Ka‘ū coffee burst onto the specialty coffee scene by winning numerous coffee

quality awards. These accolades highlight the unique combination of people and place that makes Ka‘ū coffee a favorite across the globe. The festival’s mission is to raise awareness of Ka‘ū as a world-class, coffee-growing origin. Support is provided by Hawai‘i Tourism through the Community Enrichment Program.

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival vendor and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information and festival updates, visit kaucoffeefestival.com, follow Ka‘ū Coffee Festival on Facebook and @kaucoffeefest on Twitter, or call 808-929-9550.

Congratulations to 2019-20 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Court!

Photo by Julia Neal

2019 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee with Ed Olson
and Gloria Camba.
Photo by Kamalani Kaluahine-Salmo

Congratulations to our new Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Court, who all performed well, with grace and talent at the Ka‘ū District Gym during our 2019 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant!

Here are the results for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee:

Helena Sesson was crowned Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Queen. A senior at Ka‘ū High School, Helena says she plans to become a police office, "to keep my community safe." As her talent, she sang a song in Spanish, accompanied by her own ‘ukulele stylings. Helena won the Interview, Career Outfit, Photogenic, and Talent portions. She took home a $1,500 scholarship from Edmund C. Olson and $400 for winning four categories in the competition, with scholarships provided by Pacific Quest, County Council member Maile David, state House of Representatives members Richard Onishi and Richard Creagan, and state Senator Russell Ruderman.

Miss Kaʻū Coffee First Princess, Bernadette Ladia, a sophomore at Ka‘ū High School, won the Swimsuit and Gown portions and took home a $1,000 scholarship from Kaʻū Mahi and $200 in scholarships from Rep. Richard Onishi.

Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Peaberry.
Photo by Julia Neal

Here are the results for the Miss Ka‘ū Peaberry: 

Lilianna Marques, who performed an original song about coffee picking, was crowned Miss Kaʻū Peaberry Queen. She won the Character Outfit and Photogenic portions. She takes home an $850 scholarship from Punaluʻu Bakeshop and Rep. Richard Onishi, as well as two $90 scholarships from County Council member Maile David and Sen. Russell Ruderman and donors.

Kendall Haddock, named First Miss Ka‘ū Peaberry Princess, won the Talent portion, with a $650 scholarship from CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union and donors, and a $90 scholarship from Rep. Richard Onishi.

Helen Miranda, named Second Miss Ka‘ū Peaberry Princess, won the Gown portion, with a $350 scholarship from Pacific Quest and a $90 scholarship from Rep. Richard Creagan.

Here are the results for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Flower:

Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower and First Princess.
Photo by Kamalani Kaluahine-Salmo

Kysha Manini Kaʻupu was crowned Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Flower Queen, and took home a $500 scholarship from Kaʻū Valley Farms, an $80 scholarship from Sen. Russell Ruderman for Miss Photogenic, plus an $80 scholarship for Character Outfit.

First Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower Princess Adilyn Aetonu won a $350 scholarship from Big Island Toyota and an $80 scholarship for Evening Gown from Rep. Richard Onishi. Adilyn, 5 years old, was also named Miss Popularity, across all candidates from ages 4 to 17, with a $200 scholarship and the title based on support she received from the community.

Pageant Director Trini Marques thanks the many sponsors for providing scholarships. Stay tuned for future announcements about our 2020 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant. See kaucoffeefestival.com.

2019 Ka‘ū Coffee Fest Starts Friday Through May 5

Fun is brewing for the 11th annual Ka‘ū Coffee Festival, which kicks off Friday, April 26, with a full line-up of events before culminating with a weekend of free activities May 4-5 at the Pāhala Community Center.

Free fun starts Friday, April 26, with a Pāʻina and Open House offering entertainment by Boni Narito, hula dancer Sammi Fo and musician Bolo. 

Tickets are $10 at the door for the Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant Saturday, April 27, at the Kaʻū District Gym. 

The Sunday recipe contest has been postponed.

Upcoming festival activities next week includes a variety of ticketed events that illustrate what makes Kaʻū so special and offer interactive fun at different venues: Ka‘ū Mountain Hike & Lunch, Ka‘ū Valley Farms Tour & Lunch, Ka‘ū Coffee & Cattle Day and Ka‘ū Star Gazing. Reserve your spot for these unique opportunities at kaucoffeefestival.com. Events are subject to change so check back often.

The free May 4th ho‘olaule‘a stages a full lineup of live performing artists, including hula hālau from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the Pāhala Community Center grounds. Attendees can browse among broke ‘da mouth local food, coffee, crafts, product and community booths. During the free and indoors Kaʻū Coffee Experience, enjoy barista-led samplings of different Kaʻu coffee brands prepared a variety of ways: pour over, clever, french press, espresso and cold brew. Guided coffee farm tours—which visit a coffee orchard and processing mill—are $20 with van transport.

On Sunday, May 5 at 9 a.m., the Ka‘ū Coffee College features local and visiting coffee industry experts offering seminars focused on enhancing coffee quality and best farm management techniques. Donations are welcome.

Enter the “Buy Local” contest by visiting festival sponsors and redeeming purchase receipts, product labels and business cards at the ho‘olaule‘a for chances to earn cash and prizes.

All activities are open to the public; for details on ticketed events and full festival info, visit KauCoffeeFestival.com.

Founded in coffee traditions dating to the 1800's—Ka‘ū coffee burst onto the specialty coffee scene by winning numerous coffee quality awards. These accolades highlight the unique combination of people and place that makes Ka‘ū coffee a favorite across the globe. The festival’s mission is to raise awareness of Ka‘ū as a world-class, coffee-growing origin.

Ka‘ū Coffee Festival vendor and sponsorship opportunities are available. Support is provided by Hawai‘i Tourism through the Community Enrichment Program. For more information and festival updates call 808-929-9550, email info@kaucoffeefestival.com and follow Ka‘ū Coffee Festival on Facebook and @kaucoffeefest on Twitter and Instagram.

Public Invited to Ka‘ū Coffee Festival Kick Off Party

The historic Pāhala Plantation House opens its doors to ignite the Ka‘ū Coffee Festival on Friday, April 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. with music, hula and meeting Ka‘ū coffee farmers. Tour the sugar plantation mansion, with its antiques and memorabilia from the days when it housed the manager of the 38,000 acre Ka‘ū Sugar Plantation. Learn about its transition into a place for the community as Pāhala became a Ka‘ū coffee town. Get to know our local coffee growers and friends as we enjoy entertainment and refreshments. 

Photo by Jesse Tunison

Entertainment will include performances by musician Bolo and hula dancer Sammi Fo. Bid adieu to our 2018 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Court as they celebrate the last night of their reign and meet the new 2019 court who will vie for the title the following evening.

Ka‘u Coffee Festival photo

Find the Pāhala Plantation House on the corner of Pīkake and Maile Streets in the town of Pāhala. For more, call 808-928-9811 or email mahalo@aloha.net. The event is co-sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Cooperative, Pāhala Plantation Cottages, and The Ka‘ū Calendar newspaper. Free; donations accepted for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Scholarship Fund.

See our schedule of events for more fun-filled Ka‘ū Coffee Festival activities. For photos and information about previous events see our website, kaucoffeefestival.com, and our Flickr account. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Sunset & Stargaze from the Top - Makanau Sacred Mountain

Photo by Jesse Tunison

Enjoy Ka‘ū's starry night skies unmarred by city lights. On Friday, May 3, on an almost moonless night, observe the heavens from the summit of Ka‘ū's famous flat top mountain  - Makanau.

Sponsored by Edmund C. Olson Trust and Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, the journey teaches participants history of the land and the significance of Makanau, a famous sacred site and lookout place for Hawaiians. Learn about the culture and spiritual ties from Makanau stewards Demetrius Oliveira and Earl Louis. Take an astronomy lesson from University of Hawai‘i astrophysics expert Janeeka Williams.

Photo by Andrew Richard Hara

The evening begins, meeting in Pāhala at the Edmund C. Olson Trust II building, corner of Maile and Pīkake Streets. Shuttle to the summit of Makanau for refreshments and take in the view of undeveloped slopes of pastures, orchards, forests, and coastline.

Take a moment to enjoy the view from Makanau and its cultural sites before settling into the temporary camp site to watch the sunset and study the very bright stars that led the Polynesians to Ka‘ū to settle Hawai‘i Island many generations ago. Study the skies, employing laser beams, courtesy of Ka‘ū Coffee Mill.

Photo by Jesse Tunison

Each $45 ticket includes refreshments and shuttle ride. Reserve your space through May 1, 2019, first come first served, as this event sells out quickly. Payment must be received prior to confirming reservations. For more information and reservations, see kaucoffeemill.com or call (808) 928-0550.

See our schedule of events for more fun-filled Ka‘ū Coffee Festival activities. For photos and information about previous events see our website, kaucoffeefestival.com, and our Flickr account. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Ka‘ū Coffee & Cattle Day Offers Hayride, Music & Barbecue Feast

Photos by Fern Gavelec

Visit Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm on Coffee & Cattle Day, Friday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tour the Ka‘ū coffee farm and facilities.

Witness a cattle roundup and branding. Feed the cattle during a tractor driven hayride, live music on board. Bottle feed a calf; name a calf to win a prize. Interact with paniolo, Hawaiian cowboys, and their horses.

Talk with Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm founders Merle and Phil Beckers and learn the history of their farm that first planted Ka‘ū coffee in the late 1800's.

Enjoy the Aikane Western Barbeque with steaks, ribs, chicken, salads and desserts. The music of Chase Cabudol and Dane Session accompanies the luncheon. Reserve your spot, $25 per person, $10 for youths under 12, by calling 808-927-2252 or visiting aikaneplantation.com.

Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm is located between Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala on Ka‘alaiki Road - the old sugar cane haul road.

See our schedule of events for more fun-filled Ka‘ū Coffee Festival activities. For photos and information about previous events see our website, kaucoffeefestival.com, and our Flickr account. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

A Fertile Valley With a View - 2019 Ka‘ū Valley Farms Tour

Photo by Lee Neal

Ka‘ū Valley Farms Tour, on Thursday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offers an opportunity to explore the practice of growing food in Ka‘ū. See the Ka‘ū Valley Farm nursery, fields and orchards, with vegetables, herbs, coffee, tea and fruit trees. See the goats, cattle and horses in Ka‘ū Valley Farms pastures. Visit the Ka‘ū Valley Farms stand to purchase fresh food, including hydroponic lettuce.

Along the hillside, walk through the newly established camellia sinensis tea farm. Travel farther up the slopes of Kahilipali (Windswept Hills) Ahupua‘a to view the expansive green pastures that sit above Nā‘ālehu. At the top of Pu‘u Ho‘omaha (Hill of Leisure), listen to stories of the Ahupua‘a and land tenure from the Kingdom to present, and gaze upon the coastline of Ka‘ū from Puna to South Point.

Photo from kauvalley.com

The hills of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's Kahuku Unit can be seen in the distance as well as the fields of Makino Valley - relatively unknown to many, as it lies hidden from below the summit of Ho‘omaha.

The tour includes visiting the water system being developed from the old Kahilipali and Kapuna Tunnels from sugar days and ends with a brief walk into the 85 acre pristine native Hawaiian forest - never converted to sugarcane.

To reach Ka‘ū Valley Farms Nursery turn mauka (towards the mountain) at Ka‘alaiki Road in Nā‘ālehu at the intersection of Hwy 11 and Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Proceed up Ka‘alaiki Road to just beyond the County cemetery and then follow the signs to turn left to get to the nursery.

Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

Reservations can be made by calling John Cross at 808-987-4229 or Brenda Iokepa-Moses at 731-5409. $40 per person includes lunch and transportation from meeting site. See kauvalley.com.

See our schedule of events for more fun-filled Ka‘ū Coffee Festival activities. For photos and information about previous events see our website, kaucoffeefestival.com, and our Flickr account. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

From Rain to Electricity - 2019 Ka‘ū Mountain Hike and Lunch

Photos from prior event by Jessie Tunison

Join a moderate hike on Wednesday, May 1, through a beautiful section of native Hawaiian rainforest as you follow old wooden flumes that carried water down the mountain to float sugar to the mill.

Listen to native birds and take in the fresh air of Ka‘ū, as you learn about the the plan for plantation water to power a new hydroelectric plant for electricity to use at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and beyond. Let the songs of the native honeycreepers guide you through native trees and shrubs, over bridges and under pipes to a resting place where you will enjoy lunch. 

Conservationist Shalan Crysdale
of The Nature Conservancy.

Talk story with local conservationists John Replogle and Shalan Crysdale and Ka‘ū Coffee Mill manager Louis Danielle who will share stories and facts about what you see along your journey.

Some native flora you may encounter: uluhe with its purple fiddle necks; 'ōhi'a with its bright red to orange, pink or yellow lehua blossoms; hapu'u pulu with its golden "hair"; and many more.

Some native birds you may encounter: 'apapane, 'amakihi, 'ōma'o, 'i'iwi, 'io, nēnē and others.

This hike is limited to 30 people so make sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible through April 30. The $45 ticket includes lunch. Meet at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, Pāhala, HI 96777, before 9 a.m. Hike concludes around 2 p.m. 

To reserve your spot, call 808-928-0550 or email sales@kaucoffeemill.com. See kaucoffeemill.com.

See our schedule of events for more fun-filled Ka‘ū Coffee Festival activities. For photos and information about previous events see our website, kaucoffeefestival.com, and our Flickr account. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

2019 Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest - new entry deadline

Ka‘ū Coffee Brigadeiros by Gwen Edwards.
Photo by Rachael Sauerman

The Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest, hosted by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, rewards creative cooks for their original recipes containing 100% Ka‘ū Coffee. The event is open free to the public on Sunday, April 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, 96-2694 Wood Valley Rd, Pāhala, HI 96777.

Winning recipes since Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest (previously Triple C Recipe Contest and Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe and Taste of Ka‘ū Contest) launched in 2009, include Strawberry Mocha Trifle by Crystal McIntosh, Macadamia Crusted Seared Ahi with Ka‘ū Coffee Burre Blanc, Steamed Coconut Rice & Steamed Carrots Glazed with Ka‘ū Coffee by Deanna Delmar, Panna Cotta con Ka‘ū Cafe by Michael Soto, Ka‘ū Coffee Brigadeiros by Gwen Edwards, Ka‘ū Bull Crackers by Lisa Dacalio, Ka‘ū Coffee Cookie Delights by Masako Sakata, and Ka‘ū Coffee Flavored Wanton by Sally Louis, plus many others.

Ka‘ū Coffee Flavored Wanton by Sally Louis.
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival Photo

The three categories in Adult and Student divisions are Pupu (appetizers), Entrees and Desserts. Applications will be accepted through April 27. See kaucoffeefestival.com/recipecontest. The top three winners in each division-category will receive cash prizes.

Come support the contestants as you enjoy free live entertainment, meet Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, tour the Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and farms, and indulge yourself in free coffee and recipe tasting.

For more information call Ka‘ū Coffee Mill at 808-928-0550 or email sales@kaucoffeemill.com.

See our schedule of events for more fun-filled Ka‘ū Coffee Festival activities. For photos and information about previous events see our website, kaucoffeefestival.com, and our Flickr account. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Vying for the Crown - 2019 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant Contestants

Helena Nihipali Sesson

Bernadette Ladia

Support the young women of Ka‘ū by attending our Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant on Saturday, April 27, at the Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala, as they present their intelligence, grace and a variety of talents. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Pageant Director Trini Marques promises an evening of beauty, talent, poise, confidence, prizes, food, and entertainment. Tickets, sold by contestants and their families, are $10 each for anyone ages 12 to 55; $5 for children ages 5 to 11 and senior citizens ages 55 and older.

Liliana Marques

Kaitlyn Alaon

Tickets, sold by contestants and their families, are $10 each for anyone ages 12 to 55; $5 for children ages 5 to 11 and senior citizens ages 55 and older.

For more or to volunteer, call Trini at 808-928-0606 or email trinimarques@yahoo.com.

To donate to the Scholarship Fund, call Julia Neal at 808-928-9811, or email mahalo@aloha.net.

Helen Miranda

Evalyn Bedsaul

Sponsored by Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative.

Contenders for Miss Kaʻū Coffee:

• Helena Nihipali Sesson of Pāhala, age 17, daughter of Guy Sesson and Sherriane Nihipali-Sesson. A senior at Kaʻū High, she wants to become a police officer.
• Bernadette Ladia of Pāhala, age 16, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Aurelio. A junior at Kaʻū High, she wants to join the military.
• Kaitlyn Alaon of Pāhala, age 15, daughter of Antonia Alaoan. A sophomore at Kaʻū High, she wants to become a neonatal nurse.

Kendall Haddock

Contenders for Miss Ka‘ū Peaberry:

• Lilianna Marques of Pāhala, age 6, daughter of Shawn Marques and Kuʻulei Marques. In first grade at Pāhala Elementary, she wants to become a graphics artist.
• Evalyn Bedsaul of Ocean View, age 9, daughter of Robin Maggard and Edward Bedsaul. Attending Nāʻālehu Elementary, she wants to become a pediatrician.
• Helen Miranda of Kiolokaʻa, age 10, daughter of Roberto and Maria Miranda. Attending Pāhala Elementary, she wants to become a lawyer.
• Kendall Haddock of Kiolokaʻa, age 9, daughter of James and Erin Haddock. Attending Nāʻālehu Elementary, she wants to become a science teacher.

Adilyn Aetonu

Kysha Kaupu Manini

Contenders for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Flower:

• Kysha Kaupu Manini of Pāhala, age 4, daughter of Sasha Kaupu and Kai Manini. Not yet in school, she wants to become a cosmetologist.
• Adilyn Aetonu of Pāhala, age 5, daughter of Fresno and Ashley Eder. Pre-K at Pāhala Elementary, she wants to become a fashion designer.

There are no Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee contenders this year; Cristina Kawewehi holds the crown.

Photos by Trini Marques.

See our schedule of events for more fun-filled Ka‘ū Coffee Festival activities. For photos and information about previous events see our website, kaucoffeefestival.com, and our Flickr account. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Coffee Industry Experts Share

Coffee industry experts from near and far joined us on Sunday, May 6, for our annual Ka‘ū Coffee College event. The educational day wrapped up our 10th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Festival and was one of the best attended to date.

Getting the Most Out of Your Coffee Moisture Meter - a presentation by Fred Seeber of Shore Systems, a leading manufacturer of coffee moisture meters, explained how testers work and why they are important. Attendees were invited to bring their testers for Seeber to check them for calibration.

Pruning Techniques to Maximize Yields - offered by University of Hawai‘i’s Andrea Kawabata, an assistant extension agent for coffee and orchard crops with UH's CTAHR cooperative extension service, and Tom Greenwell, president and long-time coffee farmer of Greenwell Farms - explained how proper pruning can promote tree health, which improves yield efficiency, profit margins, coffee quality, and sustainability for growers.

Photos by Julia Neal

Quality Control in Roasting - a workshop by Brian Webb of Pacific Coffee Research of South Kona, a specialty coffee association training campus, coffee lab, roastery, and community education center - discussed the importance of profile roasting. He did an on-site, sample roasting, and then demonstrated data logging software to keep detailed records for future analysis.

Royal Fuji demonstrated its small scale, professional roaster to the Ka‘ū Coffee College crowd.

For more about the Ka‘ū Coffee Festival and the events planned for 2019, see kaucoffeefestival.com.

Night Skies of Ka‘ū

Photo by Andrew Hara

Photo by Fern Gavelek

Ka‘ū Coffee Mill's Ka‘ū Star Gazing event on Friday, May 4, brought attendees to the summit of Makanau, a place of historical and cultural significance in Hawai‘i. From this vantage point, a vast open view of agricultural ranch lands of grassy fields and brush filled lava plains, along with a glistening coastline in its raw natural beauty can be appreciated. Mauka (towards the mountain), further up the slopes of Mauna Loa, one can see an extensive stretch of dark green native rainforest. Pāhala and the surrounding coffee and macadamia nut orchards can also be seen in the distance.

An hour into their experience, attendees are welcomed to sit and observe the skies make a glorious shift in color as sunset falls. As one might imagine, the wild landscapes below create a night sky unmarred by city lights, making every star clear and bright on a cloudless night. The milky way can be explored and absorbed in its full glory from this grassy hilltop in Ka‘ū.

In addition to stories about the land and star gazing information, the event offers telescopes and laser pointers to help navigate the night skies. Light refreshments and beverages are also provided.

For more about Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, visit kaucoffeemill.com. For more about the Ka‘ū Coffee Festival and our events planned for 2019, visit kaucoffeefestival.com.

A Taste of Hawai‘i Ranch Life

Photo by Lee Neal

Aikane Plantation Coffee Company's Coffee and Cattle Day drew much appreciation for Kaʻū Coffee growing and ranch life during the tenth Kaʻū Coffee Festival on Friday, May 4.

Owners Merle and Phil Becker Merle and Phil Becker spoke of the history of their coffee growing journey that dates back to 1894, when Merle’s great grandfather “Papa” J.C. Searle planted his first crop of coffee in Ka’ū. Searle’s coffee “became very popular and received many favorable comments from the local media,” however due to the competing sugar industry he was unable to continue his efforts.

Over 100 years later, Aikane Plantation Coffee Company was established by his great-granddaughter. The Beckers believe that this combined with the fact that their coffee is grown exclusively in Ka’ū, creates the perfect blend of richness and flavor.

During the event, attendees took a tractor driven hay bale ride through the ranch and investigated the coffee plantation. They also enjoyed a large BBQ buffet, complete with Ka‘ū Coffee.

Photos by Fern Gavelek

Aikane Plantation often represents Kaʻū at Ag Day at the Hawaiʻi Legislature and the annual Made in Hawai‘i Show in Honolulu. The coffee farm supports two families who sell the Aikane brand at farmers markets and other locales on O‘ahu. The brand also has a strong market in Japan, the Beckers said.

Both Beckers are frequent volunteers at the Kaʻū Coffee Festival Hoʻoaluleʻa information booth. Phil is President of Kaʻū Farm Bureau.

For more about Aikane Plantation Coffee Company, see aikaneplantation.com. For more information about the Ka‘ū Coffee Festival and a calendar of our events planned for 2019, visit kaucoffeefestival.com.

10th Annual Festival, Tons of Fun

Photos by Geneveve Fyvie

Our 10th Annual Ka‘u Coffee Festival Ho‘olaule‘a on Saturday, May 5, drew record attendance with Ka‘u coffee sales higher than previous events. Miss Kaʻu Coffee Queen Reishalyn Kekoa Jara and her court reigned over the event. Baristas and experts in brewing presented free local coffee tastings, prepared using a variety of methods, to enthusiasts. Many visited coffee farms and Kaʻu Coffee Mill. 

Attendees also enjoyed free tastings of award winning coffee from the farmers themselves at their booths and bought other locally grown and sourced produce, such as roasted macadamia nuts, raw honey, oolong and black tea, fresh salad greens, free range eggs, and grass fed beef from local small businesses.

Vendors also offered an assortment of crafts and homemade items such as jewelry, clothing, hats and bags. Various non-profit organizations from the community hosted booths and shared information and spread their missions of community health and conservation.

Over a dozen community groups and businesses vended food and drinks - from lemonade and blended beverages to sweet treats and plate lunches. Innovators in coffee production, from milling to roasting, reached out to the farm community. 

Under skies cooled by the haze from nearby Kilauea Volcano, headliner band Hoʻaikane inspired the crowd to dance. Music ranged from Jawaiian and Hawaiian to Puerto Rican and Rock N' Roll.

The entertainment lineup was emcee Makana Kamahele, Ho‘aikane, Hands of Time, Hannah's Makana ‘Ohana Halau, Shootz, Halau Hula O Leionalani, Keaiwa & Demetrius, El Leo - The Jarican Express, The Lucky Lizard Band, Backyahd Braddahs, and Bolo.

Find more details at kaucoffeefestival.com. See more pictures of event in our Flickr gallery.