2026 Festival Events
Pa'ina & Open House
Historic Pahala Plantation Manager's House
Sunday, June 14, 6-9:30 PM
Step into the history of Pāhala and the early days of Kaʻū Coffee at this evening gathering on the grounds of the historic plantation manager’s home. From 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., enjoy live music, hula, house tours, and a warm community atmosphere. Meet the growers, hear their stories, and experience the charm of one of Pāhala’s most iconic homes.
Admission is free.
Ka'u Coffee Recipe Contest
Ka'u Coffee Mill
Sunday, June 14, 6-8 PM
This year’s recipe contest joins the Pā‘ina as a featured activity from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your best dish showcasing Kaʻū Coffee as an ingredient — pupu, entrée, or dessert — and share your creativity with the community. There is no entry fee, and all submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges. Cash prizes will be awarded at the end of the evening.
Interested contestants, please email events@kaucoffeemill.com or call 808 928 0550 with your name and phone number to register.
Ka'u Mountain Hike & Lunch
Ka'u Coffee Mill
Thursday, June 18, 9-2 PM
Experience the natural beauty and history of Wood Valley on a guided hike from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Walk along remnants of the old sugar era flume systems and learn how Kaʻū Coffee farmers adapted this landscape to support modern hydroelectric power and sustainable agriculture.
The journey includes sweeping views of the valley, native plants, waterways, and forest life, followed by a locally prepared lunch. Limited to 30 participants. Cost: $60 per person (lunch included).
To register, please email events@kaucoffeemill.com or call 808 928 0550 with your name and phone number.
Ka'u Coffee & Cattle Day
Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm
Friday, June 19, 10-3 PM
From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., spend the day at Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm, where generations of Kaʻū’s first coffee farming family continue to blend ranching and coffee cultivation in a uniquely sustainable way. Learn about pasture raised beef, walk among the coffee trees, and explore the varieties and processing methods that make Kaʻū coffee distinct.
The day concludes with an abundant outdoor buffet featuring Kaʻū Coffee–inspired dishes, beef specialties, and local favorites.
For reservations and tickets, please call 808 927 2252.
Ho'olaule'a — Main Event
Pahala Community Center
Saturday, June 20, 9-5pm
The festival’s signature celebration fills the Pāhala Community Center grounds from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with music, hula, food, crafts, keiki activities, educational booths, and opportunities to meet the farmers who grow Kaʻū Coffee.
Inside the Center, the Kaʻū Coffee Experience runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring guided tastings and coffees brewed by professional baristas using a variety of methods. Discover new flavors, learn from the experts, and deepen your appreciation for Kaʻū’s award winning coffees.