One of our favorite Big Island events is the annual Holualoa Village Coffee & Art Stroll. It is part of the annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, which is the oldest food festival in Hawaii.
Artist open their shops, and many coffee farmers bring their best coffee and let everyone sample them.
The first time we went to the festival the variety of flavors that were present in the coffee was surprising. So many things can influence the flavor:
- The elevation where the coffee grown
- The amount of rain, and when it fell
- Organic or not
- When it is picked
- How it is milled
- How it is dried
- How it is roasted
- How it is stored
- How it is ground
- How it is brewed
- And so much more
Our routine:
- We arrive early, purchase this year’s coffee pin that serves as ticket to the event, and head to Holuakoa Cafe for breakfast. Bill always gets the eggs Benedict, and I get the polenta with grilled vegetables. Delicious.
- We love talking with the other farmers. They are happy to answer questions and talk about their process and their farm.
- We sample and taste a lot of coffee; enjoy the art; and purchase baked goods, coffee, and an occasional art piece.
- If you get a chance, go! It is part of Kona Coffee Cultural Festival which is a 10-day event.
We were a finalist in the prestigious cupping competition, earning bragging rights, and pats on the back!
