The ninth annual Ka‘u Coffee Festival is set for May 19-28 this year. It celebrates the Ka‘u District for its premium coffee-growing origins and being a unique visitor destination.
The ninth annual Ka‘u Coffee Festival is set for May 19-28 this year. It celebrates the Ka‘u District for its premium coffee-growing origins and being a unique visitor destination.
On Saturday, May 13, the annual Miss Ka‘u Coffee Pageant showcases the crowning of the 2017 Miss Ka‘u Coffee and her court at 6 p.m. at Ka‘u Coffee Mill. There is a $10 admission fee. If you have any questions, call 928-0606 or email trinimarques@yahoo.com.
On Friday, May 19, there will be a Pa‘ina and open house at historic Pahala Plantation House featuring music, hula, food and house tours from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Hosted by Pahala Plantation Cottages, Ka‘u Chamber of Commerce and The Ka‘u Calendar, the plantation house is located at the corner of Maile and Pikake streets in Pahala. This event is free, with donations accepted for the Miss Ka‘u Coffee Scholarship Fund. Check out www.kaucoffeefest.com or www.pahalaplantationcottages.com, or call 928-9811 for more information.
On Sunday, May 21, the Ka‘u Coffee Recipe Contest is slated for 11 a.m. at the Ka‘u Coffee Mill. The categories you can enter are pupus, entrée and dessert. There will be free coffee tastings and the newly crowned Miss Ka‘u Coffee will be available. The contest rules are as follows:
• Recipes must include any Ka‘u Coffee.
• One entry per contestant per category. All categories limited to 20 entries.
• Entry forms can be obtained at ww.kaucoffeefestival.com, www.kaucoffeemill.com, Mizuno Market and Ka‘u Coffee Mill.
• Entries will be judged based on creativity, taste and presentation.
• A printed legible recipe for each entry shall be displayed with the entry along with a copy submitted with entry form.
• NO cooking facilities will be provided at Ka‘u Coffee Mill and Ka‘u Coffee Mill will not be responsible for cleanup and returning of dishes.
• Deadline for entries is Friday, May 12. Completed forms can be turned in to Ka‘u Coffee Mill Retail Store.
• Winners must be present during the event to claim their win.
• Entries must be plated and presented at Ka‘u Coffee Mill no later than an hour before the start of the event with plated servings for each judge. Entrant is responsible for all plating and serving utensils.
• Samples of each dish may be sold at the event for guests.
For more information or questions, contact Nikki at 928-0550 or email her at kcm.nikki@gmail.com.
On Monday, May 22, you can observe the heavens from the summit of Makanau during Ka‘u Star Gazing from 5:30-10 p.m. There is a $35 fee, with refreshments and shuttle transportation departing from Ka‘u Coffee Mill. Sign up for this event at www.kaucoffeemill.com or call 928-0550.
On Wednesday and Thursday, May 24-25, explore historic flume systems of the sugarcane era and development of hydroelectric power on a Ka‘u Mountain Water System Hike in the Wood Valley rain forest from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. This tour is limited to 30 people and is $40, which includes lunch, so register at www.kaucoffeemill.com or call 928-0550.
On Saturday, May 27, the Ka‘u Coffee Festival Ho‘olalea is slated for 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. There will food booths, live music, hula, keiki activities, educational displays, guided coffee tastings and farm/mill tours headquartered inside and outside of the community center. There will be a shuttle transport for the farm tours at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m. The fee for the farm tours is $20. Call 929-9550 to register or visit www.kaucoffeefestival.com.
Sunday, May 28, will be presentations given by notable experts at the Ka‘u Coffee College at Pahala Community Center. The Ka‘u Coffee College has become known for hosting some of the most renowned industry professionals from around the globe. It is free, but donations are appreciated. Call 929-9550 or visit www.kaucoffeefestival.com for more information.
The Ka‘u Coffee Festival is supported by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and a bevy of sponsors and volunteers. Mark your calendars now.
Foodie bites
• Tonight, the Rotary Club of Pahoa Sunset is having its Cinco de Mayo Festival from 6-9 p.m. at the Keaau Eagles Aerie, 16111 Opukahaia St., Keaau, across from the Hawaii Humane Society and behind the Girls Scouts building. This fundraiser raises money for youth projects and will remember past-president Alan Latritiz. The first ever Community Service Award in his memory will be presented at tonight’s event. Some of Alan’s artwork will be sold on a silent auction. Tickets are only $35 and include Mexican food and drinks.
• The Rotary Club of South Hilo’s Hilo Huli is from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. this Sunday (May 7) at Coconut Island. New vendor Hilo Hospital Center will be preparing braised beef and summer salad; Hilo Yacht Club will be making Asian braised shortribs with ginger basmati rice. Seaside Restaurant will have scrumptious prime rib with au jus in rolls. There will be 17 food vendors to fill up your tummy. Desserts include shaved ice from Higa’s Gourmet Specialties and treats from Atebara Chips and Short N Sweet. If you are thirsty, there also will be beer from Anheuser-Busch, Kona Brewing Co., Mehana Brewing Co. and Hawaii Nui Brewery, wine from Volcano Winery and Young’s Market, bottled water from Waiakea Inc. and beverages from Coca-Cola, Hilo Coffee Mill and Pepsi. Entertainment will be Hilo’s own Mark Yamanaka and songbird Jenny Goya Kaneshiro.
• The Rotary Club of Hilo’s Brewfest is set for June 24 at the Wainaku Executive Center. There is a special pricing for V.I.P. via sponsorships for $250. Check out the website at www.hilobrewfest.
Email Audrey Wilson at audreywilson808@gmail.com.