Hawaii’s Beloved Coffee Festival Returns for 2025

Coffeelovers, culture seekers, and island aficionados are set to converge on Hawaii’s Big Island for the celebrated Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, taking place November 7-16, 2025. Now marking its 54th year, the festival is recognized as Hawaii’s oldest food festival and an essential event for anyone passionate about coffee and the rich heritage of the Kona District.

Established in 1970, the festival honors generations of coffee farmers and the distinctive flavors that have made Kona coffee world renowned. This 10-day experience, with an accessible $10 festival badge, offers locals and visitors alike the chance to immerse in authentic Hawaiian traditions and the vibrant spirit of Kona coffee country.

Signature Events, Farm Tours, Tastings & More

The festival’s robust itinerary brings together a blend of cultural celebration and coffee expertise:

• Guided Farm Tours: Tour historic coffee farms in the famous Kona Belt, meet multi-generational farmers, and witness the cultivation and harvesting process firsthand. Many farms are now certified for sustainable and organic practices, reflecting the island’s growing focus on responsible agriculture.
• Professional and Amateur Coffee Competitions: Witness taste-offs and barista battles that highlight the art and science of coffee preparation. The Kona Coffee Cupping Competition will again attract top industry judges and global competitors.
• Cultural Demonstrations & Workshops: Enjoy hula, lei making, Hawaiian music, and educational sessions on Kona’s unique terroir, history, and agricultural practices.
• Coffee & Food Tastings: Sample the latest harvests and exclusive micro-lot releases, alongside local cuisine from Hawaii’s up-and-coming chefs and bakers. Coffee-infused desserts and cocktails are always a highlight for foodies.
• Festive Parades & Live Music: The festival parade, with its colorful floats and traditional performances, draws thousands for a celebration of Hawaii’s diversity and community spirit.

New in 2025, several coffee science seminars will be hosted in partnership with the University of Hawaii, offering insight into sustainability advancements, climate adaptation, and the fight against the coffee berry borer, a pest that has challenged Kona’s crop in recent years.

Kona Coffee: Tradition Meets Global Demand

Kona coffee is prized for its distinctive taste—low acidity, subtle nutty notes, and a smooth finish. According to the Kona Coffee Farmers Association, true Kona coffee is cultivated only on about 1,000 small family farms running along the volcanic slopes of Hualālai and Mauna Loa. The region’s unique microclimate, fertile volcanic soil, and hand-picked harvesting contribute to its status as one of the world’s most sought-after specialty coffees.

In 2024, Hawaii produced an estimated 30 million pounds of green coffee, with the Kona District representing roughly 40% of that output. Data from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture shows coffee remains the state’s top agricultural commodity, valued at nearly $70 million annually and employing thousands directly and indirectly through agritourism.

The festival arrives at a time when specialty coffee markets are booming globally. New direct-to-consumer platforms and a rise in coffee tourism have boosted Kona’s international brand. However, farmer advocates continue to push for tighter regulations to protect “100% Kona” labeling from counterfeits and blends, a long-standing industry issue.

A Sustainable & Inclusive Festival

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival actively promotes sustainability, indigenous knowledge, and inclusiveness. Many farm partners are adopting eco-friendly processing and regenerative soil practices, while festival organizers emphasize native Hawaiian culture by partnering with local schools, musicians, historians, and community leaders.

Accessibility has also improved for 2025, with shuttle services and ADA-compliant options for popular festival venues. Event planners are encouraging visitors to book accommodations early, as the Big Island continues to see robust post-pandemic travel demand, with hotel occupancy rates rising nearly 10% over the past year according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Plan Your Visit: Dates, Badges, & Travel Tips

The festival runs from November 7–16, 2025, centering on the charming seaside village of Kailua-Kona and the picturesque upland farms of Holualoa. A $10 festival badge grants access to most main events and activities. Family-friendly and outdoor events make the festival accessible for all ages and interests.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the official Kona Coffee Cultural Festival website for the latest event schedules and directions. Many local accommodations, from historic inns to coffee-farm B&Bs, offer festival packages. Main events and parades are often livestreamed for coffee lovers around the world.

As the festival prepares for its 54th year, local business and tourism leaders see it as a beacon of both economic resilience and cultural preservation—a celebration not just of a world-class beverage, but of the people and spirit that make Kona, Hawaii, truly one of a kind.

For travel updates, COVID-19 policies, and further information about the festival, visit
Travel Weekly’s Kona Coffee Cultural Festival coverage.