Celebrating Kona Coffee: The Legacy and Impact of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
For over half a century, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival has stood as a vibrant tribute to one of the world’s most storied coffee regions. Held every November in the heart of Kona on Hawai‘i Island, the festival is a living expression of tradition, agriculture, culture, and community—centered around the fruit that has defined the region for generations.
At Monarch Coffee Collective, this festival holds deep meaning for us. It’s where we first shared our coffee with the world. It’s where we’ve met mentors, built relationships, and helped shape the future of Hawai‘i coffee. And now, as we continue that mission from our new home in Oregon, we’re honoring its legacy in a new way.
A Brief History of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival began in 1970 with a simple but powerful mission: to recognize the cultural, economic, and historical significance of coffee farming in Kona. Over the years, it has grown into a 10-day celebration featuring farm tours, parades, pageants, art shows, recipe contests, educational workshops, and—of course—lots and lots of coffee tasting.
It’s the oldest food festival in Hawai‘i, and one of the only ones in the world that centers on a single crop with such deep agricultural and cultural roots. The festival is a reminder that coffee in Kona isn’t just a product—it’s a way of life.
The Cupping Competition: A Platform for Excellence
One of the most anticipated parts of the festival is the Festival Cupping Competition, where coffee producers from Kona submit their best lots to be evaluated by trained sensory judges.
For producers, it’s a rare opportunity to gain feedback, recognition, and market visibility. For buyers and coffee drinkers, it’s a glimpse into the remarkable diversity and quality of Hawaiian-grown coffee—far beyond what most have ever tasted.
Why This Festival Matters for the Coffee Industry
The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is more than a celebration—it’s advocacy in action.
It uplifts small farms, spotlights quality-driven producers, and educates consumers about the complexity of coffee beyond the cup. In an industry where so many supply chain voices are invisible, the festival invites attendees to hear directly from the hands that grow, pick, and process every cherry.
And in an era of increasing challenges—climate shifts, labor shortages, market fluctuations—this platform is a critical connector between local producers and the consumer
What Coffee Drinkers Can Learn
If you’ve ever sipped a cup of 100% Kona and wondered what makes it so special, the festival helps answer that question.
It’s a chance to:
Taste dozens of coffees side-by-side and understand flavor differences by variety, elevation, and processing.
Meet the actual producers—many of whom are multigenerational family farmers.
Learn about the traditional and modern practices that shape Kona coffee’s identity.
Understand the economic importance of coffee to Hawai‘i—and why preserving this legacy matters.
How It Connects to Roasting and Our New Experience Center
As roasters, we believe tasting is learning. And there’s no better place to experience that than at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.
That’s why we’re bringing the spirit of the festival with us into our new experience center in Salem, Oregon—a space where coffee lovers, producers, and curious minds can:
Participate in guided tastings and educational cuppings
Learn how processing, roast curves, and brewing methods impact flavor
Roast alongside us—or even on your own through our co-roasting program, launching soon
Connect with a wider coffee community through workshops and coworking
We may no longer be based full-time in Kona, but our connection to its coffee community remains as strong as ever. Monarch Estate continues to produce our flagship coffees, and we remain committed to helping Hawai‘i coffee thrive—not just on the cupping table, but in the marketplace, in the hearts of consumers, and in the systems that sustain it.
Taste the Tradition
In honor of the 54th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival this fall, we invite you to explore two of our most beloved offerings:
Farm Hand – A classic washed Kona Typica: balanced, sweet, and endlessly drinkable.
Hapa – A blend of washed Kona coffees from our estate and partner farms: silky, clean, and comforting.
These coffees represent the everyday excellence that defines Kona—not just on the competition table, but in your morning cup.
Stay Connected
We’ll be sharing stories, behind-the-scenes clips, and educational content throughout the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival.
📲 Follow along on Instagram and Facebook
🌐 Or shop our classic Kona coffees at monarchcoffee.com
Let’s keep celebrating what makes Hawai‘i coffee so exceptional—together.
— The Monarch Coffee Collective Crew
