Hidden Gems of Kailua-Kona

 Secret Spots Most Travelers Miss

In the vibrant heart of Kona, Hawaii, ancient Hawaiian customs intertwine with the island's legendary coffee heritage, creating a rich cultural tapestry.

Daily life once centered on spiritual beliefs that influenced farming and community bonds, now echoed in sustainable practices on volcanic slopes.

Kona coffee farms honor the land's mana through generational harvesting methods, thriving in nutrient-rich soil reminiscent of historic ahupuaa divisions.

Local beaches with shifting sands symbolize nature's unpredictability, inspiring resilient adaptations in seasonal coffee picking.

The Hawaiian language adds poetic depth, infusing every cup with aloha and warmth.

Ancient petroglyphs near coastal towns depict abundance, paralleling today's bountiful harvests and fueling innovative traditions.

Historic bays like Kealakekua mark early encounters that introduced coffee, now celebrated in snorkeling spots and cultural events.

The 54th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, slated for November 2025, promises tastings, tours, and showcases blending lantern parades with farm visits.

A Mountain View coffee shop recently earned national acclaim, highlighting Hawaii's brewing excellence amid 200 years of history from Brazilian roots.

New eco-friendly roasteries emphasize hand-picking and sun-drying, while real estate booms near estates draw culture enthusiasts.

Customs rooted in respect for the aina guide production, though climate challenges spur adaptations from ancestral wisdom.

Festivals offer petroglyph art workshops and language sessions, linking coffee to broader traditions.

As Kona evolves, these customs pulse with aloha, inviting all to savor history in every sip.

Events the Week of Sept 26th-27th

Puna Chocolate Company in Kailua-Kona delights with 100% Hawaiian-grown cacao, crafting pure, flavorful bars from local beans.

Founders Adam Potter and Ben Vanegtern, former military buddies, turned their paradise farming dream into a sustainable venture.

They focus on rainforest protection and community support, partnering for reforestation to preserve the islands' lush landscapes.

At their Pawai Place spot, visitors enjoy hand-crafted chocolates, specialty coffees, and inventive cocktails in a cozy lounge.

Nearby in Kainaliu, Hale Cocoa offers interactive farm tours through cacao groves, highlighting eco-friendly practices and bean-to-bar tastings.

Events like spirits pairings and demonstrations draw locals and tourists, boosting mindful tourism on the Big Island.

Hawaiian chocolate's unique volcanic soil flavors set it apart, with options for all, including craft brews and teas.

As 2025 brings new innovations, this company weaves flavor, heritage, and stewardship into every bite, inviting all to savor and support Hawaii's essence.

National Park Fee-Free Day
Date: Saturday, September 27th, 2025
Time: Various sessions throughout the day

Location: 

Admission: No registration or tickets required
Details: Perfect opportunity to visit Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
and other Big Island national sites.

Kona Orchid Society's Fall Show & Sale
Date: Saturday, September 27th, 2025, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Time: Various sessions throughout the day

Location: 

Admission: Early bird tickets available for $20!
Details: Display of blooming orchids, plant sales, craft vendors, keiki activities, and master
gardener consultations. Early bird tickets available for $ (one hour early access).

In the vibrant heart of Hawaii's Big Island, the Hawaii Island Humane Society stands as a pillar of compassion since 1965.

Community programs are thriving, combating animal cruelty and overpopulation while strengthening bonds between pets and people.

With centers in Keaau and Kona, they offer tailored services like education on responsible ownership and urgent adoption drives.

Heartwarming stories emerge, such as seven loyal dogs finding homes after over a year in shelter care.

Volunteering is open to all, from kids as young as eight with supervision, involving fun tasks like socializing animals or assisting operations.

Fostering programs provide temporary homes for needy neonates, complete with supplies and training to ease shelter strains.

In March 2025, awareness surges amid capacity issues, boosted by partnerships with Best Friends Animal Society.

Locals can join lively events like costume contests and walks, raising funds and awareness on pet overpopulation.

For animal control, they collaborate with Hawaii County agencies to reunite lost pets and address strays.

Big Island residents, dive in—donate, foster, or volunteer to create lasting impacts in our paradise.

Business Spotlight

For more than 25 years, Kona Coffee And Tea Company Hawaii has produced top-tier brews from their family-owned farm in Holualoa.

Perched on the fertile slopes of Mount Hualalai, the farm offers stunning views of Kailua-Kona on Hawaii's Big Island.

Guests enjoy hands-on tours showcasing the art of cultivating 100% Kona coffee in a vibrant agroforest setting.

This immersive experience highlights the dedication and rich heritage behind every bean.

In central Kailua-Kona, their lively cafe serves fresh small-batch roasts to locals and visitors alike.

Open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, it fosters community connections over aromatic cups.

Spotlight on 2025: The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival features farm tours, tastings, and cultural events celebrating local traditions.

The company hosts educational brewing sessions amid the festivities, drawing crowds to the Big Island.

With rising real estate buzz in Kailua-Kona, more explorers are discovering this coffee gem.

Committed to sustainability, the family ensures ethical practices in every harvest.

Subscribe online for home deliveries, capturing Hawaii's essence anywhere.

From tours to cafe vibes, it embodies the aloha spirit central to Big Island life.

Upcoming expansions and partnerships promise to boost its place in Hawaii's dynamic coffee world.

Whether local or traveler, it's a gateway to the island's heart through every sip.

Photo of the Week

A breathtaking view of the Kona mauka (mountain) region highlights the lush green landscape that rises inland from the coastline toward the volcanic slopes of Mauna Loa. The image beautifully illustrates the district’s diverse topography, where fertile lowlands meet the mid-elevation coffee belt, renowned for producing world-famous Kona coffee. Rolling hills, shaded groves, and volcanic soils create the perfect climate for coffee cultivation, while the dramatic backdrop of Mauna Loa underscores the grandeur of the island’s natural terrain. This scene captures the unique beauty and agricultural richness experienced by residents and visitors as they journey inland from the coastal communities of Kailua-Kona.