There may not be anything like getting to the Ka’u district on the Big Island of Hawaii and tasting the unique coffee varieties. Ok, maybe soaking up some of that legendary sunshine and then packing a couple of pounds of beans for home to keep sunshine and memories flowing in any blizzard.

With Covid-19, unless you live there, you are not able to experience all the events and taste this year’s winners. Virtual to the rescue as the Ka’u Coffee Festival has gone virtual. And even better, the seminars and events are recorded so if you miss one, you can always go back. From meet the farmer, to a Coffee College, brewing demonstrations and even a healthy dose of Hawaiian music and Hula. The events happen now from December 31st, and then can be accessed via recording.

“2020 and the COVID pandemic sent more than its share of curve balls our way, yet we don’t want to leave our fans and supporters without their annual fix of Ka‘u coffee fun!” said long-time festival organizer Chris Manfredi. “We are excited and grateful to create this virtual content, which will help us continue to share our coffee community both now and into the future.” 

Most of the virtual festival will be pre-recorded and posted at www.KauCoffeeFest.com, while the coffee college is an interactive webinar using the Demio platform. Once completed, all festival activities will be conveniently available for later viewing on the above website.  

Coffee farming in Ka’u began in the 1800s, so the region is adept at how to grow and export coffee. This is truly a world-class coffee enterprise with a host of interesting farmers and personalities who truly relish and perfect their craft. And hopefully, after you get some of your cup of Ka’u, the festival will be on in 2021 and you can trek, taste and talk to the coffee personas of Ka’u in person!