As we head into the Fall season, we can start to finally feel a touch of the changing seasons. The whales have returned already and LUVA Real Estate is starting to prepare for the holidays.
One of the signature events that the Big Island is known for is the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. If you buy a $3 pin at local stores, it allows you entrance into all the coffee tasting fun for the entire week it runs. A little tip if you have not done it yet, is the Holualoa Village coffee and art stroll, which provides a chance to meet the coffee growers and the artists. Read on for a great month of things to do in West Hawaii!
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
When: November 3-12, 2017
For nearly 200 years much has been celebrated, discussed and enjoyed over a cup of Kona’s world famous coffee. Praised for its fine, light and memorable taste, Kona coffee once again takes center stage at the 47th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival November 3 through 12, 2017. Throughout the 10-day Festival, celebrate the harvest as Kona coffee farms offer a firsthand look at growing this world-famous crop, the coffee art scene fills with inspiration, and music and dance enrich cultural exchanges. Kona coffee and food events offer tastings, and hands-on cultural events help tell the story of Kona’s rich coffee history. Cost: $3 Festival Button. For information call: 808-326-7820 or email [email protected] or visit www.konacoffeefest.com.
Holualoa Village Coffee & Art Stroll – Kona
When: November 4, 2017 9am-3pm
Stroll through the art district of quaint Holualoa Village and visit galleries exhibiting an extensive collection of local artists. Over 30 Kona coffee farms join the festivities offering tastings and product for purchase. For more information, visit www.konacoffeefest.com.
Twilight at Kalahuipua’a-talk Story Under a Full Moon
When: November 4, 5:30-8:30 pm
What: Every month when the full moon rises, Mauna Lani gets ready for an evening of storytelling and entertainment on the lawn at the oceanfront Eva Parker Woods Cottage. Mauna Lani Bay’s Cultural Historian Danny Akaka, who speaks fluent Hawaiian and often performs as a musician hosts the event. Danny shares his knowledge of Hawaii’s myths and legends with guests and he invites kupuna and community elders and musicians to join him. Twilight at Kalahuipua‘a was designed to perpetuate the traditional folk art of storytelling. Everyone is invited to share stories, family histories, songs, and dance. It gives hotel guests a chance to experience the true aloha spirit, and residents the opportunity to meet and share stories with people from around the world. The Eva Parker Woods Cottage houses historical information about Kalahuipua‘a, the land now called Mauna Lani. This oceanfront location marks the piko(spiritual center) of the resort’s ancient Hawaiian fishponds, making it the perfect venue for this full moon event. Hotel guests, Hawaii residents, and resort employees and their families are invited to enjoy Twilight at Kalahuipua‘a, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm on the Saturday closest to the full moon.
Aina Fest
When: November 4, 1-10 pm
Aina Fest, previously known as Kohala Aina Festival, is now in its 8th year! Born out of husband and wife team Dash & Erika Kuhr’s desire to share the abundant food and vast potential for healthy living in Niulii, this powerful and unique day-long event features a packed schedule of world renowned and local musicians, performing artists, hands-on land based education, Hawaiian cultural activities, keiki activities, yoga, arts & crafts vendors & an abundance of organically grown, farm fresh food. 100% of proceeds from the event support the three core pillars of HIP Agriculture’s programming: Residential Farmer Trainings, Youth Education & Community Events. http://hipagriculture.org/aina-fest/2017
Kona Coffee Recipe Contest & Big Island Showcase
When: November 5, 2017 at 10 am
Big Island Showcase is being held at the Sheraton Kona and features Hawai’i Island products, gifts, and an opportunity to buy farmer-direct Kona coffee. Amateurs, culinary students and professional chefs present their favorite sweet and savory recipes featuring 100% Kona Coffee. Keiki (children) showcase sweet or savory snacks. Recipe contest doors open at 11 a.m. with cooking demonstrations, judging and award presentations. Public tasting to follow. For more information, visit www.konacoffeefest.com.
Spirits of Aloha Benefit for Napa and Sonoma
When: November 6, 2017 from 5:30-8:30
Enjoy tasting wines from Napa and Sonoma at Gertrude’s Jazz Bar on Alii Drive while enjoying tasty tapas and live entertainment as you support those who lost their homes, wineries and businesses during the Northern California wildfires. All proceeds go to the Napa and Sonoma Community Foundations’ Wild Fire Relief Funds. Silent auction, too! Cost: $60. For more information, call (808) 785-2898 or email [email protected] to get tickets.
Hawaii Steel Guitar Festival
When: November 10-12
The festival at the Mauna Lani features performances by steel guitar masters from Oahu: Alan Akaka, Greg Sardinha, Alexis Tolentino, & Bobby Ingano, & steel guitar masters from the Island of Hawaii: Pomai Brown, Iaukea Bright, Konabob Stoffer, Dwight Tokumoto, & Dave Soreff, and special guest from IL, Dave DK Kolars. The event emcee will be Skylark Rossetti. In addition to the featured performances, there will also be workshops & jam sessions, where festival guests can play along with the steel guitar masters, and Open Stage sessions where amateur and professional Hawaiian Steel Guitarists will present their own program to festival guests. The festival is presented free to the public, by Mauna Lani, & Hawaii Institute for Music Enrichment & Learning Experiences (HIMELE) in association with the Ke Kula Mele Hawaii School of Hawaiian Music, & with grants and support from corporate partners and private donors. FREE TO THE PUBLIC. For more information: 808 375-9379
Kona Coffee Festival Ho’olaule’a
When: November 11, 2017 from 9am-3pm
Come to the Old Airport Park and enjoy a multi-generational, multi-cultural celebration of all things Kona coffee. Hands-on cultural demonstrations, popular Ethnic Food Market, the Festival of Arts & Crafts and all-day live entertainment. Take in the beautiful lei contest, participate in traditional Hawaiian poi making, ikebana, traditional Japanese calligraphy and visit the heritage display. All day fun for the entire ‘ohana (family). For more information, visit www.konacoffeefest.com.
8th Annual Friends of the Library-waikoloa Region Walk/run for Literacy
When: November 11, 2017 Race starts at 7:30 am
Friends of the Library-Waikoloa Region will hold its 8th Annual 5K Walk/Run for Literacy to promote library causes and to support various literacy projects. In addition, there will be a Silent Auction at Waikoloa School Cafeteria the morning of the Walk/Run, featuring a beautiful handmade quilt donated by the Waikoloa Sew N Sews. Registration begins at 6:15 am. Race begins at 7:30 am. Medals will be presented in the top female/male categories. A custom designed race t-shirt, clock timing, water stops, post-race snacks are included in the Walk/Run (T-Shirt guaranteed if registered by 10/13/17. Registration is $20 adult online/$30 race day; $10 youth 12 and under. Register/pay online with PayPal by midnight, November 8; register with cash, credit card or check at event, or register by mail (check and form need to arrive no later than Thurs., Nov. 9). Mail to: Friends of the Library – Waikoloa Region, P.O. Box 383283, Waikoloa, HI 96738. For more information, call (808) 747-2839, email [email protected] or visit www.flwr-runforliteracy.com.
Going Nuts for the Holidays Festival
When: November 12, 2017 10 am- 5 pm
Come to Hale Halewai on Alli Drive for a free holiday festival benefiting Kona 1005 Radio, featuring mac nuts and coconuts. A Zero Waste event with hula, music, agricultural presentations, arts, crafts, and more. Santa will also be on hand for Christmas requests. For more information, call (808) 936-5233, email [email protected] or visit www.hawaiianwellness.com.
Hula Kahiko at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
When: November 18, 2017 from 10:30-11:30 am
Hula featuring Kumu Ha’amauliola Aiona with Ke Kula o Nawahiokalan’opu’u PCS performed in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting at the kahua hula (platform) in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. This performance is rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats. This free event is supported in part by a grant from the Hawai’i Tourism Authority and the County of Hawai’i Dept. of Research and Development. Park entrance fees apply. For more information, call (808) 967-8222, email [email protected] or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org .
Kailua Village Holiday Tree Lighting
When: November 24, 2017
A traditional lighting of the Village Christmas tree at Emma’s Square, across from Hulihe’e Palace, will take place at 5:45 pm, kicking off the holiday season. For more information, visit www.historickailuavillage.com.
COMING UP:
Christmas With the Chefs
December 2 at the King Kamehameha Hotel