Kona Coffee Living History Farm
Step back in time at Hawaii's only living coffee farm, experiencing 1920s farming life with costumed guides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer school groups
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
Best Time
Fewer school groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Hawaii's only living coffee farm, experiencing 1920s farming life with costumed guides.
"This was a great stop for our family... Everyone here was very kind and patient."
🗣️ Talk Story with Guides
Don't hesitate to ask questions! The living history interpreters are passionate and knowledgeable.
☕ Taste the Legacy
While not explicitly mentioned for tasting, the farm celebrates Kona coffee's heritage.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Meet the Kona Nightingales
Farm grounds
Encounter the charming donkeys who help share Kona coffee history. They bring joy and laughter to the farm!
Traditional Coffee Milling
Demonstration area
Witness the authentic process of milling and drying coffee beans, a core part of Kona's rich agricultural heritage.
A Glimpse into Farmhouse Life
Restored farmhouse
Explore a preserved 1920s farmhouse and learn about the daily lives of Japanese tenant coffee farmers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Living History
Plan Your Visit Around Demonstrations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Talk Story with Guides
Don't hesitate to ask questions! The living history interpreters are passionate and knowledgeable.
☕ Taste the Legacy
While not explicitly mentioned for tasting, the farm celebrates Kona coffee's heritage.
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Exploration
Wander through the coffee trees at your own pace and soak in the atmosphere.
💰 Admission Fee
There's a $20 admission fee for adults.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Talk Story with Guides
Don't hesitate to ask questions! The living history interpreters are passionate and knowledgeable.
☕ Taste the Legacy
While not explicitly mentioned for tasting, the farm celebrates Kona coffee's heritage.
🚶♀️ Self-Guided Exploration
Wander through the coffee trees at your own pace and soak in the atmosphere.
💰 Admission Fee
There's a $20 admission fee for adults.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Kona Coffee Living History Farm for its immersive and educational experience, highlighting the passionate interpreters and the authentic glimpse into 1920s coffee farming life. While the admission fee is noted, many find the personal stories and hands-on aspects well worth the cost, making it a memorable stop on the Big Island.
"Had a very enjoyable visit to this farm. Learned about the history of the farm and the coffee production process. I even was put to work picking the berries and hand-grinding them to extract the beans."
Robert Thoelen
"This was a great stop for our family on the way to see the volcano. When we stopped, there was a farmer, a home maker, and a person who we would describe as the Bob Ross of children’s games. We learned a lot about traditional life on a Kona coffee farm, and a lot about different cultures. Everyone here was very kind and patient.
This is definitely worth a stop and was a very different experience than what we expected."
Sean Keating
"This was one of the highlights of our trip. Informative and fun."
Linda P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The farm is located in the Kona region of the Big Island. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, renting a car is the most common and convenient way to reach it. It's often visited as part of a larger Big Island road trip. +1
Yes, it's often visited in conjunction with other Kona-area attractions. Some visitors stop by on their way to see the volcano or explore Kealakekua Bay. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is $20 for adults.
Information on discounts is not readily available, but it's always worth checking their official website or contacting them directly for any potential offers.
The farm has limited hours, so it's advisable to check their official schedule before your visit to ensure they are open.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a 1920s coffee farm, interact with costumed interpreters demonstrating farming and homemaking tasks, see traditional coffee milling and drying, and learn about the history of Kona coffee.
The farm offers a 'living history' experience where interpreters engage with visitors. While not a formal tour, you can 'talk story' with them to learn about the farm and its history.
Some visitors have mentioned being put to work picking berries and hand-grinding coffee beans, offering a hands-on experience.
Yes, families often find it an enjoyable and educational stop. The costumed interpreters and interactive elements can be engaging for kids.
The Kona Nightingales are the donkeys on the farm who help share the history of Kona coffee and bring joy to visitors and staff.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options are not a primary focus of the farm experience. Visitors often bring their own snacks or plan to eat before or after their visit. mentions plant-based breakfast and lunch on a cruise, but not at the farm itself.
While the farm focuses on the historical process, it's highly likely you can purchase Kona coffee products. It's best to confirm this upon arrival or check their website.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charming farmhouses, lush coffee trees, traditional milling equipment, and the friendly Kona Nightingales. The interpreters in period clothing also make for great photos.
Photography is generally permitted, allowing you to document your historical journey. Be mindful of the interpreters and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider arriving in the morning to potentially avoid larger school groups and allow your children ample time to explore the farmhouse and grounds. The interactive nature of the demonstrations, like grinding beans, can make history come alive for them.
☕ Coffee Enthusiasts
+1Engage with the interpreters to learn about the specific varietals, the challenges of cultivation in the Kona region, and the historical significance of this prized coffee. While direct tasting might not be the main focus, the understanding you'll gain is invaluable.
📚 History Buffs
Pay close attention to the personal stories shared by the interpreters; they offer a unique and authentic perspective that brings history to life. The farm's connection to the Kona Historical Society ensures a commitment to historical accuracy.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Kona Coffee: From Bean to Cup
Interpreters, dressed in period attire, bring this history to life by explaining the nuances of each stage. You might even get a chance to try your hand at hand-grinding the beans, offering a tangible connection to the past. This immersive experience highlights the labor-intensive nature of coffee production and fosters a deeper appreciation for the beverage.
Understanding this process is key to appreciating why Kona coffee is so highly prized. The farm's commitment to preserving these historical techniques ensures that visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of the journey from the fertile volcanic slopes of Kona to the final brewed product.
Life on a 1920s Kona Coffee Farm
Costumed interpreters, often embodying roles like a 'homemaker' or 'farmer,' share personal stories and historical details, making the experience incredibly engaging. You can learn about everything from preparing meals over a traditional fire to the social fabric of the community. The authenticity of these narratives, often shared with passion, makes the history palpable.
This immersive approach goes beyond a typical museum visit. It's about understanding the legacy and sweat behind the products we consume, fostering a sense of gratitude and a deeper connection to the history of Hawaii. The farm's dedication to preserving this slice of life is truly remarkable.
+1
Social
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