“Brew Your Best Cup”- Coffee Brewing Workshop
Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm • Farm • Holualoa, Island of Hawaii • Hawaii
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A Perfect Day in Hōlualoa
Leilani's Complete Upcountry Itinerary
Written by a Local Expert
Leilani AkoThe Complete Upcountry Experience
To truly soak in the magic of Hōlualoa, you need to give it a full day. Here is my personal itinerary for the perfect upcountry experience. A day that weaves together the rich flavors of coffee, the deep roots of history, and the vibrant colors of local art.
🌅 Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Scent of Kona
9:00 AM: Coffee Farm Experience
Start your day where it all begins: on a coffee farm. For a truly hands-on, educational experience, I recommend booking the UCC Hawaii Roastmaster Tour™. You'll not only learn about the process but will leave with a bag of coffee you roasted and labeled yourself. The ultimate souvenir. If you have kids or are looking for a more lively, interactive vibe, head to Heavenly Hawaiian. Their guides are fantastic. The samples are unlimited. The friendly farm cats are always a hit.
Pro Tip: Book tours in advance, especially during peak season (October-December).
11:00 AM: Brunch in Paradise
After your tour, it's time for brunch. Drive into the heart of the village and find a table in the lush, serene garden at Holuakoa Gardens and Kitchen. This place is a local treasure. It has a farm-to-table menu that changes based on what's fresh. If it's on the menu, you absolutely must try the Toasted Coconut and Macnut Bread-Pudding French Toast with housemade coconut-lilikoi syrup. It's pure indulgence.
Local Secret: Ask about their daily specials - they often feature ingredients from local farms.
☀️ Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): A Stroll Through Art and Time
12:30 PM: Historic Village Walk
With a happy belly, it's time to explore the village on foot. Begin your self-guided historical walk at the north end of town at the Kimura Lauhala Shop. Take your time browsing the incredible woven hats and baskets. If you're lucky, you might get to chat with a member of the Kimura family and hear about their century-long legacy.
1:30 PM: Gallery Immersion
Immerse yourself in the art scene. Cross the street and step into Studio 7 Fine Arts. Appreciate the history of the building as a former laundry and pool hall before losing yourself in the contemporary, Zen-influenced works of the Morinoue family.
2:30 PM: Continue the Gallery Hop
Continue your gallery hop. Stop into Holualoa Gallery to make a wish at Matthew Lovein's famous "Wish Keepers." Then visit Kona Art Gallery to see Elizabeth Theriault's powerful healing drums and rattles. Art that speaks to the soul.
3:30 PM: Community Art Center
Your final art stop is a short drive south of the main village. The Donkey Mill Art Center is a must-see. Check out the current exhibition in the gallery. It's housed in the historic Kona Coffee Cooperative building. It's a place that radiates community spirit and creative energy.
Timing Tip: Allow extra time here - they often have workshops or demonstrations happening.
🌅 Evening (5:30 PM onwards): The Grand Finale
If it's the First Friday of the month:
Your day culminates in the Art After Dark festival. Head back into the village as it comes alive. Grab a gourmet pizza from Pizza Rovers. Find a spot to listen to the live music—perhaps the Hawaiian tunes of Mauka High Notes. Do one last stroll through the galleries, now buzzing with a festive, magical energy.
First Friday Tips: Arrive early for parking, bring cash for food vendors, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
If it's any other evening:
For a perfect, peaceful end to your upcountry day, you have two wonderful options. You can return for a romantic dinner at Holuakoa Gardens and Kitchen. The garden is transformed by the soft glow of string lights. Or, you can drive back down the mountain to the coast. Find a spot at Magic Sands Beach Park. Kick off your shoes and watch one of Kona's famously spectacular sunsets paint the sky with hues of orange and pink. A fiery aloha from the island, and the perfect conclusion to a day spent in its cool, creative heart.
Ready for Your Hōlualoa Adventure?
Use this itinerary as your guide to experiencing the authentic heart of Kona coffee country.
📅 Day Overview
- Total time: 8+ hours
- Walking: 2-3 miles
- Driving: Minimal
- Best day: First Friday
- Budget: $75-150 pp
🎒 What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket (mountain air)
- Sunscreen & water bottle
- Camera for art & views
- Cash for First Friday
⏰ Timing Tips
Morning
Book coffee tours in advance
Afternoon
Galleries close around 4pm
Evening
First Friday: arrive by 5:30pm
Sunset
Magic Sands for best views
💰 Budget Breakdown
- Coffee tour: $0-50
- Brunch: $15-25
- Gallery visits: Free
- Dinner: $25-40
- First Friday food: $15-25
- Souvenirs: $20-50
🗺️ Hōlualoa Guide
The Village Comes Alive: First Friday Art Walk
If you are lucky enough to be in Kona on the first Friday of the month, you are in for a treat. From 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, rain or shine, the sleepy village of Hōlualoa transforms for its monthly First Friday Art After Dark celebration. This is when the town's dual identity as a historic coffee village and a contemporary art center truly comes alive.
The Art Scene
The energy is palpable as you drift between the dozen or so participating galleries. Many artists are present in their galleries. Keep an eye out for live painting demonstrations and special exhibitions.
The Music Scene
There truly is "musical entertainment on every block." You can find the sweet Hawaiian melodies of the Mauka High Notes and the rock & roll of David Lawrence and Friends.
The Food Scene
Delicious "gourmet grab and go" street food. Look for Pizza Rovers, Kona Dogs, Holoholoz Fresh Fish, Kona Kones ice cream, and Sundog Bread pastries.
Practical Tips for First Friday
Arrive Early:
Come up the mountain a little before 5:30 PM to find parking and catch the spectacular Kona sunset before the festivities begin.
Parking:
Parking can be tight. Carpooling is highly recommended. Look for street parking along Māmalahoa Highway or try the small lot near the post office.
Cash is Handy:
While many galleries and vendors accept cards, having some cash on hand is always a good idea for smaller food purchases.
Wear Comfortable Shoes:
You'll be doing a lot of strolling, so comfort is key!
