Coffee Culture Coffee in Hawai‘i dates back to 1813, when Don Paulo Marin, a Spanish physician, planted the first trees in an area behind Honolulu, O‘ahu. Those first plantings did not survive. In 1825–1826, John Wilkinson, named agriculturalist by Kamehameha II and O‘ahu’s High Chief Boki, planted a small field on Boki’s land in Mānoa on O‘ahu. In 1828, Rev. Samuel Ruggles brought cuttings from Mānoa to Nāpo‘opo‘o in South Kona. In 1841, coffee plantations were established in the Kona District. In 1892, Herman Widemann introduced a bean from Guatemala that became known as Kona coffee. Today, there are about 650 coffee farms in the Kona District. The average farm is about three acres. Kona coffee represents about 95 percent of the coffee produced on Hawai‘i Island, with other districts like Ka‘ū, Hāmākua, Hilo and Puna also actively farming coffee. The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival honors Kona coffee pioneers and their traditions. Held in November, it is Hawai‘i’s oldest food festival. Kohala Kohala, the northernmost district on the island of Hawai‘i, welcomes visitors with its warm embrace of rich cultural heritage, particularly as the birthplace and ancestral home of King Kamehameha I. It’s renowned for its sacred temple sites, cultural connections, paniolo (cowboy) vibe, art galleries and resort communities. Kohala Coast and Kawaihae Pua ka lehua. (The lehua is in bloom.) Said by the people of Kawaihae when the aku (bonito/skipjack) fish appear in schools. It was (is) considered unlucky to speak openly of going fishing. ‘Ōlelo No‘eau #2695 ‘Anaeho‘omalu Nestled next to the expansive white sand of ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay are two ancient Hawaiian fishponds that offer a glimpse into the islands’ rich aquacultural heritage. These fishponds, Ku‘uali‘i and Kahapapa, were meticulously constructed by early Hawaiians to raise and “farm” juvenile fish until they were ready for harvest, a sustainable practice that continues to this day. The bay itself is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, who come to enjoy activities like kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing and more amid its picturesque natural setting. Puakō Petroglyph Preserve The Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve is a 223-acre site that boasts over 3,000 ancient petroglyphs, or ki‘i pōhaku — intricate carvings etched into lava rock that date back to around 1200 AD. While the true meaning behind these enigmatic artworks remains a mystery, experts believe the petroglyphs likely served as records of births, deaths and other important events in the lives of Hawai‘i’s early inhabitants. WORKER CUTS OPEN CACAO POD FOR VISITORS, KONA KOHALA COAST SUNSET HEATHER GOODMAN TOR JOHNSON T he Island of Hawai‘i EXPLORE 20 Experience The Island of Hawai‘i
