One of the many Kona Historical Society’s projects, the Kona Coffee Living History Farm is a 5 1/2 acre farm with coffee and macadamia-nut trees, a farmhouse, and a coffee-processing mill, circa 1913.  It is a reflection of life for some of the thousands of Japanese immigrants living in the area pre-1945.

The Kona Coffee Living History Farm has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1994.

My maternal grandmother grew up on such a coffee farm and I vividly remember visiting my great-grandmother there.  We had many “chats”, even though she spoke no English and I spoke no Japanese.  Somehow,  we still managed to sit and “talk” to one another.

I remember her as a frail, petite, weather-withered old woman who still rolled her own cigarettes, even at age 80, and who’s whole face would light up when she smiled.  They still had to use an outhouse and water was supplied by the rain.  An old tobacco pouch was tied around the water faucet in the kitchen, to catch leaves and whatever else happened to fall into the rain catchment system.

The Kona Coffee Living History Farm can be found on Mamalahoa Highway (Hwy 11), between mile markers 111 and 112.   Its approximately 14 miles from Kailua.  If you’re coming from Kailua, it will be just beyond Captain Cook.

The Story Behind The Kona Coffee Living History Farm

They open Mondays thru Thursdays from 10:00- 2:00 PM, although the visitors’ kiosk opens at 9:00 AM.  They close the gate at 2:00, so you’ll want to be sure to arrive by 1:00 PM.

Entry fee is $20 for adults, $5.00 for children 5-12, and no charge for children under 5.  The Kona Coffee Living History Farm is currently offering a special of $15 (25% off!) for adults, making this a great time to visit if you’re in, or planning on being in Kona.

You can reach them by calling (808)323-2006 or email them at coffeefarm@konahistorical.org.