In Hawaii, we love going holoholo. This Hawaiian term means to travel, to go for a walk, ride, or sail; to go out for pleasure. More than just adventuring for fun, it’s also a state of mind and a means to transform experiences into lasting memories.
Kona Historical Society is launching Holoholo Saturdays, with the hope that Hawaii residents will be encouraged to visit a historic place they’ve never explored, return to an old favorite, or simply pop by to get a quick hit of history and culture while on their weekend journey.
Kona Historical Society is now offering free admission to all Hawaii residents on the last Saturday of every month at its Kona Coffee Living History Farm, located at 82-6199 Mamalahoa Highway in Captain Cook, on the makai side, between mile markers 110 and 111. This historic 5.5-acre working coffee and macadamia nut farm will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Holoholo Saturdays. Hawaii residents must show a valid ID to get in for free.
Hawaii visitors are welcome at Holoholo Saturdays and are subject to the following admission: $15 for adults and $5 for students (children ages 7 to 17). Kona Historical Society members and children under age 7 are free.
“One of my favorite traditions as a family is to go holoholo to pay a visit to family and friends on the other side of the island. When we make the drive to Hilo side, we fill up a few coolers with fresh fruit from grandma's and aunty’s yards, or a freshly caught fish, and we bring a bit of Kona with us to present as omiyage gifts. With the Kona Coffee Living History Farm now open on a Saturday each month, families can include this historical farm as a stop on the journey where they can pick up some Kona coffee, or make a lauhala ornament to share with tūtū,” said Kona Historical Society Executive Director Dance Aoki. “Before you stop in to Manago Hotel for lunch and a bucket of Kona Chips on your way to one of Hawaii Island’s National Parks, pay a visit to the only living history farm in the country that represents Kona’s unique coffee history and culture.”
The Society’s Kona Coffee Living History Farm is significant for its association with the development of coffee farming in the Kona districts and for its illustration of the gradual process of acculturation of immigrants to Hawaii. It is an amazingly intact example of the typical structures that shape the coffee farm lifestyle and technology used from 1900-1950 by coffee farmers in Kona. This unique living history farm provides the public the chance to see the process of cultivation, harvest, maintenance, as well as experience the final product of Kona coffee and cultural traditions that comprise of Kona’s rich history.
During Holoholo Saturdays, a featured Hands On History activity will be offered. On Jan. 25, visitors can learn about the importance of lauhala weaving, both to Hawaiian culture and Kona coffee culture. They may also weave a simple object, which they can keep as a souvenir. On occasion, freshly picked fruits and vegetables from the farm will be available by donation.
Holoholo Saturdays is supported by a grant from the Freeman Foundation to the Kona Historical Society.