About this event
A Taste of Kona Grand Finale 2026 closes the 55th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa in Keauhou on Hawaiʻi Island. This adults-only culinary evening brings together local chefs, Kona-grown ingredients, interactive food stations, live music, dancing, and a silent auction for an elegant finale to ten days of coffee, culture, and community.For food travellers, coffee lovers, and Big Island visitors, A Taste of Kona is one of the most memorable evenings on the Kona Coast calendar. The event is more than a dinner. It is a celebration of the farms, flavours, cultural influences, and creative talent that have shaped Kona into one of Hawaiʻi’s most distinctive culinary regions."A Taste of Kona is one of the most memorable evenings on the Kona Coast calendar."What Is A Taste of Kona Grand Finale?The Culinary Celebration of KonaA Taste of Kona is the closing celebration of the annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. The event brings local island chefs together for an evening of crafted culinary experiences, allowing guests to sample a broad range of dishes in one festive setting.The 2026 Grand Finale takes place at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, located at 78-128 Ehukai Street in Keauhou, south of Kailua-Kona. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m."Guests can expect an atmosphere that feels distinctly Kona."Interactive food stationsCulinary creations from local chefsKona coffee-inspired flavoursFresh Hawaiʻi Island ingredientsNo-host cocktailsA silent auctionLive musicDancing beneath the starsResort oceanfront atmosphereA relaxed but polished island eveningA chance to celebrate the end of the Kona Coffee Cultural FestivalA Taste of Kona is an adults-only event. It is best suited to couples, groups of friends, culinary travellers, coffee enthusiasts, and guests who want to end festival week with a lively evening of food and music.A Taste of Kona 2026 Date and VenueMark Your Calendar for November 15The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival runs from Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 15, 2026. The Grand Finale is held on the final night, Sunday, November 15, 2026.Confirmed Event InformationKey Details for AttendeesEvent name: A Taste of Kona Grand Finale 2026Festival connection: Closing event of the 55th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural FestivalDate: Sunday, November 15, 2026Doors open: 5:30 p.m.Event hours: 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Venue: Outrigger Kona Resort & SpaAddress: 78-128 Ehukai Street, Keauhou, Hawaiʻi IslandEvent category: Culinary, coffee, music, fundraising and cultural celebrationAge policy: Adults onlyParking: $5 event-validation parking, included in the ticket priceFestival Button: Required for entry for guests over age 10Festival Button price: $10Grand Finale ticket price: To be announcedVIP tables: Available, with details to be announcedThe Festival Button supports the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival’s community programmes, scholarships, events, and infrastructure. Children aged 12 and under are free for general festival events, though A Taste of Kona itself remains an adults-only evening.Why A Taste of Kona Is SpecialA Culinary Celebration of Kona's IdentityThe Grand Finale is one of the most anticipated culinary experiences of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival because it brings together many parts of the region’s identity in a single night.Kona is famous for coffee, but its food story is much larger. The area is shaped by local farms, fishing communities, Hawaiian traditions, multicultural families, and chefs who work with ingredients grown or caught on Hawaiʻi Island."The area is shaped by local farms, fishing communities, Hawaiian traditions, multicultural families, and chefs."At A Taste of Kona, guests can expect a culinary journey that may highlight:Kona coffeeFresh local seafoodHawaiʻi-grown fruitsMacadamia nutsAvocadoTropical herbsLocally raised beefIsland vegetablesChocolateHoneyTaroSweet potatoLilikoi, also called passion fruitMangoPineappleFarm-grown greensFreshly baked island dessertsThe final 2026 chef list and menu have not yet been announced. However, the event’s interactive food-station format means guests can usually move from one tasting experience to another, speak with chefs, and discover unexpected flavour combinations.Kona Coffee on the Culinary TableThe Versatility of Kona CoffeeKona coffee is often enjoyed as a morning ritual, but A Taste of Kona demonstrates how versatile it can be in the kitchen.Coffee can add depth to savoury sauces, richness to desserts, and aromatic complexity to cocktails. Its roasted flavour can complement beef, pork, seafood, chocolate, and tropical fruit."Coffee can add depth to savoury sauces, richness to desserts, and aromatic complexity to cocktails."At a Kona-focused culinary event, visitors may encounter dishes inspired by:Coffee-rubbed meatsKona coffee barbecue saucesCoffee-spiced seafoodCoffee vinaigrettesEspresso dessertsKona coffee crème brûléeChocolate and coffee pairingsCoffee-infused cakesCoffee ice creamCoffee cocktailsCold brew beveragesCoffee and local honey combinationsMacadamia and Kona coffee pastriesThe exact dishes for Sunday, November 15, 2026, will depend on participating chefs and producers. The best approach is to arrive hungry, pace yourself, and try several small plates rather than filling up at the first station.The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival ConnectionCelebrating Kona Coffee HeritageA Taste of Kona is the Grand Finale of the 55th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, which runs for ten days from November 6 to November 15, 2026.The festival celebrates nearly two centuries of Kona coffee heritage through farm tours, tastings, art, music, cooking, competitions, and cultural programming.Festival highlights leading into the Grand Finale include:Friday, November 6: Lantern Parade in Historic Kailua VillageSaturday, November 7: Holualoa Coffee and Art StrollSunday, November 8: KTA Super Stores Kona Coffee Recipe Contest and Big Island ShowcaseMonday, November 9 through Friday, November 13: Coffee farm tours, coffee-picking activities, tastings, and workshopsWednesday, November 11: Nani Keao Mele Mele Concert and Okonomiyaki eventThursday, November 12: Kona Coffee Latte Art Throw DownSaturday, November 14: 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon and the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Ho‘olaule‘aSunday, November 15: A Taste of Kona Grand FinaleVisitors who stay through the final Sunday can enjoy a full week of coffee country experiences before ending with one polished culinary celebration.Pair the Grand Finale With Ho‘olaule‘aA Weekend of Kona CultureIf your schedule allows, plan to attend the festival’s Ho‘olaule‘a on Saturday, November 14, 2026, then return for A Taste of Kona on Sunday, November 15, 2026.The Ho‘olaule‘a is a day-long community celebration at Makaeʻo Pavilion. It typically brings together Kona coffee farmers, artisans, cultural practitioners, Hawaiian musicians, crafters, and food vendors.The experience is more casual and community-focused than the Grand Finale. Together, the two events give visitors a strong sense of both sides of Kona:The daytime celebration of local coffee, culture, and familyThe evening experience of chef-led tasting, music, and dancingFarm traditions and modern culinary creativityCommunity heritage and resort hospitalityCoffee tasting by day and food pairings by nightLive Music and Dancing Under the StarsA Festive Evening of EntertainmentA Taste of Kona is not a formal seated dinner. The evening is designed to feel social and festive.Live music sets the tone as guests move between food stations, meet local makers, browse the auction, and enjoy the tropical night air. Later in the evening, dancing gives the event a celebratory finish.The final 2026 performers have not yet been announced, but music at the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival often reflects the diversity of Hawaiʻi Island.You may hear influences from:Hawaiian musicContemporary island musicJazzAcoustic setsLocal singer-songwritersReggaeDance-friendly live entertainmentCommunity performance traditionsWear comfortable footwear if you plan to dance. The event is polished but relaxed, so resort evening attire is appropriate.Silent Auction and Community SupportBid for a CauseThe Grand Finale includes a silent auction, creating another way for guests to support the festival and its community work.Auction items may include:Kona coffee collectionsGift certificatesLocal artFarm experiencesRestaurant mealsResort staysCultural toursIsland activitiesHandmade craftsGourmet productsChef experiencesSpa treatmentsHawaiʻi Island excursionsThe exact auction catalogue will be announced closer to the event. If you plan to bid, arrive early, understand the bidding process, and set a realistic budget before the evening begins.A successful bid can become more than a souvenir. It may support local businesses, artists, farms, and the festival’s ongoing educational initiatives.What to Wear to A Taste of KonaDress Code for the EveningA Taste of Kona is an evening celebration, but it is still relaxed enough to fit the Kona Coast’s tropical style.Good choices include:Resort-casual dressesLinen shirtsLight slacksTropical printsComfortable sandalsSmart loafersWedges or low heelsA light wrap for evening breezesA small bag for essentialsComfortable shoes for dancingAvoid beachwear, flip-flops, and overly casual daytime attire if you want to match the atmosphere.November evenings in Keauhou are usually warm, but a light layer can be helpful after sunset.A Taste of Kona 2026 Travel ItineraryYour Guide to a Memorable WeekendFriday, November 13: Coffee Country DayStay in Kailua-Kona, Keauhou, Holualoa, or Captain CookBook a Kona coffee farm tourVisit Greenwell Farms, UCC Hawaii, Hala Tree Coffee, or another participating farmExplore the Kona Coffee Quilt and Fiber Arts ShowEnjoy sunset along Aliʻi DriveSaturday, November 14: Ho‘olaule‘a and Kona CultureStart early with the 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon, if participatingVisit the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Ho‘olaule‘aSample coffee and local foodBrowse arts, crafts, and cultural displaysEnjoy Hawaiian musicReturn to your hotel early enough to rest before the Grand FinaleSunday, November 15: A Taste of Kona Grand FinaleSpend the morning at Kahaluʻu Beach Park or Keauhou BayEnjoy a relaxed lunchGet ready for the eveningArrive at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa before 5:30 p.m.Purchase or collect your Festival Button if neededExplore culinary stations at a steady paceEnjoy live music, silent-auction bidding, and dancingArrange a safe ride home before the event ends at 9:00 p.m.Explore Keauhou and South KonaDiscover the Beauty of the RegionThe Grand Finale venue in Keauhou is perfectly placed for visitors who want to explore South Kona.Keauhou BayKeauhou Bay is a scenic coastal area near the resort. It is associated with Hawaiian history, ocean activities, and evening manta-ray experiences.Manta Ray Night SnorkelNight snorkelling with manta rays is one of the Big Island’s best-known experiences. Book only with a reputable operator that follows responsible wildlife guidelines.Never touch manta rays, and follow all guide instructions.Kahaluʻu Beach ParkKahaluʻu Beach Park is a popular snorkelling spot close to Keauhou. It is known for colourful fish, lava rock, and accessible reef areas.Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid standing on coral.Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical ParkSouth of Keauhou, this National Historical Park provides an important opportunity to learn about Hawaiian history, sacred places, and traditional systems of refuge.Kealakekua BayKealakekua Bay is known for marine life, sea cliffs, and historic significance. It can be explored by kayak, boat tour, or guided snorkelling trip, depending on conditions.Where to Stay for A Taste of KonaAccommodation RecommendationsBook accommodation early for the weekend of November 13 to November 15, 2026.KeauhouBest for:Immediate access to Outrigger Kona Resort & SpaSouth Kona sceneryQuiet resort staysSnorkelling and ocean activitiesEasy Grand Finale transportKailua-KonaBest for:Restaurants and shopsHistoric Aliʻi DriveFestival activitiesLantern Parade accessOceanfront accommodationA lively evening atmosphereHolualoaBest for:Coffee-country charmFarm toursGalleries and artCooler mountain airHolualoa Coffee and Art Stroll accessCaptain CookBest for:Coffee farmsRural Kona landscapesKealakekua Bay accessA quieter Big Island stayParking and TransportGetting to the Event SafelyValidated event parking is available for $5, and the parking fee is included in the Grand Finale ticket price.Even with parking available, visitors should consider transport options if planning to enjoy no-host cocktails.Safe choices include:A designated driverTaxi serviceRide-hailing service, where availableHotel shuttle, if offeredPrivate driverStaying at Outrigger Kona Resort & SpaWalking only if your accommodation is safely nearbyDo not rely on last-minute ride availability after a major event. Arrange your return transport before arriving.Ticket Price and Festival CostsPlanning Your BudgetThe 2026 Grand Finale ticket price has not yet been announced. Tickets are expected to be released closer to the event date.In addition to the Grand Finale ticket, guests over age 10 need a $10 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Button for entry. The Festival Button supports ten days of community events, scholarships, infrastructure, and festival programming.Budget for:Grand Finale admissionFestival ButtonTravel to KeauhouParking, included in the event ticketNo-host cocktailsSilent-auction bidsAccommodationCoffee farm toursCoffee purchasesRestaurant mealsTips and transportVIP tables will be available, though final pricing and reservation information have not yet been released.Frequently Asked QuestionsThe Things People Always Want to KnowWhen is A Taste of Kona Grand Finale 2026?A Taste of Kona Grand Finale 2026 takes place on Sunday, November 15, 2026.What time does A Taste of Kona begin?Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Where is A Taste of Kona Grand Finale held?The event is held at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, 78-128 Ehukai Street, Keauhou, Hawaiʻi Island.Is A Taste of Kona an adults-only event?Yes. A Taste of Kona Grand Finale is an adults-only culinary and entertainment event.How much are tickets for A Taste of Kona 2026?The Grand Finale ticket price has not yet been announced. A $10 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Button is also required for guests over age 10.What is included at A Taste of Kona?The event features interactive culinary stations, local island chefs, a silent auction, live music, and dancing. No-host cocktails are available separately.Is parking available at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa?Yes. Validated event parking is available for $5, and the parking fee is included in the Grand Finale ticket price.Verified Information at a GlanceEvent name: A Taste of Kona Grand Finale 2026Event category: Culinary, Kona coffee, music, fundraising and cultural celebrationConfirmed date: Sunday, November 15, 2026Doors open: 5:30 p.m.Event hours: 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.Venue: Outrigger Kona Resort & SpaAddress: 78-128 Ehukai Street, Keauhou, Hawaiʻi IslandFestival connection: Grand Finale of the 55th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural FestivalFestival dates: November 6 to November 15, 2026Age policy: Adults onlyFestival Button: $10, required for entry for guests over age 10Grand Finale ticket price: To be announcedParking: $5 validated parking, included in the event ticket priceExpected highlights: Local chefs, interactive food stations, Kona coffee-inspired culinary experiences, no-host cocktails, silent auction, live music and dancingVIP tables: Available, with pricing to be announcedBest for: Food lovers, coffee enthusiasts, couples, culinary travellers, festival visitors and adults seeking a memorable Big Island eveningMake Sunday, November 15, 2026 your final toast to Kona. Arrive ready to taste the creativity of Hawaiʻi Island chefs, celebrate the farmers and communities behind world-famous Kona coffee, and dance beneath the Keauhou stars as the 55th Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival comes to a delicious close.```