Kakaako Farmer’s Market celebrated their third anniversary today. And they did so with free cake provided from The French Connection.

French Press fun

In conjunction with the farmers market was the Annual Coffee Fest–and we definitely enjoyed ourselves with all the caffeinated goodness. Vendors were giving away free coffee samples, and there was a chance to win a Capresso and a Chemex. It was fun chatting with the people here–both vendors and other attendees alike– as we got to hear stories about people and their relation to coffee. People from every part of the coffee process was represented. From growers to roasters to sellers then drinkers, everyone enjoyed the event.

An arabica coffee tree we picked up

The Hawaii Agriculture Research Society grows their own coffee plants, and roasts some of their beans. Today they were sharing information about the coffee plant. They also sold plants for people to grow themselves at home. They taught visitors about the different cherries, the harvesting process, and the best climates for growing trees. Hawaii’s location is prime. (But we already knew that!) We took home one of the trees, and look forward to seeing this baby grow.

Sheila from Chadlous making the perfect pourover

Ka’u Coffee Mill also represented south Big Island with their roasts. Working alongside Honolulu Coffee and ChadLou’s Coffee & Tea, they treated visitors to different methods of brewing coffee. They taught about pour overs, French presses, and Aeropresses. They explained full immersion, blooms, proportions, grinds, and a whole lot of other coffee terms. The conversation between aficionados, enthusiasts, and newcomers was not only lively but educational.

Also from the Big Island was Hawaiian Rainbow Farms. They passed out their medium and dark roasts. The line for this table was a long one that extended outside of the tent. But once inside the tent, with a sample of that Hamakua roast in hand, everyone realized it was worth the wait.

Ted pouring some delicious nitro coffee

What we were excited about was Kakaako Kitchen‘s nitro brew. They have been selling it for about a year now. They use Chef Russell’s Royal Kona Coffee Blend and steep it for 24 hours before adding nitrogen. It was incredible. We love coffee, and we love beer, and this was the closest thing to having both at the festival. It was ridiculously good.

Kula Estate Coffee and Company representing Maui

What was also ridiculously good was the cold brew from Kula Estate Coffee. Maui represent! Their coffee is organically grown, and handpicked. Today they gave out hot samples, which was incredible (and probably our newest Maui roast). We lingered around for a bit, and were treated to some cold brew. Hands down this was one of our favorite samples of the day. So much so that we happened to snag their last 8 oz. bag! (Our second favorite was a hot sample–and happens to be from Maui also! The french pressed Maui Yellow Caturra from Daylight Minds and MauiGrown Coffee was delectable!)

We had a great time at the event today drinking a ton of coffee. Perhaps hyped up enough until next year’s coffee festival!

These were used at the festival today. Check them out:

Aeropress

Chemex

Capresso