Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tour — Captain Cook, Hawaii

Discover the Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tour in Hawaii

Located in Captain Cook, Hawaii, in the heart of the Kona coffee belt, the Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tour offers a guided, immersive experience at a preserved early 20th-century coffee homestead. Operated by the Kona Historical Society, this working heritage farm brings Kona’s coffee pioneers to life through costumed interpreters, traditional tools, and hands-on demonstrations.

Visitors step back in time to see how Japanese immigrant families cultivated, processed, and prepared Kona coffee using historic methods.

Why it’s special: It’s the only living history coffee farm in the United States, preserving the authentic daily life of Kona’s early coffee-growing families.

History & Story of Kona Coffee Living History Farm

The farm preserves the original Uchida family homestead, dating back to the early 1900s. During this period, Japanese immigrant families played a central role in developing Kona’s small-scale coffee farming tradition.

The Kona Historical Society restored the property to reflect life between 1926 and 1945, showcasing original buildings, farming tools, and household items. Today, interpreters demonstrate how families lived, worked, and processed coffee by hand, preserving an important chapter of Hawaii’s agricultural history.

What You’ll See & Do on the Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tour

• Explore a preserved 1920s–1940s Kona coffee homestead
• Watch live demonstrations of traditional coffee processing methods
• Learn how coffee cherries were hand-picked and sun-dried
• See original farm equipment and household artifacts
• Interact with costumed interpreters portraying early farm life
• Enjoy scenic views of the surrounding Kona coffee region

Hands-On Elements: Interactive demonstrations of traditional hand-processing methods and historical farming tasks.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography is permitted throughout the farm grounds.

Souvenirs & Extras: Locally sourced Kona coffee, historical publications, and Kona Historical Society merchandise available for purchase.

Pricing of the Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tour

Adult price: $20 per adult

Children (6–17 years old): Discounted pricing available

Children under 6 years old: Free

Visiting information for Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tour

Duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes

Age limits: All ages welcome

Accessibility: Historic buildings include uneven pathways and steps; limited accessibility in certain structures

Working Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Guided tours are offered during operating hours; advance reservations are recommended.

Nearby attractions to Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tour

• Greenwell Farms Kona Coffee Tour
• Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
• Kealakekua Bay

FAQs About Visiting the Kona Coffee Living History Farm Tour

Is this a working coffee farm?
The site demonstrates historical coffee farming methods rather than large-scale commercial production. It focuses on preserving early 20th-century practices.

Are there live actors on-site?
Yes. Costumed interpreters portray members of a Kona coffee farming family, providing interactive storytelling and demonstrations.

How is this different from a modern coffee plantation tour?
Unlike commercial farm tours, this experience highlights historical life and manual processing techniques used by immigrant farmers.

Is the farm suitable for children?
Yes. The educational and interactive format makes it engaging for families and students.

How far is the farm from Kailua-Kona?
The farm is approximately a 25–30 minute drive south of Kailua-Kona in the Captain Cook area.