The fest’s International Lantern Parade is more like a calm dusk stroll along Alii Drive, its participants representing Hawaii’s many ethnic cultures. Parade marchers carry lanterns on their walk as a tribute to the pioneers of Kona coffee farming, while sporting fashions representing their various ethnicities who worked the fields—Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese, Hawaiian and more.

Arrive a little early to catch Kona’s world-famous sunset along the oceanside parade route, then stick around at the parade’s final destination, Hale Halawai Community Park, for the festival bon dance at 7:30 p.m. Bon dances are a Japanese tradition honoring the departed, and are usually held in the summertime. But the coffee fest’s bon dance is themed around food and coffee tasting.

Want more parade? Check out The Kamehameha Schools Kona Coffee Grand Parade and its colorful floats, marching bands and themed groups from all over the islands.

When & Where:

International Lantern Parade: Fri., Nov. 6, 6:30 p.m.; parade begins at Kailua Pier continuing on Alii Drive and ending at Hale Halawai Community Park

Kamehameha Schools Kona Coffee Grand Parade: Sat., Nov. 14, 9:30 a.m.; parade begins at Royal Kona Resort continuing on Alii Drive and ending at Makaeo County Pavilion in Old Airport Park




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