Program to receive Commendation Award at Honor Awards Ceremony on May 31
By Michelle Kiczek, Development Associate, Historic Hawai‘i Foundation
Besides Hawai‘i being a visually breathtaking paradise, it is a place that is home to rich and diverse cultural histories. Culture is such an important aspect of life here in Hawai‘i; being able to experience and immerse yourself in various cultures and traditions is one of the reasons Hawai‘i is such an incredibly unique place. We are lucky to live in such a special place, that brings people together from all walks and backgrounds of life.
In Kona, there is a wonderful place where one can be transported back to another time. The “Hands on History” at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm allows you to go on a self-guided experience where “you’re free to walk among the coffee trees, meet a ‘Kona Nightingale’, or watch how farmers used the kuriba (coffee-processing mill) and hoshidana (traditional drying platform) to mill and dry their world famous coffee. (You can) visit the original 1920’s farmhouse where you may find the homemaker starting the fire to cook rice or making musubi for the farmer’s lunch.”*
Backyard Groceries – Vegetable gardening.
For a couple hours out of your day, one can engage in talks and hands-on demonstrations that “highlight Hawaiian, Japanese, and other cultural practices important in the daily lives of Kona coffee pioneers.” Various activities are offered such as: Lauhala Weaving, Traditional Medicinal Gardening, Japanese Pickling, Tofu-Making, Ikebana (Japanese Floral Arranging), and Calligraphy. You may also run into HHF’s 2018 Preservation Individual Achievement Award Honoree Miki Izu who will be “roasting green coffee beans over an open fire and gently coaxing them to a beautiful brown while talking story with visitors.”*
The art and harmony of Ikebana.
Over the past 4 years, The “Hands on History” at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm has grown into such an amazing community space; where people can broaden their understanding of Hawai‘i’s history, engage in enriching activities, and experience a multi-generational atmosphere. It is a place that welcomes all.
HHF is delighted to honor the “Hands on History” program at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm with a Commendation Programmatic Award at our 45th Annual Preservation Honor Awards Ceremony on May 31st. The community impact this place has made is nothing short of extraordinary.
Sources
*https://konahistorical.org/kona-coffee-living-history-farm/
Preservation Honor Award nomination form