Submission Details
Rules
- All entries must originate from the designated Kona Coffee Belt.
- All entries will be scored on the Specialty Coffee Association cupping format and scoring methodology using a 100-point scale. Coffees will be evaluated in a double-blind format.
- There are three divisions for entry:
- The Kona Heritage Division
- Limited to washed Kona typica grown in the Kona Coffee Belt, washed process with no commercial yeasts/bacteria/inoculants. Top 3 awarded.
- The Kona Certified Division
- Same requirements as The Kona Heritage Division but must be part of a certified lot with a minimum of 500 lbs. or more, certified at No. 1 or above. Must submit certificate. Top 3 awarded.
- The Kona Creative Division
- Open to any Kona grown varietal, using any processing method, without limit. These will be cupped separately from the Heritage divisions. Top 3 awarded.
- Entrants can submit as many entries as they would like into The Kona Creative Division but submissions must be differentiated. Identical entries will not be accepted.
- All scores will be calculated and published to two decimal-points. (e.g. 88.35). Coffees receiving the same score to two decimal-points of precision within the same division will be considered to be tied. Score is calculated by combining each judge's score and dividing by the number of judges.
- All entries must be exactly 2 lbs. of unroasted (green) coffee. Any leftovers will not be returned.
- Scores below 80, will not be considered Specialty Grade and will be disqualified from the competition.
- When submitting samples, submit 2 lbs. of green coffee and the printed registration form.
- The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival reserves final authority on all disputes.
Entry Fee: $100 per submission
Entries: Farms may submit multiple entries in multiple categories with proper fee and form(s). One TMK and entry per form.
Registration: Online via the Festival’s official website - https://konacoffeefest.com
- Payments
- Online via this form - https://pci.jotform.com/form/252716375557163
- Check via this form and check to Kona Coffee Cultural Festival mailed to P.O. Box 1112, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745 - with farm name and Cupping Competition Entry in memo.
- Submission Window: October 1–October 22, 2025 (by 4:00 PM)
- Required Materials: 2 lbs. green coffee + completed registration form
- Drop-off Location:In-person: UCC Kiosk, Holualoa (Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM)
- Mail-in: Ueshima Coffee (UCC HAWAII) Corp. - 75-5568 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa, HI 96725
Awards Ceremony
Hosted at Kona Elks Lodge on Saturday November 16th from 1:00 pm to 2:30pm.
Sample of the Award-Winning Coffees will be available to taste. $10 Festival button required for entry.
Disclosure
The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, with generous sponsorship from UCC, has decided to bring the cupping competition in house in 2025. An Independent coffee consultant will be hired as head judge with a neutral panel of experts, ensuring all protocols of competition, roasting, and cupping adhere to the highest global standards. Rules, registration, and cupping results will be submitted to KCCF for Website publication.
Entry payment and registration must be completed online. Submission of beans are mailed to the above listed address or dropped off at the UCC Kiosk in Holualoa. KCCF is not responsible for misaddressed or lost green coffee submissions.
Contact
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival
Email: konacoffeefestival@gmail.com