Hawaii coffee on the map

Several events put local coffee in the spotlight:

>> Local barista Pete Licata took the top honor at the United States Barista Competition on Sunday in Houston, Texas, using 100 percent Hawaii coffees from Rusty’s Hawaiian Coffee in Ka‘u and Wai‘ono Meadows Coffee Farm in Kona.  

>> Kailiawa Coffee Farm in Ka‘u was selected the 2011 Coffee of the Year Best of Origin-Hawaii winner last week at the Specialty Coffee Association’s Roaster’s Guild International Cupping Competition in Houston.

>> The Ka‘u Coffee Festival, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. May 14 and 15 at Pahala Community Center on the Big Island, will feature seminars, farm tours, a recipe contest, tastings and more. Visit www.kaucoffeefestival.com.