West Oʻahu’s first matcha and coffee festival is coming up this weekend.
Whisk & Brew: Matcha + Coffee Fest will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wai Kai in ‘Ewa Beach. Small business owner and market coordinator Samantha Mae Parma had the idea to start this event because she’s “an avid matcha and coffee lover.”
“I have a lot of small business friends that have their own matcha and coffee businesses,” she says. “I wanted to provide an event where other matcha and coffee lovers can enjoy themselves and all their favorite businesses in one place.
“Most events like this take place near town, so I wanted to bring it to the Westside,” she adds.
The festival is described as “a curated celebration of matcha, coffee, pastries, ono grindz and good vibes” on its Instagram. The event is free to attend; parking is also free.
“There are so many amazing matcha, coffee and small food businesses today, from home-based vendors to brick-and-mortar shops,” Parma says. “While many may offer similar products, I truly believe there is room for everyone to succeed.
“I know it can sometimes feel intimidating to participate in an event where there may be another matcha vendor, coffee vendor, or a business offering something similar,” she adds. “But that is exactly what I hope this event can help change. Every business brings something different to the table — whether it is their recipes, branding, personality, customer experience, or the community they have built.”
Depending on how well this first event goes, Parma says she would love for the event to be quarterly.
“As a market coordinator, there is a lot of back-end work that goes into a successful market,” she explains. “I want to ensure each market receives enough time and attention. Also, I want Whisk & Brew to be a special event, and not a monthly event, where there is a possibility of it being repetitive.”
Parma, who has organized other events at Wai Kai, says the ‘Ewa Beach venue was ideal because of its outdoor nature and ample parking.
“Wai Kai is a great venue to work with, and we also love to help bring exposure to the other things they have to offer, such as the wave pool and outdoor water park,” she says.
Participating festival vendors include AM to PM, Cai’s Café, Chillex Pops, Coffee Cruiser, Green Times Matcha, Haus of Matcha and more. The event will feature more than beverage vendors, though, according to Parma.
“There are a wide variety of new businesses at our event, as well as long-time businesses,” she says. “Don’t expect to only enjoy matcha and coffee; we also have a huge selection of pastries, baked goods, and food vendors and food trucks.”
The festival will also feature a stamp rally, Parma explains. When customers collect five stamps (from participating vendors), they can enter a raffle drawing for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from one of the participating vendors. This fun initiative will be available while stamp cards last, according to Parma.
“We wanted to create a fun way for our attendees to try all our different businesses,” she says. “I am looking forward to seeing everyone enjoy the different selections of drinks, baked goods and food vendors. There is nothing better than seeing the community come together to support local and all our small businesses.”
Follow the event’s account on Instagram for updates. The Whisk & Brew Instagram is also announcing the event’s featured vendors leading up to Sept. 13.
“My hope is that this event reflects the idea that success does not have to come at someone else’s expense,” Parma says. “We can support one another, grow alongside each other, and still thrive in our own unique ways.
“At the end of the day, there is enough space for everyone to win,” she adds. “I hope this event serves as a reminder of just how strong our small business community can be when we choose collaboration over competition.”
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
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