When it snows in Kona

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Coffee blossoms known as Kona Snow blanket the coffee belt. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)
Coffee blossoms known as Kona Snow blanket the coffee belt. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)
Coffee blossoms known as Kona Snow blanket the coffee belt. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)
Coffee blossoms known as Kona Snow blanket the coffee belt. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)
Barry Gitelson raises his glass in a toast to Kona Coffee Blossom Hanami Tuesday at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)
Coffee farmer emeritus Miki Izu raises his glass in a toast to Kona Coffee Blossom Hanami Tuesday at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook.
Kona Historical Society members drink a toast to Kona Coffee Blossom Hanami.
Coffee blossoms known as Kona Snow blanket the coffee belt. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)
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CAPTAIN COOK — With coffee trees in full bloom, the Kona Historical Society celebrated Coffee Blossom Hanami Tuesday at the Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook.

Hanami, an old Japanese custom literally translated as flower viewing, calls for the enjoyment of the beauty of flowers.

Miki Izu, coffee farmer emeritus, presented a sake toast to the Kona Snow, a name given to the blossoms because of the resemblance of snow blanketing trees in the coffee belt.