A Connoisseur’s Guide to Big Island Coffee
Growing coffee is a delicate dance. It is produced only in climates with the right balance and fortunately, Hawaii meets the standard. With moderate temperatures year-round, mineral-filled volcanic soil, and plenty of moisture, the Big Island has gained a global reputation for producing some of the best coffee in the world. On your next trip to the Big Island, you can taste and enjoy this famous Hawaiian coffee first-hand.
When you stay with us at our Big Island bed and breakfast, be sure to try the fresh, locally grown Kona coffee that we serve in your room every morning. Purchase a bag to bring back with you as an authentic and tasty souvenir.
This article will showcase the best Hawaiian coffee farms and cafes to help caffeinate your next island getaway!
The Big Island's Rich Hawaiian Coffee Heritage
The history of Hawaiian coffee dates back to the early 1800s. Coffee was introduced to the Big Island in 1828 by a missionary named Samuel Ruggles. At this point, coffee farming had already begun to flourish, and the first commercial operation took place in Kauai in 1836. However, after many commercial attempts, the most successful region to produce coffee to this day is in and surrounding Kona on the Big Island.
Kona’s fame for coffee has a dynamic history. When it first became an established crop, many folks found it an economic opportunity. However, pests, bugs, and fluctuations in the economy kept the fate of Kona coffee in the air for many decades. Although, as the going got tougher, community members came together to finance their efforts, market their products, and maintain independence as local farmers. Those community efforts paid off and today, the Kona region is one of the most famous coffee capitals in the world.
Hawaiian Coffee Regions on the Big Island
Just a five-minute drive from our Volcano bed and breakfast is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The active volcanoes feed the soil on the Big Island making it incredibly fertile to efficiently grow coffee. Below is a list of the main coffee regions on the island of Hawaii.
Kona
The Kona Coffee Belt exists along the Mamalahoa Highway on the west side of the island. The Kona region consists of over 600 independent and family-owned farms, a figure that surely defines the significance of Hawaiian coffee. Most farms are less than five acres large, yet collectively farmers produce almost four million pounds of coffee annually.
Puna & Hilo
On the east side, the Puna and Hilo regions are the wettest on the Big Island averaging between 150″ to 200″ of rainfall annually. Coffee production here is on a smaller scale than in Kona, with only about 50,000 pounds of coffee produced every year. While Puna coffee is small and new to the Hawaiian scene, a cup brewed here will delight all the senses.
Ka'u
Finally, on the south side of the island rests the Ka’u District. For many years, Ka’u coffee was sold alongside other coffees in the Kona Coffee Belt with little recognition going to Ka’u coffee farmers. This changed once Ka’u coffees were winning awards in national competitions. At the foot of Hawaii’s volcanoes, Ka’u coffee is grown in the best conditions. If you visit us in the summer, make sure to visit the Ka’u Coffee Festival in early June.
Best Hawaiian Coffee Farms on the Big Island
On your next trip to the Big Island, you can’t pass up the opportunity to take a Hawaiian coffee tour. Because of its popularity, Kona has plenty of options to consider. Greenwell Farms is one of our favorite recommendations. We love this farm because they give free tours without a reservation. This farm was established in 1850 and has kept up the charm with their historic store. For those who want a more in-depth experience, Sunshower Coffee Farm offers private tours (reservation required) with a specialty tasting and a chance to roast your own coffee to take home.
In the Puna region, just an 18-minute drive from our Big Island bed and breakfast, take a tour at the Hilo Coffee Mill. You will be guided through the coffee fields, the hand-built irrigation system, and the pulping area. Tours typically take 1 – 1.5 hours and need to be scheduled in advance.
In the Ka’u District, visit the Ka’u Coffee Mill just a half hour away. The farm offers free 20-minute tours of the mill (no reservation required) and provides coffee samples along the way. The Ka’u Coffee Mill sustainably produces their product using 100% renewable energy from their hydroelectric power system. Water from nearby mountain reservoirs powers their processing equipment. At their shop, you can purchase unique items like local macadamia nuts, delectable chocolates to pair with your coffee, and island skin care to take back as a souvenir or a gift for a loved one.
Find a Local Cup O' Joe
If you simply want to sit back and relax with a cup of Hawaiian coffee, visit a cafe on the Big Island. Along the Kona Coffee Belt, visit Kona Coffee & Tea, a family-owned shop serving coffee from their own family farm. You can try their espresso and doughnuts and buy all sorts of unique gifts from their flagship store.
In the Puna region, we love sending our guests to Koana, situated halfway between Hilo and Volcanoes National Park. This cafe sources locally produced coffee beans, chocolate, sea salt, honey, and tea. The venue features an outdoor seating area and much of the structure was built with recycled wood from the community. Join in on a “cupping” event to learn about Hawaiian coffees and the nuances of flavor.
To taste the award-winning Ka’u coffee, visit Miranda’s Farms, another family-owned business who grows their own beans. The Miranda family serves espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, and a variety of baked goods to satisfy your breakfast cravings. If you have time, stick around and take a tour of their farm!
Tips for Coffee Lovers
For those who love worldly food and drink, Hawaii is the perfect destination. For coffee lovers, planning a farm tour and visiting different cafes should be essential parts of your vacation. Tours take between 20-90 minutes; some require reservations and cost a fee, while others are free. Most of the farms are along the west coast, so drive time from our Volcano bed and breakfast can be upwards of two hours. But, oh so worth it!
You can also enjoy Hawaiian coffee right from your hotel bedroom! We serve local Kona coffee every morning and bring it to your room. For the ultimate Hawaiian souvenir, buy a bag of authentic Kona coffee from us. We’ll help you coordinate shipping any coffee back home as there are regulations that apply to shipping agricultural products.
Support local businesses by visiting and buying from hard-working Hawaiian coffee farmers. They love what they do and enjoy sharing their knowledge with visitors. You will never have another cup of coffee anywhere else. Visit our website to book your stay on the Big Island now. We will help you indulge in the Hawaiian vacation of a lifetime!
