Kona Coffee Plantations

Coffee Beans Photo #1 of 2 South of Kona, the road gains elevation and you will pass a string of tiny villages and small coffee farms. You will notice the air becoming cooler and the foliage lusher, as you are climbing the slopes of the Hualalai volcano. On the slopes of the mountain, is the historic Kona coffee belt where there are dozens of small coffee farms and stores along the way, as well as spectacular valleys and postcard views of the coast. Photo copyright Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Kirk Lee Aeder.

Overview

"100% pure Kona coffee is a rare commodity exclusively grown in north and south Kona. The high elevation, constant cloud coverage and rich volcanic soil from Hualalai Volcano in the upland slopes of Kona create an ideal environment for harvesting this unique Hawaiian coffee bean.

There are hundreds of coffee farms in Kona, from the small art town of Holualoa to Kealakekua, and many offer tours to the public. Visit thriving coffee orchards and learn about the meticulous harvesting process. Then explore the coffee mills and see how the beans are processed. Some of these farms with available tours include the Kona Coffee Living History Farm, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation, Kona Joe Coffee, Hilo Coffee Mill (on the Hilo side) and many more. The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival held during November in Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) is a must-see event for coffee lovers.

At one time, coffee was grown in every district on Hawaii Island. Today, discriminating growers are reviving this rich tradition. Boutique, award-winning farms can be found in Kau, Puna and Hilo. So sip a freshly brewed cup for yourself and experience the rich aroma and flavorful taste that makes 100% Kona coffee so highly valued, then sample a cup from every district to see which subtle variety suits you best."

-Information gathered from www.gohawaii.com/big-island/guidebook/topics/coffee-plantations