You know about our unbeatable beaches and volcanic beauty, but did you know Kona produces some of the most exclusive and tastiest coffee in the world?
Take a sip and see for yourself why Mark Twain declared that “Kona coffee has a richer flavor than any other.”
Conditions Where You (and Your Coffee) Can Thrive
Hawaii is the only state in the US that produces its own coffee. Ranging from Catuai, Caturra, Yellow Caturra, Kauai Blue Mountain, Mokka, and Mundo Novo varieties, Hawaiian beans offer something for every flavor of coffee drinker.
But the best Hawaiian coffee grows right here in Kona.
Many tropical places produce excellent coffee, but Kona Coffee is something special. This rare delight is thanks to Kona’s unique microclimate.
(Who doesn’t thrive in morning sun and tropical temperatures? Okay, rich volcanic soil doesn’t hurt the beans either.)
Kona coffee grows on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa, an area sometimes referred to as the Kona Coffee Belt. Kona coffee comes from a high quality variety of Arabica bean called Guatemalan Typica. It has a rich, creamy taste that sets it apart from its island peers.
Bean There, Done That
If you’re a first-time visitor, organizing your vacation plans around coffee isn’t a bad place to start when forming a Big Island itinerary. Even your most cynical travel companions will enjoy a tour of a working coffee farm.
Buddha’s Sanctuary offers deluxe VIP tours of their coffee farm, guided by the owner. After the farm tour, coffee connoisseurs can enjoy a “carefully curated gastric tour” with a Coffee Flight. (They also do specialty tea tastings if you prefer leaf-water rather than bean-water.)
Just outside of Kona, you can rent a dream vacation home on the secluded land of Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation. This unique accommodation combines modern luxuries with vintage charm, plus plenty of tasty sips.
Looking for some sociable sipping? Check out the Aikane Plantation Coffee Co. which hosts events such as the Ka'u Coffee Festival on their farm.
Sip The Real Deal
Downtown Kona has many must-visit cafes where you can get your coffee fix. But if you’re looking to buy a bag of beans to brew at home, make sure you’re sipping the real deal.
(Fortunately, there are state laws in place to certify Kona coffee’s authenticity.)
Here’s a local tip: only purchase coffee labeled 100% Kona Coffee. Coffee listed as single-sourced or estate-grown is your best option for the purest taste and richest flavor profile.
Also, keep an eye out for the exclusive “100% Peaberry Kona Coffee.” This rare harvest produces an indulgent bean known as the “champagne” of coffee.
Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
Whether you practice the science of a perfect pour over or leave it to the Nespresso gods and pods, one thing remains constant: coffee tastes best when enjoyed in relaxation.
Maybe it’s time for you to ditch the caffeine-guzzling grind and move your life to Hawaii, where you can luxuriate in Kona’s rich coffee flavors from the comfort of your own private lanai.
Let’s sit down over an espresso and figure out how to make it happen.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.