What is Kona Coffee?
The marketing name for coffee grown on the western mountain slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualalai on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kona coffee, is known to be slightly nutty, nicely balanced, and smooth, with a medium body. Coffee connoisseurs describe the taste as caramel-like with honey and milk chocolate. Coming from a small growing region, the limited production makes it one of the priciest coffees in the world.
Most coffee beans grow above 4,000 feet, making Kona coffee unusual by being cultivated at lower altitudes ranging from 500 to 3,200 feet. Only coffee from the Kona Districts can be sold as “Kona,” like wines from specific appellations. The beans are complex due to the variety, weather, and volcanic soil, providing a flavorful taste after being roasted. It also has a slightly higher caffeine content than an average cup of Joe.
With only about 650 farms located in the Kona District and each being an average of just three (3) acres in size, it’s easy to see why the price can be comparatively expensive due to the limited production and manual labor requirements.
What is the History of Kona Coffee?
Coffee first came to Hawaii from Brazil over two hundred (200) years ago. Planted originally in the Manoa Valley on Oahu, the plants did not thrive there. In 1828, the first plantings on the Big Island were made close to Hilo. The same year, Reverend Samuel Ruggles planted some of the same seedlings in the Kona area, eventually growing into mature coffee trees.
However, it wasn’t until 1873 at the Vienna, Austria World’s Fair that Kona coffee was first recognized internationally. More than 100 years later, the variety took off, so to speak, as coffee enjoyed a worldwide resurgence as a drink truly worth savoring.
In 1892, coffee bean seeds from Guatemala were introduced to Hawaii to help bolster the strength of the Brazilian beans being grown. Over time, the Guatemalan beans have become the bean of choice for most Kona growers, and Kona Typica is today’s prevalent bean.
For an in-depth experience, visit the Kona Coffee Living History Farm in the Kona District at the Daisaku Uchida Coffee Farm. The 5.5-acre agricultural museum brings visitors back to the 1920-45 period when Japanese immigrants were the predominant workers at Hawaii’s coffee farms.
Kona Coffee is Grown With Respect for the Land
A large number of Kona District coffee farms continue to grow their beans by traditional methods, showing a deep respect for the land that their forefathers developed. Protecting their pristine environment and natural resources has been a Hawaiian expectation from generation to generation.
The continued health of the unique volcanic soil, biodiversity, and conservation have been incorporated into coffee bean farming utilizing sustainable and often organic farming methods. The Kona District has proven to be an ideal locale to grow coffee beans, with more than 60 annual inches of rain, mild temperature fluctuations (60-85 degrees year-round), sunny mornings usually followed by cloudy afternoons, and the western mountain slopes mainly being protected from tropical winds.
Which Hawaiian Foods Pair Well with Kona Coffee?
- Ahi Poke – the rich poke (Ahi tuna), along with the acidic and nutty coffee, match up perfectly.
- Macadamia Nut Pancakes – for breakfast or brunch, crunchy toasted macadamia nuts and buttery pancakes. Yum!
- Haupia Pie – savor a cup of Kona coffee with this traditional Hawaiian coconut milk dessert that comes topped with toasted coconut flakes.
- King’s Hawaiian Classic French Toast – it doesn’t get any better than this!
- Anything with dark chocolate. Bars, brownies, cake, or how about a chocolate-filled croissant? Decadent and yummy.
Take a Coffee Farm Tour
A visit to Hula Daddy’s Kona coffee farm is a 45-minute immersion into the world of coffee, from the orchard to the roasting room. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a free tasting experience.
Holualoa Kona Coffee Company is just 10 minutes from Kailua-Kona. Go for the free tours on weekdays and a enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee afterward.
Greenwell Farms has been growing coffee in Hawaii since 1850. Casual, on-request tours don’t require a reservation. Afterward, you can indulge in the free samples and beautiful setting.
Where to Grab a Cuppa and a Bite
Featuring 100% Kona coffee and local pastries from Twisted Danish, Julie’s Doughnuts, and Sundog Bakery, Kona Coffee & Tea is well worth a stop while farm-hopping the Kona Coffee District.
The Coffee Shack in Captain Cook on the Kona Coast is the place for a steaming cup of 100% Kona coffee with breakfast, lunch, a salad, pizza, or dessert. The family-owned coffee shop/restaurant offers a dazzling view of 26 miles of the Kona Coast from high above Kealakekua Bay. The lanai is a favorite spot to sip and savor.
On the Hilo side of the Big Island, don’t miss the Hilo Coffee Mill, winner of Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for five (5) years in a row. They offer 100% Kona coffee, some specialty blends, and coffees from other Hawaiian islands. Be sure to try their fresh pastries too! Open Tuesdays through Thursdays and Saturdays only.
It’s Always Time For Kona Coffee
You’re on vacation, and the time has come to splurge a little bit. Coming to Hawaii, and especially the Big Island means that you appreciate the better things in life. And Kona coffee definitely belongs in that category. A simple pleasure. A cup of coffee that is so smooth, so rich, so flavorful, and made from local beans grown on the mountainside just a few minutes up the road. It just doesn’t get any better than that.
Starting each day with a fresh pot of 100% Kona coffee while staying with us at 5th Street Ohana is the perfect way to greet each morning. Of course, your Big Island vacation rental includes a coffee pot, so all you need to do is supply the ground beans.
The casual Hawaiian atmosphere of your accommodations are made for relaxation, with a cup of coffee (or tea), and perhaps a good book. You will probably agree that Kona coffee is so good that you may want another cup or two during the day as you explore this incredible island.
Ask any serious coffee lover. Kona coffee is the real deal
Begin Each Day With Kona Coffee in Your Casual and Comfortable Hawaiian home
Providing our guests with everything they may need for a quiet and laid-back Hawaii vacation experience, our Hawaiian Airbnb is the perfect Big Island Vacation rental in Volcano, a quaint village just two miles from Volcanoes National Park. All of the comforts of home are here for you, including the all-important coffee maker and coffee (100% Kona!), a tea kettle, fully equipped kitchen, dining and living areas, television, Wi-fi, an electric heat fireplace, and much more.
Book your stay with us today. We look forward to seeing you soon!