Raw coffee beans (Shutterstock)
Intro to Kona Coffee Hawaii and Where It Grows on the Big Island
Renowned for a rich flavor and smooth finish, Kona Coffee Hawaii is cultivated on the slopes of Hualālai and Mauna Loa in Hawai‘i’s Kona region. The area’s unique climate and volcanic soil create ideal conditions for coffee cultivation, making it a prime destination for coffee enthusiasts.
In the Kona District on the Island of Hawai‘i, the Mauna Loa volcanoes play a crucial role in creating the unique climatic and soil conditions that make Kona Coffee so exceptional.
An elite coffee industry has grown from this little bean. It’s developed into the “bean known around the world.” What has made Kona Coffee so sought after? What makes it such a special coffee to those who crave their daily java?
Is Kona Coffee Grown Everywhere in Kona?
The growing region for this special coffee only spans a 30 square mile area. 30 square miles? That’s all? Yup, the limited growing region is what makes it so rare.
Second, the finest beans grow at an altitude above 800 feet. Below that, Kona’s weather is too dry and hot for coffee crops to grow abundantly. To complicate matters, optimal growing can only be done between 800 and 2500 feet above sea level.
In heights higher than the 2500 foot level, rain patterns in Hawai‘i encourage the natural growth of rain forests. In that environment, coffee would fruit and bloom all year long. Farming premium-quality coffee would be difficult or impossible.
Being a coffee farmer is hard work. And with a limited growing region and limited elevation levels at which Kona Coffee will grow, life can get complicated.
So if you’re a coffee lover, set aside a little time to tour a Kona Coffee farm and find out exactly what it takes to produce a simple cup of Kona Coffee. Embarking on a Kona coffee tour offers an immersive experience into the art and science of java production.
tropical kona coffee plantation (Shutterstock)
The Growth of the Kona Coffee Hawaii Industry
The story of Kona coffee in Hawai‘i began in 1828 when an American missionary, Samuel Ruggles, first planted coffee trees in the Kona region. Over the decades, the area evolved into a hub for coffee cultivation, with small family-owned farms popping up all over the district. Today, there are over 650 coffee farms in Kona. Yes, you heard me right. 650+!
The rich coffee culture in Kona is deeply rooted in its history, with many farms offering tours that provide insights into the traditional and modern methods of coffee production.
Each farm adds to the region’s reputation for producing some of the world’s finest coffee. The limited growing area, together with labor-intensive farming methods and high demand, makes 100% Kona Coffee a rare and sought-after commodity.
Planning Your Kona Coffee Hawaii Tour
Kailua-Kona serves as the central hub for exploring the world-renowned Kona Coffee farms, offering a variety of tours and experiences for visitors.
Many farms offer guided tours that demonstrate how they cultivate, process, and roast coffee beans. These tours often end with tastings so that visitors can savor the nuanced flavors of freshly brewed Kona coffee. These are very popular, so you should plan ahead and make reservations to avoid disappointment.
Best Time to Visit
Kona’s mornings are typically sunny, making early tours enjoyable and providing optimal lighting for taking photos. Morning tours are also recommended to see active farm operations happening.
Seasonal Considerations
The coffee production cycle in Kona influences the tour experience:
- February to March: This period marks the blooming season, often referred to as “Kona Snow,” when coffee trees are adorned with delicate white flowers.
- April to August: Green coffee cherries develop during these months, gradually ripening to a deep red.
- August to January: Harvesting season occurs, with farms bustling as they pick and process the ripe cherries.
A Variety of Coffee Tour Options
Visitors to the Big Island can choose from a variety of tour options to experience the history and production of Kona coffee. From guided tours of coffee farms to self-guided tours of the coffee fields, there’s something for every coffee lover. Some tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the roasting process. Others provide an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Kona coffee.
Kona Joe Coffee Plantation (Shutterstock)
Notable Kona Coffee Farm Tours
Here are some distinguished local coffee farms that offer engaging tours:
- Greenwell Farms: Established in 1850, Greenwell Farms is one of the longest-running coffee farms in Kona. They offer free daily guided tours between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. without the need for reservations. Visitors can explore the farm’s facilities and enjoy free samples of their various coffee varieties.
- Hula Daddy Kona Coffee: Known for its award-winning coffee, Hula Daddy offers two morning tours that you can book online, Monday through Friday. For a nominal fee, guests can visit the orchard, learn about specialty coffee cultivation, and participate in a tasting session.
- Kona Coffee Living History Farm: Operated by the Kona Historical Society, this open-air museum offers self-guided tours depicting the daily lives of early Japanese immigrants between 1920 and 1945. Visitors can explore the coffee orchard, farmhouse, and coffee mill, gaining a historical perspective on Kona coffee farming.
- Heavenly Hawaiian Farms: Offering a variety of tours, including their signature Coffee Farm Tour, Heavenly Hawaiian provides guests with a comprehensive understanding of the coffee production process. Tours include unlimited samples of their best coffees and a visit to their Konalani Coffee Bar.
- UCC Hawaii: This 35-acre estate offers guided tours where visitors can learn about coffee cultivation and processing. They also provide a unique Roastmaster Tour™, allowing guests to roast their own coffee beans and create personalized labels.
These farms not only showcase the unique qualities of Hawaiian coffee but also offer a glimpse into the artisanal methods used in its production.
What to Expect on a Kona Coffee Tour
A typical Kona coffee tour encompasses several stages of the coffee production process:
Cultivation: Guides explain the growth cycle of coffee plants, including the significance of the region’s microclimate and volcanic soil. These tours cater to coffee lover. You’ll get a comprehensive look at the coffee production process from cultivation to tasting.
Harvesting: Depending on the season, visitors may witness or participate in the hand-picking of ripe coffee cherries, a labor-intensive process that ensures quality.
Processing: Tours often demonstrate the methods of pulping, fermenting, and drying the beans, highlighting traditional and modern techniques. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich coffee culture of Kona, learning about the traditional and modern techniques used in coffee farming.
Roasting: Some farms offer insights into the roasting process, showcasing how temperature and timing influence flavor profiles.
Tasting: The culmination of most tours is a tasting session, where guests can sample various brews and discern the subtle differences.
Coffee Plants and Harvesting
Coffee plants are an integral part of the Kona coffee farm tour experience. Learn about the different varieties of coffee plants, how they’re cultivated and harvested. From the coffee cherry to the green coffee bean, visitors can see firsthand the journey of Kona coffee from seed to cup. Many tours also offer the opportunity to participate in the harvesting process, giving visitors a hands-on experience of what it takes to produce high-quality Kona coffee.
Taste the Best Coffee and Learn About Roasting
No coffee farm tour would be complete without a taste of the best coffee. Visitors can sample a variety of Kona coffees, from light to dark roasts, and learn about the roasting process that brings out the unique flavors of Kona coffee. Many tours also offer a visit to the roasting room, where visitors can see the expert roasters at work and learn about the techniques that go into creating the perfect cup of Kona coffee.
Meet the Farmers and Their Passion for Coffee
One of the most rewarding aspects of a coffee farm tour is the opportunity to meet the farmers. Their passion for coffee is contagious! From the living history coffee farm to the small, family-owned farms, visitors can hear the stories of the people who dedicate their lives to producing high-quality Kona coffee. You’ll feel the aloha spirit of the coffee community. You’ll hear about the hard work and dedication that goes into producing one of the world’s best coffees.
A Must-Have Experience for Java Lovers
A Kona coffee tour is more than just a tasting experience. It’s an educational journey through the rich history and meticulous process behind one of the world’s most esteemed coffees. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a connoisseur. Exploring these farms offers a deeper appreciation for the brew and the dedicated individuals who craft it.
