If there’s one beverage Hawaii is known for, it’s coffee. After all, Hawaii is the only American state with land able to grow coffee. And while we love all of the incredible coffee farms you’ll find across the Hawaiian Islands — there is one variety that has become world-famous. Grown in a small section of fertile volcanic soil on Hawaii Island’s Kona coast, Kona coffee is definitely a cut above any coffee you can find, well, pretty much anywhere. To experience the best coffee this famous region has to offer, head out on this fantastic road trip that will take you to eight of the region’s best coffee farms.
Measuring in at just 25 miles and less than an hour of drive time, this is the ultimate day trip for coffee lovers. Ready to get caffeinated? Let’s go!
1. Mountain Thunder Kona Coffee
Our journey begins at Mountain Thunder Kona Coffee. Nestled on the slope of Hualalai volcano at more than 3,000 feet in elevation, this farm is unique for its location and elevation: two conditions that create an exceptional cup of coffee. Offering guided tours every hour, you will learn about everything about coffee — from harvesting the coffee beans to roasting and packaging them, and everything in between.
2. Hula Daddy Kona Coffee
This eco-friendly coffee farm is a can’t miss. Roasting their beans in small batches, Hula Daddy opened in 2002 and has since become recognized as producing some of the world’s best coffees. Friendly and knowledgeable staff members will teach you all about how to grow and roast coffee and help you pick out your favorites. Enjoy a free coffee tasting from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or book a tour of the orchard and roasting room online.
3. Mauka Meadows Doutor Coffee Farm
An oasis of fruit trees, macadamia nuts, and tropical flowers await at this unique coffee farm and garden. Follow the winding path downhill towards the Doutor Pavilion, where you will find sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and heavenly brews. After you’ve consumed all the coffee your heart desires and browsed through the gift shop, hop aboard a free shuttle back up to the parking lot.
4. Heavenly Hawaiian Farms
Growing world-class coffee since 2005, Heavenly Hawaiian Farms is just that: heavenly. Enjoy a free cup of delicious Heavenly Hawaiian coffee and a farm tour anytime. Tours are offered 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and you’ll witness beautiful farm views, get up close and personal with the coffee trees, and experience the milling and drying process hands on. Don’t forget to sample some of the best coffee and candy in the world — and stock up on your favorites. You can even stay overnight on the farm if you'd like!
5. Kona Joe Coffee
Adopting the same growing technique used for wine, growing coffee on a trellis exposes the coffee cherries to more sunlight and enhances the flavor. Learn about this unique coffee production process — from planting to brewing — at Kona Joe’s. The standard farm tour includes a cup of 100% Kona coffee and an etched souvenir coffee mug. If you don’t have time for a full tour, sit on their patio and admire the view while sipping on a cup of hot, fresh Kona coffee. It really doesn’t get much better than this.
6. Greenwell Coffee Farms
Established in 1850 and situated in the heart of Kona coffee country, there is little better coffee than that produced at Greenwell. Located on approximately 100 acres of the area’s most fertile soil, Greenwell Farms has been family-owned through its history and is in its fourth generation of management. In addition to their own crop, Greenwell purchases just-harvested coffee cherry from more than 300 Kona coffee farmers in the region, and operate their own pulping, drying, and storage facilities. Stop by for a tour, coffee tastings, and to stock up on your favorite roasts.
7. Kona Coffe Living History Farm
Located on the Daisaku Uchida Coffee Farm, This stop is undoubtedly the most unique on our coffee farm tour. Visitors can explore a 1920s coffee farm hosted by costumed guides demonstrating work tasks. This open-air agricultural museum is truly one-of-a-kind and allows guests to step back in time to another era as they wander around the farm on a self-guided tour. Don’t forget to shop for Kona coffee and a variety of souvenirs from the gift shop.
8. Kona Pacific Farmers Cooperative
The oldest and largest Kona Coffee Cooperative in the country, this off-the-beaten-path location is the last stop on our trip. Located in the rural area of Napo’opo’o on Hawaii Island near Captain Cook, the cooperative is made up of nearly three dozen hard-working farmer members who grow and handpick their own Kona Coffee and Macadamia nuts. And while this destination is totally unassuming, we’re here for one reason only: the mouthwateringly delicious coffee floats. We can’t think of a better way to end a coffee-filled day than with an espresso and ice cream concoction sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Which of these incredible Kona coffee farms is your favorite? Share your opinions and experiences with us in the comments below!
If you love coffee and live on Oahu, but can't make it to Hawaii Island for this road trip anytime soon, consider driving up H-2 to check out the incredible Green World Coffee Farm. Part coffee shop, part working farm and roastery, and part retail store, this coffee farm will become your new favorite destination for caffeine on your way to or from Oahu's north shore.
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