Kona Coffee Farm Tours and Tastings

Take at least one guided Kona coffee tour if you’re on the Big Island. The Big Island is home to Kona coffee, the champagne of coffee. Considered the best in the world, see how coffee grows, where it’s picked, how it’s picked, and when it’s picked. Walk and talk with the actual farmers that make your coffee. Learn what makes Kona coffee so special.

In this guide, we’ll discuss what makes Kona coffee unique, everything you need to know to take a tour, and what to expect. Let us know in the comments section if we need to include anything else.

Our family took a day to tour Greenwell farms and saw many others in Kona. Our guide, Dave, was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their coffee. Much of what we learned about Kona coffee we’ll share below.

The best coffee in the world

The Kona region in Hawaii is renowned for producing some of the world’s best coffee blends. Visiting the coffee farms in this region can be an exciting and educational experience for travelers. This guide provides comprehensive information on what you can expect when visiting the coffee farms in Kona, Hawaii.

The Kona belt

Kona coffee grows in an area 26 miles long by 3 miles wide. The elevation varies from 700 to 2,000 feet. This region is ideal for growing gourmet 100% Kona coffee.

Number of Kona coffee farms

There are approximately 650 coffee-growing farms on the Big Island. Each farm is an average of 3 acres, although some are much bigger. Kona coffee represents 95% of the coffee grown on the island.

What’s the big deal with Kona coffee?

Volcanic soils as the key ingredient

Volcanic soils are the key ingredient that makes Kona coffee so good. The coffee is grown on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualalai, two active volcanoes in Hawaii.

The volcanic soils provide a unique mineral composition that contributes to the distinct taste of the coffee. The porous soil structure enables the coffee to extract nutrients, resulting in a more flavorful coffee bean.

Unique mineral composition of volcanic soils

The volcanic soils of Hawaii have a unique blend of minerals, including iron, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals are essential nutrients for coffee plants in their growth stage.

Coffee plants need sufficient nutrients in the soil to produce high-quality coffee beans. The unique blend of minerals in volcanic soils sets Kona coffee apart from other coffee beans.

Ideal drainage conditions on volcanic slopes

Additionally, the volcanic slopes provide excellent drainage, which prevents the soil from becoming stagnant and helps to retain moisture.

Combining the mineral composition and ideal drainage conditions creates a perfect environment for the Kona coffee plant to thrive. The result is a coffee bean with exceptional flavor and aroma.

Weather conditions

The specific weather patterns in Hawaii also contribute to the exceptional quality of Kona coffee. The consistent rainfall, high altitude, and ample sunlight provide optimal growing conditions for coffee plants.

The unique properties of volcanic soils, coupled with the ideal weather conditions, result in a coffee bean unmatched in flavor and quality.

Sustainable growing practices of Kona coffee farmers

In addition to the unique flavor profile, Kona coffee is sustainably grown. The coffee farmers in Hawaii care greatly about growing, harvesting, and processing their coffee beans.

The coffee is handpicked and processed in small batches, ensuring consistent quality and no steps are skipped. This results in a coffee that is not only flavorful but also conscious of the environment and the local community.

Flavor profile of Kona coffee

Nutty character of Kona coffee

One of the distinct features of their coffee is its nutty character. The coffee has a rich, nutty, and slightly earthy aftertaste that lingers on the tongue. This nutty flavor is what sets Kona Coffee apart from other coffees.

The coffee has a smooth finish and feels like silk in the mouth. The texture is velvety, and the taste is delicate, making it a perfect drink for those who prefer milder coffee.

Fruity flavor profile of Kona coffee

Kona Coffee also has a fruity flavor profile. The coffee has a bright and citrusy acidity that lures the taste buds. This fruity taste is subtle and complements the nutty and chocolatey notes.

The combination of these flavors creates a balance that is unique to Kona coffee. The coffee is versatile and can be enjoyed with various food pairings, from pastries to savory dishes.

Notes of sugar, honey, and spices when brewed

When brewed, the coffee produces a tantalizing aroma that fills the air with notes of brown sugar, honey, and spices. The aroma is an indication of the coffee’s quality and freshness.

Kona coffee has a complex flavor profile that is versatile, rich, and satisfying. It is no wonder that it is called the champagne of coffee.

The History of Kona Coffee

Samuel Reverend Ruggles and the first coffee plantation

The history of Kona coffee dates back to the 1800s when coffee plants were first brought to Hawaii. The first coffee plantation was established in Kona in 1828 by Samuel Reverend Ruggles, who obtained the plants from Brazil.

Japanese immigrants and the growth of coffee production

However, in the 1880s and 1890s, coffee production took off with the help of Japanese immigrants who brought their farming skills and worked the land.

Kona coffee’s worldwide popularity

In the early days, coffee was grown on large plantations spanned hundreds of acres. The coffee beans were hand-picked, dried, and then roasted on-site. By the turn of the 20th century, Kona coffee had become a worldwide sensation, with shipments being exported to Europe and even earning top honors at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.

Challenges faced by Kona coffee in the early 1900s

Despite its popularity, Kona coffee faced some challenges in the early 1900s. In 1916, a fungus known as coffee rust devastated many of the coffee plants on the Big Island, causing farmers to switch to other crops.

Later, in the 1930s, coffee prices fell due to the Great Depression, and many farmers were forced to abandon their plantations.

Formation of the Kona Coffee Council

However, in the 1960s, a group of dedicated coffee farmers banded together to form the Kona Coffee Council to promote and preserve the unique flavor of their coffee.

Today, the Kona Coffee Council represents over 650 coffee farms in the region, and their coffee is still a favorite among coffee enthusiasts for its smooth, well-balanced flavor.

What to Expect on a Coffee Farm Tour

Information about the various stages of coffee production

A Kona coffee farm tour is the perfect opportunity to learn about coffee-making, from planting the beans to brewing a delicious cup of coffee. During the tour, you can expect to see rows upon rows of coffee trees, learn about the different coffee varieties on the island, and pick up essential tips on roasting and brewing the perfect cup. 

You’ll gain a new appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into producing some of the world’s best coffee and leave with a newfound respect for the local farmers.

Tasting coffee blends and taking some home with you

Some tours may include a sample tasting of different coffee blends and roasts. If you are looking for a more in-depth experience, some farms offer private tours for groups that provide a more personalized and detailed look at the growing and harvesting process. However, these tours can be significantly more expensive.

Is a Kona coffee tour worth the cost?

While some may argue that the cost of a coffee tour is steep, the experience is truly one-of-a-kind. Plus, many are free, so if you don’t want to go to one that cost money, you don’t have to.

As you hike through the coffee tree rows and listen to the farmers talk about their craft, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Hawaii. Those that charge for the tour range from $15 to $40.

You’ll get to taste some of the freshest and most flavorful coffee in the world and have an opportunity to purchase some to take home as souvenirs. Additionally, by supporting local farmers, you’re contributing to the sustainability of the Kona coffee industry and helping to preserve an essential part of Hawaiian culture for future generations.

Get the most out of your coffee tour

To make the most of your Kona coffee farm tour experience, wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking around in the heat. Bring a camera to capture spectacular views of the farm and surrounding area. 

Be prepared to learn a lot, ask plenty of questions, and come hungry – many tours will offer coffee sample tastings and food, like chocolate-covered coffee beans, that make a great snack and souvenir. Lastly, don’t forget to thank your tour guide and show your appreciation for the local farmers and their hard work.

Climate in Kona

Kona is blessed with warm, sunny weather throughout the year, making it an ideal destination anytime for a coffee farm visit.

Coffee plants in full bloom during the winter months

The best time to see the coffee plants in full bloom is during winter, from December to February. During this time, you can witness the coffee plants covered in white, fragrant flowers that eventually turn into bright red coffee cherries.

Getting to the Kona coffee farms

Location

Kona is situated on the west coast of the Big Island, which has its own airport. You can catch a direct flight from Honolulu, L.A., or San Francisco. Once you arrive in Kona, renting a car is the most convenient way to get around and visit the different coffee farms. 

Map

Best Kona coffee tours

Traveling to Hawaii’s Kona district is a must-do experience if you’re a coffee lover! There is no better way to learn about the state’s coffee culture and local workforce than visiting these Kona Coffee farms. Below are a list of the best coffee tours in Kona, Hawaii.

1. Buddha’s Cup

Buddha’s Cup is a beautiful family-run coffee farm in Kona. The farm is adorned with a colorful and peaceful atmosphere, creating a calm environment for anyone to enjoy and learn about coffee production in Hawaii. Their tour incorporates some education about meditation and showcases their unique methods for producing organic coffee.

Cost: Free coffee tour

Address: 78-1377 Bishop Rd, Holualoa

2. Heavenly Hawaiian

Heavenly Hawaiian, known for its robust Kona coffee, is run by a family passionate about producing coffee that tastes unlike any other. Their tour includes a walk through the plantation, picking out the best coffee cherries, and explaining the farm’s history and how their coffee beans make it from the field to your cup.

Cost: $18

Address: 78-1136 Bishop Rd, Holualoa

3. Kona Coffee Living History Farm

This award-winning coffee farm is a living example of how this industry began over 100 years ago in Hawaii. It offers an amazing glimpse into the lives of Japanese immigrants who worked on these farms, planting and harvesting coffee. Kona Coffee Living History Farm features authentic tools, implements, and infrastructure that were once used to grow, process, and roast coffee.

Cost: $15-$20

Address: 82-6199 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Captain Cook

4. Kuaiwi Farm

Kuaiwi Farm is famous for its rich, organic, shade-grown coffee. The coffee trees are grown in the natural shade of old-growth forests, providing a tranquil ambient temperature that allows the coffee to mature slowly. The Kuaiwi Farm tour does not only focus on the coffee but also the surrounding area, including several waterfalls.

Cost: Free Kona coffee tour

Address: 870 Halewili Rd, Kalaheo

5. Greenwell Farms

The best coffee tour in Kona that we went on was Greenwell Farms. A family-run farm for over 150 years, Greenwell Farm is known for producing world-class coffee.

Their Kona coffee plantation tour provides a glimpse into the rich history of coffee in Hawaii while showing you the distinct methods they use to produce quality coffee. Checkout their gift ship after the tour to purchase coffee and Greenwell Farm merchandise. Greenwell Farms offers free coffee after your Kona coffee Hawaii tour.

Cost: Free tours available

Address: 81-6581 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua

6. Hala Tree Coffee

This farm is well-known for its unique, handcrafted blends using a rare coffee varietal that grows on the slopes of Mauna Loa in Hawaii. Hala Tree Coffee farm tour is a fun and interactive way to look into their sustainable growing practices and learn about their unique irrigation and fertilization systems.

Cost: Free

Address: 82-5966 Mamalahoa Hwy, Captain Cook

7. Hilo Coffee Mill (in Hilo)

Hilo Coffee Mill is a bit far from Kona, but the Kona coffee farm tour is worth the trip. The mill offers several coffee drinks while guests can tour their farm and processing facility, which contains various handcrafted artisanal foods.

Cost: $40 per person

Address: 17-995 Volcano Rd, Mountain View

8. Hog Heaven Coffee (on the Hamakua coast)

Hog Heaven Coffee is a relatively new farm that prides itself on growing organic coffee. The Kona coffee tour on Big Island covers everything from planting to roasting and how sustainability plays a significant role. Hog Heaven Coffee received first place in the cupping competition in 2022 and 2023 from the Hawaii Coffee Association.

Address: 75-5805 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona

9. Holualoa Kona Coffee Plantation

Holualoa plantation has produced 100 percent Kona coffee since 1850. Their coffee tour offers an insight into the history of coffee farming in Hawaii while showcasing their unique production methods. The coffee farm tour in Kona runs every hour with panoramic vistas in absolute Serenity.

Cost: Free

Address: 77-6261 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa

10. Hula Daddy

Hula Daddy offers personalized tours of their boutique Kona coffee farm. Their tour is intimate, with a chance to taste their award-winning coffee and learn about their unique production methods.

Cost: $35 per person

Address: 74-4944 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa

11. Ka’u Coffee Mill (in Ka’u)

Ka’u Coffee Mill is located in the neighboring district of Kau, with farming ranging between 1200 to 2000 feet in elevation. Here, the coffee is processed using solar energy, which helps increase quality. Their tour is excellent, focusing primarily on processing techniques.

Cost: Free

Address: 96-2694 Wood Valley Rd, Pahala

12. Kona Joe Coffee

Only 8 miles south of Kailua-Kona. Kona Joe Coffee has the world’s first trellised coffee plantation. Learn the harvesting and roasting process on their farm tour.

Kona Joe coffee tour cost: $30

Address: 79-7346 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua

13. Mountain Thunder

A fun experience for coffee lovers, it offers a unique 3-hour tour through Mountain Thunder farm and roasting room. You’ll learn everything about the coffee-making process, from the coffee trees to the final product served on your table.

Cost: Free

Address: 73-1942 Ha’o St, Kailua-Kona

14. Rooster Farms

Astonishing views and excellent coffee make Rooster Farms one of Kona’s top attractions. Their coffee processing is unique as they blend newer and traditional methods to extract the best flavor from their coffee beans. The tour covers the whole process, from planting the seeds to packaging the coffee for shipment.

Coffee tour Kona (Cost): Free

Address: 84-1245 Bruner Rd, Captain Cook

15. Sunshower Farms best coffee farm tour

Sunshower Farms is a family-owned and operated farm takes pride in providing its clients with unique coffee flavors. Their farm has a wide range of specialty coffees, such as peaberry or honey processed, emphasizing quality and taste. The tour shows how they use unique and numerous coffee cultivars to produce their coffee.

Cost: Free (often sell out of coffee and if they do their tours stop for the year)

Address: 76-1297 Waiono Ranch Rd, Holualoa

16. Ueshima Coffee (UCC)

One of Japan’s top coffee producers, Ueshima Coffee farm provides a fascinating look into making its famous coffee. The tour presents the sophisticated coffee-producing techniques that UCC uses, including drip irrigation and sun-drying of their coffee beans.

Cost: $35 per person

Address: 75-5568 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa

17. Uluwehi Coffee Farm

Uluwehi Coffee Farm is a family-owned and operated farm committed to sustainable growing methods, producing some of the best coffee in Kona. Their tour lets visitors see how coffee is grown and processed while overlooking the beautiful Hawaiian landscape.

Cost: $20-$27

Address: 75-5410 Uluwehi Place, Holualoa

Kona coffee events

Cultural Festival

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival is the oldest in the world, having been held for over 50 years. The festival is a week-long celebration of coffee and its unique culture, attracting coffee lovers worldwide.

It highlights various events, such as coffee tastings, farm tours, live music, and a coffee art exhibit. The festival ends with a grand parade where coffee farmers march through the streets, showcasing their beautiful crops.

Ka’u Coffee Festival

The Ka’u Coffee Festival takes place every May and is an event that celebrates the distinctive coffee grown in the Ka’u district of Hawaii Island. 

This festival offers visitors a chance to take farm tours, participate in coffee tastings, and attend workshops that provide insight into the history and culture of Ka’u coffee. 

The festival also includes:

• A hula and music competition
• A Miss Ka’u Coffee Beauty Pageant
• A recipe contest where visitors can relish delicious coffee recipes

Holualoa Coffee & Art Stroll

The Holualoa Coffee & Art Stroll is an annual festival in November. It is a celebration of Hawaii’s arts, music, and coffee culture. During the event, clients can enjoy live music, art demonstrations, and coffee tastings in the charming town of Holualoa.

The festival is held in the historic village, home to many art galleries, coffee shops, and antique stores.

Kona Coffee and Tea Expo

The Kona Coffee and Tea Expo is an annual event in November, and it’s a must-visit for all coffee and tea lovers. This exciting event showcases tastings of various coffee and tea blends, workshops, and presentations by industry experts.

Visitors can enjoy delicious food offered by vendors and live music and witness a coffee and tea brewing competition.

Kona coffee lodging recommendations

Coffee Farms Bed and Breakfasts

If you’re searching for an affordable and cozy lodging option, consider staying at one of the many bed and breakfasts in the Kona coffee farms. These bed and breakfasts offer a beautiful and traditional Hawaiian-style experience, and you can wake up to the smell of freshly made coffee every morning. 

Local farmers typically manage these bed and breakfasts, and their hospitality and knowledge of the area will make your stay truly unique. Some recommended B&Bs in the area include Holualoa Inn, The Mango Sunset Bed and Breakfast Inn, and Kimi’s Ohana.

Vacation Rentals

Renting a house or apartment on a coffee farm can be a great option if you’re traveling with a group or family. Not only will you have plenty of space, but you can also save money by cooking your meals. 

Many vacation rentals come with fully-equipped kitchens and all the modern amenities you need. Some recommended vacation rentals include the Kona Coffeehouse, the Kona View Estates, and the Holualoa Kona Coffees’ plantation house.

Luxury Resorts

Luxury accommodations are available on coffee farms if you want to spend more. Some resorts offer five-star service, as well as spas and golf courses.

The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a luxurious option with breathtaking ocean views, top-notch dining, and stunning beaches. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is also an excellent choice for luxurious lodgings.

Have a cup of Kona coffee

Kona is renowned for producing some of the finest coffee in the world. To truly immerse yourself in the rich coffee culture of Hawaii, visiting the coffee farms and plantations in the region is a must-do experience. 

During your visit, you can learn about the history of the coffee and indulge in a coffee-tasting experience. A visit to Kona’s farms is an experience you will want to experience. 

Kona coffee FAQ

1. Which coffee roast is best? Light roasts are usually recommended for drip coffee, while dark roasts are best for espresso drinks.
2. What are coffee cherries? Coffee cherry or berry is the fruit of the coffee. It’s a small, round stone fruit.

Visiting Kona coffee farms

If you’re a coffee lover or just looking for a unique and immersive travel experience, then visiting Kona coffee farms should be on your travel itinerary. You’ll learn about the history, get hands-on experience, taste some of the world’s best coffee, support local farmers, and enjoy amazing scenery.

It’s an experience you won’t forget, and you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the coffee you drink and the hard work that goes into producing it. So take a trip to Kona and immerse yourself in the world of coffee.