Discover the Kona Coffee Experience on the Big Island
With its strong, smooth flavor, Kona coffee is known as one of the world’s finest brews. A trip to the Big Island is therefore incomplete without sampling its premier product—100% pure Kona coffee. Exploring local coffee farms is a remarkable way to delve into the island’s agricultural heritage and history. Be sure to plan your visits accordingly to enjoy this unique experience.
Exploring Hawaiʻi Coffee Country
In the hills surrounding Hōlualoa, high elevation, frequent cloud coverage, and fertile volcanic soil create an ideal environment for growing some of the best coffee beans on the island. Kona coffee has enjoyed gourmet status for decades. Many coffee farms offer visitor centers and gift shops featuring free samples and tours. The best time to visit is during the harvest season from August through February, when you can see the beautiful blossoms and berries on the coffee trees.
Best Coffee Experiences on the Big Island
Kona Coffee Living History Farm
The Kona Coffee Living History Farm, run by the Kona Historical Society (an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute), offers an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional coffee tours. Visitors can explore a 5.5-acre working coffee farm and engage with costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional crafts and agricultural practices. Open from 10 AM to 2 PM on Tuesdays and Fridays, it costs $20 per person, with no reservations needed.
Hōlualoa Kona Coffee Company
For those seeking eco-friendly practices, Hōlualoa Kona Coffee Company features a small, organic-certified plantation located just south of Hōlualoa. With sustainable practices that use no pesticides or herbicides, visitors can learn about jungle-grown coffee farming. Free tours are available from 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Thursday.
Greenwell Farms
Established in 1850, Greenwell Farms is one of Kona’s oldest farms, operated by the fourth generation of the Greenwell family. Located on 150 acres, this farm provides guided tours where visitors can witness the journey of coffee from seed to cup. Tours last about an hour and are available daily from 9 AM to 3 PM. For a more detailed experience, a deluxe tour includes visits to various processing areas and costs $40 per person.
Hula Daddy Kona Coffee
Offering stunning ocean views, Hula Daddy Kona Coffee combines breathtaking scenery with award-winning coffee. Visitors can join specialized tours to learn about unique coffee production techniques. The cost is $35 per person, and tours occur at 10:15 AM and noon on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
UCC Hawaii
UCC Hawaii extends an invitation to explore its 26-acre farm, which is part of one of Japan’s largest coffee companies. Free tours are available from 9 AM to 4:30 PM daily, or join one of their specialty tours, including a harvest tour for $30 and a roastmaster tour for $50, where guests can roast their own Kona coffee.
Where to Stay with a Coffee Twist
Consider staying at A Beautiful Edge of the World B&B, a hidden gem in a tropical neighborhood run by a coffee farmer. Guests can enjoy delicious breakfasts and comfortable rooms with ocean views. For a unique experience, Belle Vue Kona, located on a coffee plantation, offers helpful service and breathtaking views. Additionally, at Aloha Guest House, expect meticulously prepared breakfasts with estate-grown coffee and fruit sourced from their own trees.
A Bit of Culture While Traveling Through Coffee Country
As you travel through the coffee belt, you’ll notice a strong influence of Japanese culture, evident in local temples and restaurants. The Buddhist Daifukuji Soto Mission is a notable site where visitors are welcome to participate in zen meditation sessions and cultural events. For a taste of local cuisine, Teshima’s Restaurant offers delightful, family-run Japanese comfort food since the 1950s.
Plan Your Trip to the Big Island:
Explore these essential experiences to enhance your visit and support local-led ecotourism activities while discovering the stunning volcanic wonders of the Big Island.
