A trip to the Island of Hawaiʻi isn’t complete without touring and learning about one of the island’s most unique industries — coffee. Hawaiʻi is the only state in the country that grows coffee, so get your jitters on and check out some of these not-to-miss coffee tours.
Kona View Coffee Farm
Located on three acres of land on the volcanic slopes of Hualalai, the elevation and soil at Kona View Coffee Farm is ideal for producing the infamous Kona Coffee. The farm harvests their coffee cherries from August through December, making only 100% Kona Coffee. Known for their unique, single-origin espresso called “Sweet Waves,” the blend utilizes three different roasts with varying flavors to create a rare and complex cup of coffee. All their coffee is roasted on-site, and they roast to order any day of the week.
Visit Kona View Coffee online at www.konaviewcoffee.com.
UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Estate
UCC Hawaii Kona Coffee Estate lies at the foot of Mt. Hualalai on the west side of the Big Island, approximately 30 minutes from Kona International Airport. Open daily from 9:00 to 4:30 (Tour hour: 9:30-3:00). Our free estate tour provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about how coffee is grown in Kona. Or create your own private coffee label and custom roast for a truly distinct signature coffee of your own. You can try your hand at the century-old craft of coffee roasting and roast your “one of a kind” private reserve. ($45.00~/person)
Call us at 1-808-322-3789 or visit www.ucc-hawaii.com for your reservation.
Greenwell Farms
As one of the largest and oldest coffee producers in Kona, Greenwell Farms is proud to celebrate its history and spread the spirit of aloha. Offering farm tours daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Greenwell Farms provides educational and immersive opportunities for visitors and families. Check out coffee harvesting season with a group tour or take a personal walking tour of the coffee fields and processing facilities. Learn about the steps we take to produce top-quality 100% Kona Coffee and enjoy free samples at our onsite store, which offers a variety of coffee products and Hawaiian goods. From premier Kona coffee and decadent chocolates to organic Hawaiian honey, Greenwell Farms offers a taste of the islands with an abundance of unique, local goods.
Visit Greenwell Farms online at greenwellfarms.com.
Heavenly Hawaiian Farms
High on the slopes of Holualoa in the heart of Kona, Heavenly Hawaiian coffee grows, processes, and roasts three varieties of 100% Kona coffee: Heavenly Hawaiian Farm, The Other Farm, and Big Bean Reserve. Since 2000, Heavenly Hawaiian’s three varieties have been earning awards including First Place winner in the Kona coffee division of the Hawaii Coffee Association’s Cupping Contest. Farm tours are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. See the farm, experience the milling and drying process, and finish up by sampling award-winning coffee and candy!
Visit Heavenly Hawaiian Farms online at heavenlyhawaiian.com.
Pacific Coffee Research
For visitors wanting to attend “coffee college,” the Pacific Coffee Research is a training campus for coffee education. Located in South Kona in the middle of coffee country, they offer specialty coffee classes and workshops for visitors at all levels of experience. Classes and workshops are for beginners to professionals and include topics such as pour-over skills, coffee tasting, espresso skills, and home roasting basics.
Visit Pacific Coffee Research online at pacificcoffeeresearch.com.
Keoki’s Roadside Café
Not a coffee farm, but a great place to stop for delicious Kona coffee and some famous ono fish and chips, Keoki’s Roadside Café is the place. Hawaiʻi Island residents drive for hours to indulge in Keoki’s Ono Fish and Chips served up with a big side of aloha. With hot coffee, tasty food, outdoor seating, and good service, it’s the perfect stop on any coffee tour itinerary.
See Keoki’s Roadside Café menu here.
Kau Coffee Mill
Kaʻu Coffee Mill offers their free “Seed to Cup” farm tours daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Tours last approximately 30 minutes and cover the history of Kaʻu from the sugar plantation era to today’s thriving coffee industry. Visitors will tour the roasting room and get to experience and taste a variety of Kaʻu coffees. The gift shop offers a variety of coffee-related products for purchase.
Visit Kau Coffee Mill online at kaucoffeemill.com.
Big Island Coffee Roasters
Take a farm tour with Big Island Coffee Roasters to learn the process of coffee production from farm to cup. Beginning in the field and finishing in the roastery, visitors will learn how boutique coffees are made. See several varieties of coffee trees while strolling the farm’s artisan pulping, drying and milling process. Learn the importance of grading coffee and how grade names can be deceiving to the consumer. The coffee tour is $30 for up to 6 people and $10 for each additional person. Send an email to April@bigislandcoffeeroasters.com to schedule your tour.
Visit Big Island Coffee Roasters online at bigislandcoffeeroasters.com.
See also: Take a Kona Coffee Driving Tour and Taste Kona Coffee All Day Long!
