Best Coffee Shops on Big Island, Hawai’i
Kona coffee grown on Big Island, Hawai’i is one of the world’s most sought-after beans. Known for its rich volcanic soil, and optimal altitude, this island produces coffee that’s renowned for its rich flavor and exceptional quality. The Kona region has the perfect dry and temperate climate for growing flavorful coffee beans. But don’t be deterred if you stumble upon delicious coffee from other regions on Big Island as they too have also won awards in recent years. No matter what side of the island you’re on, you’re guaranteed to find a good local coffee shop that will meet the needs of any coffee- lover.
Best Coffee Shops in Kona
HiCO’s Kailua-Kona Cafe
HiCO Hawaiian Coffee is a popular coffee shop with locations in Kona and south Kona, known for its signature ube latte, and dedication to serving 100% Hawaiian-grown coffee. The ube latte is a must-try for anyone visiting the area and they even offer ube cold foam which is a great topper to any of their drinks. Most coffee shops use commercial syrups that are full of artificial flavors and chemicals that alter the taste of the entire drink instead of complimenting the coffee bean. HiCO makes all their syrups in-house with natural ingredients making their lattes extra tasty and unique.
Two Locations- Kailua-Kona & South Kona
Arise cafe in Kona seamlessly executes cafe culture and the food + coffee rise far above the aesthetic. They use local ingredients in their food and coffee making them one of the best spots for breakfast in the Kailua-Kona area. They are a family-run cafe serving fresh baked goods and sandwiches on homemade sourdough bread. They also serve refreshing smoothie bowls using regional and seasonal fruit.
Location- Kailua-Kona
Nestled in the charming hillside town of Holualoa, this pop-up cafe serves well-crafted coffee combinations. They create their own flavors to pair with your coffee, such as lavender sage, haupia whip topping, and seasonal items like the kabocha squash latte (their take on a pumpkin spice latte). Once you have a homemade pumpkin-themed latte you can’t go back to the artificial syrups. Their coffee beans are either 100% Kau or 100% Kona giving you two Big Island coffee varietals. They also cater special events if you’re looking for a coffee pop-up experience for your guests. White Nene partners with local legends like Sundog Bakery, so their pastry selection pairs perfectly with your coffee. Be sure to also peruse this adorable town of Holualoa afterwards which sits on the slopes of the dormant volcano, Hualalai.
Location- Holualoa
Kaya’s Kawanui
Kaya’s Kawanui is an organic coffee shop that offers vegetarian and vegan food options alongside 100% organic coffee. This cozy, no-frills cafe in a historic building is perfect for those looking for healthier menu options without sacrificing taste or quality. It’s also a great spot to meet south Kona locals who meet there to work or socialize. With a wide variety of delicious food items, including sandwiches, salads, and delicious pastries, Kaya’s Kawanui is sure to please both coffee lovers and health-conscious foodies. Don’t miss out on their Lavender Cardamom latte with Macadamia Nut Milk for a tasty local treat. If you're in the mood for sweets I can't recommend the lazy samoa or enough!
Location- Captain Cook
Best Coffee Shops in Hilo
Award-winning Puna region coffee makes Big Island Coffee Roasters one of the most well-known coffee companies for a reason. Their commitment to preserving the land and maintaining high-quality beans shows through their new cafe and coffee products. This roastery has been in business since 2013, sending coffee products across the nation and growing a cult-like following. One of my favorite aspects is that they use locally grown products for their homemade syrups like puna cacao, and rum barrels from Oahu to age the beans. Founded by Kelleigh Stewart and Brandon von Damitz, Big Island Coffee Roasters offers a range of delicious coffee products, including Hawaiian Green coffee, and Ka’u coffee and delicious espresso bites.
Big Island Coffee Roasters has received numerous awards and recognition for its coffee, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a next-level cup in Hilo. An inspiring part of their story is that they bought a disheveled coffee plantation from a Craigslist ad and turned it into a healthy and successful farm with the goal of preserving the land and keeping Hawaiian coffee culture thriving. Their chocolate-covered espresso beans can be found in boutique markets throughout the island and make the perfect snack when you need a little extra caffeine!
At Vibe Cafe, you can try various coffee varieties from the Puna region of the Big Island. There's much more to this hidden gem than just stellar coffee, they've got a variety of vegan dishes that'll make even the most dedicated carnivores happy. Elixers and craft creations like the coconut rose latte are a great choice for a drink with your meal. They collaborate with local farmers to source fresh ingredients for their food, such as kabocha curry, sauteed local Hamakua mushrooms, and a portobello mushroom sandwich. If you're all about eating plant-based, then you've hit the jackpot.
Specializing in black drip coffee, Koana is dedicated to serving high-quality coffee made for the coffee purist. It’s the perfect stop to and from Volcano National Park due to its location on Highway 11 in Mountain View. They have created a cozy cafe that feels like you’re enjoying a warm cup in your own living room. This charming coffee shop sources its beans from local farms and roasts them in-house to ensure a fresh, simple, and flavorful cafe experience
Best Coffee Shops in Waimea
This neighborhood staple serves creamy delicious lattes amidst the pastures and rolling hills of this western-inspired town. Waimea Coffee Company is the epitome of a friendly coffee shop where you envision locals catching up with a friend over lattes. Surrounding the shop are other local stores you can visit while you wait for your order. Not only is the ambiance rustic and welcoming but the coffee is some of the best in town.
Arvos’ origin in Honolulu offers a stark contrast to their Waimea location with the same vision and standard. The modern interior makes it a great spot to relax and enjoy local avocado toast and specialty coffee. While you wait for your order, explore the neighboring record store or the retail shop inside the cafe. Homemade syrups pair perfectly with well-pulled espresso and the lavender flavor is my favorite!
Lean-To-Farm in Honokaa
Serving 100% Hamakua coffee, this is the best shop located in the charming town of Honokaa, just 30 minutes from Waimea. This homey cafe will make you feel right like a local. Not only do they grow all their coffee beans, but also their spices such as cocoa, nutmeg, clove, and vanilla. No trip to Waimea is complete without a stop in this historic town and be sure to visit Honokaa Chocolate and Harmoni Foods while you’re there.
Kona Coffee Farm Tours and Tastings
For a more immersive experience in the world of Big Island coffee, consider booking a tour to see the entire process of coffee production. These immersive experiences offer a behind-the-scenes look at the coffee-making process, from bean to cup, allowing you to learn about the unique growing conditions, harvesting techniques, and roasting processes that contribute to the exceptional taste of Kona coffee.
Don’t miss the opportunity to taste freshly roasted coffee, explore stunning coffee farms, and learn from passionate coffee experts during your visit to the Big Island.
There’s a plethora to choose from but here are the ones I feel are worth visiting:
Hala Tree Coffee - This 100% organic coffee farm is nestled in the hills of Kona overlooking the ocean. They have various tours from free farm tours to coffee brewing workshops for those wanting to learn how to brew your coffee at home.
Monarch Coffee- Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful slopes of Hualālai on your guided tour of this award-winning Kona Coffee farm. You can walk through the estate to see the growing process and sample coffee during the tour. You also have the option to work with a certified roaster to customize your coffee!
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation- This Kona coffee farm is unique on the island because it is located near a cloud forest and has self-guided lava tubes you can explore!
Sunshower Farms- This farm is much more off the beaten path but naturally results in a more intimate experience. The property boasts stunning views of the Kona coast and they are committed to sustainable farming practices and innovative roasting techniques.
Greenwell Farms- Offering free guided farm tours, the unique history of this farm is what makes this tour special. They also offer a deluxe tour giving you a more intimate experience.
Kona Coffee Living History- If you’re a history buff then this is the tour for you. It might feel like you are stepping back in time as you walk onto the property you will approach a century-old farmhouse and guides dressed in old garb.
History of Kona Coffee
There’s no denying that Kona’s coffee scene has a special quality. From quaint coffee shops like Arise in downtown Kona to coffee plantations like Greenwell Farms with over 85 acres, the Big Island is a coffee lover’s paradise. Coffee history here dates back to the 1800s where it was introduced from Brazil and didn’t reach commercial success until decades later due to competition from other agricultural products such as sugarcane and pineapple. Since then, Kona Coffee has earned its reputation for high-quality beans and a unique, earthy, sweet, fruity flavor profile that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
The exceptional taste and quality of Kona coffee can be attributed to the volcanic soil, elevation, and climate on Hawaii’s Big Island. The nutrient-rich soil, combined with the perfect elevation between 600 and 2500 feet, and a warm, humid climate, create the ideal conditions for growing coffee plants that produce delicious beans with a distinctive flavor. Temperatures here never stray much further than 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit and there is ample rainfall annually. The steep slopes of volcanos both dormant and active provide varying elevations to hone the perfect genetics. Coffee in Kona is almost completely hand-picked owing to the steep and rugged terrain that doesn’t allow for industrial-scale machine harvesting. Given its rich history and unique growing conditions, Kona naturally entices coffee enthusiasts and it will be so for many years to come.
Coffee Varieties on the Big Island
Big Island, Hawai’i is home to a plethora of coffee varieties, including the highly sought-after Peaberry and Gesha. The most well-known variety is Kona Typica, which boasts a mellow, subtle flavor with chocolate notes, a nutty aroma, and a medium body. Varieties can be grown in Ka’u, Puna, Kona, and Hamakua meaning plants can be found in almost every corner of the island!
FAQ
What's the big deal with Kona coffee?
Kona coffee is world-renowned for its superior quality, thanks to its nutrient-rich volcanic soil, hand-picking process, and the "Kona Typica" strain of Arabica beans grown in the small area (aka Kona Coffee Belt) of 30 miles of coastline. It's truly a labor of love!
Why is Kona coffee so expensive?
The rocky terrain of the Kona region in Hawaii makes harvesting difficult and labor-intensive, driving up the cost of Kona coffee. As a result, it is more expensive than other regions. Disease and drought can drive supply and most farmers abide by ethical working conditions making it a more expensive crop that supports the local population. These beans are worth the price!
Where can I buy Kona Coffee online?
Two great online shops providing great beans both ground and whole beans are:
I can’t speak highly enough of this local business
Kona Restoration Farm
I personally picked beans for this farm and can attest to the dedication and intention of the owner Johan who’s goal is to regenerate the soil and environment on his land to give back to the A’ina
Papaaloajoe
I love the fact that this farm produces not only coffee but other spices and goods that they highlight in their cafe
