The only coffee-growing region in the US.
The only coffee-growing region in the US. The Kona district on the Big Island is the most famous, counted among the world's three great coffees alongside Blue Mountain. Very high growing costs make it a rarity.
Hawaii is the only place in the United States where coffee is grown commercially, and Kona, on the Big Island, is its world-famous name. The microclimate created by volcanic slopes and afternoon cloud off the sea raises smooth, refined cups of nut, macadamia, gentle sweetness and citrus.
The Kona district on the west side of the Big Island spreads across the slopes of Hualālai and Mauna Loa at roughly 200–800m. Clear mornings give way to afternoon cloud — a natural parasol sometimes called "free shade" — ripening the cherry gently. Centered on the "Kona Typica" introduced in the 19th century, careful hand-picking and processing produce a clean, balanced flavor. Coffee also grows in Kaʻū to the south and on Maui.
As a US state, Hawaii carries high labor costs, and Kona is one of the most expensive coffees in the world. To protect that value, Hawaii enforces strict labeling: only Kona-grown coffee may be called "100% Kona." The "10% Kona blend" label — a little Kona mixed into cheap beans — has been argued over for years, emblematic of how hard brand protection is. Together with its fame as a destination, Kona is a rich case study in branding an origin.
Only specific areas on the western slope of Mt. Hualālai may call themselves 'Kona.' A mild, smooth cup with refined sweetness.
See Kona details →An emerging region in southern Big Island. A regular top performer at the US Cup of Excellence.
See Ka'ū details →Check stock and prices on each retailer. Links marked “PR” are affiliate links; a purchase may earn this site revenue.
Founded in 1991. A pioneer of Japanese specialty coffee whose founder has served as a Cup of Excellence international judge. An active direct-trade buyer handling top-quality lots from Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala and beyond.
A premium roaster specializing in rare, high-grade coffee such as Jamaica Blue Mountain and Hawaii Kona. Founder José Yoshiaki Kawashima, the "Coffee Hunter," visits farms worldwide to bring the finest lots to Japan.
A Kyoto-born global specialty brand. Owns its own farm in Kona, Hawaii, managing quality from the farm to the single cup. Internationally popular for its devotion to latte art and stylish shop design.
A long-established specialty house founded in Ibaraki in 1969. Owns its own farm in Colombia, managing everything from cultivation to roasting, and is famous for its eye for Blue Mountain and rare lots.
A taste-profile quiz pins down your preferences, then 3 coffees from 30+ partner roasters arrive monthly. A Japan No.1 subscription that suits beginners and experts alike.
A specialty green-bean platform buying directly from producers. Aimed at roasters and enthusiasts, with high transparency down to origin, farm and process.
A famed Osaka shop founded over 55 years ago. A "coffee appraiser" hand-picks the green beans, centered on medium-dark roasts for nel drip. Reliable, consistent quality.
Starting from flavors common to all of Hawaii (USA)’s regions, here are 3 similar regions from other countries.