Ultimate Guide to 100% Hawaiian Coffee

100% Hawaiian coffee is highly regarded and adored by coffee connoisseurs worldwide. Even though Hawaii is the only U.S. state with a thriving commercial coffee industry, Hawaiian-grown coffee is relatively scarce. Hawaiian-grown coffee has an annual production value of $50 million and is produced on 900 farms across the island chain. However, it only accounts for 0.05% of the global coffee market.

This rarity and the exceptional growing conditions in Hawaii make Hawaiian-grown coffee a bean worth knowing. This guide will help you learn about Hawaiian coffee. It will explain where it grows and how to buy it. Additionally, it will highlight the exceptional offerings we farm and roast at Kauai Coffee.

Hawaiian Coffee Origins

Coffee is not a native species to Hawaii. Spanish sailors introduced the plant to the islands in the late 1700s. In 1825, Chief Boki, Governor of Oahu, planted it in the Manoa Valley. Today there are unique coffee-growing regions or origins on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island.

When it comes to 100% Hawaiian coffee, most coffee drinkers think of Kona coffee first. However, Hawaiian coffee lovers know Kona is only part of the story. Kona does not refer to a variety of coffee but rather a growing region on the southwest side of the Big Island.

Much like tequila and champagne come from specific regions, Kona Coffee comes from the Kona coast of Hawaii. Coffee grown on the island of Kauai is known as Kauai Coffee. Kona and Kauai cultivate delicious and distinct 100% Hawaiian Coffee. Arabica coffee varieties, like Typica, Catuai, and Mundo Novo, are grown in both origins. If you love Kona Coffee, you will enjoy Kauai Coffee too!

Hawaiian Coffee Growing Conditions

With naturally nutrient-dense volcanic soil and the perfect mix of tropical sun, rain, and temperatures, it's no wonder coffee from Hawaii is exceptionally delicious and sought after. Kauai is geographically the oldest and fourth largest of the main Hawaiian Islands. The island has no active volcanoes, but where there were once volcanoes, there are now mountains and fertile volcanic soil.

Little is known about why volcanic soil affects agricultural products. For example, grapes grown in this soil produce exceptional wine. Similarly, coffee grown in volcanic soil also has distinct flavor attributes. Kauai's climate is tropical, with only slight fluctuations in temperature and humidity throughout the year. Located on the southwest shore of the Garden Island, the Kauai Coffee Estate receives optimal amounts of sunshine and rain year-round.

How to Buy Hawaiian Coffee

When it comes to trying and buying Hawaiian coffee, there are many options. Knowing what is inside every bag can be challenging with the numerous farms, packages, and labels on store shelves. However, here are a few terms to know and look for when shopping for Hawaiian coffee.

• 100% Kauai Coffee and 100% Hawaiian Coffee - when you see labels and packages with these statements, you can rest assured that every bean in the bag was grown within the state of Hawaii or a single geographic origin within the state. The best place to buy 100% Hawaiian coffee is directly from the farm, estate, or producer. You can only buy 100% Kauai Coffee from our website, Visitor Center, and most grocery stores in Hawaii. We ship worldwide from our online store and have several subscription options to ensure you're never low on aloha.
  
  
• 10-20% Hawaiian Coffee - because 100% Hawaiian coffee is a specialty product and relatively scarce, Hawaiian coffee blends are something you may see on your local grocery store shelf. Hawaiian coffee blends must contain at least 10% Hawaiian coffee and are an excellent option for coffee drinkers looking to add a little aloha to their morning cup. Kauai Coffee's 10% Hawaiian coffee blends and 20% Hawaiian coffee single-serve pods are available at grocery stores and select retailers nationwide.
  
  
• Rainforest Alliance Certified - The Rainforest Alliance certified seal stands for efficient farm management that reduces soil erosion, water use, pollution, and waste while protecting wildlife and reducing environmental and human health threats.
  
  
• Fair Trade Certified - Fair Trade Certified Goods provide safe working conditions and sustainable livelihoods while protecting the environment and giving back to the communities where coffee is cultivated.
  
  
• Non-GMO Project - Non-GMO Project verification has been the market's trusted seal for GMO avoidance for more than ten years. At Kauai Coffee, we harvest many unique coffee varietals on our 3,100-acre Kauai Farm; each plant is as authentic as nature intended.

Kauai Coffee

Kauai Coffee Company is an authentic Hawaiian coffee estate and Hawaii's largest coffee grower. We have been recognized as the Best Coffee Grower in Hawaii for nearly a decade in the HAWAII Magazine Readers' Choice Awards. We care for over 4 million coffee trees on 3,100 acres, making us the largest coffee grower in the United States too.

From growing the coffee to roasting and packaging, we employ sustainable, environmentally sound practices throughout every step of the process. Additionally, our 100% Kauai Coffee products have the unique distinction of being triple certified by all the above sustainability, social and environmental advocates.

Estate Reserve

For the Hawaiian coffee connoisseur, Kauai Coffee Estate Reserve coffee is 100% Kauai Coffee and the cream of the crop. Presented as estate-designated and single-coffee varietals, some of our most popular and highly rated offerings include Peaberry and Kauai Blue Mountain.

• Peaberry - Available in dark and medium roasts, this coffee is brimming with tropical sunshine and bright citrus flavor notes.
• Kauai Blue Mountain - A unique, well-balanced coffee with a malty flavor and fruity notes.
• Mundo Novo - Medium-bodied with a crisp, woody, bold flavor, and nutty undertones.
• Poipu Estate - Available in medium and espresso roast. Delicate but deep aroma, floral, with a well-rounded, full body that adds to the buttery mouthfeel.
• Kalaheo Estate - Rich aroma with nutty notes and sweet chocolate overtones
• Typica - Available in dark and medium roast, Typica is flavorful and well-balanced with a hint of tartness.
• Red Catuai - A mild to medium-bodied coffee, touched by a smooth, sweet finish and a hint of cardamom.
• Acaia - Smooth, frothy cup with flavor attributes of milk chocolate, mocha, and caramel
• Artisan Crafted - Exceptional small-batch, limited edition, and barrel-aged coffees

'Ohana Collection

Our 'ohana collection is Estate Reserve Kauai Coffee, with a story to tell. The exceptional coffee features artist-created characters on the labels, making them great gifts and Kauai souvenirs.

• Rooster Alarm – Flavor notes of rich dark chocolate and molasses, with a malty finish
• Big Braddah - Full-bodied with a soft side. Rich aroma with hints of sweet fruit with well-balanced acidity and a syrupy mouth feel.
• Auntie Aloha - Sweet floral notes of rose & jasmine with a finish of clove & anise.
• Kauai Sunrise - Combining dark and medium roasted beans gives this coffee an unmatched aroma.
• Polihale Sunset - Malty with subtle hints of cocoa and vanilla bean and bright acidity

Hawaiian Hula Collection

An authentic taste of aloha in our famous blue bag. 100% Hawaiian Coffee is roasted and delicately flavored to perfection by our Roastmasters.

• Estate Roast - One sip of our medium roast coffee will instantly transport you to paradise! Smooth, delicious, and bright with light floral notes
• Cold Brew - 100% Hawaiian Coffee ground and designed to be cold brewed.

Flavored Ground

• Hazelnut - Hawaiian Hazelnut coffee is a 100% Hawaiian ground coffee featuring a smooth, delicious flavor and vibrant and nutty aroma.
• Coconut Caramel Crunch - A combination of sweet, nutty caramel, tropical coconut, and medium-roasted beans makes this delectable coffee the perfect cup for any occasion.
• Vanilla Macadamia Nut - With all-natural flavoring, we combined vanilla beans with toasted macadamia nuts and 100% Hawaiian coffee beans for an authentic taste of Hawaii.
• Chocolate Macadamia Nut - We combined chocolate with toasted macadamia nuts and 100% Hawaiian coffee for an authentic taste of Hawaii.
• Toasty Banana Nut Cream - Delicious tropical banana flavor, creamy vanilla, and a hint of hazelnuts.
• Salted Caramel - The warm, sweet taste of luscious caramel with a hint of salt makes this the perfect morning or afternoon treat.
• Apple Cinnamon Malasada (seasonal) - A dessert lover's paradise! Lingering hints of apple pie, sprinkled with cinnamon, and subtle hints of malasadas (a Portuguese doughnut, and a favorite island dessert) make this coffee a true Hawaiian treat!
• Brewberry Crumble (seasonal) - With all-natural flavoring, we combined sweet and jammy berries with the flavor of freshly baked pastry for a coffee that will treat your tastebuds to breakfast in paradise.
• Chocolate Strawberry (seasonal) - this blend is a warm, sweet taste of rich strawberry jam with a hint of milk chocolate, makes this a perfect morning or afternoon dessert.
• Paradise Mango Twist (seasonal) - Combines a hint of mango with chocolate and vanilla notes, giving this coffee a unique flavor profile.
• Hawaiian Pumpkin Pie (seasonal) - this blend combines subtle notes of cinnamon, caramel, and pecan.
• Holiday Spice (seasonal) - hints of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are featured in this unique blend.
• Chocolate Mistletoe (seasonal) - this blend is rich and sweet, with a hint of minty goodness.
• Vanilla Cinnamon Graham Cracker (seasonal) - Like drinking a s'more but with vanilla instead of milk chocolate and a nutty aftertaste!

Decaf

• Estate Reserve Decaf - Decaffeinated with the Swiss Water Process.
• Estate Reserve Half Caff - Our Swiss Water Decaf and Yellow Catuai mixed for 1/2 the caffeine!
• Swiss Water Decaf Coconut Caramel Crunch - The taste of sweet, nutty caramel blended with tropical coconut, all without caffeine!
• Swiss Water Decaf Vanilla Macadamia Nut - The taste of vanilla beans and toasted macadamia nuts combined with 100% Hawaiian coffee and no caffeine.

Green Beans

100% Kauai Prime Whole Bean Coffee - Our Ready to Roast 100% Kauai Prime Whole Bean Coffee is high-quality, raw, unroasted coffee perfect for at-home or commercial coffee roasters!

Wrapping up

Kauai Coffee is 100% Hawaiian coffee at its finest. It is grown, roasted, and packaged with aloha from our 'ohana to yours. Order online or visit the Kauai Coffee Estate today!