Kauai Coffee Company FAQs
At Kauai Coffee Company we take great pride in what we do and the 100% Hawaiian coffees we produce. We are always eager to share our passion and knowledge. Here is a short list of answers to the questions we are most frequently asked. If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to email us at info@kauaicoffee.com
What makes Estate Reserve coffee different from 100% Kauai Coffee?
Each year approximately 5% of Kauai Coffee Company’s crop is selected to become one of our premier Estate Reserve coffees. These coffees are available exclusively to our Coffee Club Members, our Visitor Center or in very limited quantities at our online store.
Do you offer tours?
Yes, we have a paid guided tour, “Coffee on the Brain.” The cost is $25 per person. We also offer a complimentary self-guided walking tour that covers the coffee-growing, harvesting and roasting processes here at Kauai Coffee Company. Plus, there are video tours and friendly staff on hand to answer all your questions!
How long have you been growing coffee?
Kauai Coffee Company began planting coffee trees in 1987. Formerly McBryde Sugar, we have been farming this land since the late 1800s.
Is all of your coffee of 100% Hawaiian origin?
The majority of our coffee sold at the Visitor Center, on our website and on the island of Hawaii is 100% Hawaiian. However, we do sell some products that use a blend of Hawaiian and foreign origin coffee beans. Our products that are 100% Hawaiian coffee will be marked on the packaging. All other products are a blend.
How many varieties of coffee beans do you grow?
We have five varieties of Arabica coffee beans: Yellow Catuai (Brazilian seed), Red Catuai (Brazilian seed), Typica (Guatemalan seed), Blue Mountain (Jamaican seed), and Mundo Novo (Central American seed).
What is the difference between Kauai Coffee and Kona Coffee?
Kauai Coffee is generally less acidic with broader flavor profiles than its cousin bean from Kona (a geographical distinction on the Big Island of Hawaii). Also, as a product grown on a single estate, Kauai Coffee has a natural consistency that you can count on year after year, cup after cup!
What varietal of coffee do you recommend for people who have a sensitive stomach to the acidity that is in most coffees?
Normally, acidity refers to how the flavors are perceived across a person’s palate, but many people are interested in a different kind of coffee acidity — the type that affects the stomach. Because our varietals have less acidity than other beans, Kauai Coffee is generally softer on the stomach. For those coffee lovers with a sensitive stomach, we recommend our medium-roasted Estate Reserve products and our Swiss Water decaffeinated coffee, which have great body and all-around smoothness.
Are you part of the Fair Trade Movement?
Being a 100% USA product, Kauai Coffee Company is not part of the Fair Trade Movement. All of our coffee is grown under working conditions that are held to the same standards as the rest of the United States. The employees of Kauai Coffee Company have the distinction of being amongst the highest paid coffee workers in the world. Our employees receive a full range of benefits, including medical, dental and retirement benefits for themselves and their families.
All of our 100% Hawaiian coffee is traceable to its orchard of origin on our farm. All of our coffee is “cupped” at 3 different stages of production to ensure the highest quality and consistency. Samples are cupped from, (1) each dryer batch of coffee produced, (2) each lot of coffee that is “milled” and, (3) each roasting and packaging run.
Our coffee is inspected and double-graded first by us, then by the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture to certify grade quality and origin.
How does Kauai Coffee Company maintain its consistently high quality standards?
All of our 100% Hawaiian coffee is traced to its exact point of origin. Our coffee is double-graded and inspected twice, first by us, then by the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture to certify grade and origin.
Do you use GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)?
No. Kauai Coffee Company is proud to say it does not use GMOs at all.
