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What is the Grading System for Hawaiian Coffee? Introduction to Hawaiian KONA Queen's Estate Coffee

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange For more coffee bean information Please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account cafe_style) Hawaii is the only coffee producing region located in a developed country. Although the altitude here is not high, the special island-type climate makes the quality of coffee produced here quite impressive. Coffee was first introduced during the reign of King Kamehameha, by the first Spanish advisor

For professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat Official Account: cafe_style).

Hawaii is the only coffee growing region located in a developed country. Although the altitude here is not high, the special island-type climate ensures that the coffee produced here is of high quality.

Coffee was first introduced to Hawaii in 1817 during the reign of King Kamehameha by Don Francisco de Paula Marin, the first Spanish advisor. However, the cultivation was not successful at that time. It wasn't until 1825 when Mayor Chie Boki of Oahu introduced coffee from Brazil and successfully planted it in Manoa Valley that coffee cultivation began across the islands.

Around 1828, Bourbon variety coffee was introduced to the Big Island. In 1836, large-scale cultivation began in Kauai. However, due to pests and diseases in 1858, all the coffee plants were wiped out, with only the KONA region on the Big Island surviving.

Hawaiian Queen Coffee Farm is located in the central coffee belt of Hawaii Island, boasting a 160-acre plantation. The farm hosts the Kona Cupping Competition on Hawaii Island every November. Hawaiian Queen Coffee Farm gained fame for winning second place in the large farm division in 2011 and 2012, followed by consecutive championships in 2013 and 2014, and third place in 2016.

Extra Fancy is the highest grade in Hawaii Kona coffee bean classification. Compared to other Kona coffee beans, Extra Fancy beans are brighter, more lustrous, and have a smoother mouthfeel with perfect balance, along with rich fruity sweetness. It is said to be ranked among the world's three major volcanic coffees alongside Jamaica Blue Mountain No. 1 and Panama Geisha.

The appearance features large, semi-circular beans, each very uniform, complete, with few defects or broken beans. The perfectly clean Hawaiian Kona Extra Fancy, with its unique tropical fruit aroma, is irreplaceable by other coffees.

Coffee Information

Country: United States

Region: Hawaii

Farm: Hawaiian Queen Coffee Farm

Variety: Typica

Altitude: 550-760 m

Grade: Extra Fancy

Processing: Washed, natural or machine drying

Flavor Profile: Melon, nectar, brown sugar, apple, vanilla, elegant floral notes, delicate acidity, excellent sweetness, full-bodied aroma.

Awards: Kona Cupping Competition - 2nd place (2011 & 2012), 1st place (2013 & 2014), 3rd place (2016); HCA Competition - 4th and 5th place (2017)

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