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Are Hawaiian Coffee Varieties Arabica? A Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing Kona Coffee

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information at Coffee Workshop (WeChat official account: cafe_style). FrontStreet Coffee's Introduction to Hawaiian Kona Coffee: Hawaiian Kona coffee beans possess the most perfect appearance, with exceptionally full and glossy bright beans. The coffee features rich and aromatic flavors with cinnamon spice notes, and well-balanced moderate acidity. Hawaii

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FrontStreet Coffee - Hawaii Kona Coffee Introduction

Hawaii-grown Kona coffee beans possess the most perfect appearance, with exceptionally plump fruits and a bright, glossy surface. The coffee has a rich, aromatic flavor with cinnamon spice notes and well-balanced acidity. Hawaii coffee is the only premium variety produced among the 50 states of the United States, and naturally, the U.S. mainland is its largest market.

Kona coffee is cultivated on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano on the southwestern coast of Hawaii. In terms of flavor, Kona coffee beans are closer to Central American coffee rather than Indonesian coffee. Its average quality is very high, processed with great care, with medium body, pleasant acidity, and very rich flavors. Fresh Kona coffee is incredibly aromatic.

If you find your coffee too heavy, African coffee too acidic, or Central and South American coffee too bold, then "Kona" might be perfect for you. Kona is like a woman walking out of the Hawaiian sunshine and gentle breeze - fresh and natural.

Kona coffee beans have uniform and neat appearance, with strong acidity and sweetness, and a smooth, mellow mouthfeel. Because they grow on volcanic soil and receive high-density artificial cultivation, each bean can be described as a pampered "noble lady" - beautiful, plump, with baby-like delicate texture.

Although Hawaii is often affected by tornadoes, the climate conditions are indeed very suitable for coffee cultivation. There is abundant rainfall and sunshine, with no worries about frost damage. Additionally, there is a peculiar natural phenomenon known as "free shade."

On most days, around 2 PM in the afternoon, clouds appear in the sky, providing necessary shade for the coffee trees. It is actually these superior natural conditions that make the Arabica coffee yield in the Kona region higher than any other plantation in the world, while maintaining consistently high quality. The unique growth and climate environment create a more intense coffee flavor.

Flavor Profile

Smooth, richly aromatic, with enticing nutty fragrance.

Pour-over Parameters

Kono dripper, grind size BG-6W, water temperature 87°C, three-stage extraction.

First, bloom 30g of coffee grounds for 30 seconds, start timing when water injection begins. Then perform the second pour to 125g and stop. Wait for the water level to drop until it's about to expose the coffee bed, then perform the third pour to 225g and stop. Wait for the water level to drop until it's about to expose the coffee bed, then remove the dripper. Extraction time: 1 minute 50 seconds.

In Brief

FrontStreet Coffee is a coffee research hall dedicated to sharing coffee knowledge with everyone. We share without reservation just to help more friends fall in love with coffee. Every month, there are three coffee promotion events with significant discounts. This is because FrontStreet Coffee wants to let more friends enjoy the best coffee at the lowest possible price. This has been FrontStreet Coffee's mission for the past 6 years!