Introduction to Hawaiian Coffee Bean Regions: Kona Coffee Flavor Profile and Starbucks Reserve Ka'u Coffee?

Although Kona coffee remains the most famous Hawaiian coffee export in history, it's undeniable that new coffee growing regions have emerged. As agricultural focus shifted from sugar to coffee, more and more small coffee farmers have appeared. Let FrontStreet Coffee introduce you to Hawaii's new coffee growing regions one by one!

Starting with Hawaii's Most Famous Coffee Growing Region

Kona

Although Hawaii only accounts for 0.04% of the world's coffee supply, Kona coffee is recognized worldwide. This is a testament to its quality and marketing.

Its name comes from the Kona district where it grows, which occupies most of the western half of the Big Island. Coffee farms cluster on the western slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualalai volcanoes at elevations between 500 and 3,000 feet. There are 900 coffee farms in an area about 30 miles long and 2 miles wide, known as the Kona Coffee Belt.

Sunny mornings, humid or cloudy afternoons, and mild nights characterize the region's climate. The volcanic soil is fertile, creating ideal coffee growing conditions.

FrontStreet Coffee currently only has one coffee bean from Hawaii, which is Hawaiian Kona coffee. The medium-roasted Kona's main characteristics are balanced, gentle nectar sweetness and elegant mouthfeel. Mulberry aroma will linger in your palate.

Ka'u

Ka'u coffee has floral notes, unique aromas, and a very smooth mouthfeel, making it Hawaii's "up-and-coming" coffee. In recent years, Ka'u Coffee has placed in the top ten at the cupping competition of the world's largest coffee event: the Specialty Coffee Association of America conference.

Once a famous sugar-producing region, it shifted to coffee after the sugar market collapsed. It's located southeast of Kona, on the southern slopes of Mauna Loa. Most coffee farms are small, under 5 acres, and situated between 1,000 and 2,500 feet.

Hamakua

Hamakua Coast is famous for its rolling hills and incredible scenic drives. The tropical slopes of Mauna Loa were once sugarcane country but are now slowly transforming into coffee country. Most coffee farms on the Hamakua Coast are small (average 5-7 acres), and berries are hand-picked. Hamakua coffee is said to have rich flavors with a chocolate-like smoothness. You can check for yourself.

Puna

Puna is the newest emerging coffee growing region on the Big Island of Hawaii, with significant untapped potential. There are 125 acres of cultivated land, all at elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 feet.

Puna is the wettest region on the island, with a relatively cool and cloudy climate. Most coffee here grows in lava, which gives it distinctive acidity, aroma, and body.

Maui

Maui has about 600 acres of coffee crops and produces even more diverse varieties. The reason behind this is that this coffee growing region in Hawaii has mountainous terrain and a range of microclimates. Farmers here are more experimental with bean varieties and processing techniques—helping the local coffee industry develop.

Maui's most famous variety is Maui Mokka. This heirloom crop gained worldwide recognition in 2012 when Starbucks featured it in its Special Reserve coffee series alongside thousands of other coffees.

Kauai

Kauai was the site of Hawaii's first commercial coffee plantation, and long before Kona became the focus, it remains the location of its largest single coffee farm. Notably, it's Hawaii's only coffee region that has not yet been affected by the coffee borer beetle.

This coffee growing region in Hawaii has a stable climate year-round with abundant sunshine and mild nights. Most Hawaiian coffee grows on the lower slopes of Mount Waialeale, where rainfall is plentiful. Runoff brings nutrients from mountain soil to the farms, fertilizing the coffee trees below.

Molokai

Molokai's coffee production consists of a large plantation growing the red Catuai Arabica variety. It occupies 150 acres in the island's Kualapu'u area and, like other parts of Hawaii, benefits from fertile volcanic soil and a stable climate.

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