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Coffee
Kona Coffee - The coffee industry in the state, has centered around the Kona district of the Island of Hawaii since the turn of the century. Its favorable climate characterized by a cool short dry period followed by rainy period with rainfall gradually increasing as crop matures and a decline as the harvesting season approaches and again followed by a dry period makes the Kona district an ideal location for growing coffee. The coffee belt in Kona is the narrow belt of land approximately two miles wide running parallel to the ocean from 700 feet above sea level to 2,000 feet elevation. There are about 650 farms cultivating coffee on the western slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualalai mountains in the Kona district. The typical size of a Kona coffee farm is 3 acres. Kona coffee represents approximately 95% of the coffees produced on the island. There are about 3,500 acres of land utilized in Kona coffee farming, producing about 3.8 million pounds a year, valued at about $14 million. Kona coffee is one of the top gourmet coffees in the world due to its aroma, mellowness and full-bodied flavor. There are coffee farms and mills open to visitors in Kona, some of which serve complimentary coffee. Kona coffee is available through retail outlets. Ka'u Coffee - Commercial coffee production in Kau started after the sugar plantation closed down in 1996. Two coffee growers cooperatives were established to initiate coffee farming in former sugarcane lands in Ka'u particularly in the Pahala area. There are approximately 330 acres of coffee farmed by the coop members in Cloudrest located in Moa`ula at 2,000 and 2,500 feet elevation, producing about 400,000 pounds of green coffee per year, valued at about $2 million. The coop's production represent about 90% of the coffees produced in Ka'u. Another area that grows Ka'u coffee is Wood Valley. The typical size of a Ka'u coffee farm is 5 acres. Ka'u coffee is exceptional, with a floral bouquet, distinctive aroma and very smooth taste. Ka'u coffee is available in farmer's market, local retail stores, internet and processors. Puna Coffee - In mid 1800, commercial production of coffee was most prevalent in Puna area where over 6000 acres of coffee were grown between Keaau and Glenwood areas. When the Puna Sugar Plantation was established on the island, the coffee fields were plowed under and were replaced with sugarcane. After the decline of sugar plantations in Puna, some farmers began farming coffee again in small acreage for over 15 years. Most of the producing coffee farms are located in Hawaiian Acres. There are approximately 125 acres of coffee grown in Puna between1,000 and 2,500 feet elevation, producing about 50,000 pounds of cherry a year, which is an equivalent of about 10,000 pounds of roasted coffee. The typical size of a Puna coffee farm is 3 acres. Coffee has started to become popular again as an alternative crop in Puna. Puna coffee is an outstanding coffee with very full-body, heavy, with nutty overtones. It is reminiscent of some finer moccas when roasted to a medium. Puna coffee is available in farmer's market, local retail stores, internet and processors. Hamakua Coffee - In mid 1800, a missionary brought coffee plants and seeds to families that he visited during his missions along the Hamakua Coast. This started the establishment of small coffee plantings in the small villages along the coastal valleys, where the "wild" coffee remains to this day in Hamakua. In late 1800, the introduction of Guatamalan coffee cultivars started the large coffee plantations in Hamakua. The coffee plantations were concentrated in Kukaiau, Honokaa, Paauilo Mauka and Pohakea areas. The largest coffee plantation at that time was in Pohakea with over 1,000 acres and was owned by Lewison Brothers. The great Hamakua forest fire in 1901 destroyed most of the coffee plantations in Kukaiau. In the 1950s, when the market of coffee continues to decline, lands that were in coffee plantations were converted into pastures. Only some small private farms and the "wild" coffees remained. The closure of the sugar plantation in Hamakua in 1994 re-ignited the interest of growing coffee in Hamakua as an alternative crop for sugarcane lands. In October 2000, 13 farmers in Hamakua restarted the coffee production in Hamakua. There are approximately 150 acres of coffee planted along Hamakua coast between 350 to 2,000 feet elevation. The typical size farm is between 5 to 7 acres. Hamakua coffee has incredibly rich flavor with chocolaty-smooth finish. Hamakua coffee is available in farmer's market, local retail stores, internet and processors. COUNTY HOME PAGE | AGRICULTURE MAIN PAGE | RESOURCES Copyright © 1998. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. |
Hawaii is the only state in the nation
where coffee is grown commercially. In early 1800, coffee plantings on the
island of Hawaii were started in the Kona and Hilo area. Coffees grew
satisfactorily in the Hilo area and exceptionally well in Kona, particularly
around Kealakekua. In late 1800 was a boom period for coffee cultivation on
the island. The collapse of the world coffee market in 1899 shifted the Kona
coffee industry from plantation cultivation to individual or family
operations and in other parts of the island, coffee lands were converted to
sugar production.