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Spilling the Beans about America’s Only Home-Grown Coffee
Lovers of fine java know Hawaii is one of the best places on earth where top-quality coffee beans can thrive. The temperatures and humidity levels and soil are conducive to ideal growing environments. There are a number of coffee farms in Hawaii that grow beloved Kona coffee beans and as with wines, you can tour some of these farms for tastings. In fact, when you’re in Hawaii, the best place to buy coffee is from a coffee farmer.
Growing Kona Coffee
Kona coffee trees are grown on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualalai on the west side of the Big Island. Hawaii is the only area in the United States with the right climate to grow coffee and indeed, it produces some of the best in the world. With its volcanic-rich soil and only 22 miles devoted to growing Kona coffee, it is considered one of the most sought-after commodities. Kona coffees feature silky smooth and mellow flavors with a distinct sweetness and strong aroma. The true balance in the cup is recognizable to coffee connoisseurs around the world.
Don’t paint all Kona beans with the same paint brush, though. The coffee belt in Hawaii is diverse in many ways and factors like elevation, rainfall and soil acidity and different varietals will play a major factor in taste.
Bees Help the Process
Kona Typica Trees are of the Arabica family and are self-pollinating. However, studies show when bees are present, they help boost the "fruit set" of the trees by 30%! About seven months after pollination, blossoms have transformed into ripe cherry-looking fruit and are ready for picking.
There are now more than a staggering 650 coffee farms of all sizes clustered along the 22 miles of scenic roads on the Hualalai and Mauna Loa slopes. Many farms offer tours and are most welcoming to travelers. The majority of coffee farmers belong to the Kona Coffee Farmers Association (KCFA) which provides education and resources to the public. Their website is konacoffeefarmers.org.
If visiting a coffee farm while in Hawaii is on your list, LVH will certainly arrange it! Whatever your desires are, we can fashion the perfect itinerary for you and your family while in Hawaii. We are limited only by your imagination. We invite you to reach out to one of our experienced client relations team members who will begin planning the most amazing time in Hawaii for you. Not only will you be staying in the most luxurious accommodations with 24/7 support and full services, but the memories you will be making are priceless!
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