Do you want to get an inside look at just how your favorite brew comes to life? If so, you just need to take a trip to Kona Joe Coffee in the heart of Kailua-Kona. Well-known as the first trellised coffee plantation in the world, this little piece of paradise is home to 25 varieties of coffee. To see how they all get their start, you just have to sign up for a tour of their farm, roasting house, and beyond.
For the ultimate coffee-making experience, definitely sign up for the guided and roasted tour combo. This is the only place in America where you can roast your own coffee in a small, artisanal roastery. On the combined tour, you’ll start off your visit with a warm welcome from their knowledgeable agricultural specialist. After that, you get to kick back and relax with a cup of delicious coffee while you watch their introductory video.
Once you’re all energized up, it’s time to tour the farm. You’ll spend about 20 to 30 minutes walking amongst their Kona Typica coffee trees. Your guide will tell you all about their innovative trellis system that lets every last bean get perfectly sun-kissed in paradise. Then, as you gaze at the beautiful bright pink coffee cherries, your guide will tell you just what it takes to keep the plants thriving.
At the end of the farm tour, you’ll get the inside scoop on how they handpick and process the beans from each tree. Once you return to their roasting house, the roastmaster will take over as your guide. They will help you roast green beans to your perfect level of doneness and then package it up using their proprietary system. After the tour ends, you’ll get to take home a six-pound bag of your own special roast plus a branded mug.
Afterward, you’re welcome to browse the gift shop and even go back out to the farm for another self-guided tour. In the gift shop, you can find all their most popular coffee varieties, including Peaberry. They have many other awesome products as well, like chocolate-covered coffee beans, coffee spice rubs, and mugs.
Fan favorites on the menu include:
Estate Trellis Reserve
To experience the magic of 100% pure Kona beans, get the Estate Trellis Reserve. You can buy a ½ pound bag just to sample the flavors or go all out with five whole pounds of deliciousness. They offer several grinds, too, made for brewing in espresso machines, French presses, and other devices.
Chocolate-Covered Kona
If you spot their Jammers in stock, definitely jump at the chance to get a bag (or three!). These delightful treats feature Kona beans surrounded in a luscious layer of rich dark or white chocolate. If you cannot decide between the two, get the mixed bag for both white and dark chocolate goodness.
The Original Coffee Rub
You can take all your meals to the next level with a little sprinkle of The Original Coffee Rub. This spice blend features bright coffee flavors mixed with onion, tomato, garlic, paprika, and so much more. Put it on your fish, chicken, beef, or pork, and then add it to your veggies for an extra bold kick.
Although the plantation is all about coffee, Kona Joe’s wife, Deepa, still continues the artistic pursuits that filled her days prior to farm life. You can find many of her works in the gift shop, although they come and go like the tides. The beauty of Hawaii echoes through every painting, serving as a wonderful memento of your trip to the Big Island.
Insider Tips:
-Don’t want to lug your coffee home? Just ask them to ship it to your doorstep for an extra fee.
-If you don’t have a lot of time, go on the free self-guided tour at your leisure. Then, pop over to the gift shop for souvenirs galore.
-They do not offer refunds on their tours, and you must use your purchase within 180 days.