The Heart of Kona Coffee
Explore Holualoa in Hawaii - Where You Will Find Taste and Beauty
Oct 12, 2008
In recent years, Holualoa, Hawaii, has been attracting crowds, not for the aforementioned reasons, but for something far more aromatic. The city of Holualoa is famous for its production of Kona coffee, and many of the over 600 farms and mills in the area are now open to the public for private tours.
A Quick Drive and a Beautiful View
The stretch of land that produces the legendary Kona coffee is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The fertile ground that is home to the coffee country is a 20 mile corridor of volcanic soil set along the western slopes of Mauna Loa. The altitude, combined with the rainfall and soil make this an ideal spot for growing coffee beans. From Highway 180 south, which runs through this gorgeous region, one can look up onto the mountain and down over the Kona coast. With altitudes ranging from 800 to 2,000 feet above sea level and constant cloud cover, the area is cooler than the rest of the island, so remember to bring a light jacket.
Design Your Own Self-Guided Tour
Starting out on a self-guided tour of the region, it is recommended begin your journey driving south on Hwy 180, just past the village of Holualoa. The Kona Coffee Living History Farm is a great place to head for a map, directions, and basic information on the region and its history. One of the best places to stop is Ueshima Coffee Company. Here, not only can you tour the farm, and sample the coffee, if you take the Roastmaster tour you have the chance to try your hand at roasting your own unique blend. Guides help you in regards to different techniques and methods, and at the end you can even create a label for your special brew. The Royal Kona Museum and Coffee Mill gives visitors a look at the history of the Kona coffee belt and also provides delicious free samples! Island Lava Java, famous for their breakfasts, offers not only a great view of the water, but also some of the best food and coffee along the strip.
Many of the farms are all natural and organic, contributing to the production of such fine blends. Touring this region is truly an enjoyable experience, in part because of the tasty samples and in part because of the beautiful scenery and interesting history of the area.
For a deeper look at the history of Kona Coffee, visit the Kona Historical Society.
