How to choose Hawaii coffee

Make it a Tall Liquid Gold – With or Without the Cream and Sugar

Just as Long as it’s Hawaiian

I admit it, proudly actually, I’m a coffee snob.  Let’s make that more exact – a Hawaiian coffee snob.  Since coming here and being introduced to local coffee, I’ve never been able to drink anything else, even taking a supply with me on my two trips to the mainland because I just can’t go back to Maxwell House  :/ .  

I have seen many a visitor stand in front of a grocery display showing a multitude of coffee brands, all identified as “Hawaiian”, not knowing which one to buy to either try or take home.  I did the same thing.  But I have the advantage of time… time to try each one of them and establish favorites.  I will not be addressing famous Kona coffee per se here this time… there’s enough about just  that for its own post soon.   Although, yes I do love Kona coffee, but  there are coffees from each island that are wonderful and worth talking about.  Today’s post will give some guidance to coffee drinkers so they can best experience one of Hawaii’s most amazing products.

These are easy to find in stores, reasonably good for the price and
the one second to left is a staple in my pantry!

First, some basics:  Read the label carefully!  Because of a snag in the law, coffee companies can use the name “Kona” on the label or in the name even if it contains just 10% genuine Kona beans mixed with 90% of whatever else they want to use (from Hawaii or not).  This is not going to taste like real Kona coffee.  

Along that line, I’ve heard people say “oh, but Kona coffee is too strong!”.  Actually, what you have to be concerned about the type of roast.  That ‘strong’ coffee you are drinking is most likely a dark roast, which clearly has a deeper flavor (but actually contains less caffeine).  Coffee growers themselves have told me that medium roast is best for black coffee drinkers, while Dark Roast is good for cream/sugar users.  So look for that on your label also.  

Enjoy a cup of local coffee on the lanai on your Hawaii vacation. Call 1-800-843-8771 to talk with agents in Hawaii.

Coffee is grown on the major islands of the state, so no matter which one you are on, you are going to find a local brand that can be just as wonderful as “Kona”.  Don’t think that only the Big Island can deliver the top goods.  

(on left) True gold from Kona grower – $$$ but amazing. Buy it online. (on right) My FAV! Available via mail-order coffee club: free shipping, $$, & great service.
My best cup of coffee ever.

It’s true in the coffee world as in most worlds, you get what you pay for.  75% of the local coffee bags on the shelves in Hawaii’s grocery and drug stores are less than $10 a 6 – 8oz bag.  Those <$5 a bag coffees are going to taste like one.   On a coffee plantation, their ‘good stuff’ is going to cost you $30 – $40 per 8oz  bag.  And just like fine wine, it’s going to be that much more delicious.  I vehemently recommend that you do spend a little more to get the taste that will make you a believer, and bypass those cheaper bags.   But believe me, I understand budget.  The pictures in this blog are my personal recommendations, coffees that I drink, can afford, and completely enjoy.  These are not posted in any order, but there is a favorite amongst them. 

PS:  not pictured but highly recommended:  Costco’s bags of Kauai’i and Kona coffees ( $10 – $20) – these come from  local growers, packaged for sale at this discount mart, and very worth a trip into this store. Not available on the mainland.

Posted by Katherine Finch.  Follow me on Twitter @Kfinches

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: Hawaii Shopping Tips,Hawaiiana,How to Hawaii

December 11th, 2010