Why is Kona Coffee Special
Often times we are asked “What makes Kona coffee so special?’’ Of course, we are a bit biased…we are Kona Coffee Farmers, after all. But it is actually, a very distinguished cup of coffee. Kona Coffee is world-renowned. It grows exclusively on the slopes of Mauna Loa and Hualalai (two of 5 shield volcanoes here on the Big Island) along the Kona Coffee belt.
Coffee cherry fruit at various stages of ripeness.
The Kona coffee belt has the perfect growing conditions for coffee. There is plenty of sunshine with perfect temps around 70F certainly not below 55F. Most afternoons, a cloud cover comes off the volcanoes (almost like clockwork) offering a dose of protection from the sun combined with a good amount of regular rain the trees stay well irrigated by mother nature. The fertile, porous, mineral-rich soil with good drainage keeps plant roots happy.
Afternoon clouds rolling off Hualalai
In addition to where it grows, most farms are relatively small compared to other agriculture crops, making best plant health and nutrition practices manageable. Throughout each stage of coffee production, Kona Coffee farmers take the utmost care of their crops with meticulous fruit selection, hand-picked at peak the fruits peak ripeness and in the processing & milling of the bean.
Taste of Hawai’i in a cup
Like fine Napa Valley wine, the microclimate and meticulous processing of the beans is what gives Kona coffee its distinguished taste. Brew yourself some Monarch ‘Ōpio coffee for the taste of Hawai’i in a cup.
