Hawaiian Coffee Flavor Description Grind Characteristics Processing Method Taste Manor Price Introduction

Hawaii is the largest island in the Hawaiian Islands, so it is also called the Big Island. Kona coffee is grown in the west and south of Kona area of Hawaii Island. Coffee trees are spread all over the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa, which are 150 meters to 750 meters above sea level, which is suitable for coffee growth.

The excellent quality of Kona coffee is due to its location and climate. Coffee trees grow on the slopes of volcanoes, and their geographical location ensures the altitude required for coffee growth; the dark volcanic ash soil provides the minerals needed for coffee growth; the climatic conditions are very suitable, and the sun gently passes through the air filled with moisture in the morning. In the afternoon, the mountains become more humid and foggy, and the clouds in the air are natural umbrellas for coffee trees. At night, they become clear and cool, but no frost falls. Natural conditions have allowed the average yield of Kona coffee to be very high, reaching 2240 kilograms per hectare, compared with 600 to 900 kilograms per hectare in Latin America.

In 1813, a Spaniard first planted coffee in Oahu's Manoa Valley, which today is the main campus of the University of Hawaii. In 1825, an English agriculturist named John Wilkinson transplanted coffee seeds from Brazil to the coffee plantation of Chief Birch on Oahu. Three years later, an American missionary named Samuel Reverend Ruggles brought branches from Chief Birch's coffee tree to Kona. The coffee is a descendant of the Arabica coffee tree originally grown in the Ethiopian highlands, and Kona coffee continues its noble and ancient lineage to this day

Although Hawaii is often affected by tornadoes, the climate conditions are ideal for coffee growing. There is plenty of rain and sunshine here, and there is no worry about frost. In addition, there is a strange natural phenomenon called "free shade." On most days, around 2 p.m., white clouds appear in the sky, providing the coffee trees with the shade they need. In fact, it is the natural conditions that make Kona produce more Arabica coffee than any other plantation in the world, and maintain a high quality, unique growth and climate to create a stronger coffee flavor. For example, coffee yields 560- 900 kg/ha in Latin America and 2240 kg/ha in Kona.

Unfortunately for coffee fans, only about 1400 hectares produce Kona coffee. And because of Hawaii's high income levels and high tourist numbers, Kona coffee is so expensive that even "konablend"(no more than 5% kona) is sold. Neighboring islands such as maui, kauai and molokai have also begun growing coffee commercially in recent years.

Hawaii's coffee industry has to compete for space with expanding tourism. Most coffee is grown on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Mauna Loa was originally a volcano located in the western part of the Kona region of Hawaii. The length of the coffee producing area is about 30 kilometers, and its cultivation area is mainly concentrated in the north and south of the area. Coffee trees are grown in relatively inhospitable areas, but the soil is fertile and contains volcanic ash. Although it takes a lot of physical effort to start growing and is difficult to manage, it is comforting to note that coffee trees in Kona (at least those growing above 90 metres above sea level) seem to be immune to any pests and diseases