A Taste of Hawaii: The 6 Best Kona Coffee Brands to Try

Looking for best Kona Coffee beans? Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or an amateur coffee drinker, Kona is a coffee bean you want to be familiar with. 

If you’re a coffee snob to any degree, you’ve likely heard of this gourmet bean. If this is not the case, no fear, as I am about to take you on a tour of everything you need to know about the history, production, and—of course—consumption of Kona coffee.

When diving into the world of Kona Coffee, the first thing you want to know about is the growth process and production of this particular bean. Perhaps, the most important characteristic of the Kona coffee is the fact that the beans are grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil that provides some of the most ideal growing conditions for coffee in the world.

Coffee plants grown in what is known as the “Kona Coffee Belt” on the Big Island of Hawaii are subject to a near perfect combination of sunlight, humidity, and rainfall. These unique weather conditions coupled with the rich soil combine to create a coffee-growing oasis.

The result is a rich and distinctly fragrant brew. While the exact flavor varies according to brand, the best Kona coffee is typically smooth, medium in body, with a subtle chocolatey flavor and earthy undertones. It has a robust taste, but often a mellow or even nutty aftertaste instead of the bitterness commonly associated with stronger coffees.

Kona coffee has a rich history comparable to the rich soil it is grown in.

The story of Kona begins in 1823 when Hawaii’s King Kamehameha II traveled to England with his wife and Oahu’s governor, Chief Boki. Sadly, both the King and his wife became ill with the measles while in England and died before they were able to return home. Chief Boki sailed back Hawaii, stopping in Brazil on his return journey. There, he snatched up some coffee plants and brought them back to the islands. In 1828, a man by the name of Samuel Reverend Ruggles brought coffee to the Kona districts of Hawaii, where the plants prospered. From the 1850s to the 1880s several Kona coffee plantations were established, several of which are still in business today. Many Kona coffee farms are family owned & operated and have been passed down for generations.

For a complete history of Kona Coffee, spanning the discovery of Kona in 1823 to the contemporary producers of today, check out this video:

Kona coffee has a fabulous reputation for quality. A Kona coffee bean that is grown and roasted according to traditional standards of Kona production is often considered by coffee experts to be one of the most delicious coffees on the planet. Additionally, many Kona coffee farms have been in business for over a century. These farms are often family-operated and value ethical business practices and provide a quality environment for laborers.

As I mentioned, Kona coffee is grown in the most ideal of conditions. The Kona coffee belt provides 1.) a perfect balance of shade and sunlight, 2.) a rotation of rainfall, fog, and sea breeze that provides the plants with an appropriate amount of moisture and 3.) a youthful nutrient-rich volcanic soil type.

The result is a high quality coffee bean that is incredibly versatile. Kona can be successfully brewed in a variety of ways. It can be finely ground and used to make a flavorful latte. Submerge Kona coffee grounds in cold water overnight for a rich and robust cold brew coffee. Or, my personal favorite, use your French press to brew the perfect cup of warm, black Kona coffee to start your day.

The Kona classification and grading system was developed in the late 1980s by the Hawaii Agriculture Society to ensure that Kona coffee was not being fraudulently advertised and sold. The Kona Coffee Farmers Association continues to ensure these standards and protect legitimate Kona coffee farmers.

Kona beans are classified as Type I or Type II. Type I refers to a cherry with two beans and Type II refers to a cherry with one bean. Only five percent of Kona beans are Type II, also known as “peaberries”. Peaberries produce a richer flavor, making them the crème de la crème of coffee beans.

There are several grades of Kona coffee. The grading scale for Kona coffee considers size, weight, moisture content, and number of defects. Unsurprisingly, beans with less defects = better coffee = better grade.

The five grades of Kona coffee are (in descending order of quality):

“Kona Extra Fancy” is the mark of the highest quality Kona bean, characterized as the largest beans with a superior flavor. “Kona Prime” is the lowest quality Kona bean on the market. A “Kona Prime” rating means that these are the smallest beans and are up to 20% defective.

Kona blends are everywhere.

Brands can still use the Kona label as long as the beans are at least 10% authentic Kona coffee. If you are unaware of this legal loophole, it is easy to accidentally purchase a Kona blend while thinking you’re getting a killer deal on authentic Kona coffee. These blends are certainly not of the same caliber as 100% Kona, and the taste will surely reflect that.

However, if you are interested in saving a few bucks at the sacrifice of the authentic flavorful brew, a Kona blend may be the right option for you. 

Kona coffee is one of the most expensive varieties of coffee in the world. This is not without reason. Kona coffee can only be grown in a very specific location, and there are less than 700 Kona coffee farms in the world. Additionally, Kona coffee is handpicked and laborers are paid fair wages, resulting in high labor costs (but much more ethical consumption). With prices averaging around $30 - $60 per pound, it may be wise to do your research before making a purchase.

So, here they are, our picks for the best Kona Coffee brands! These recommendations are based on the our personal reviews as well as feedback from authoritative voices in the world of coffee.

Just like any other coffee, the flavor profile of the Kona bean changes depending on where it is produced and the roasting process in undergoes. Therefore, I recommend that the coffee connoisseur shop around, and experiment with a few different Kona coffee brands before settling on a favorite.

Regardless of which brand you land on, one thing is for sure, Kona coffee is a truly special brew. The ideal weather conditions of the Kona coffee belt of Hawaii combined with the Kona coffee producers commitment to excellence ensures that you will be receiving some of the best coffee around.