Coffee Growing Regions Hawaii: If you’re on the hunt for the latest and greatest in the world of coffee, you might want to turn your attention to Hawaii. Beyond its famed Kona coffee, the state boasts a plethora of other coffee-producing regions that are crafting new, exciting brews. This guide is designed to help you stay on the cutting edge of these coffee developments.
Coffee Growing Regions Hawaii
Kona coffee may continue to hold the title of Hawaii’s most renowned coffee export, but the landscape is changing. The shift in agricultural focus from sugar to coffee cultivation has paved the way for other thriving coffee regions to emerge.
With the sugar industry relinquishing thousands of acres of fertile land, it has opened doors for smaller coffee farmers and boutique roasters to make their mark. This has led to the production of some truly intriguing new coffees. Dive deeper to explore more about the dynamic coffee industry of Hawaii.
Kona
Starting with the most renowned coffee-growing region of Hawaii, Kona, despite Hawaii contributing only 0.04% to the world’s coffee supply, Kona coffee has gained global recognition, a testament to its quality and marketing. The Kona region, which covers a significant portion of the western half of the Big Island, is home to 900 coffee farms situated along the western slopes of the Mauna Loa and Hualalai volcanoes, at elevations ranging from 500’ to 3,000’.
This area, known as the Kona coffee belt, is about 30 miles long and 2 miles wide. The region’s climate, characterized by sunny mornings, wet or cloudy afternoons, and mild nights, coupled with the fertile volcanic soil, creates ideal conditions for coffee cultivation.
Ka’u
Once a prominent sugar-producing region, Ka’u turned to coffee following the collapse of the sugar market. Located southeast of Kona, on the southern slopes of Mauna Loa, most coffee farms here are small, less than 5 acres in size, and situated between 1,000’ and 2,500’. Similar to Kona, the sunny days, mild nights, and mineral-rich volcanic soils of Ka’u contribute to the production of top-quality coffee.
Hamakua
Hamakua, a small coffee-growing region on the Big Island’s northeast coast, has about 150 acres dedicated to coffee cultivation. Like Ka’u, it has recently transitioned from sugar to coffee production. Most of the farms here are small, family-run operations where the beans are handpicked. The farms are located between 350’ and 2,000’ on the northern slopes of Mauna Loa and are blessed with some of the island’s most fertile soil.
Puna
Puna, the Big Island’s newest emerging coffee-growing region, has plenty of untapped potential. There are 125 acres of land under cultivation, all lying between 1,000’ and 2,500’ elevations. Puna is the wettest region on the island, with a relatively cold and cloudy climate. Most of the coffee here is grown in lava, which gives it a characteristic acidity, aroma, and body.
Maui
Maui has about 600 acres of coffee crops and produces a more diverse crop due to its mountainous terrain and array of micro-climates. Farmers here are more experimental with bean varieties and processing techniques, helping the local coffee industry grow. Maui’s most famous varietal is the Maui Mokka, an heirloom crop that achieved worldwide recognition in 2012 when Starbucks featured it in their Special Reserve coffee line.
Kauai
Kauai, home to Hawaii’s first commercial coffee-growing operation, is still home to its single largest coffee farm. Notably, it’s the only coffee region in Hawaii that is still unscathed by the coffee borer beetle. This region benefits from a stable year-round climate, with plenty of sunshine and mild nights. Most Hawaii coffee is grown on the lower slopes of Mount Waialeale, which receives abundant rainfall. The run-off carries the nutrients from the mountain soil to the farms, fertilizing the coffee trees below.
Molokai
Molokai’s coffee production consists of a single large plantation growing the red catuai arabica varietal. It occupies 150 acres in the Kualapu’u region of the island, which, like the rest of Hawaii, offers fertile volcanic soil and a stable climate.
Conclusion
Hawaiian coffee producers have more to offer the world than just Kona beans. Exploring some of the lesser-known Hawaii coffee regions might lead you to discover the next big thing in coffee.
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