When you want to know where your Kauai coffee comes from, doing a farm tour is the best step. Since Hawaiian coffee is known worldwide for its quality, you can learn about its production on the farm.
If you have considered doing Kauai coffee farm tours, this guide gives you some crucial tips. Find out whether the tours are worth it, what to expect, and other details.
Coffee in Hawaii
The first coffee was established in the 1820s from Brazil. It was planted on Oahu island but failed. However, successful coffee grew on the main island in 1828.
After successful production at Kona, the coffee has continued to attract international recognition. The coffee from Hawaii first gained international fame in 1873 in Vienna, Austria.
What is Kauai Coffee Company?
Kauai coffee company is the largest company in Hawaii in terms of production. Since Hawaii is the only state known for coffee, the Kauai coffee plantation measures 3,100 acres with over 1 million trees. Opened in 1987, it has continued to produce world-known coffee and attract thousands of visitors annually.
The estate is located in Kalaheo, Kauai county, near Poipu, and is perfect for coffee tours. Since it’s only 27.36 km from Lihue airport, the estate is easily accessible from the town. Therefore, as you plan to visit Hawaii coffee estates, Kauai is one of the plantations I recommend you tour to learn about every step of coffee production.
What to do at Kauai coffee farm?
The farm bedside production of coffee offers a lot of activities. Being aware of all activities you can undertake in Kauai coffee plantations. Although you can get information in the Kauai coffee visitor center, I have a simplified version of all activities and experiences to expect. These are some of the activities you can do while in the company.
Kauai coffee museum
Before visiting any other section, Kauai coffee farm museum is worth visiting. It is where you learn about the estate’s history and view the old equipment. The section is fantastic for people to learn about the estate’s early days.
Guided Kauai Farm Tour
Farms tours are available in guided and unguided options. Guided farm tours will take about 1 hour. During this time, you will learn everything about coffee in the estate.
A guide will explain everything from coffee planting to processing as you get chauffeured around the farm in an open tram. The farm tour lets you learn every process, from planting coffee to brewing.
To enjoy a tour with a guide, you have to pay $45 for adults and $45 for kids 8-18 years. Unfortunately, kids under 8 aren’t allowed on farm field tours.
Unguided Kauai farm tour
If you like exploring nature alone, Kauai is a perfect spot. The company allows for self-guided tours of its coffee farm. Usually, no guides are needed, and you can explore independently. The self-guided trip to the farm is usually free.
Kauai coffee tasting
After the farm tour, the climax is experiencing the coffee tasting. Bearing in mind coffee from Hawaii is among the best, you’ll have a chance to taste Kauai-brewed coffee. The company has different coffee flavors. Tasting each allows you to choose the ideal one to take home.
Kauai gift shop
The gift shop has an assortment of items you can take home. The shop is excellent for roasted coffee. With all the coffee beans roasted in the shop, you can choose your favorite flavor, roast, and grind. Apart from the coffee, there is merchandise like apparel, drinkware, gifts, accessories, and souvenirs.
What to Know Before Visiting Kauai Coffee Farm?
While visiting the farm is impressive and ensures a spectacular view, there are some things you need to know and check before the initial visit. Some of the crucial aspects to keep in mind include the following.
Book in advance
The company allows people to book reservations in advance to ensure smooth tour sessions. Having a reservation ensures you can enjoy touring the farm without hitches. Whether it’s guided or self-guided tours, the company only allows reservations. To place your booking, you can visit their booking page.
Kauai is a Certified Coffee Farm Estate
If you have consumed coffee from Kauai company, every package has different certification marks. You will have a chance to learn more about the company certifications.
The estate is certified for producing GMO-free coffee by Non-GMO project. Also, the estate is certified by Rainforest Alliance and FairTrade.
There Is Massive Parking
If you are wondering whether there is enough parking, the good news is the company has parking for everyone. If you rent a car, you can drive and park it in the company visitor parking lots.
How To Visit Kauai Coffee Farm?
Before you embark on the trip, you must prepare in advance. The first thing is to ensure you have placed a reservation by buying a ticket. This ensures you won’t experience inconvenience during your visit.
The farm is accessible via Halewili road. The best way to enjoy great convenience on your journey is to rent a car if you are not an islander. A private cab allows you to appreciate the scenic spots along the highway.
It is always recommendable to arrive up to 30 minutes before the farm tours begin.
What are essentials needed?
Usually, you need to check on your clothing depending on the weather conditions. Although Hawaii doesn’t experience excellent temperature fluctuation, checking with the weather department is ideal to know the ideal dressing mode.
Apart from clothing, walking shoes are essential, and other personal care items like lotions and sunscreens. Water is vital to help keep your body hydrated.
Kauai Coffee Farm Essential Information
Official Website: https://kauaicoffee.com
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ye1tASbyjskK9z5C6
Address: 870 Halewili Rd, Kalaheo, HI 96741, United States
Working hours: Mon-Fri, 9 am–5 pm, Sat-Sun, 10 am–4 pm
Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Yelp YouTube
Final Words
Engaging in the Kauai coffee farm tour is one of the best ideas you can think of. The farm has much to offer for anyone who cares about coffee production. The experience at the farm and scenic surroundings means more than a trip. Thus, Kauai coffee company should be on your bucket list if you want to tour Hawaii.
FAQs
Is Hawaii the only state that grows coffee?
Yes, Hawaii is the only US state that grows coffee commercially.
Where to buy Kauai coffee?
The Kauai coffee is available online. You can get your coffee shipped to your doorstep for US customers. Also, you can find the nearest location to buy the coffee using their store locator.
Besides online shopping, Kauai coffee is available in large online stores like Amazon and Walmart.
How much caffeine is in Kauai coffee?
The caffeine content for Kauai coffee is around 120 mg-135mg for a 12oz cup.
Is Kauai Coffee the same as Kona coffee?
Kauai coffee is not the same as Kona coffee. The difference is mostly geographical. Kona coffee is grown in Kona districts, while Kauai is grown in Kauai county. Also, the coffee is slightly different in flavor and acidity.
What type of coffee is grown in Kauai?
The coffee grown in the Kauai coffee farm is red and yellow Cantuai, accounting for 80% of the total coffee grown.
Is the Kauai coffee company near Kona coffee farms?
If you are looking for coffee farm tours near Kona, Kauai coffee company isn’t near kona coffee farms. Actually, they are located on different islands.
