At our Big Island bed and breakfast, we think the richness of Kona Coffee is a true gem that demands to be experienced and savored. That’s why our delicious breakfasts are always accompanied by our estate-grown coffee. With its smooth velvety texture and enticing aroma, each cup transports you to a world of paradise. But what does this label mean and why does it matter?
What Is Kona Coffee?
Kona Coffee is the term for an Arabica coffee grown exclusively in the Kona District on the island of Hawaiʻi (known commonly as the “Big Island.”) Roughly 35 miles long, a mile and a half wide, and at an elevation between 500 to 3,200 feet, the Kona District sits on slopes of the Mauna Loa and Hualālai volcanoes.
With its consistent temperature, well-drained mineral rich soil, and 70-plus inches of rainfall a year the Kona District has the perfect climate for coffee to thrive. The region is known for its smooth, mellow, and well-balanced taste with low acidity. It often exhibits notes of nuttiness, chocolate, and sometimes fruity undertones. Coffee connoisseurs rank it as some of the best in the world due to its high quality, unique flavor profile, and limited production.
Why Does 100 Percent Kona Matter?
When you buy coffee grown in this unique terroir, there’s an important distinction between the terms “Kona Coffee” and “100 percent Kona Coffee.” As of this writing, a product being sold only needs to contain 10 percent Kona beans to be labeled “Kona Coffee.” Consequentially, companies have used the Kona label to market lower-quality, higher-profit coffee to consumers who might not understand the distinction. Meaning you could buy a product you believed to be entirely Kona Coffee but is actually a mixture of Kona and potentially inferior beans. Companies have marketed their products using Hawaiian names and iconography (such as images of hula dancers, palm trees, or outlines of the Hawaiian Islands) but in reality the coffee only contains 10 percent beans grown in the Kona district, the rest from elsewhere.
Hawaiʻi Island coffee farmers are fighting to ensure that products marketed as Kona Coffee are grown in Kona. Legislation passed in May of 2024 to begin cracking down on mislabeling by penalizing companies that try to mislead consumers. Beginning July 1, 2027, the new law requires coffee containing Hawaiʻi-grown coffee blended with coffee of another regional origin to contain no less than 51 percent Hawaiian coffee. That means blends needs to contain at least 51 percent Kona-grown coffee to bear the Kona label. Some say the new law doesn’t go far enough and advocate requiring 100 percent rather than 51 percent. They argue the higher standard would help safeguard the value and integrity of the Kona brand.
That’s why buying coffee labeled “100 percent Kona Coffee” is so important. By purchasing only 100 percent Kona Coffee, you get the best quality coffee while also supporting small, American-owned farms that are inherently fair-trade. The best tasting coffee is also a purchase you can feel great about.
A Commitment to Quality
Situated in the heart of coffee country, the Holualoa Inn has always been ahead of the times. We have only ever offered 100 percent estate-grown coffee. No blends, no compromises, we are committed to crafting genuine local coffee. Even there, we go a step further. We select only the finest beans to capture the true quality and essence of authenticity.
Our strict grading requirements relating to bean size and allowance of defects ensure that only the highest quality beans make it to our customers. If 100 percent Kona is the best you can get, the Holualoa Inn’s signature roast aims to be the best of the best.
There is no grading requirement for the final taste of Kona Coffee, so taste can still vary based on a variety of factors. The type of tree, the elevation where it grows, the health of the trees, the harvesting process, and the mills’ ability to clean, size sort and remove defective coffee from the mix can all affect taste. Finally, the roaster’s ability to highlight the unique characteristics of the coffee is instrumental in defining the final flavor. That’s why we and our sister brand, Brazen Hazen, use the skills of a master roaster to guarantee consistency and quality every step of the way, from tree to cup.
Knowledge is Buying Power
When purchasing your coffee, read the labels so you know what you’re getting and for the best quality always insist on 100 percent. At the Holualoa Inn, with our estate-grown beans you can always be sure what you’re getting; 100 percent Kona, 100 percent quality. Join us for a stay and taste the difference for yourself or take the guess-work out of shopping and have our beans delivered right to your door. Already love our coffee? Never run out by joining our Fresh Brew Club.
