Founded in 1987, Kauai Coffee Company has its roots firmly planted in the fertile volcanic soil of the island of Kauai.
With over 4 million coffee trees on 3,100 acres, the Kauai Coffee Company is the largest coffee grower in the United States. You can see this remarkable coffee estate for yourself with a visit that combines the beauty of Kauai with the wonders of coffee production. Visitors are invited to stroll the sprawling grounds and partake in both self-guided and guided tours. A coffee tasting bar allows visitors to sample a variety of flavors, and a snack bar provides a place for indulging their favorites. The charming gift shop has an array of coffee and related accessories that make flavorful mementos and thoughtful gifts. A wonderful destination for both coffee lovers and for the interested, a visit to the Kauai Coffee Company is an immersive journey into the heart of Hawaii’s coffee heritage.
DETAILS
Address: 870 Halewili Rd, Kalaheo, HI 96741
Phone: (800) 545-8605
Map: Google Maps
Admission: Free
Days: Open daily
Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10am-4pm
Located just a short distance from the main highway, the Kauai Coffee Company can easily be visited along with other area attractions, including Waimea Canyon/Kokee State Park, Port Allen (Na Pali Coast and whale watching tours) and historic Hanapepe town.
Tours That Visit the Kauai Coffee Company
For those who are not driving and cruise ship passengers, the Kauai Coffee Company can be visited on the following guided tours:
Visitors Center
The gateway to the world of the Kauai Coffee Company is the welcoming visitors center. The center offers an engaging experience where visitors can learn, taste, and connect with the art and science of coffee.
Stepping into the center, you’re greeted with a warm aloha and the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
The delightful cafe is a place where you can relax and savor a wide range of coffees, each with its own distinctive character. Treat yourself to a cup of freshly brewed Kauai coffee and pair it with delectable pastries and treats.
Kauai Coffee Company Tours
Learn about the different coffee varieties, the intricate harvesting process, and the meticulous art of roasting on both self-guided and guided tours.
PHOTO CREDIT: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)/Ben Ono
Several tours take you behind the scenes of the coffee production process. You can stroll the grounds at your leisure for free with a self-guided tour that does not require a sign-up. For a fee, The Coffee on the Brain Tour ($25) begins with a serving of roasted Kauai Coffee followed by a personalized 1/8 mile walking tour through the coffee trees. The one-hour Farm Tour ($40-$45) takes participants in an open-air truck down the red dirt roads of the coffee plantation and finishes with a cup of fresh coffee. We recommend that you book in advance at the Kauai Coffee website.
- Self-Guided Walking Tour: Free, no need to sign up.
- Coffee on the Brain Tour: $25 per person
- Farm Tour: $45 for adults, $40 for ages 8-18 (under 8 not permitted)
Museum
The museum at the center explores Kauai’s rich coffee heritage that dates back to the 1800s. Since the 19th century, coffee farming has thrived on the island, and the Kauai Coffee Company is proudly carrying this legacy forward. At the museum you will discover how Kauai Coffee got its start as part of the McBryde Sugar Company in the early 1800s. You will learn about the pioneers who laid the groundwork for coffee cultivation on the island, and the equipment used throughout the years in the growing, harvesting and roasting of Kauai Coffee. The impacts of Hurricane Iniki on Kauai Coffee in 1992 are also discussed, along with the remarkable comeback that restored the plantation’s standing as the largest coffee grower in the United States.
Commitment to Sustainability
At Kauai Coffee Company, the connection between the land, the farmer, and the coffee you savor is tangible. With each cup, you are tasting the fruits of Kauai’s fertile soil and the dedication of the hardworking farmers.
The plantation’s commitment to sustainable farming practices is noteworthy. Kauai Coffee is the largest drip irrigation coffee estate in the world. With over 2,500 miles of drip tubing, the irrigation system efficiently supplies water and fertilizer to roots as needed and eliminates the need for spraying or dusting fertilizer on the trees. The trees are strategically planted in contoured hedgerows that mitigate runoff and erosion. And waste products, such as cherry pulp and the mulch from tree pruning, are put back into the land to provide nutrients and to control weeds. This farm-to-cup experience creates a sense of authenticity and appreciation for the journey your coffee has taken.
Final Thoughts
For those who appreciate the art of coffee, a visit to Kauai Coffee is nothing short of a dream come true.
The Kauai Coffee Company goes beyond offering exceptional coffee; it embraces the true spirit of aloha. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make you feel like a part of the ohana (family). The company’s dedication to community and environmental initiatives reinforces the notion that a visit to Kauai Coffee Company is not just about the coffee, but also about supporting a business that embodies the values of sustainability and community.
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado seeking a memorable tasting experience or a curious traveler looking to immerse yourself in the island’s rich heritage, a visit to the Kauai Coffee Company delightfully blends the art of coffee with the unparalleled beauty of the island. Make sure to add Kauai Coffee Company to your itinerary and allow the enchantment of the destination to infuse your island experience with flavor and aloha.
