KONA COFFEE ANYONE?

Kona coffee is one of the most expensive and sought-after coffees in the world. Only coffee from the Kona Districts can be legally described as "Kona".
Kona coffee farms continue to grow in popularity from big business to small private farms.

The Kona coffee-growing belt is a very small area in the Kona districts, It extends north to south for about 30 miles includeing the outlying farms in South Kona. From this tiny part of the world
comes this very special Kona coffee with distinct strengths, full but creamy with a light sweet finish. I love this quote by Mark Twain who loved Hawaii.

"The ride through the district of Kona to Kealakekua Bay took us through the famous coffee section. I think Kona has a richer flavor than any other, be it grown where it may and call it what name you please."
MARK TWAIN, 1865

While 50 acres is an exceptionally large farm in Kona, most of its 700 farms are 5 acres or less.
Kona coffee is cultivated in the North and South Kona Districts of the Big Island of Hawaii.
Kona's bright sunny mornings, rainy afternoons and mild nights are perfect coffee growing conditions. Coffee's not the only thing that loves these conditions, most adults & children
also prefer the Kona weather.
Many farmers along with coffee, grow a variety of tropical fruit trees, citrus, avocado, ca cao, etc.

From $199,900 to $1,995,000
You can purchase almost 6 acres in the Kona Coffee belt at Kona Sea Ranch for $199,900 or a large, rarely available 31 acre Kona Coffee Estate with several large homes & a coffee processing barn for $1,995,000.
Did I mention the big blue ocean views from both of these properties and just a short drive to several beaches. Yes you can have it all!

A LITTLE CUP OF KONA COFFEE HISTORY
The coffee plant was first brought to Kona in 1928 by missionary Samuel Reverend Ruggles from arabica cuttings. Some plantation owners leased out their land to their workers, mostly Japanese brought in to grow and harvest sugar cane. They worked their leased land parcels of between 5 and 12 acres as family farms, producing large, quality coffee crops.

The tradition of family run farms continues throughout Kona. The Japanese-origin families have been joined by Filipinos, mainland Americans, and Europeans.

One of my favorite historical tours is the Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook.
Be sure to visit the Greenwell Store. It's like going back to the 1800's. Open M-F, 10am to 2pm.

The Kona Coffee Living History Farm brings the coffee pioneer's story to life by depicting the daily lives of early Japanese immigrants during the period of 1920-1945. Visitors may walk through the coffee and macadamia nut orchards, tour the historic farmhouse, and visit with the donkey and chickens. Along the way, costumed interpreters are available to talk story and answer questions
processed their coffee.
The Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook. Call for tour times 808 323-2006 or go to
www.konahistorical.org/tours-farm.html

Another favorite is Greenwell Farms. Established over 150 years ago, this modern, working coffee farm grows its own coffee on 150 acres and offers free tasting and estate coffee and macadamia nuts for sale.
Enjoy a very informative and pleasant tour complete with Kona coffee tasting at it's best with a variety of different roast and even a macnut and chocolate macnut Kona coffee. Don't forget to try my favorite, peaberry. Tour and tasting is free.

Greenwell Farm
81-6581 Mamalahoa Highway 11
Big Island, HI 96750
808-323-2275
http://www.greenwellfarms.com