Sipping on Luxury

Ever wonder why 100% Kona Coffee is so expensive? Well, we set out to Hawaii to find out! Greenwell Farms, a legendary coffee farm that produces 100% Kona coffee—one of the rarest, priciest, and most luxurious coffees on the planet. (P.S. We now carry it if you need a great gift option for a special occasion)

Our guide, Mike, was both knowledgeable and humorous, making our private tour very interesting. He took us on a walk all around the farm, explaining the ins and outs of Kona Coffee. 

 

 

 

The Kona Coffee Belt: A Unique Growing Area

Kona Coffee thrives in a special region known as the "Kona Coffee Belt" on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. This area, about 35 miles long and a mile and a half wide, has the perfect mix of soil, rainfall, and climate to create delicious coffee. With well-drained, slightly acidic volcanic soil and a climate that offers consistent temperatures and over 70 inches of rain each year, the beans develop light, fruity, and sweet flavors. Only beans grown here and meeting specific standards can be labeled as 100% Kona Coffee.

The Quality of 100% Kona Coffee

Not all 100% Kona Coffee is created equal. Although Hawaii has regulations for bean quality, there’s no official grading for flavor. This means you could end up paying the same price for exceptional coffee as for mediocre coffee. The Greenwell Family, a leader in Kona Coffee for over 150 years, ensures top quality by hand-picking beans at their freshest and using precise processing techniques.

Other Factors Influencing Flavor

While the Kona Coffee Belt is crucial, many other elements affect the final taste. These include the variety of coffee tree, the elevation of the farm, the farmer’s care, and the processing methods used. Just like a chef enhances a dish, the roaster plays a key role in bringing out each coffee's unique characteristics.

About Henry Nicholas Greenwell

In 1850, Henry Nicholas Greenwell left England for Kealakekua, Hawaii, now known as the Heart of Kona. Joined by his wife, Elizabeth Caroline, they spent the next 40 years farming and producing exceptional Kona Coffee. Their hard work paid off when, in 1873, they received a "Recognition Diploma" for their coffee at the World’s Fair in Vienna, Austria, gaining the attention of coffee lovers around the world

The Greenwell legacy continued with Henry's grandson, Norman, and great-grandson, Thomas, who began cultivating coffee on the same land in the 1980s. This new generation has helped shape the modern specialty coffee scene in Kona and contributed significantly to Hawaii's coffee industry. Today, Greenwell Farms manages 85 acres of coffee orchards and oversees another 60 acres for other landowners. As one of the oldest and largest coffee producers in the region, Greenwell Farms proudly shares its rich history and the spirit of aloha with every cup.

Looking to try this luxurious coffee? We now carry 100% Kona Coffee from Greenwell Farms, perfect for those special occasions. Shop here