Kaʻu Coffee Mill
96-2694 Wood Valley Road, Pahala, Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii
Some consider Kaʻu coffee to be the Big Island’s “secret” coffee—some also think it to be just as good, if not better, than its globally famous sibling, Kona coffee. Find out what your tastebuds prefer on a visit to the Kaʻu Coffee Mill, which runs regularly scheduled tours and is open to visitors every day of the week.
Just south of Kona, the Kaʻu Coffee Mill is one of the largest plantations in the district of the same name. Pop in anytime during business hours, and you can gaze through the viewing windows, which show visitors the drying and roasting process. On a seed-to-cup tour—usually twice a day on weekdays—you’ll explore the entire process, from growing the beans to how the mill harvests, dries, mills, and roasts their craft brews.
Everybody’s favorite complimentary tastings are offered at the gift shop—you can sample the various estate-made varieties and pair them with local macadamia nuts. Underneath the coffee-themed murals, freshly packaged coffees line the shelves, ready to take home and show your friends the Kaʻu difference.
No reservations are required for the scheduled tours—simply check the website to see when to arrive.
Tours are offered at no cost and last roughly 20 minutes.
While you’re at the gift shop, take a moment to scope out the Kaʻu Coffee Farmers’ Wall of Fame.
Nearly every visitor to Kaʻu Coffee Mill will arrive by car. The mill is just a few minutes south of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park entrance sign—pair the two together if your itinerary allows. You’ll find the 100-acre property just off HI-11, aka the Hawaii Belt Road, the main road that travels from Hilo to Kailua-Kona.
Though tour schedules change occasionally, you’ll have better luck running into a scheduled tour on weekdays—they usually hover around late morning and early afternoon. If you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to come early or later in the day (and, yes, the tastings will still be on).
Kaʻu Coffee Mill’s location just south of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is no coincidence—the coffee trees love the area’s ashy, volcanic soil (which can be surprisingly rich in nutrients). You’ll hear and learn all about this symbiotic relationship on the tour, which includes a visit to the scenic 100-acre orchards.
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