5 Best Kona Coffee to Buy in 2024

Kona coffee is grown in Hawaii's Kona district. It comes with a unique flavor due to favorable conditions like volcanic soil and high elevation.

Grown on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa, it's known for its smooth, full-bodied profile with balanced acidity.

Limited production and high cultivation costs make it a premium and sought-after variety.

In this article, I will be listing the best Kona coffee. Let’s start.

Things to consider when buying Kona coffee

1) Grade and Type

This coffee comes in different grades, and the highest quality is often labeled as "Extra Fancy." Be aware of the grade mentioned on the packaging.

Additionally, check if it is labeled as "100% Kona" to ensure it's not a blend with lower-grade beans.

2) Origin and Estate

Look for information on the specific estate or farm where the coffee is grown. Coffee from a reputable estate often indicates higher quality.

3) Roast Level

Consider your preference for roast level. Kona is often available in light, medium, and dark roasts. The roast level can significantly impact the flavor profile, so choose based on your taste preferences.

4) Packaging and Freshness

Freshness is very important for coffee quality. Look for beans that are freshly roasted, and check for a roasting date on the packaging.

5) Certifications

Authentic Kona coffee is highly regulated. So, it is better to check for certifications like the "100% Kona Coffee" label to ensure that you are getting genuine coffee.

Some reputable farms may also have additional certifications for organic or sustainable practices.

5 Best Kona Coffee

1) Royal Kona

This is a medium roast Kona that delivers a cup of unparalleled delight.

It includes smooth, full-bodied flavor with the essence of premium Kona coffee, promising a sensory journey with every sip.

The coffee used in this product is sourced from the Kona region on Hawaii's Big Island.

The coffee this brand offers is fresh as it also supplies coffee to the Island's hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.

The harvested beans undergo expert roasting, resulting in a gourmet cup of Kona coffee that sets the standard for quality and flavor.

2) Greenwell Farms

Each batch of this product includes 100% Kona Coffee that undergoes cultivation, ensuring the beans are handpicked at peak ripeness.

The roasting process is executed with utmost care, aiming to bring out high-quality flavors and aromas that distinguish their coffee.

These medium-roasted beans come with sparkling acidity, bright citrus notes, and a sweet, caramel center, it is a true delight for coffee connoisseurs.

The aromatic profile is characterized by floral and sweet notes.

The tasting experience unfolds with the vibrant essence of bright citrus complemented by delicate caramel undertones.

3) Lion Kona Gold Roast

The coffee beans used in this product are sourced exclusively from the Big Island of Hawaii, ensuring an authentic and robust Kona experience.

The roasting process is executed with expertise, resulting in a brew that consistently exudes a smooth and rich flavor profile.

Hand-picked Arabica coffee beans form the foundation of every bag of Lion Coffee, reflecting a dedication to premium quality.

The roasting and packing process adheres to exacting standards, ensuring that each cup offers a delightful and authentic experience.

This brand has been known for roasting premium 100% Kona and 10% Kona blend coffees since 1969.

4) Aloha Island Hazelnut Flavored 

This product includes the richness of hazelnut with a superb blend of Pure Kona Coffee So, if you want to taste flavored premium coffee like Kona, you can consider this one.

This handcrafted blend showcases the meticulous artistry of combining the finest Kona and Hawaiian coffees with tropical varieties. The result is a harmonious symphony of flavors, brought to perfection through precise roasting techniques.

Aloha Island Coffee takes pride in presenting a Hazelnut Flavored Coffee that strikes a perfect balance. The Hazelnut flavor is added with precision, enhancing the overall experience without overshadowing the exceptional qualities of the coffee blend.

This selection is an excellent representation of the brand's commitment to delivering outstanding coffee that captures the essence of the islands.

Whether enjoyed in Whole Bean form for a personalized grinding experience or in the convenience of pre-ground, this Hazelnut Flavored Coffee promises a warm, mellow, and smooth cup.

The light roast level ensures a delightful full-bodied depth of flavor, making it an aromatic journey that embodies the spirit of the Hawaiian islands.

5) Hayman medium roast Kona whole coffee beans

This product contains 100% pure medium-roasted coffee beans. The Kona coffee producers partnered with Hayman are esteemed in Hawaii, ensuring a cup of the highest quality.

These beans are sweet, balanced, and exceptionally smooth, boasting impressive caramel flavor notes that redefine the standard of exquisite Hawaii coffee.

The beans used in this product are roasted in small batches on the same day it is shipped, the roasting date is proudly displayed on the packaging, offering tangible proof that you are savoring the freshest Kona coffee possible.

This dedication to freshness sets Hayman apart, providing a sensory experience that captures the essence of the coffee at its peak.

One of the things I liked about this product is its lucrative packaging which also enhances the look of your kitchen.

What makes Kona unique?

1) Unique Growing Conditions

The Kona district in Hawaii provides ideal growing conditions for coffee.

The volcanic soil, high elevation, and a combination of sunny mornings and cloudy afternoons create a unique microclimate that contributes to the distinctive flavor profile of Kona coffee.

2) Flavor Profile

It is known for its smooth, full-bodied flavor with mild acidity. The beans are often described as having a rich and complex taste, featuring notes of nuttiness, chocolate, and sometimes fruity undertones.

The slow ripening of the coffee cherries in the Kona region contributes to the development of these unique flavors.

3) Limited Production Area

The Kona coffee belt is relatively small, covering only about 30 miles along the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

This limited production area, combined with the care required for cultivation, makes Kona coffee somewhat rare and contributes to its exclusivity.

4) Handpicked Harvesting

It is often handpicked which ensures that only ripe coffee cherries are harvested.

This labor-intensive method results in high-quality beans, as opposed to mechanical harvesting that may collect both ripe and unripe cherries.

5) Strict Regulations

To maintain the integrity and reputation of this coffee, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture has established regulations to protect consumers from misleading labels.

Also, the coffee labeled as "100% Kona" must contain beans solely from the Kona district.

Wrapping up

Here, I have listed the best Kona coffee.

If you are fond of brewing and consuming it you can consider these brands to enjoy the true taste of it.

Also, making this coffee is the same as brewing coffee using other coffee beans.

So if you are wondering how you can make it, you don’t need to worry as there are no special considerations.