Kona Coffee: A Delicacy From Hawaii

There are thousands of different kinds of coffee out there. The dizzying variety of coffee beans, combined with the various roasting and preparation methods and additional flavorings, makes it nearly impossible to try them all in a lifetime. Where would you start? High on your list should be kona coffee, a true delicacy.

The term kona coffee refers to coffee made from beans grown on Mount Hualalai and Mauna Loa in the Kona Districts of the Big Island of Hawaii; the coffee derives its name from where it is grown. Because of this, no other kind of coffee can technically be referred to as kona.

Growing kona coffee is difficult; it cannot survive just anywhere. The coffee requires sunny mornings, rainy afternoons, and mild evenings to optimally thrive. Because it requires such specific growing conditions, this kind of coffee is rare and is considered a premium variety of coffee by connoisseurs.

Kona coffee is sold according to quality or seed type. There are two basic types of bean. Type I coffee is made from a variety with two beans per cherry, with one flat side and one oval side. Type II, on the other hand, is made from a coffee variety with one round bean per cherry. Kona extra fancy, kona fancy, kona number 1, and kona prime are made from type I beans, and peaberry number 1 and peaberry prime are made from type II beans. Type II coffee is generally more rare.

While shopping, you may encounter coffees that are labeled kona blend. These are generally blends of true kona and more common coffees, but the proportions may vary widely. Sometimes, there may be as little as ten percent of true kona. The rest is generally made of Brazilian, Central American, or other beans. Hawaii's laws mandate that manufacturers display the proportions on their products, but federal law does not require this.

Many retailers sell this kind of coffee, both in Hawaii and outside of it. In addition, you may be able to find it at your local coffee shop or in some cafe. No matter where you first try it, you are likely to discover kona coffee to be one of your new favorites. Try it the next time you are at Starbucks!