Take 600 SPECIALTY COFFEE FARMS; add a smattering of mills, roasters, retail outlets and museums, then cluster them along 20 miles of scenic country roads, and you’ve got the makings of a SELF-GUIDED, COFFEE- TASTING TOUR.
Most people begin their tour from Kailua-Kona, and head north on Palani Road (Highway 190). If this is your route, make MOUNTAIN THUNDER KONA COFFEE PLANTATION your first stop. Drive on Palani for about 4.5 miles, and turn right on Kaloko Drive. Then go 3 miles to the third sign for Hao Street. Turn right again, and follow Hao for about a mile. Mountain Thunder will be on the right side of the street. Visit mountainthunder.com.
To continue the tour, return to Palani Road, then back to the junction of Highways 180/190 and head south to the old Māmālahoa Highway toward Hōlualoa Town.
Before you reach the tiny mountain village of Hōlualoa, you’ll find UESHIMA COFFEE (UCC HAWAI‘I) Kona coffee estate.
Here, guests can purchase unique island gifts, including mac nuts and coffee (of course). The coffee estate offers up beautiful views and visitors are able to choose from the Roastmaster Tour, Estate Tour and, during the season, the coffee Harvest Experience Tour. HEAVENLY HAWAIIAN 808-322-7720 OR 855-289-5662 // HEAVENLYHAWAIIAN.COM UESHIMA COFFEE UCC COFFEE 808-322-3789 //