Hawaii is at the heart of America’s thriving coffee industry, with plantations dotted across the islands, many of which offer public tours.
(Photo: Viator)
When settling down to a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, you might not always be alert enough to consider the fact that those magical beans were grown on the other side of the world. Unless you’re in Hawaii’s Big Island, where you can access the best, freshest coffee without crossing a single body of water. Here are some of the top Big Island coffee tours, each selected based on a criteria that includes value for money and the quality of the coffee you’ll get to sample.
Big Island Holualoa coffee and chocolate tour
For a straightforward tour of a working coffee farm, this badge of excellence-awarded option is ideal, particularly for those with their own transportation. Meet at the farm’s gift shop, from which you’ll embark on a three-hour tour, learning all about the journey of coffee from plant to roasted bean. And those aren’t the only delicious beans you’ll learn about. Chocolate is made here too, with tasting samples provided. Please note that this popular tour is only available once a week on Thursday mornings. From $40 per person.
Polynesian culture ATV tour
For a novel way to get around Big Island’s mountainous interior, consider this two-hour ATV tour, which has been designed to explore the culture of Hawaii and the many other Polynesian islands beyond. Either driving your own ATV or kicking back in one driven by your guide, you’ll head along dirt tracks through coffee country north of Kona, passing through a coffee farm and stopping to learn more about the growing process, before delving into groves of rainbow eucalyptus trees and jungle. From $218 per person.
(Photo: GetYourGuide.com)
Private All Inclusive Big Island Circle Tour
For a more intimate and exclusive experience, this all-inclusive private tour may well appeal. In the company of a select group of family or friends, you will travel in one small group around Hawaii’s Big Island for an entire day, with your guide taking care of everything from transport to entrance fees. As a private group, you’ll also have as much one-to-one access to your guide as you desire. The tour is fully customisable, but typically includes a visit to an authentic Kona coffee farm as one of the first stop-offs, where you’ll get to start the day with an energising continental breakfast, before touring the farm and sampling some local Kona coffee. After the tour, all guests receive a complimentary digital photo package of professionally shot and edited photos. From $2,220 per group (max 4 people).