Taste three 100% Kona coffees in an intimate, hour-long guided flight at The Coffee LAB in Ka'a'awa. Learn how volcanic soils, processing methods and roast profiles shape flavor—and leave with practical knowledge and a bag of farm-traceable beans if you wish.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step downstairs into the Coffee LAB with the Pacific breeze nudging the lanai above — the scent of roast hanging light, bright as salt on the air. A small group gathers around a tidy counter; three narrow cups steam like tiny maps of place and process. The guide places the first sample down and invites you to read the cup: aroma, acidity, body.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; accessible to most visitors who can stand briefly during the tasting.
Wildlife
History
Kona coffee production originated in the 19th century on the leeward slopes of Mauna Loa; modern farms now emphasize traceability and micro-lot distinctions tied to altitude and soil.
Conservation
Producers in Hawaiʻi increasingly focus on sustainable water use, shade-grown practices, and traceability to support small farms and reduce environmental impact.
Reserve your spot on the Kona Coffee Tasting: A Farm to Cup Experience today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive early for seating
Groups are small and sessions fill; arriving 10 minutes early ensures you get a front-row spot for cupping demonstrations.
Ask about origin and roast dates
Request roast dates and farm traceability to compare how freshness and micro-lot provenance affect flavors.
Take water between tastings
A sip of bottled water—provided—resets your palate between samples so you notice subtle differences.
Combine with a coastal stop
Pair the tasting with a visit to Ka'a'awa Bay or the nearby Crouching Lion for context on coastal climate influences.
Reusable water bottle
Helps you stay hydrated between samples and on any nearby coastal walk.
Notebook and pen
Useful for jotting flavor notes and roast details you want to remember.
Light wind layer
The lanai and nearby coast can be breezy; a thin windbreaker keeps you comfortable.
spring
Small tote or daypack
Convenient for carrying purchased coffee bags and a camera for nearby viewpoints.