Kona Joe Coffee

Kona Joe Coffee grows the world's only trellised coffee on the slopes of Hualalai volcano in Kealakekua. This family-owned farm pioneered an innovative growing method where coffee plants climb vertical trellises instead of growing as traditional bushes, creating neat rows that resemble vineyards more than typical coffee farms. The 20-acre farm offers guided tours explaining their unique cultivation process and the journey from cherry to cup. You walk through the trellis rows, learn about harvesting and processing, and sample their estate-grown beans. Tours last 45 minutes and run Monday through Friday at 10am and 2pm, with additional Saturday tours from December through March. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the gentle slopes on dirt paths. The volcanic soil gets dusty, so light-colored clothing shows dirt easily. Bring sun protection since the farm sits at 1,400 feet elevation with limited shade between trellis rows. The 10am tour offers cooler temperatures and better light for photography than the afternoon option. Free parking fills their small lot quickly during busy periods. Tours cost $20 per person and include tastings of multiple roasts. Their gift shop sells whole beans, ground coffee, and farm merchandise. The store closes at 4pm. The trellis method produces beans with flavor profiles that differ from traditional Kona coffee. The vertical growing allows better air circulation and sun exposure, creating more consistent ripening. Coffee enthusiasts appreciate these distinctive characteristics, while casual visitors enjoy learning about the agricultural innovation. The organized rows also make for striking photos that capture the farm's unique approach to coffee cultivation in Hawaii's volcanic terrain.