How To Get There

No matter what time of year you visit the Big Island, a driving tour of Kona coffee country is always a rewarding experience. Coffee generally blooms in Kona during the spring, March to May, and the white blossoms that cover the trees are aptly named "Kona Snow." White blossoms give way to green beans that form over the next several months, turning a dark red as they mature and ripen.

If you are here between September and January you'll witness Kona's coffee harvest. Each Kona coffee bean undergoes intense scrutiny because it's all hand­picked, so only the choice ripe cherries make up the coffee in your cup.

There are many ways to visit Kona coffee country. Spend the day exploring these less traveled Kona roads and your vacation experience will be enriched. You will come away with a deeper understanding of these communities and their cultural heritage.

Begin your journey at the junction of Palani Road and Mamalahoa Highway (Routes 190 and 180), about seven miles above Kailua. Turn in at the junction and head for Holualoa. Visit farms, mills, roasters, museums, coffee shops and retail outlets. Stop in at one or better yet visit as many as you can.