Kauai Coffee Company
870 Halewili Road, Kalaheo, Kauai, HI, 96741
Warm temperatures and mineral-rich soil make Kauai an ideal spot for growing coffee, so it's no surprise that the Garden Isle is home to the largest coffee estate in the country. While the Kauai Coffee Company's focus is on producing and roasting beans, the farm also welcomes visitors who want to see—and taste—their offerings. Take a walking tour or ride an open-sided trolley to admire the millions of trees and learn about coffee cultivation and roasting.
The basics
Set on the southwestern coast, near some of Kauai’s most popular gardens, Kauai Coffee Company is a popular spot for java lovers, and a stop here factors into plenty of island sightseeing tours and visits to nearby Waimea Canyon. Visitors can grab a cup of joe or an ice cream, take a self-guided walking tour or a guided farm tour, or deepen their knowledge of coffee through an educational coffee-tasting experience.
Things to know before you go
- Kauai Coffee Company is a must-visit not only for coffee fans, but also for anyone interested in gardening or agriculture.
- Some of the coffees sold at the visitor center are blends of Hawaiian and international beans, but all coffee that's 100% Hawaiian is clearly labeled.
- The visitor center and the grounds are wheelchair accessible.
How to get there
Kauai Coffee is on the southwestern side of the island, about a half-hour drive from Lihue Airport or 40 minutes by car from Waimea Canyon State Park. If you don't have a car, you can reach the estate by taking bus #200 to Kealaula Ele'ele and then switching to bus #100. The entire bus trip takes just over an hour.
When to get there
Kauai Coffee Company's estate and visitor center are open daily throughout the year, except on Christmas and Thanksgiving. The grounds close early on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve and on New Year's Day. Guided farm tours are available on weekdays and tasting experiences are available every day except for Saturday.
Waimea Canyon
Visitors to the coffee company often continue their journey by hopping over to Waimea Canyon, nicknamed "the Grand Canyon of Hawaii." This massive park offers a number of trails, some of which are quite steep, as well as roadside lookout points where you can take in views of the canyon without having to stray far from your car.
Ways to explore
Set on the southwestern coast, near some of Kauai’s most popular gardens, the Kauai Coffee Company is a popular spot for java lovers, and a stop here factors into plenty of island sightseeing tours and visits to nearby Waimea Canyon. Visitors can sample the farm’s complete line of coffees at the visitor center, take a free self-guided walking tour, or join a guided walking or trolley tour for a more in-depth look at the history and production of coffee on Kauai. Afterwards, browse the farm shop, stocked with a wide range of coffees and branded gifts and souvenirs.
Accessibility
The visitor center, café, gift shop, walking paths, and tours at the Kauai Coffee Company are wheelchair accessible.
Age limits
Children under 8 years old are not permitted on the trolley tour.
What to pack
Camera, sun hat, cash or credit card for gift shop purchases
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen
Not allowed
Visitors can explore on their own, but must obey the signage and avoid entering areas closed to the public.
Amenities
Restrooms, café, gift shop, walking paths
Address
The Kauai Coffee Company is 17 miles (27 miles) from the Lihue airport on Kauai’s southwest coastline. Just off the main highway 50, the farm is an ideal stop on the way to and from Waimea Canyon.
Driving
Take highway 50 southwest, then turn left onto highway 540 (Halewili Road). The coffee farm is at the junction with McBride New Mill Road, on the left.
Public transportation
There are no public transportation options to reach the Kauai Coffee Company, so join a Waimea Canyon tour that includes a stop at the farm.
Best times to visit
The farm is open daily from 9am to 5pm, but can get busy with visitors around midday. Stop by first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Best days to visit
If you want to visit the farm with a guide, keep in mind that walking tours are offered Sunday to Friday, and trolley tours are offered Monday to Saturday.
Best months to visit
Kauai gets most of its rainfall in the winter months, so visit from late spring through early fall for the driest weather.
Special events
The estate holds a holiday open house each year in mid-December, complete with Santa photos, live music, and other entertainment.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!