With rich soil, gently sloping foothills, and the perfect mix of sun and clouds, hawaii is the ideal place to grow coffee.

Here on maui, the lower hillsides of the west maui mountains provide the best growing conditions for creating some of the most celebrated coffees in the world.

The original kaanapali coffee estate is the largest on the island, with 500 acres of former sugar cane fields now growing four different coffee varieties - red cat wha eee, yellow caturra, typica and moka.

Early winter rains and pollination help coffee trees blossom, with the flowers eventually turning into what are known as coffee cherries. These cherries are allowed to ripen before they’re harvested, just like the grapes that are used to make fine wine.  

Then, state of the art machines shake the coffee tree just enough to harvest the fully matured red cherries – leaving the green ones to ripen some more.

The matured cherries undergo a technique called wet processing to remove the beans. Once removed, the coffee beans are dried, milled, and finally ready to be roasted.

The roasting process is a true art form that requires expert skill and timing. During roasting, the hidden essence of the bean’s oils are released, giving each coffee variety it’s own unique character. Then and only then is the coffee bean ready for grinding, brewing, and enjoying!

So while you’re on vacation, don’t forget to taste some of the richest, most flavorful coffee in the world – made right here on Maui.