Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
Perched on the slopes of Hualalai Volcano, Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation produces renowned Kona Coffee and offers free tours of the farm, which is located in a cloud forest overlooking the ocean on Hawaii’s Big Island. Visitors can sample fresh coffee and see the entire process, from where the coffee grows to how it is served.
The Basics
Stop by to explore the estate on your own—it’s the largest organic coffee farm in the nation—or choose from among several guided tours, including the ATV plantation tour and the Roast Master Experience, which includes roasting a bag of coffee to take home. Some half-day tours include a visit to the plantation alongside other Kona attractions, such as bird watching in the cloud forest and beer tasting.
Things to Know Before You Go
A great stop for coffee enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Purchase coffee and souvenirs at the on-site gift shop.
Tea samples are offered for non-coffee drinkers.
It rains nearly daily at the plantation, so bring a jacket or umbrella.
Walk-ins are welcome on the tours, with the exception of the ATV and the Roast Master experiences, which require booking at least 24 hours in advance.
How to Get There
The plantation is located just 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the Kona International Airport and can be reached by personal car or on a tour. From Highway 19 turn left onto Kaiminani Drive and follow it to Hawaii Belt Road, where you will make a right and then continue on to Kaloko Drive. Finally, turn right on Hao Street, and signs will lead you to the plantation at the end of the road.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
You can visit the farm year-round, seven days a week, from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Tours are offered every hour, on the hour, from 10am to 4pm. Visit in the morning to avoid the frequent afternoon rains. To see the coffee plants covered in white blossoms, visit in February and March. To see the ripe red fruit, visit during harvest season, August through December.
Roast Your Own Coffee at Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation
Anyone can buy Kona Coffee in Hawaii, but to bring home coffee you roasted yourself, book a small group experience that includes a 90-minute hands-on roasting clinic. You will take part in the berry selection process and taste various roasts as you curate the one you will take home. A flat rate is charged for each group and includes 8 ounces of freshly roasted coffee.
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