Kauai Coffee Company: Fun Hawaiian Coffee Culture on the Garden Island

I’ve been to many coffee farms and tasting rooms, but when it comes to having a Hawaiian coffee experience with kids, the Kauai Coffee Co on the South Shore near Hanapepe is a great spot to stop. Yes, the coffee is delicious (I brew it at home actually) and yes, you can get it many other places, but you really do want to stop here at the Kauai Coffee Co. This is a place to learn about coffee farming, the production process and just enjoy this beautiful slice of Hawaiian life. We’ve got all the info (and some more great Kauai South Shore stops) for you!

Highlights of the Kauai Coffee Company

If you’ve been to coffee farms on the Big Island of Hawaii, you’ll see how much coffee tourism has become an attraction. Yes, there are free tours at some coffee farms, but most do charge and really turn it into a full on immersion in Kona Coffee culture. Here at the Kauai Coffee Company, you get some of the same experiences and lots of coffee knowledge, but it’s free and it’s self guided.

I think stopping at the Kauai Coffee Company is absolutely worth the time, and it’s great with kids. What I really like about stopping here with the kids is openness and ability to roam. There is a self-guided tour path to follow and lots of exhibits, but then there is also space to enjoy a picnic or to just wander (pay attention to signs though). You can hang out for quite a while in the coffee orchard and then return to the visitor center to look at the exhibits, try coffee samples, get some ice cream and call it a day. It’s a great stop on Kauai’s south shore.

Guided Coffee Farm Tours

If you’re interested in doing a bigger, more comprehensive tour of the Kauai Coffee Company farm you absolutely can. You can book the coffee truck tour in advance and cover lots of ground, going up the hills and through the coffee trees. The tour takes an hour, and then you have your own free time at the coffee farm store and visitor center, including more time to do the self-guided portion if you didn’t get to.

Tips for Visiting Kauai Coffee Company

It’s very easy to begin your day of adventures by stopping into the Kauai Coffee Company. It’s on the way to Waimea Canyon State Park or if you’re planning a day out at Barking Sands Beach or Polihale State Park, so you might as well have a little coffee, learn a little something and enjoy a stroll through the orchard. Give yourself at least a half hour so you can do the self-guided tour and enjoy some relaxation on the deck.

When you’re wandering through the property keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. There aren’t a ton of mammal species throughout the Hawaiian Islands, but one you need to be mindful here at the Kauai Coffee Company is the wild pigs. The south shore of Kauai has a pretty large pig population and there are several that call the coffee farm home. They’re WILD and may be cute, but they are not friendly. If you come across one of the wild pigs while you’re out walking, try to get up on a rock or stump. Pigs can’t jump, so you can easily evade them by getting the higher ground. I know that’s all so random, but it is what it is.

Being Prepared for the Coffee Farm

Since visiting the Kauai Coffee Company isn’t an all day activity, you don’t need to stress prepping for your tour much. Wear sunblock for your time outside and bring an interested palate for tasting coffees. You don’t need to book your tour and you aren’t on any schedule when you visit, so just showing up when it fits with your schedule is fine. Keep in mind that there are cats roaming the property, so you may be easily distracted by kitties which may throw off your schedule.

Parking at the Kauai Coffee Company

There is a large parking area at the Kauai Coffee Co. It is a red dirt parking lot though, so if it’s been raining, there may be a little mud. Don’t let the discourage though. Once you’re inside you’re all set, and much of the self guided tour is paved.