Big Island of Hawaii is a standout destination for coffee lovers thanks to its volcanic soil, ideal climate, and rich agricultural traditions. Unlike many other places, the Big Island’s coffee farms are often small, family-run operations that offer authentic, hands-on experiences. We particularly love the Award Winning Farm Tour: Coffee, Chocolate and Unique Gifts for its personalized approach and delicious samples, and the Private Coffee Roasting Class for those eager to learn the craft firsthand. Whether you’re after a quick tasting or an in-depth tour, the Big Island’s coffee scene is full of variety and character. Plus, many tours include stunning scenery, like views of Mauna Loa or the ocean, making each visit more than just about coffee.
If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth noting that some tours are suited for a quick peek, while others like the Big Island Highlights: Coffee, Volcano, Black Sands & Waterfall provide comprehensive days exploring the island’s highlights. For a truly customized experience, private tours like Private Big Island Tour: Coffee, Beaches, Volcanos, Waterfalls give you flexibility. Whatever your budget or time constraints, there’s a coffee adventure waiting to enrich your Hawaiian visit.
1. Award Winning Farm Tour: Coffee, Chocolate and Unique Gifts
At number 1, this tour wins over with its small-group format and a focus on the farm-to-table experience. It involves a guided walk through a coffee and chocolate plantation, where you’ll learn about how coffee is grown, as well as the chocolate-making process from bean to bar. The tour includes tastings of both freshly brewed coffee and house-made chocolates, making it a delightful sensory experience. One of the highlights is the chance to browse the gift shop, packed with homemade soaps, skin oils, and unique souvenirs.
Guides like Greg are praised for their knowledge and engaging style, and the tour’s small size ensures plenty of personalized attention. The views from 1,200 feet above Kona set a scenic backdrop, and the farm’s location near Hualālai volcano means the volcanic soil lends a special flavor to the crops. Costing $50 per person for about three hours, this tour offers excellent value for a rich cultural and culinary experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting an intimate, tasty, and educational visit with a chance to shop for unique gifts.
2. Small-Group Big Island Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kona Coffee Farm
Number 2 on our list, this full-day adventure combines volcano exploration with a coffee farm visit. For around $209, you’ll ride with a small group of just 14 people, ensuring a more personal experience. The tour hits Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can walk through native forests, see lava tubes formed by Kilauea, and learn how the island was shaped by eruptions. A stop at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach offers the chance to spot green sea turtles, adding a natural highlight.
The tour includes a Kona coffee tasting at the Greenwell Farms, along with a picnic lunch, making it a well-rounded day. Guides are often praised for their storytelling and in-depth knowledge, making this a wonderful way to see multiple facets of the island in one day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip with volcanoes, beaches, and coffee at an approachable price.
3. Private Coffee Roasting Class
Number 3 is perfect if you’re eager to get hands-on with Kona coffee. For $60 per group up to six people, you’ll visit a certified organic coffee farm and learn the art of roasting coffee beans yourself. The experience is highly personalized, and you’ll sample fresh coffee straight off the roaster. Guided by a knowledgeable instructor, you’ll discover the entire process from raw bean to your cup.
Guests consistently praise the friendly atmosphere and the chance to roast your own beans, which makes this a memorable takeaway. It’s a short, one-hour session but packed with practical knowledge, making it great for coffee enthusiasts who want a true insider’s experience.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples or small groups wanting a fun, interactive coffee lesson.
4. Kona Shore Excursion: Sea Turtles, Historic Kona & Coffee
Number 4 offers a half-day tour from the cruise port for about $139. It combines wildlife spotting, a historic tour of Kona, and a coffee farm visit. You’ll stop at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park to see green sea turtles and explore ancient Hawaiian fishponds. The visit to Greenwell Farms provides a hands-on coffee tasting experience, and the tour also includes a stop at St. Benedict’s Painted Church.
This tour stands out for its convenience for cruise travelers and its blend of wildlife, culture, and coffee. The guide shares stories about the native Hawaiian sites, making it both fun and educational.
Bottom Line: Great for cruise passengers wanting a quick, varied taste of Kona’s natural and cultural highlights.
5. Private Big Island Tour: Coffee, Beaches, Volcanos, Waterfalls
Number 5 is a fully customizable private tour for up to six people at $1,300. It’s the ultimate way to tailor your day, with stops including Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, and more. Your guide will tailor the itinerary based on your interests, giving you the flexibility to spend more time at your favorite spots.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a personalized, in-depth experience without the constraints of a preset schedule. The price includes transportation, beverages, and a flexible itinerary.
Bottom Line: Perfect for groups seeking a private, flexible adventure that covers the island’s highlights at their own pace.
6. Coffee Brewing Workshop
Number 6 is a hands-on coffee brewing class at $20, lasting about an hour. Your barista guide will teach you the basics of brewing using different methods, and you’ll taste the coffee brewed three ways. It takes place in the farm’s roasting room, where you can also see the roaster in action.
Reviews highlight the knowledgeable staff and the enjoyable, practical nature of the class. It’s a great choice if you want to learn how to brew coffee at home and taste fresh Kona beans.
Bottom Line: Best for coffee drinkers who want to improve their brewing skills with expert guidance.
7. Kona Tour: Bee Farm, Kona Coffee, and National Historical Parks
Number 7 combines a honey farm visit with a Kona coffee tour and cultural stops. Priced at around $193.75, it includes sampling local honey, visiting petroglyphs, and learning about Hawaiian sacred sites. You’ll also see Honokohau Beach for a chance to spot turtles.
Guests enjoy the diverse aspects of Kona’s natural and cultural environment in one tour. It’s suited for travelers wanting a bit of everything—honey, history, and coffee—without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those interested in multiple local flavors and sites with a manageable schedule.
8. Hala Tree Coffee Farm Tour
Number 8 offers an affordable, brief visit at $10 per person. The farm tour includes a walk through coffee orchards, explaining how Kona Coffee is grown and processed. Visitors sample different coffees, and the guides share the farm’s sustainable practices.
Reviews praise the friendly staff and the quality of the coffee, though some note it’s a quick overview. It’s perfect for travelers on a tight schedule or those wanting a quick taste of Kona coffee.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a short, authentic farm experience without the full-day commitment.
9. Kona Coffee Farm Tour from Tree to Tasting Room
Number 9 focuses on the entire journey of Kona coffee, from tree to cup. For just $5, your small group will explore the farm’s various species, see the wet processing method, and sample freshly roasted coffee.
Guests appreciate the insider look at coffee production and the chance to taste coffee roasted onsite. It’s a short, informative experience for those curious about how Kona coffee is made.
Bottom Line: Perfect for coffee geeks eager to understand the complete process in a brief visit.
10. Big Island Highlights: Coffee, Volcano, Black Sands & Waterfall
Number 10 is an all-day tour at $299, offering a thorough sightseeing experience. It covers Greenwell Coffee Farm, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, Volcanoes National Park, and Rainbow Falls. It includes lunch and snacks, making it a convenient way to see the island’s top sights in one go.
Reviewers love the comprehensive nature of this tour and the knowledgeable guides. It’s ideal for first-timers wanting to maximize their time.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a one-stop, full-day island tour with a good balance of culture, scenery, and coffee.
$299.00 per person
11. Kona Cloud Forest and Coffee Tour with Sea Turtle Beach Visit
Number 11 offers a unique blend: exploring Hawaii’s rare cloud forest ecosystem alongside Kona coffee tasting and a sea turtle beach stop. It’s a 5-hour tour with no reviews yet, but the itinerary promises a mix of nature, coffee, and wildlife.
Ideal for travelers who want to experience Hawaii’s diverse environments in one trip, especially if they’re interested in native flora and fauna.
Bottom Line: Suitable for nature lovers who want a diverse, small-group experience.
$306.00 per person
12. Private Kona Coffee and National Historic Parks Tour
Number 12 is a personalized 4-hour private tour for two people, costing $860. It combines Kona coffee farm visits with stopping at Puuhonua o Honaunau and other sacred sites. The flexible schedule makes it perfect for couples or small groups wanting an intimate experience.
Guests appreciate the tailored itinerary and in-depth stories about Hawaiian culture and coffee.
Bottom Line: Best for couples or small groups seeking a private, detailed cultural and coffee experience.
$860.00 per group (up to 2)
13. Private Tour Big Island Coffee, Beaches, Volcanos, Waterfalls
Number 13 is a premium private tour for about $1,736 per person. It offers a customized day visiting Greenwell Farms, Punalu’u Beach, Volcanoes National Park, and more, all with a personal guide.
Ideal for travelers who crave a luxury, tailored experience and want to cover a wide range of sights comfortably.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a premium, private day exploring all the island’s main attractions.
$1,736.40 per person
14. Romantic Kona Coffee & Landing: Private Helicopter Tour
Number 14 offers a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride with a 20-minute farm landing and coffee tasting, priced at $2,890 per group. The 1-hour 5-minute flight includes sweeping views of Kaloko Fish Ponds, Kailua Bay, Magic Sands, and Kona coffee farms.
This experience is tailored for romance or special occasions. The aerial perspective reveals Hawaii’s landscapes in a way no land-based tour can match.
Bottom Line: Best suited for couples celebrating a special moment who want a luxurious, exclusive adventure.
$2,890.00 per group (up to 3)
How to Choose Your Coffee Tour
Choosing the right coffee experience depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want an authentic, small-group visit, the Award Winning Farm Tour is hard to beat. For those eager to learn roasting techniques, the Private Coffee Roasting Class offers hands-on mastery. Budget travelers might enjoy the Hala Tree Coffee Farm Tour for a quick intro, while families or larger groups will appreciate the private tours that can be tailored to your pace.
If you’re pressed for time, the Kona Shore Excursion provides a blend of wildlife, history, and coffee, perfect for cruise days. For a luxury experience, consider the Romantic Helicopter Tour, while full-day adventures like the Big Island Highlights Tour give an all-encompassing glimpse of the island’s natural beauty and culture.
Final Thoughts
Big Island offers a variety of coffee tours that cater to different tastes and schedules. Whether you want a quick tasting, an in-depth farm visit, or a luxury helicopter flight, you’ll find options to suit your style. For most travelers, booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and experience.
Ultimately, the best tour depends on your priorities—whether that’s learning how Kona coffee is roasted, exploring the island’s volcanoes, or enjoying a romantic flight. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to leave with a richer appreciation for Hawaii’s coffee and natural wonders.