Kona Coffee Plantations

In Kona we plan to rent a car, visit the Place of Refuge, snorkle just outside the Place of Refuge, and then visit a Coffee Plantation. With it being third on our list for the day,we are looking to stop breifly at only one plantation. We would like to see the coffee plants, taste coffee, and purchase some (reasonably priced) coffee to bring back home. It would also be nice if there was a view or pretty landscaping. Not so interested in seeing the process equipment or being tied to a reservation time (so we can stay flexible). Trying "Donkey Balls" would also be a bonus, but figure we can also find them in Kona. We are leaning toward Bayview (see links below). Looking for some reccomendations.

http://www.konacoffeefest.com/drivingtour/map.html

http://www.bayviewfarmcoffees.com/tour.html

http://www.konahistorical.org/tours-farm.html

http://www.konajoe.com/video.html

http://www.konalea.com/tour.htm

http://www.ucc-hawaii.com/?page=shop/inside&ps_session=1a62b9806d1d71d322a61992e1a7b331#Factory

We did Bayview in June 2007 and enjoyed it. No reservation, husband and I and our two boys just stopped in after visiting Place of Refuge and were given a tour with another couple and their daughter. Very laid back but interesting even for the kids. Beautiful view of K Bay and great coffee too.

You will find a number of coffee plantations along the road. We stopped at one, sorry have forgotten the name but it is on the road to the Place of Refuage and is on the low side of the road and had a great view. Pure Kona coffee is expensive, like in the $30/lb range but there are blends that are less. While down in that area you might care to visit the Painted Church which we found quite interesting.

Greenwell and Cornwell are other good places.

Bayview is pretty, and pleasant, for sure.

IMHO, if you like excellent coffee, the cost for 100% Kona is worth it. Paying less to have it mixed with inferior beans does not mak sense to me. I'd rather buy a half pound of the pure stuff than a pound of blended.

It's also worth noting that the roasters roast the Kona beans lighter than, say, Starbucks. Dark roasted Kona is what I would call Medium... but wow is it good.

Thanks for the input!. I think we will stay with Bayview first, if time permits we will visit another as well. To clarify I agree that we will purchase 100% Kona Coffee, the reason I mentioned "reasonably priced" was more relative from one plantation to another. Looking at the website it looks like Bayview is reasonable in this regard with prices begining at $ 26/lb for 100% Kona Coffee.:)

You can buy Kona coffee virtually everywhere. Shop by farm/price. Some shops in Kona have coffee made for you to try first. Read labels closely so you get what you pay for. There are other outstanding coffees to be had in other islands as well. Don't rule out Kauai or Maui grown coffee. You won't pay as much, and WOW...it's good too.