What it is
Hula Daddy Kona Coffee is a coffee farm and roastery located in Holualoa on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, dedicated to growing, processing, and roasting 100% Kona coffee. Proprietors Lee and Karen Paterson established the farm in 2002 with the goal of producing some of the world's best coffee. The farm offers tours that provide insight into the coffee-making process from tree to cup, including visits to the orchard and roasting room, and coffee tastings. Hula Daddy emphasizes eco-friendly farming techniques and small-batch roasting to ensure freshness.
Visitor experience
Visitors to Hula Daddy Kona Coffee can take a guided one-hour "coffee experience" tour, which includes exploring the coffee orchard, seeing the roasting room, and participating in a tasting of their award-winning Kona coffee. The tour covers the entire process of growing, processing, and roasting 100% Kona coffee, offering an educational and sensory experience. Guests may also get a chance to interact with the roaster and owners. The location provides scenic views from the farm. Beyond the tours, visitors can purchase Hula Daddy's coffee, which they claim is only available directly from the farm or their online shop.
Logistics
- Area and Access: Hula Daddy Kona Coffee is situated in Holualoa, on the slopes of the Hualālai Volcano, along Mamalahoa Hwy (Highway 190) in the Kona region. It is about a 20-minute drive from Kailua-Kona.
- Reservations: Tours are by reservation only. A minimum of two people is required to book a tour.
- Timing: The visitor center and tasting room are open Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM (HST), excluding major holidays. Tours are offered Monday through Friday, with specific times often between 9:45 AM and 12:30 PM, lasting approximately one hour.
- Parking: Not explicitly stated, but typically coffee farms of this nature have on-site parking for visitors.
- Permits/Fees: As of 2025, the tour costs $35 per person, though pricing can change, so it's advised to check the current cost when booking.
- Duration: The guided coffee experience tour lasts about one hour.
- Activity Type: This is best approached as a half-day activity if combined with other stops in the Holualoa/Kona coffee belt, or a focused anchor activity for coffee enthusiasts.
Safety and cautions
- Walking: Tours involve visiting the orchard, which may include walking on uneven terrain. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes suitable for a farm environment.
- Weather: The Kona region can experience afternoon rain due to trade winds, especially at higher elevations, so visitors might consider morning tours and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Accessibility: While not explicitly stated, farm environments may present challenges for visitors with mobility impairments. It is recommended to contact Hula Daddy directly for specific accessibility information.
- Operating Hours/Holidays: The farm is closed on weekends and major holidays. It's always wise to check their website or call ahead for current hours and availability, especially around holidays.
Editorial take
Hula Daddy Kona Coffee is a priority for visitors who are genuine coffee enthusiasts, eager to delve into the intricacies of Kona coffee production, from cultivation to roasting and tasting. It's particularly well-suited for those who appreciate premium, award-winning coffee and are interested in the "farm-to-cup" journey. The guided, one-hour tour offers an educational and engaging experience. This activity fits well into a half-day itinerary exploring the Holualoa area and other coffee farms in the Kona belt.
Travelers who might skip this include those with limited time who are not particularly interested in coffee, or those seeking free activities, as the tour has a per-person fee.
Do not confuse Hula Daddy Kona Coffee with other Kona coffee farms, such as Greenwell Farms (which offers free guided tours) or Mountain Thunder Kona Coffee (known for free, no-reservation tours). While all are in the Kona region and offer coffee experiences, Hula Daddy differentiates itself with its focus on premium, award-winning coffee and a specific reservation-only tour format.
Source notes
- Big Island Guide: Hula Daddy Kona Coffee. https://bigislandguide.com/hula-daddy-kona-coffee
- Hula Daddy Kona Coffee: Visitor Center and Tasting Room. https://huladaddy.com/visitor-center-and-tasting-room/
- Hula Daddy Kona Coffee: Contact Us. https://huladaddy.com/contact-us/
- Inspired Imperfection: Hawaii Trip: Take the Hula Daddy Kona Coffee Tour. https://www.inspiredimperfection.com/hula-daddy-kona-coffee-tour/
- Love Big Island: BIG LIST of Kona Coffee Tours on the Big Island (2026). https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-coffee-tours/
- Hula Daddy Kona Coffee: TOUR PLANTATION. https://huladaddy.com/tour-plantation/
