This Uncrowded Town In The Heart Of Oahu Offers Coffee Farm Tours For An Authentic Taste Of Hawaii

The whirring of a grinder, the hissing of hot water, and the clanking of an espresso machine are distinctive sounds that shape both a sensory and gastronomic experience. It's no news that coffee is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, at least when in need of a daily boost. Exotic, vibrant countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Costa Rica — the latter offering a taste of local coffee and chocolate at a family-run farm near the Arenal Volcano — call our attention to immerse ourselves in an authentic coffee farm experience. Here's a heads-up, though: Latin America is not the only destination boasting coffee plantations; Hawaii's lush region along the coast also delights with coffee farms, landmarks, and scenic vistas.

Nestled in central Oahu and located about 20 miles from Honolulu, Wahiawa is a tranquil town sandwiched between Wai'anae Mountain and Mount Kaʻala, well-known among locals for its esteemed coffee production and specialty coffee farms. What actually brought the renowned coffee farm to life was an original pineapple plantation in the early 20th century. James Drummond Dole, who established the Hawaiian Pineapple Company, decided to cultivate pineapple in Hawaii in 1900. 

Agriculture emerged as a major factor in Hawaii's economy, and thanks to fertile soil and optimal weather conditions, Hawaii was also recognized as suitable for coffee production. Wahiawa soon became the site of a coffee plantation, helping the Aloha State secure a place as a principal contributor to the coffee market. Coffee grew into one of the most prominent crops, grown with the support of specific techniques adapted to a volcanic terrain and high-altitude conditions.

If you have visited the island of Hawaii, you're probably acquainted with the coffee culture and history. However, if you happen to enjoy your tropical holiday on the island of Oahu, carve out time to explore a coffee farm to bring home memories of a real Hawaiian coffee experience. If you feel tempted to visit Wahiawa, the best way to reach the town is to fly into Honolulu and drive for about 20 minutes. The Green World Coffee Farm is less than 2 miles from Wahiawa, but you can also take a shuttle from central Oahu that takes you directly to the plantation.

The popular Green World Coffee Farm offers free tours of the plantation, where locally sourced beans are roasted every morning, filling the air with an intense, smoky aroma. You can ask for a guide to lead a tour or start a self-exploration of the plantation. At Green World Coffee Farm, you can taste locally grown coffee and purchase roasted beans and have them ground, either coarse or fine. 

Here, the soil initially meant for pineapple cultivation needed to undergo a recovery program in order to grow exceptional coffee. Once the fruits have matured, the process of converting coffee cherries into dry green coffee beans begins. During pulping, the skin of the fruit is removed, leaving only the seed, which will then be stored and become a green coffee bean. Before the coffee is sold, these green beans need to be roasted, turning them into the well-known brown beans we are all familiar with.

If you are heading toward downtown and wish to taste good, smoking local coffee, head to the Surfers Coffee. Built in 2011, the coffee store is managed by a non-profit organization that supports hospitality in Wahiawa, making it a perfect stop for a relaxed day or a meet-up with friends. Wahiawa is also home to other interesting locations worth visiting. Wahiawa Botanical Garden, considered a "tropical jewel," covers 27 acres of a rainforest dating back to the 1930s. Many years ago, some sugarcane farmers established the park as an experiment; today, the garden hosts both endemic and naturalized Hawaiian plants. Wear proper gear to visit the botanical garden and bring along bug spray — you may need it.

As mentioned above, pineapples were a prominent crop, with farms producing the local fruit, and you can still visit the Dole Pineapple Plantation in Oahu. Hop on board the Pineapple Express Train, a 20-minute train ride that narrates the history of the farm as it rolls slowly through the garden. Once you stop there, you'll have the chance to marvel at colorful plants and flowers scattered around, such as exotic fruits, cacao pods, and lei flowers.

Just 4 miles from Wahiawa, you can indulge in a rum sampling session. Pay a visit to Ko Hana Distillers, Oahu's only dedicated rum tasting experience, where you can visit the distillery and plantation of sugarcane plants and learn about how they turn sugarcane into rum. As you are on the road, drive past the ancient Kūkaniloko Birthstones State Monument. This sacred site offers a glimpse into old royal traditions, where high chiefs were born.