Many do not know it, but Hawaii is the only state that grows coffee. It is such a luxury to buy locally grown coffee from one of the many farms on the Big Island, Kauai, or Maui. The rich volcanic soil is the ideal growing climate for local farmers to cultivate their crops and come up with new roasts, blends, and techniques for Hawaii coffee.

Three Stone Coffee from Java on the Rocks in Kona

Now, I am certainly no expert, but I have tested, sampled, and enjoyed many cups since moving to Oahu. I like coffee black, nothing added, and will occasionally add some spices like cardamom and nutmeg, for a delicious afternoon cup. Our office even has a French Press that is in constant use.

So here is a list of my 5 favorite, must try, Hawaiian grown coffee. No 10% blends on this list. Only 100% coffee.

1)      Three Stone Coffee – From Java on the Rocks. Kona, Big Island

Without question, the best cup of coffee I have ever had. If you’re in Kona, be sure to stop in and have a cup. You will not be disappointed.

2)      Mulvadi Coffee – Kona, Big Island

This is my go to coffee. I buy it from a local grocery store and cannot recommend it enough. You might have to look hard, and if staying on Oahu,

travel outside of Waikiki to get a bag, but it will be well worth it.

3)      Shims Coffee – Kula, Maui

Shims Coffee Farm - Maui Food Tour with Discover Hawaii Tours

Mr. Shims Farmis located on the slopes of Haleakala, and we stop here on our Maui Food Tour. A wonderful cup of coffee and the packaging is really neat. The logo was designed by his granddaughters!

4)      Lion Coffee – Kona, Big Island

Legendary Lion Coffee. Probably the most well-known on this list, it’s a very nice cup of coffee. This is readily available all over the island, and in most grocery stores.

5)      Kauai Coffee Co. – Kalaheo, Kauai

I found a giant bag of Kauai Coffee at Costco and was absolutely giddy. It didn’t last nearly as long as I thought it would because I couldn’t get enough.
Big Please let us know of any that you recommend and think we need to try.

Read more: Recommended Hawaii Coffee

King Kamehameha Day has arrived once again in the Hawaiian Islands.

Draping of the Lei

Celebrated on June 10^th & 11^th, this two-day event honors King Kamehameha I, the great ali’i that unified all the Hawaiian Islands in 1810. This year’s celebratory theme is Wahine Holo Lio (woman on horseback).

Today, the festivities begin with the traditional draping of leis on the Kamehameha Statue, featuring a performance by The Royal Hawaiian Band. The ceremony runs from 3:30 to 4:30pm. Located on King Street, right across the street from Iolani Palace, this gorgeous ceremony is a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.

Saturday will play host to the 95^th annual King Kamehameha Day Parade. Starting at Iolani Palace at 9am, the parade will include women riding horses as they make their way down Ala Moana Boulevard and then through Waikiki. The parade ends at Kapiolani Park at noon, however, the festivities are far from over. From 10am to 4pm a celebration will ensue, featuring live entertainment, food stalls and cultural demonstrations for all to enjoy.

Read more: King Kamehameha Day

Everyone wants to fit in, especially when traveling to a new destination. And if a visitor wants to quickly assimilate to a new culture, one of the easiest ways is to incorporate some local style to their wardrobe. Here in Hawaii, nothing says island style like a pair of Locals.

Found at any ABC Store or Longs Drug Store in the Hawaiian Islands, a pair of Locals slippers (flip flops) are an indispensible part of every kama’aina (resident of Hawaii) wardrobe. Perfect for cruising around “island style,” the great news for visitors is that Locals are extremely affordable, generally costing no more than $5. Not only do these slippers make great souvenirs, but they are practical as well. Do yourself (and your feet) a favor and pick up some Locals slippers on your next visit to Hawaii!

Locals. The People's Choice for Slippers.

Read more: Fitting In Feet First

Otherwise known as the Merrie Monarch Festival, the world’s best hula competition and celebration is happening right now in Hilo, Big Island! The festival runs from April 24-30, 2011.

Read more about the Merrie Monarch Festival… on our sister site, Hawaiian Style Reads.

Read more: World-class Hula Competition in Hilo

After a recent trip to Big Island, Governor Abercrombie declared that Hawaii is “still open for business.” Several press releases were made by Hawaii’s governor after some uncertainty about the tsunami damage to the islands was expressed in the media. All the public roads, beaches, airports, are still open and no signs of radiation were found by the Environmental Protection Agency. The beauty and aloha of the islands is still here, and there is no need for residents and visitors to take protective measures on the islands. The tropical coastlines that make Hawaii an island paradise, have not been destroyed by the tsunami.

Governor Abercrombie Reviewing Tsunami Damages

The tsunami did in fact hit Hawaii damaging boat harbors, piers, residential areas, businesses, and public parks. We are currently receiving federal assistance by FEMA helping the islands with ongoing restoration of any infrastructure affected by the tsunami. Of all the resorts on the islands, only two are temporarily closed for repairs, which are on the Big Island. Despite the damages, Hawaii is making a quick recovery and business is open for visitors and residents. Boat Harbors and piers are open and the few businesses affected are being restored. Residents of Kona are reluctant to know that the Kona Pier is back in use for the 2000 passenger cruise ships to stop there. Ali’i drive in Kona, the most damaged street from surging waves, has already been restored and opened for public use.

As far the 40+ tours plus we offer at Discover Hawaii Tours, none have been affected by the tsunami and we are still operating on our normal schedule. Our thoughts and aloha continue to go to our neighbors in the far east for the tragic affects of the tsunami. If you’d like to donate or participate in aiding Japan, please visit the redcross.org.

Read more: Hawaii Open For Business