A Big Island coffee farm is among 10 in the world to win the distinction of “Coffees of the Year.”
Kailiawa Farm was the only coffee producer in the nation to get that title from the Specialty Coffee Association of America and Roasters Guild competition in Houston, West Hawaii Today reported Friday.
The farm is on the Big Island’s southern tip known as the Kau district, which in recent years has been gaining recognition among coffee aficionados. Coffee in neighboring Kona has long been well-known.
Bull Kailiawa of Pahala told the newspaper he believes his family farm’s location in an area called “Cloud Rest” is key to producing quality coffee.
“The rain plays a big part,” he said. “It brings energy and we’re thankful for being on that belt line.”
This is the second time the farm received the honor.