Business Details
16 Years
experience
Award-Winning Hawaiian Coffee Roasters in Hilo, HI
Big Island Coffee Roasters was founded in 2010 when we discovered a neglected coffee farm in Hawaii's Puna region. With backgrounds in organic agriculture and biology, we revitalized the land and began crafting exceptional Hawaiian coffees. Our dedication to quality earned us the Grand Champion title at the Hawaii Coffee Association's 2013 competition, marking the start of our reputation as an award-winning roaster. We now collaborate with over 24 local farms across Hawaii, paying above fair-trade prices while pioneering sustainable practices powered by renewable energy. Our team of 22 experts, including certified Q-Graders and roasting specialists, meticulously process, grade, and roast coffees in small batches to preserve their unique terroir. Recognized globally with accolades like the World Coffee Innovation Awards' Best Specialty Coffee Roaster, we've returned $9.6 million to local farmers through our direct-trade model.Our Hilo cafe serves as both a community hub and a showcase for our 100% Hawaiian coffees, which we ship fresh worldwide. Sustainability remains central to our operations, from wildlife conservation partnerships to carbon-neutral production. With over 3,500 five-star reviews, we've become Hawaii's most awarded craft coffee roaster, offering everything from single-origin Kona beans to innovative Espresso Bites. Our Hawaiian Coffee of the Month Club delivers curated micro-lots to subscribers, while our Wild Rewards program fosters customer loyalty. Through it all, we maintain our founding commitment to quality, community, and environmental stewardship.
Services
Coffee Roasting
Subscription Services
Wholesale Coffee
Cafe Operations
Sustainability Programs
Online Retail
Coffee Education
Gift Subscriptions
International Shipping
Farm Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- 15+ years pioneering sustainable coffee production in Hawaii
- Direct partnerships with 24+ local family farms
- 100% Hawaiian coffees with full traceability
- Renewable energy-powered operations since inception
- 3,500+ verified five-star customer reviews
What people say
Exceptional quality
Fresh coffee
Excellent customer service
Great variety
Award-winning taste
Services
Coffee Roasting
Small-batch coffee roasting using sustainably sourced Hawaiian beans. Our Q-Grader certified team roasts to order, preserving each coffee's unique characteristics through precise temperature and timing controls. Available in whole bean or ground formats.
Subscription Services
Monthly coffee delivery featuring curated Hawaiian micro-lots. Members choose from 1-4 bags per month with options for roast profiles and grind types. Includes exclusive access to limited releases and 10% in-store discount.
Wholesale Coffee
Premium Hawaiian coffee supply for cafes and retailers. Offers include branded packaging options, marketing support, and volume pricing. Requires completion of wholesale application process with dedicated account management.
Cafe Operations
Hilo-based cafe serving specialty drinks and fresh pastries. Open daily 6:30 AM - 5:00 PM, featuring rotating single-origin coffees, house-made syrups, and locally sourced ingredients in a welcoming island atmosphere.
Sustainability Programs
Comprehensive environmental stewardship programs including renewable energy operations, wildlife conservation partnerships, and direct farmer investments. Certified carbon-neutral production with $50,000+ donated annually to land preservation efforts.
People
Kelleigh
Founder & CMTO
Co-founder and Chief Mission & Traceability Officer with 15+ years in sustainable coffee production. Leads quality control and farmer partnerships while maintaining Q-Grader certification standards.
Brandon
Founder & COO
Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer specializing in brewing techniques and espresso technology. Oversees daily operations and production logistics with technical expertise in coffee equipment systems.
Halia Nahale-a
Cafe Manager
Experienced cafe leader managing daily operations and customer experience. Trained in specialty coffee preparation and team development with deep knowledge of Hawaiian coffee culture.
Questions
What makes Hawaiian coffee special?
Hawaiian coffee benefits from volcanic soil, tropical climate, and high elevation growing conditions that create unique flavor profiles with notes of tropical fruit and floral undertones.
How do you ensure coffee quality?
We employ Q-Grader certified staff, use small-batch roasting techniques, and maintain direct relationships with 24+ local farms to ensure traceability and quality control.
Do you offer international shipping?
Yes, we ship globally via USPS and FedEx with rates starting at $17.95 for international orders. Customs duties may apply depending on destination.
What sustainability practices do you follow?
We operate on renewable energy, donate to wildlife conservation, and maintain a farmer-first model that's returned $9.6 million to local agricultural communities.
Can I visit your coffee farm?
While we focus on production at our Puna farm, you can experience our coffee at our Hilo cafe or through virtual farm tours available on our website.
How should I store Hawaiian coffee?
Store in an airtight container away from light and moisture. For optimal freshness, consume within 2-3 weeks of opening and avoid refrigeration.
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