Anybody growing coffee in Puna?

[Buzzy]

Aloha,

I know a few farms are growing it there because I found them in Google. How's it turning out? How does it compare to Kona? Is it going to be economically feasible? Does it taste good? Is there a market for it?

I'm Hawaii dreaming sitting here in the middle of Puget Sound as the days get darker and the nights get colder. My husband just retired, and we're thinking about a few acres in Puna, growing coffee.

Viable? Nuts? Everybody will hate us cause we're outsiders?

Thing is, I had to do some business in Hilo a couple years ago and stayed at a B&B in Volcano. Explored the area in between and I just fell in love. Can't get it out of my mind. I know everybody hates the traffic there but you oughta try Seattle traffic. Boeing moved their headquarters to Chicago because they hated the traffic here. And then there's ferry lines.

Anyway, I imagine the soft island breezes and the smell of roasting coffee.

Any info you've got greatly appreciated

Buzz

[John Dirgo]

Re: Anybody growing coffee in Puna?

Get in touch with Sharky's Coffee -- they are growing in Puna and have EXCELLENT coffee. http://www.sharkyscoffee.com There's also the Hilo Coffee Mill (sorry, I don't have a weblink for them). Puna coffee is growing big-time.

[Pua'i Mana'o]

Re: Anybody growing coffee in Puna?

I think coffee from Kea'au and Ka'u is more 'ono than that from Holualoa.

[John Dirgo]

Re: Anybody growing coffee in Puna?

I believe Sharky's is grown up in Mtn View (not far from Kea'au) and the new location of the Hilo Coffee Mill is also in Mtn View. Yeah, I know, its not really a "Hilo" Coffee Mill now, but they worked so hard to get their name established back when they were physically in Hilo, its understandable why they didn't change the name.