Hawaiian Kauai Estate Coffee
Cocoa, almond and grapefruit zest from the island of Kauai, where sugar fields became coffee.
An estate coffee from Kauai, grown on land that was once sugar cane. The cup is soft and nutty, with cocoa, almond and a touch of grapefruit zest. Brewed as drip coffee at 93°C.
Sensory profile
You should taste
How it unfolds
Where it sits
That is 85 mg in one serving (8 oz cup (240ml)), a concentration of 35.4 mg per 100 ml. The scale above ranks whole servings, and servings differ in size, so a larger drink can sit further right while being weaker cup for cup.
Editorial estimate, not a laboratory measurement
Related reading
| Brewing method | Drip Coffee |
|---|---|
| Coffee-to-water ratio | 1:17 |
| Dose & yield | 14.4g → 240g |
| Grind size | Medium-fine |
| Water temperature | 199°F / 93°C |
| Target brew time | 2:45-4:00 depending on method |
| Serving | 8 oz cup (240ml) |
What you need
- 14.4 g whole coffee beans, freshly roasted
- 240 g filtered water at 93°C
Required gear
- Cone or flat-bottom dripper
- Paper filters
- Gooseneck kettle
- Burr grinder
- Scale accurate to 1 g
- Timer
- Server or carafe
Step-by-step protocol
- 0:00Rinse the paper filter with hot water, discard the rinse, and add 14.4 g ground medium-fine. Level the bed.
- 0:00Start the timer and pour 29 g of water at 93°C, wetting every part of the bed. Let it bloom.
- 0:45Pour in slow spirals up to 144 g total, keeping the bed submerged and the level steady.
- 1:30Final pour up to 240 g total. Give the dripper one gentle swirl to settle the bed flat.
- 3:23Drawdown should finish around here. Swirl the server and serve.
What it may be good for
The caffeine count
We list about 85 mg for an 8 oz cup.
A cup for drip machines
A soft, nutty coffee like this one does not need a fussy method. A drip machine or a simple pour-over works well. If the cup tastes flat, use a little more coffee; if it tastes dry, grind slightly coarser.
What to watch out for
- Caffeine affects everyone differently. If you are pregnant or nursing, sensitive to caffeine, or have been told to limit it, check with your doctor about how much is right for you.
An estate coffee from Kauai, grown on land that was once sugar cane. The cup is soft and nutty, with cocoa, almond and a touch of grapefruit zest. Brewed as drip coffee at 93°C.
Origin & Story
For generations the south shore of Kauai grew sugar cane. In 1987 the McBryde Sugar Company began planting coffee instead, and the farm that became Kauai Coffee reused what the cane had left behind: its irrigation system and its cane roads.
Most of the trees are Yellow Catuaí, a variety bred in Brazil, and there are about four million of them. It is one of the largest coffee farms in the United States, and its rows are watered by drip lines. This is not Kona coffee, a name that belongs to a district on the Big Island.
In 2026 the farm's future was in doubt. Its land lease was due to expire in March, and 141 workers were warned they might lose their jobs. The warning notices were withdrawn in May, and in June the farm announced a new 15-year lease with the landowner.
In the cup it is mellow and nutty: cocoa and almond, with a bright touch of grapefruit zest. It is a smooth coffee for people who like a gentle cup without much bitterness.
A drip machine does the job: 14.4 g of medium-fine coffee and 240 ml of water at 93°C, finishing in about three minutes.
Reading the Flavor Profile
| Axis | Score |
|---|---|
| Sweetness | 82/100 |
| Acidity | 58/100 |
| Bitterness | 24/100 |
| Body | 68/100 |
| Aroma | 86/100 |
These values are comparative editorial positions within our own catalog, calibrated so entries can be ranked against each other. They are not laboratory measurements.
How much caffeine is in Hawaiian Kauai Estate Coffee?
One serving, 8 oz cup (240ml), contains approximately 85 mg of caffeine.
What temperature should I use for Hawaiian Kauai Estate Coffee?
Target 93°C (199°F).
How long should Hawaiian Kauai Estate Coffee be extracted?
Timing: 2:45-4:00 depending on method. Method: Drip Coffee. Ratio: 60g coffee per Liter of water. Grind or leaf format: Medium-fine.
Is Kauai coffee the same as Kona coffee?
No. Kona is a district on Hawaii's Big Island and has its own labeling rules. Kauai is a different island with its own coffee farms.
Who grows coffee on Kauai?
The largest farm is Kauai Coffee, on former sugar land on the island's south shore. It grows mostly Yellow Catuaí, a Brazilian variety.
Who should avoid Hawaiian Kauai Estate Coffee?
Caffeine affects everyone differently. If you are pregnant or nursing, sensitive to caffeine, or have been told to limit it, check with your doctor about how much is right for you. This information is educational and is not medical advice. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, managing a cardiac or gastrointestinal condition, or taking prescription medication, discuss caffeine and botanical intake with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes.
What people say
Hario V60 Size 02 Ceramic Dripper
In this recipe: Cone or flat-bottom dripper
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