Supermarket Kona Coffee in Hawaii?

[ZenFoodist]

I'll be in Maui for the next week and I want to bring back Kona for at least two dozen people. I'm wondering about buying from local supermarkets instead of the overpriced touristy places. What do locals buy? I realize there are huge gaps in quality, but what would be a decent, reasonable brand to bring home for so many people?

Thanks in advance,
lisa

[Bill Hunt]

Depending on where on Mau`i you are staying, AND if they are still there, I'd suggest Sir Winfred's, just N. of Ka`anapali, in a strip shopping center on the parallel "back road," just over the RR tracks. They have (or had) some great Kona estate coffees, and their prices, while not cheap, are quite good. We ordered many pounds from there, but have not done so in a while, so I cannot vouch for thier existance. They also had distribution rights to some obscure estates, that you are not likely to find elsewhere.

Good luck,
Hunt

[EDIT, after reading all of the responses] Lion Brand is where we do most of our ordering now and are very satisfied. Also, Costo, in Hawai`i, does have a lot of local products. There is a store right next to the airport on Mau`i. Do not know about Sam's Club, but would assume that they are similar. Hilo Hattie's also has a Lion kiosk (Honolulu), and they probably have a store on Mau`i.

[alanbarnes]

Assuming it's the same place (Sir Wilfred's), they moved to the Whaler's Village shopping center in Lahaina. They do carry estate coffees at estate prices (~$30/lb). But what do you expect from da buggahs on da West Side?

PS--Maui is the only major island without a glottal stop (Lana'i, Moloka'i, O'ahu, Ni'ihau, Kaua'i, Hawai'i, and Kaho'olawe all get one).

[Bill Hunt]

Yes, Wilfred's. Mis-spelling on my part. Thanks for the correction. Hm-m, moved to Whaler's Village, huh? Rent went up, and so did the prices, I'd guess.

Also, appreciate the correction on Maui. I'd seen it done with the glottal enough times, that it imprinted in my feeble mind. Now, if I can just make that connection, as it'll save me a character, whenever I type it. Again, thanks.

I appreciate the update,
Hunt

[ZenFoodist]

Just got back from Paradise.

Wanted to thank you guys. I ended getting a membership at Safeway and buying 30 bags of the Lion's Brand 24 karat 100% Kona which was on a weekly promotion for $9.89 down from 15.?? I saw it everywhere else for considerably more ( ABC was the closest in price actually)

FWIW I was surprised the Four Seasons used Gevalia cartridges in its rooms. Everything else was so perfect and top notch.

All Good Things,
lisa

[Bill Hunt]

Yes, we've seen the Gevalia, or similar, at many high-end resorts. Unfortunately, for the price of the machine and the cartridges, the coffee is pretty weak. I find these blends to be at about the level of $0.25 coffee with free refills! One fills a cup with hot water, then whispers, "coffee," over the top. Give me Lion Brand Toasted Coconut every time.

I'd rather have a Mr. Coffee and then pick up good coffee at Safeway, ABC, whatever, and do it myself. We normally travel with a few different sized filters, just in case. We've also started traveling with a handful of bags of the raw sugar, as most places have tons of chemical sweetener, but little sugar, and none of the raw stuff. We'll pick up a little carton of cream and stick it in the 'fridge.

Glad you found your Lion Kona. When back on the Mainland, you might want to check out their offerings available at: http://www.hicoffeeco.com/ and some other sites. I get a quarterly update of specials directly from Lion, but can't find their direct URL.

Hunt

[Debbie M]

That's a good price. I think the cheapest I ever bought it for was $10.99.

[gourmanda]

I presume that is $9.89 for a half a pound? I can't imagine 100% Kona at that price for a full pound.

[alanbarnes]

I like Royal Kona a little better than Lion. The roast is just a tiny bit darker, which gives additional depth without covering up the fruity, sweet, full-bodied flavor.

[manomin]

They are both owned by the same company. I like going to their roasting plant and buying coffee and having a cup when I'm there.

[Clinton]

I like Lion's brand. Try Long's Drugs for cheaper prices if you're looking for a bargain. Make sure it says 100% Kona if you want quality though. You can get the Kona blend cheaper for $2.99 a small bag on sale most of the time. Try Costco or Sam's Club for bulk coffee. I saw a gift package recently at Costco which had several small bags at a reasonable price. Remember this, Costco and Sam's Club have certain local items sold only in Hawaii but not on the mainland.

[Debbie M]

I like Lion 100% Kona, too. Another place to check is Don Quijote (fka Daiei) at 801 Kaheka St. (5 min. walk from the Ala Moana Ctr. mauka bus stop) They carry most local brands, their prices are good, and you might luck into a weekly special.

[Clinton]

The only problem is that person will be on Maui instead of Honolulu where Don Quijote is located. I'd suggest that place too but it may be a long swim...

[Debbie M]

Duh. That's what I get for quickly browsing when I should be working.

(But, maybe the OP is a *strong* swimmer ...)