Aikane Plantation

Phil and Merle are absolute delights! This hard-​working couple showed us all around their plantation, and shared every step of their process as well as long family history. A recent storm wiped out many of their out buildings, but they persevere. Their coffee is low acid, not bitter and oh so smooth. They really made the 5 of us feel like family. I’m so happy we found out about them! We look forward to going back in the future. Thank you for your hospitality! And — Oh My! Those Tahitian Limes were deelish!

Absolutely my very favorite coffee!!! If there were more stars I would give them all to you!
Make my favorite Mocha at home with grass fed milk, unrefined sugar and Dark 70% Green and Black Chocolate. WOW! It’s Aikane that makes it to die for!
Easy to order online. Always arrives quickly.
Mahalo nui and much success to you and your Ohana!

Still the best coffee around, found them at farmers market at the Hyatt in Waikiki, Oahu on recent trip. Love the purple bags, love the awesome coffee and the awesome family style they operate in.

This place was definitely one of the best stops we had while on the BI. If you go, definitely expect to spend at least 2.5 hours here and try and call ahead of time to let them know you are coming. Also ask for directions since they are a bit off of the beaten path.
This is a family operation run by Phil and Merle, a very friendly couple who you can tell are very passionate about what they do and want to show you a good time. Bring bug spray. I came out with 21 mosquito bites. They gave me some cream to use for it, which was really nice of them, but to save yourself the itching, definitely put on a liberal amount before you even get out of the car.
We started off by getting into the tractor and Phil drove us around the plantation, explaining the process of growing the coffee beans, the different types of fruits they have on the farm, how their farm is completely sustainable — they produce their own electricity and have their own water supply. Showing us the drying and raking racks of the coffee, etc. Super interesting and way more detailed than you would get anywhere else.
Then Phil asked us if we wanted to see the sheep. Of course we said yea, and that’s when the whole other adventure began. He called Merle to join us to open the gate, and we drove the tractor up the hill a bit to where the horses were, after getting some feed for the sheep. The horses, which were all so cute and had some definite personality going on, we’re waiting by the gate, knowing that we had feed, even though the feed was for the sheep. The second we pulled the tractor through the gates, we started driving because the horses started chasing us. It was so much fun, having them gallop by the side of the tractor, ocean view in the background, beautiful rolling green hills surrounding us. We got to the second gate and went through, leaving the horses behind, venturing into the sheep area. Lots of sheep, all pregnant females, and two that had recently given birth, both to twins (so four little babies running around). It was so cute. We fed the sheep, which they raise for the 4H agricultural program, hung out for a little while longer, then headed back down the hill towards their house.
The tour ends with some history on the family. Merle’s family has a long history on that property, growing coffee and sugar cane, and her great grandfather (or his brother) was one of the Hawaiian queen’s royal escorts. All really interesting stuff. They also serve you a cup of coffee and just sit around chatting with you.
The personal and homey touch of this visit was really great. We went to a lot of other coffee places during our trip and they were all very touristy and not very personable. Phil and Merle showed us a great time, interesting coffee facts, unique experience, and great views. Definitely a must-​visit while on the Big Island. And if you go, tell them Luke and Tiff said hi.

I have to say that this was one of my favorite things on the Big Island! Phil is wonderful and takes you on a personal tour around the property. You can sample the fruit growing on the trees and will tell you all about their unique coffee process. To day it best, they make you feel like a part of their family! Thank you!

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST COFFEE YOU CAN GET!!! The owners are some of the nicest people we’ve met! They took us on a free tour of the plantation and they take you around in a shuttle so you don’t have to walk. Great for all ages! You even get a cup of coffee when you’re done so you can try it for yourself. I would highly recommend this place as a «must see» and you can buy the coffee right there. Best of all you can take it with you on a plane without any problems!

@KanuHawaii kicked off it’s annual #EatLocalChallenge last night at Ag in the City during the Honolulu Farmer’s Market.
Farmers, chefs, foodies, and friends set up tents to showcase their best in local homegrown food.
After sending Emily L on a search of what she wanted to eat, she came back and handed me a sample of seriously, the smoothest cup of kona coffee I’ve ever had. I was hooked!
«Where did the come from, Emily? WHERE?! I need it now!»
Well, I went on my own adventure to discover who brewed this and why is it so perfect?
Aikane Plantation is where it’s at folks. All the way FBI (from Big Island).
Scott, who I said I’d hire as my personal barista when I make my millions, asked if I wanted a sample.
I told him no, because I actually wanted the whole coffee keg, until reality set in and I purchased just a cup. I figured that I was still poor but I can still spread the wealth of Aikane by having others try this magic bean juice out.
Their roast has a fruity essence to it and goes down oh-​so-​smooth. No yucky bitter taste. No heart-​stopping flavor wall. Just a velvety smooth brew that competes very close to Island Vintage’s kona espresso.
I regret not buying a bag, but I plan on it next week when I stop by the market on my way home.
EAT LOCAL! BE LOCAL!
Review #032/​365

Update!
Alan Wong featured Aikane Plantation Coffe along with other Kau coffees at his recent Pineapple Room Anniversary Party. I hope that means they will be serving this excellent coffee at his restaurants. Be sure to ask for it!
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Aikane Plantation Coffee debuted their line at the Made in Hawaii show this past weekend. I was delighted to find them on the first day of the show and got to taste their wonderful coffee… What a treat! Better than many of the «Kona Coffees», Aikane Plantation is located in Pahala, Hawaii… The flavor is rich and full bodied!
The owners Merle and Phil Becker take pride in growing and processing the best coffee bean in the area. They are selective in what they pick and process and go the «extra mile» to make sure you get great flavor.
Besides their coffee, they put out the most delicious dark chocolate covered pea berry, a choice coffee bean… WOW! and a chocolate covered macadamia nut.
Look for these new products on the market soon!
Menehune Mac on Waiakamilo is looking to carry the coffee and will probably carry the pea berry too…
You can go to their website at