Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation

What to expect

The farm sits at the very end of Hao Street, up Kaloko Drive on the slopes of Hualālai, in a cool, misty “cloud forest” where clouds often roll in by 11am. The farm store is the base, with 100% Kona coffees to taste and free guided tours of about 20 minutes covering the coffee trees, milling and drying, and roasting. Afterward, the self-guided nature trail drops along a gravel path past three large lava tubes, native plants, fruits, and flowers to an observation deck looking over the organic coffee fields to the Kona coast. Most people spend 15 to 20 minutes on the trail.

Know before you go

Getting there

Take Highway 190 to Kaloko Drive, drive about 3 miles up, and turn right at the third Hao Street, marked by coffee signs hanging from a tree. The farm is at the end, on the makai side, about 30 minutes from the Waikoloa resorts.

Free tours

Tours run 9:30am to 3:30pm daily, and family groups don’t need a reservation. They’re easy walking tours and wheelchair friendly.

Nature trail

The trail is open 9am to 3:30pm for a per-family fee that includes a souvenir guidebook. It has many steps and a steep driveway climb back to the store, so it isn’t wheelchair or walker friendly.

Best time

Afternoon rain is common, so come in the morning and bring a rain jacket, sturdy shoes, and insect repellent for the trail.

Food

The farm doesn’t sell snacks or lunch, but you’re welcome to picnic in the gift shop area or on the trail’s observation deck.

Closures

The farm is open daily 9am to 4pm. It closes on Ironman race day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.