Big Island Coffee Roasters is Hawaii's most awarded craft coffee roaster, founded in 2013 by Kelleigh and Brandon Stewart. The company's remarkable journey began in 2010 when the founders discovered a run-down coffee farm in the rugged Puna region of Hawaii's Big Island, posted for sale on Craigslist. Initially skeptical about Hawaiian coffee quality due to previous experiences with artificially flavored blends, they took a chance on purchasing the property and dove into farm rehabilitation and coffee production. Drawing from backgrounds in organic agriculture and biology, the founders spent several years reviving the land and perfecting their coffee processing methods. Their dedication paid off in 2013 when their Puna Pink Bourbon earned Grand Champion in the Hawaii Coffee Association Statewide Cupping Competition, becoming the first and only Puna coffee to receive this prestigious award. This achievement marked the official birth of Big Island Coffee Roasters. The company expanded its mission beyond their own farm, working with farmers throughout Hawaii to offer the widest range of authentic Hawaiian coffees worldwide. In 2014, they opened the first coffee mill in East Hawaii, utilizing local grants to refine, grade, and roast coffees for neighboring farms. This community-focused approach helped address industry problems including counterfeit Kona coffee markets and farmers abandoning their crops. Big Island Coffee Roasters has grown from a two-person operation to over 22 team members. They specialize in small-batch milling, roasted-to-order coffee shipped fresh directly from their farm and micro-mill. The company is also known for their innovative Espresso Bites product line, which has earned additional recognition in the industry. Their commitment to sustainability is evident through their use of renewable energy from sun and wind, with farm direct purchases putting over $9.2 million into local farmers' hands. The company operates a cafe and roastery in Hilo at 76 Kalanianaʻole Street, serving as a community hub for coffee enthusiasts. Awards and recognition include Progressive Grocer's Impact Award for traceability and sustainability, "Best Specialty Coffee Roaster" from the World Coffee Innovation Awards, Good Food Awards, and recognition from publications like Forbes, Thrillist, and Food & Wine. The company has donated $50,000 to wildlife rescue and land stewardship while preventing 29 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. Their coffees are enjoyed globally, with customers spanning all 50 US states and 13 countries worldwide.
2013
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Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$22.00 · $5.50/oz
Varieties
Surinam Cherry • Butterscotch • Spiced Rum • Oak • Lime • Orange Bitters
Barrel Aged Ka'u Maragogipe is Big Island Coffee Roasters' giant-bean Kaʻū Maragogipe aged in rum and bourbon barrels. Surinam cherry and butterscotch meet spiced rum and oak in a medium roast, no added flavorings.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$25.00 · $6.25/oz
Vanilla • Toasted Oak • Caramel • Cacao • Roasted Nuts
Barrel Aged Kona Coffee is Big Island Coffee Roasters' 100% Kona aged in seasoned bourbon barrels without added flavoring. Medium-dark, sweetly spice-toned with vanilla, toasted oak, caramel, and cacao.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$21.00 · $5.25/oz
Dark Chocolate • Toasted Caramel • Warm Spice
Hawaiian Harmony is Big Island Coffee Roasters' medium-dark blend of Kaʻū and Maui coffees. Dark chocolate, toasted caramel, and warm spice with a silky body—espresso, pour-over, or drip.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$30.00 · $3.00/oz
Dates • Raisins • Panela • Candied Citrus • Pecan Pie • Spice
Hōkūleʻa Holiday Blend is Big Island Coffee Roasters' festive seasonal blend of Hawaiian lots with a Guatemala origin. Nutty warmth, dried fruit, candied citrus, and pecan-pie richness in a crowd-pleasing medium roast.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$20.00 · $2.00/oz
Milk Chocolate • Fig Newton • Toffee • Orange Zest • Gardenia • Cedar
Io Espresso Blend is Big Island Coffee Roasters' medium espresso roast of Central and South American coffees. Milk chocolate, Fig Newton, and toffee with orange zest and gardenia—smooth straight or with milk.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$21.00 · $5.25/oz
Vanilla • Honey • Coffee Blossom
Kaʻu Morning Glory is Big Island Coffee Roasters' celebrated Kaʻū signature—floral, buttery, and sweetly juicy with vanilla, honey, and coffee blossom. A local favorite milled fresh on Hawaiʻi Island.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$45.00 · $4.50/oz
Varieties
Cacao • Brownie Crust • Plum Cake • Dried Cranberry
Kaʻū Red Bourbon is Big Island Coffee Roasters' indulgent Kaʻū Red Bourbon with roasted cacao and brownie crust, brightened by plum cake and dried cranberry. Offered medium-dark or medium-light.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$20.00 · $5.00/oz
Tootsie Roll • Pipe Tobacco • Sweet Cedar • Cherry Cordial • Dried Pineapple
Ka'u Black Honey is a black-honey Kaʻū single origin from Big Island Coffee Roasters. Sticky mucilage dried onto parchment for weeks yields a jammy, syrupy cup with Tootsie Roll sweetness, pipe tobacco, sweet cedar, cherry cordial, and dried pineapple.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$20.00 · $5.00/oz
Fudge • Molasses • Blackberry • Vanilla • Spruce
Ka'u Darkwood is Big Island Coffee Roasters' dark-roast 100% Kaʻū companion to Morning Glory. Fudge, molasses, blackberry, vanilla, and spruce in a silky cup that loves milk drinks too.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$49.00 · $4.90/oz
Varieties
Nectarine • Amber • Almond Butter • Wisteria
Ka'u Maragogipe is Big Island Coffee Roasters' rare elephant-bean Kaʻū Maragogipe—floral, fruit-forward, and eagerly awaited. Offered medium-light or medium-dark, with nectarine, amber, and almond-butter sweetness.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$42.00 · $4.20/oz
Lemon-Lime • Pomegranate • Butterscotch • Cocoa Nib
Ka'u Peaberry is Big Island Coffee Roasters' curated Kaʻū peaberry selection with lemon-lime, pomegranate, and butterscotch. Versatile across pour-over, drip, French press, and espresso, with cocoa-nib depth.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$45.00 · $4.50/oz
Varieties
Wisteria • Dried Peach • Tangerine • Cocoa Nib
Ka'u Yellow Bourbon is Big Island Coffee Roasters' lush Kaʻū Yellow Bourbon—floral wisteria and dried peach with tangerine sparkle and cocoa nib. A rare Hawaiian Bourbon offered medium-light or medium-dark.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$22.00 · $5.50/oz
Jasmine • Peach • Honey • Caramel • Toffee
Kona Bloom is Big Island Coffee Roasters' medium-light 100% Kona with jasmine, peach, honey, caramel, and toffee. Bright and buttery—pour-over or filter from the same farm as Kona Moon.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$99.00 · $9.90/oz
Varieties
Strawberry • Citrus • Jasmine • Stone Fruit
Kona Geisha is Big Island Coffee Roasters' rare 100% Kona Geisha with strawberry, citrus, jasmine, and stone fruit. A 36-hour anaerobic washed microlot—tea-like, luminous, and unforgettable.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$22.00 · $5.50/oz
Varieties
Dark Chocolate • Hazelnut • Graham Cracker
Kona Moon is Big Island Coffee Roasters' dark-roast 100% Kona Typica from the same farm as Kona Bloom. Smooth dark chocolate, hazelnut, and graham cracker without bitterness—espresso, press, or bold drip.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$34.00 · $8.50/oz
Varieties
Black Cherry • Wild Honey • Peach • Ginger
Kona Noir is Big Island Coffee Roasters' rare 100% Kona SL34 with black cherry, wild honey, ripe peach, and ginger. A fruit-forward volcanic-slope cup offered medium-light or dark, prized for wine-like elegance.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$26.00 · $6.50/oz
Black Cherry • Magnolia • Cedar • Maple Syrup
Kona Peaberry Coffee is Big Island Coffee Roasters' dense, nutrient-rich 100% Kona peaberry. Medium-light or medium-dark with black cherry, magnolia, and maple sweetness in collectible Nick Kuchar packaging.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$59.00 · $5.90/oz
Varieties
Dark Chocolate • Cherry
Kona Red Bourbon is Big Island Coffee Roasters' lush Uluwehi Farm lot with dark chocolate and cherry, like Black Forest cake. Rare Hawaiian Red Bourbon, yeast-fermented and offered medium-light or dark.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$49.00 · $4.90/oz
Varieties
Kona Restoration Coffee is 100% Kona Typica grown on Mauna Loa's slopes inside a living restoration farm. Medium-light roasted by Big Island Coffee Roasters, it reflects biodiversity-minded farming and carefully tended volcanic terroir.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$45.00 · $4.50/oz
Asian Pear • Candied Pecan • Tea Rose
Lā Piha Makahiki is Big Island Coffee Roasters' anniversary Hawaiian blend of Maui Yellow Caturra, Kaʻū Red Bourbon, and Kona SL34. Medium roast with Asian pear, candied pecan, and tea rose — elegant and silky black or with milk.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$15.00 · $3.75/oz
Varieties
Hazelnut • Caramel • Orange Zest
Maui Mana is Big Island Coffee Roasters' dark washed Maui lot of Catuai and Yellow Caturra. Nutty sweetness and chocolate richness that work as espresso or pour-over—Maui coffee back after the Lahaina fires.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$15.00 · $3.75/oz
Varieties
Golden Raisin • Roasted Almond • Orange Blossom • Milk Chocolate
Maui Mellow is Big Island Coffee Roasters' natural-process Maui Yellow Caturra—soft, nutty, and easy-drinking after Maui's rebuilding season. Medium-light with golden raisin, almond, and milk chocolate.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$45.00 · $4.50/oz
Varieties
Moa'ula Lempira is Big Island Coffee Roasters' high-elevation Kaʻū single origin from a young family farm. A rust-resistant Lempira lot with expressive yeast-fermented character, milled small-batch and roasted to order in Hilo.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$21.00 · $5.25/oz
Varieties
Blackberry • Lemon Zest
Moa'ula 'Ohana Blend is Big Island Coffee Roasters' award-winning Hawaiʻi Island espresso blend of yeast-inoculated Lempira and washed Catuai. Vibrant, floral, and fruit-forward without harsh roastiness.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$20.00 · $2.00/oz
Nutty • Cocoa
Palila Espresso & Breakfast Blend is Big Island Coffee Roasters' medium-dark house blend of Guatemalan Red Bourbon with South American lots. Nutty and cocoa-forward, satiny and versatile from espresso to drip.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$20.00 · $2.00/oz
Chocolate Fudge • Butterscotch • Dried Blackberry • Cedar
Pueo Espresso & Breakfast Blend is Big Island Coffee Roasters' dark roast of Guatemalan Red Bourbon with South American coffees. Deeply chocolaty with butterscotch and dried blackberry—built for espresso and batch brew.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$22.00 · $5.50/oz
Varieties
Dark Chocolate • Cherry • Almond • Orange Zest • Cedar
Puna Io Kea is Big Island Coffee Roasters' rainwater-washed Puna lot of Caturra and Typica. Rich and smooth with dark chocolate ganache, cherry, and almond, finishing with orange zest and cedar.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$20.00 · $2.00/oz
Swiss Water Decaf Coffee is Big Island Coffee Roasters' Swiss Water–processed Peruvian selection for drinkers who want full coffee flavor without caffeine. Clean, chemical-free decaf roasted in Hilo.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$30.00 · $3.00/oz
Hazelnut • Caramel • Mocha • Dates • Cashew • Bergamot • Chrysanthemum
Wai Meli Morning Blend is Big Island Coffee Roasters' medium roast marrying Kona and Kaʻū with specialty world coffees. Hazelnut and buttery caramel open into mocha, dates, cashew, and gentle floral bergamot.
Big Island Coffee Roasters • Hilo, HI
$38.00 · $3.80/oz
Varieties
Pink Grapefruit • Vanilla Orchid • Guava • Vanilla • Cocoa Nib
Wood Valley is Big Island Coffee Roasters' single-estate washed Kaʻū from 2300' Wood Valley. Pink grapefruit, guava, and vanilla orchid over cocoa nib—aromatic, juicy, and syrupy-sweet.