Kona Classic — Medium Roast
A balanced, smooth expression of 100% Kona coffee, roasted for sweetness, clarity, and everyday drinkability.
Origin: North Kona, Hawai‘i
Roast: Medium
Variety: Traditional Kona cultivars
Flavor: Toasted macadamia, milk chocolate, brown sugar
Body: Smooth, medium
Acidity: Balanced
Coffee Review Score: 95 Points
Overview
Kona Classic Medium is our most approachable expression of 100% Kona coffee. Crafted for balance and refinement, it highlights Kona’s natural sweetness and clarity without leaning too bright or too heavy.
This is a versatile, polished cup designed to be enjoyed daily—equally comfortable as a first introduction to Kona or a dependable staple for longtime fans.
Origin
Grown on the high-elevation slopes above Hōlualoa in North Kona, this coffee develops slowly in mineral-rich volcanic soil under warm mornings and cooling afternoon cloud cover. These conditions promote even cherry maturation and the clean, sweet profile that has defined Kona coffee for generations.
Roast Style & Intent
This medium roast is developed to emphasize balance rather than intensity.
We roast to preserve sweetness and structure, allowing nutty and chocolate tones to come forward while maintaining a smooth finish and gentle acidity. The goal is harmony—nothing sharp, nothing overpowering.
Cup Profile
Expect a smooth, balanced cup with flavors of toasted macadamia, milk chocolate, and brown sugar. Acidity is refined and supportive, with a clean, lightly sweet finish.
Compared to our Kona Classic Dark Roast, this version offers more brightness and clarity, with a lighter mouthfeel and greater versatility.
Acclaim
In 2025, Coffee Review awarded Kona Classic Medium 95 points, citing its clarity, harmony, and polished structure—placing it among the highest-rated Kona medium roasts available.
Brewing Recommendations
Excellent for:
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Pour-over (maximum clarity and sweetness)
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Auto-drip (consistent everyday cup)
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French press (slightly fuller body, softer sweetness)
Use a medium grind, filtered water, and brew temperatures around 201–203°F for best results.
Who This Coffee Is For
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Those seeking a smooth, balanced Kona coffee
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Drinkers who value sweetness over intensity
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An elegant, everyday cup with broad appeal
If you prefer deeper roast flavors or very low acidity, consider Kona Classic Dark Roast instead.
Why Our Kona Coffees
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100% Kona Coffee
Sourced exclusively from Kona farms on Hawai‘i’s Big Island—never blended. -
High-Elevation Growing
Selected from farms between approximately 1,500 and 2,500 feet, promoting sweetness and balance. -
Freshly Roasted in Small Batches
Roasted to order to preserve flavor and aroma. -
Carefully Sorted for Quality
Machine and hand sorting remove defects before roasting for a clean cup. -
Roasted for Expression
Each Kona coffee is roasted to highlight its natural strengths rather than a generic profile.
Explore Our Kona Coffees
Looking for a different expression of Kona coffee? Explore more 100% Kona coffees in our Kona Coffee Collection.
Prefer a bolder, low-acid cup?
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Kona Classic Dark Roast — deeper, richer, and full-bodied
Looking for something brighter and more expressive?
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Kona Tropical Punch — Light Roast — fruit-forward and vibrant
Compare Kona Coffee Beans: Which Roast Is Right for You?
- Medium Roast Kona: classic sweetness, macadamia, citrus—best for pour-over and automatic brewers.
- Tropical Punch Kona (experimental): fruit-forward, more intense aromatics—perfect for adventurous drinkers.
- Kona Micro-Lots: rare varieties like Kona Geisha, Mokka, or SL34, limited availability, high complexity.
Kona Coffee FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our coffee products, including brewing instructions, storage recommendations, and return policies.
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100% Kona coffee grows exclusively on the volcanic slopes of North and South Kona on Hawai‘i Island, where mineral-rich soils, steady rainfall, and a mild microclimate create ideal conditions for high-quality arabica.
The result is a cup known for natural sweetness, low bitterness, silky texture, and notes of citrus, honey, and macadamia — a profile not found in coffees grown elsewhere. -
True Kona coffee is rare.
The Kona district is small, labor costs in Hawai‘i are 15-20x that of other coffee producing countries, and farms produce limited annual harvests.
Craft processing and hand-picking add quality — and cost.
Prices reflect the combination of scarcity, labor, and exceptional cup profile. -
No — Kona arabica contains similar caffeine levels to other premium arabicas.
Its smoothness often makes it taste gentler, but the caffeine content is typical for specialty coffee. -
Look for these indicators:
The label clearly states 100% Kona Coffee
The bag lists a Hawai‘i farm, mill, or estate
Roast date or small-batch roasting info is included
No mention of “Kona blend” or percentages
We source directly from trusted Kona farms and roast all coffees fresh in small batches.
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Kona shines across roast levels, but each highlights different qualities:
Light roast: bright acidity, florals, citrus
Medium roast: balanced sweetness, rich body
Medium-dark: chocolate, caramel, deeper sweetness
If you’re unsure, medium roast is the most classic Kona profile.
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To bring out Kona’s natural sweetness and clarity:
Grind fresh: medium-fine for pour-over or medium for drip
Water temp: 195–205°F (90–96°C)
Dose: 1–2 tbsp (6–12g) per 6 oz of water
Brew methods: pour-over, drip, AeroPress, French press
Fresh-roasted Kona is naturally smooth, so it performs well with most methods.