Kona Tropical Punch — Light Roast
A vibrant, fruit-forward expression of 100% Kona coffee, roasted light to highlight citrus and tropical fruit notes.
Origin: North Kona, Hawai‘i
Roast: Light
Varieties: Typica, SL34, Geisha
Process: Washed with yeast fermentation
Flavor: Lilikoi (passionfruit), orange zest, strawberry papaya, pineapple
Body: Silky, wine-like
Acidity: Bright, juicy
Coffee Review Score: 95 Points
Overview
Kona Tropical Punch is our most expressive and fruit-forward Kona coffee. Produced from small seasonal lots and roasted light, it showcases how modern fermentation and careful variety selection can unlock a vivid, tropical side of Kona’s volcanic terroir.
This coffee departs intentionally from traditional Kona profiles, offering a brighter, more dynamic cup for those who enjoy acidity-driven, aromatic coffees.
Origin
Sourced from select farms in Hōlualoa, North Kona, this coffee is grown between approximately 1,600 and 2,500 feet on the western slopes of Hualālai. The combination of elevation, mineral-rich volcanic soil, and cooling trade winds slows cherry maturation, supporting higher sugar development and layered acidity.
This lot brings together three varieties—Typica, SL34, and Geisha—chosen for their complementary structure, sweetness, and aromatic potential.
Process & Roast Style
This coffee undergoes a yeast-fermented washed process, where selected yeast strains guide fermentation after pulping, enhancing fruit expression while maintaining the cleanliness of a washed coffee.
Roasted light, the profile is designed to preserve acidity, aromatics, and transparency. Development is intentionally restrained to allow fermentation-derived fruit notes to remain vivid without becoming heavy or winey.
Cup Profile
Expect a lively, aromatic cup with flavors of passionfruit, orange zest, strawberry papaya, and pineapple. Acidity is bright and refreshing, balanced by a silky, wine-like mouthfeel and a long, resonant finish.
Compared to our Kona Classic Medium, this coffee is brighter, fruitier, and more adventurous in style.
Acclaim
In February 2025, Coffee Review awarded Kona Tropical Punch 95 points, describing it as:
“Tropical, richly aromatic, sweetly tart… guava, pineapple, passionfruit, cocoa nib, Thai basil… balanced, juicy-bright acidity; silky mouthfeel; resonant, satisfying finish.”
Brewing Recommendations
Best results with:
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Pour-over (highly recommended for clarity and aromatics)
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Auto-drip (clean, balanced cup)
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AeroPress (rounder body with retained fruit)
Use filtered water and brew at approximately 201–203°F.
Who This Coffee Is For
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Drinkers who enjoy bright, fruit-forward coffees
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Fans of modern fermentation and expressive profiles
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Those looking to experience a non-traditional side of Kona
If you prefer a smoother, low-acid, classic Kona profile, this may not be the right choice.
Why Our Kona Coffees
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100% Kona Coffee
Sourced exclusively from Kona farms on Hawai‘i’s Big Island—never blended.
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High-Elevation Growing
Coffees selected from farms between approximately 1,500 and 2,500 feet.
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Freshly Roasted in Small Batches
Roasted to preserve aromatics, sweetness, and structure.
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Carefully Sorted for Quality
Machine and hand sorting remove defects prior to roasting.
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Intentional Processing & Roasting
Each Kona coffee is designed to express a specific style, not a generic profile.
Explore Our Kona Coffees
Looking for a different expression of Kona coffee?
View all Kona coffees → in our Kona Coffee Collection.
Prefer a smoother, more traditional cup?
Looking for deeper richness and low acidity?