Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm: A Kona Coffee “Hidden Oasis”
I LOVE when a semi-normal road trip turns into a magical moment because of a random, unplanned stop. It doesn’t happen every time but when it does I get a dopamine shot that puts life back into my love of travel.
I was just looking for a place to grab a cup of Kona coffee to take on the road for the long drive home. I Google Mapped coffee in the Captain Cook area and came across Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm (grounds, get it? lol). The reviews looked good; I wasn’t picky, just wanted to try a new place I hadn’t been to yet, so I followed the directions.
Where is Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm ?
From Hwy 11 near mile marker 109, if you aren’t looking for Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm you are gonna miss it. The sign off the road is rusty and faded. The driveway dips down into the trees hiding what lies beyond. Even though I knew what I was looking for I felt a little apprehensive turning into it.
Parking is minimal, maybe 5 cars can fit there. Luckily we got a spot.
The shop has a lodge-y feel with a stained wooden exterior and tall, vaulted ceiling inside.
Clay and Coffee
As soon as you enter Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm your eyes are drawn to the beautiful row of pottery to the left; vases mostly, all in a variety of colors. For a moment I forgot I was there for coffee because there were just so many pieces displayed I thought it was an art studio.
The owner Bill warmly greeted us immediately and began to explain his pottery. He uses a crystalline glaze, where the crystals appear after the firing process giving a shiny design. His workshop is in the back corner and you could see fresh, unpainted pieces drying out on wire shelving.
Coffee With A View
Beyond the pottery was an intricately carved wooden back door that led to the porch overlooking Kealakekua Bay. Like a fly being pulled towards a glowing light, I had to go look at the view before ordering my coffee.
The porch was furnitured with patio couches and tables. I think I squealed out loud when I saw the porch swing. I immediately claimed my spot on the cushions and made Michael swing with me.
As I was swaying on the seat looking out at the view of the bay, I knew we weren’t getting our coffee to-go.
Only two other couples were on the porch so the area wasn’t crowded or loud. Peaceful, Christian music was playing in the background. And while you could hear the highway, the noise was not distracting.
Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm Menu
Before we could get up to go order our coffee, Bill came out and kindly offered to get us some so we didn’t have to get up. Mind you, this is NOT a sit down service kind of place.
His menu is very simple but to the point: Americano, Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, or Mocha. Each drink was $4-5ea. For such an easy menu he surprisingly had almost any milk variety you could think of (at no extra cost!).
He grows and roasts his own Kona coffee. He was nearing the end of his supply and said he was basically roasting as needed until the coffee harvest comes. Coffee harvesting season is typically August through December but can go beyond that.
We ordered a macadamia nut milk latte. Bill brought it back in a clear mug and said he hoped we didn’t mind but he added some of his homegrown cinnamon to it. Of course we didn’t mind! If that’s how he thinks his coffee will be brought to the next level then by all means, please!
And O.M.G. was it delicious! Just that subtle hint of spice added a sense of richness to the drink, pulling all the flavors together. The coffee wasn’t bitter; the mac nut milk was smooth and not overpowering…it was a perfect latte.
Life just kind of melted away as we swung on the porch swing, drinking our delectable coffee and gazing out into the vastness of the ocean below.
Coffee and Chill
Once everyone on the deck had gotten their coffee Bill said we needed to self-manage ourselves for a minute while he ran down the way to pick up fresh ahi for his lunch menu. He asked who was going to be interested in a plate. Unfortunately, we had just eaten lunch, otherwise I would have totally been down for trying it.
After Bill left, one of the couples asked us to take their picture and we ended up chatting with them. We talked about the island and what to do; even talked a little bit about politics. I’m not one to normally engage in conversations with strangers but it was so fun and easy talking with them.
We ended our pleasant discussions when Bill brought out their plates of ahi. He had prepared them in an arrangement worthy of a 5 star restaurant. Now I REALLY wish we hadn’t already eaten.
Fruit Loop
As we were leaving and paying for our coffee, Bill asked if we wanted to take a fruit tour. I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to experience more of this property so we said yes. He gave us a fruit picking pole and a basket that was sitting right outside the door. He gave us directions on the loop to walk and told us to pick whatever we wanted, it was all free. Um…what??!!
We saw all kinds of trees but not everything had ripe fruit: bananas, limes, cacao, coffee, jackfruit, camu camu ( I think), and other trees we didn’t know what we were looking at. We picked ourselves some limes and cacao and then FINALLY we headed back on our way home.
What was intended to be a quick stop for a cup of joe to-go turned into an hour-long mini retreat and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Extra Info
Tour books will send you to the infamous Coffee Shack for your coffee-with-a-view but good luck getting a seat! Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm is only one mile north from there with a competitive view without the crowds.
Bill will also do tastings of his homegrown coffee, chocolate and macadamia nuts. Based on reviews, everyone seems to come away with a unique and special memory to take away from this enchanting owner.
August through December is Kona coffee harvesting season. During those months Bill needs help picking coffee cherries right on property there. He pays by the pound and you can work as much or as little as you want.
Address: 82 Anoi Pl, Captain Cook, HI 96704 – Mile Marker 109 on Hwy 11
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30am-5:00pm (5:30pm on Sat)
Phone: (808) 989-5143
Read about my other favorite Kona coffee farm:
Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm
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