Behind the Blend: Makepono Mele

10oz bag of Makepono Mele with coffee beans and a hibiscus flower

This month, we’re excited to introduce a coffee blend that’s more than just a seasonal treat. It’s a reflection of our values and a tribute to the connections we create through every cup. Meet Makepono Mele, a blend that celebrates harmony, gratitude, and the art of coffee.

Basics Behind the Blend:

  • "Makepono" has a special cultural meaning and is a special place for us on island
  • The blend includes beans from five unique regions
  • You'll taste fun flavor notes like red licorice, strawberry lemonade, and Hawaiian Punch

Read on to learn more!

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A Season of Harvest and GratitudeTyler Zimmer (Co-Owner and President) inspecting red coffee cherries

 Co-Owner and President, Tyler Zimmer at Honolulu Coffee Farms

This time of year is significant to us as it's the start of Makahiki, or the season of harvest. Makahiki, in ancient Hawaiian times, was a time to celebrate the year's harvest, to rest and spend time with loved ones, and to pay tribute to Lono—the Hawaiian god known for bringing life, blessings, and peace to the Hawaiian people. In the same essence, we wanted to celebrate Makahiki through our new offerings, including this seasonal blend.

What better way to celebrate Makahiki than with a coffee that celebrates and blends many aspects of our current season? Join us as we unravel what that means to us and how Makepono Mele came to be.

In ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, Makepono means “to be beneficial or make things right,” and Mele translates to “song” or “chant.” Together, Makepono Mele is a harmonious composition of flavors and purpose. Crafted with balance and care, this blend is a testament to what we stand for as a company: community, culture, and delivering the perfect cup of coffee.

FUN FACT: Makepono is also the street name of our Support Center and Warehouse! Here at 1122 Makepono Street, we ensure everything we do—just like this blend—is done with quality and intention. 

Honolulu Coffee Support Center and Warehouse on Makepono StreetHonolulu Coffee Support Center and Warehouse

During this season of Makahiki, it's not only a time of harvest, but gratitude. We dedicate this blend to all of the hardworking hands that truly help create the ultimate Kona coffee experience. To our employees at the Support Center and Warehouse and all of our cafes near and far, mahalo. We're grateful today and every day for your dedication to bring warmth and Aloha to each cup and everything we do.

Origins of HarmonyCoffee cupping set up to test different coffees for the blend

The Makepono Mele blend brings together beans from five unique regions, each adding its own special character to create a flavorful experience in every cup:

  • 50% Oaxaca, Mexico Washed: Adds a clean, bright foundation with subtle complexities.
  • 20% Apaneca, El Salvador Honey: Brings sweetness and a touch of fruitiness to the blend.
  • 10% Naringgul, Indonesia Washed: Introduces earthy, deep notes that anchor the blend.
  • 10% Jiwaka, Papua New Guinea Natural: Provides vibrant tropical accents.
  • 10% Honolulu Coffee Farms Kona Estate Washed: Our very own Kona Estate brings a local flair and a smooth, rich finish.

The blend kicks off with bright, fruity notes that bring a splash of island sunshine, followed by a smooth, subtly sweet finish that's eases us into the fall season—Hawaii style. For us? We tasted hints of red licorice, strawberry lemonade, and Hawaiian Punch! 

Sharing a Flavorful MelodyTwo people holding Honolulu Coffee mugs filled with coffee

Whether you're brewing a cup at home, gathering with ‘ohana (family), or sharing it with a friend from afar, this blend represents the joy of coming together. Just like a song, Makepono Mele resonates with our mission to sharing the spirit of Aloha in everything we do.

Makepono Mele is now available to purchase online and at all our cafes on Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island. Come share a cup with us—this is a song you won't want to miss!

People sampling Honolulu Coffee's new blend

SHOP MAKEPONO MELE

FIND YOUR CAFE


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