As the sun sets on another year, we find ourselves reminiscing on the months that swiftly passed by. 2023 was a journey filled with aromatic brews, new community partnerships, and moments shared over cups of our beloved Kona coffee. Join our ‘Ohana (family) as we take a reflective stroll through the highlights and cherished memories that defined our year at Honolulu Coffee Company.
January
Our Kona Coffee Farm
You've heard of snow, but have you head of Kona snow? We got to witness the beauty of Kona snow—the blooming of delicate white coffee flowers—on our prized Kona coffee farm. Seeing this "snow" blanket the coffee tree slopes of the Big Island's Mauna Kea volcano is always one of our favorite times of the year. These moments make us excited as it marks the beginning of the coffee bean production cycle and the crucial stage before we see small green coffee cherries grow!
February
New Year, New Seasonal Items
Although our seasons are a bit more consistent here in Hawai‘i, we still found ourselves looking for something bright and sweet to bring us into Spring. With Spring comes a reminder of all the beautiful, lush flora that Hawai‘i has to offer. From aromatic herbs and newly grown fresh fruits and vegetables to indulgently sweet honey, the islands gave us endless inspiration.
March
Laie Vanilla Company & Hawaiian Rainbow Bees
In collaboration with Laie Vanilla Company and Hawaiian Rainbow Bees, we presented our seasonal Local Latte to celebrate Lōkahi—the name of our signature house coffee blend and the Hawaiian word for "harmony, community, and oneness". The perfectly sweet and nutty combo became one of our most popular seasonal drinks this year!
Although it isn't on our current seasonal menu, click HERE to make your own Local Latte at home!
April
Specialty Coffee Association Expo in Portland, OR
We were excited for another year at the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Expo. With a diverse membership spanning from coffee farms to roasters and baristas, the SCA united stakeholders across the entire coffee value chain that allowed us to explore cutting-edge techniques and network with industry leaders. This year in Portland, Oregon, several of our team members immersed themselves in this caffeinated wonderland and gained perspectives to elevate our coffee game.
(L-R:) Tyler Zimmer (Honolulu Coffee Co-Owner & Q-grader), Christian Beall (Wholesale Operations Manager), Tim Gugudan (Head Roaster), and Ryson Nakamasu (Farm Operations Manager)
May
Lei Day with Island-Boy Shop
May 1st is Lei Day in Hawai‘i nei! What better way to kick off our first social media giveaway of the year than with Island-Boy Shop, a lei maker and lifestyle boutique retailer with high-quality gifts/objects from local artists, artisans, and designers. It was exciting to see the community rally up for their chance to win a prize pack valued over $300! Follow our Instagram at @honolulucoffee to hear about our next giveaway.
Fueling with Coffee at CreativeMornings HNL
Photo Credit: Mar Mizunaka
We became the official coffee sponsor for CreativeMornings Honolulu—a monthly breakfast series for the local creative community! The first event's theme was reverie and we heard from Robynne Maii, the Chef and owner of Fête Hawai‘i and the first Native Hawaiian to win a James Beard Foundation Award. Join us on the last Aloha Friday of every month to celebrate Honolulu's creative talent and promote and open space to connect with like-minded individuals!
June
Now Brewing with Aloha on Kaua‘i Island!
We expanded with another location at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i! On June 1st, we celebrated with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony that truly captivated the beauty of new beginnings. Come visit the Kaua‘i ‘Ohana—we're open daily from 6am-1:30pm!
"We always had the dream of opening a location on Kaua‘i and to make this a reality makes us so immensley proud. We have worked with the local team here for so long already that we already feel a part of the ‘Ohana. Kaua‘i has an energy all of its own and we are truly so blessed to be a part of it." - Abigail Joslyn, Honolulu Coffee COO
Surf's Up with Brent Clem
Brent Clem, the mastermind behind B. Clem Surfboards and our surfboard displayed at the iconic Moana Surfrider, has spent nearly two decades polishing his craft—bringing his experience as a surfer and professional artist into the creation of every client’s unique piece. We had a fun talk story between Brent and our COO Abigail Joslyn and learned how curiousity at Michigan's Lake Superior sparked a lifetime passion for surf. Read our blog HERE!
You can support Brent's craft by checking out his website at bclemsurfboards.com or following his Instagram @bclemsurfboards.
July
Kona Natural and Kona Honey Launch
We are always looking for premier micro-lots of coffees to share with the coffee enthusiast in you. We got to release a limited offering of Kona Honey and Kona Natural from Aloha Star Coffee Farms—which showcased rare processing methods and some of the best coffees that Hawai‘i has to offer.
The rarity of these processes have led Aloha Star Coffee Farm to being recognized for the following awards:
- Good Food Awards (2023)
- Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Cupping Competition (2018-2022)
- Hawaii Coffee Association Cupping Competition (2021, 2023)
Locals supporting locals, that's how we do it in Hawai‘i. Stay tuned to our next limited time offer coffee launching in January 2024!
Honolulu Civil Beat's Meet the Columnists Event
Honolulu Civil Beat's long term goal is to produce journalism with a purpose and stimulate positive change. We got to witness the community come together at our Experience Center lanai to talk story with Civil Beat's columnists! We heard from Denby Fawcett, Neal Milner, Catherine Toth Fox, Naka Nathaniel, Ben Lowenthal, Jonathan Okamura, and Eric Stinton.
Photo Credit: Honolulu Civil Beat
Mālama ‘Āina with Kuilei Cliffs
On weekends, we're constantly cruisin' with the Surf community and seeking out ways to be stewards of the land. This is why we love volunteering with Kuilei Cliffs—whose mission is to inspire our community to Aloha & Mālama ‘Āina and restore the environmental ecosystem to preserve and improve the natural beauty of Kuilei Cliffs on Diamond Head. Whether it's planting trees or fueling volunteers with much needed coffee, check them out every Saturday at 8:00am!
Blubird Naturals: Simple Changes for a Healthier Life
We're a big supporter of small, local businesses and the Naults have been a part of our ‘Ohana for years! After all of our community events so far, we were excited to introduce our friends at Blubird Naturals. In our blog, we talked story with founder and owner, Abi Nault, and showcased the Aloha they bring to ignite simple changes for a healthier life.
Check out their all-natural deodorants, dry shampoos, and more, exclusive at our Experience Center and Prince Waikiki locations!
August
Kōkua Lāhainā
This month has all about KŌKUA (help) and KULEANA (responsibility). With the community coming together after the wildfire tragedies in Lāhainā, it has been our kuleana to kōkua our Maui ‘Ohana in need. Through direct donations, round up campaign, and 100% profits from over 1,000 bags of our give back coffee, we have raised over $35,000 to directly support our Maui employees with food, water, shelter, supplies, and more.
"It's in times like these that we truly learn the importance of community, and I am astonished to realize just how big our community is. Everyone's outpouring of support, both near and far, has been incredible. I am so moved by the generosity." - Charissa Cardwell, Regional General Manager
On August 19th, some of our team members and over 500 others also paddled out to Queens to show solidarity for our families and friends affected by the Lāhainā fires. On behalf of Honolulu Coffee, we also donated directly to the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation, Nā Kama Kai, and Chef HUI organizations.
From the bottom of our hearts, mahalo again for all your support.
September
Catching the Scoop with Sage Creamery
Coffee ...and ice cream. What's not to love? This month we collaborated with Sage Creamery, a local Hawaii-inspired, premium ice cream company. Our limited-time flavor was made with the perfect balance of our signature Lokahi coffee swirled with sweet Laie Vanilla cream!
To support Sage Creamery, follow @sagecreamery on Instagram and visit their new scoop shop in Ho‘opili (91-3575 Kauluakoko St. #3005 Ewa Beach, HI 96706).
DFS Waikiki Grand Re-Opening
We got to share some brews and our Farm to Cup story at the T Galleria by DFS Grand Re-opening. Whether you're on staycation or looking for some omiyage (gifts) to bring to family and friends, visit your one-stop shop in the heart of Waikiki!
National Coffee Weekend
A whole weekend dedicated to what we love most. This year, we kicked the festivities off with our biggest collab giveaway with our Kona coffee and Honolulu Cookie Company classics, merchandise, and more!
Follow us on Instagram and don't miss out on the next giveaway!
October
Meet the Roaster Event
Our very first Meet the Roaster event at the iconic Moana Surfrider Hotel is in the books! Our Head Roaster Tim had a blast showcasing the beauty of our Kona coffees and gave exclusive access to our new upcoming brews. Join our newsletter and stay tuned to see when our next public coffee cupping is!
November
Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival
Every year, we participate in the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival—the premier culinary destination event in the Pacific. This year, we showcased our Kona coffee at the Far East Street Ph'east on November 2nd and Hawaiian Airlines Presents Crush'd on November 3rd. Visit their website to see how their events support community and ‘āina-based organizations that also support sustainability, culinary and agricultural education, and cultural programs in Hawai‘i.
December
Hawaiiverse Grand Opening
Honolulu Coffee x Hawaiiverse Teams
What better way to end the year than with another huge community partnership! Meet Hawaiiverse, a Hilo-based discovery platform that connects consumers with Hawai‘i-owned businesses. This month, we celebrated their first pop up retail space at our very own Experience Center (at 1800 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96818). Stop by and come check out some locally sourced fashion, art, home goods, food and more!
A hui hou, 2023!
Looking back at the memories and milestones we've had in 2023, we're mostly grateful for being able to share our love for exceptional coffee with you. The support and enthusiasm of our customers have fueled our passion and commitment to craft the finest blends that embody the Spirit of Aloha.
As we step into a new year, filled with endless possibilities and fresh beginnings, we raise our cups to you, our valued customers, and wish you a Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou (Happy New Year). Mahalo for being a part of our journey—cheers to an amazing 2024 ahead!
