We live on a coffee farm in Makalei Estates in the north Kona district. In 2008, we’ve already picked over 25,000 pounds of cherry on two acres and are in the process of roasting it for sale. We feel that our farm produces the best coffee in all of Kona (of course, ALL of the farmers feel that way, but our cherry certainly looks the best!).

Most of the world-renowned coffee grown in the Kona district comes from 2-3 acre farms such as ours. The farmers usually take the freshly picked coffee cherry (within 24 hours) to a nearby processing plant where the cherry is sold. In 2008, the going price paid per pound of cherry was $1.10. Deducted from this is the cost of picking labor ($0.45 to 0.60 per pound), fertilizer (as much as $35 per bag  x 45 bags total for us this year!), weed killer, and pruning costs. To keep some or all of the coffee ourselves, we pay a processing fee of $0.35 per pound. So, it’s not really a money making operation. (At least I still have a day job!). “Estate Grown” coffee refers to farms who sell only coffee that they have grown and processed. Typically, we get about 1 pound of roasted coffee for every 7-8 pounds of cherry picked.

Our Coffee Label

2008 Coffee Cherry

Our stay in Villa 16B at Kolea Villas could not have been more perfect for our family of four! We were greeted with a canvas beach bag full of lovely gifts (Kona coffee, sun tan lotion, and other things Hawaii) that let us know that we were truly welcome. The condo was immaculately clean and well equipped — the Viking grill on the beautiful lanai was convenient and great to have for grilling local fish. The condo had more than enough room and was very comfortable. The 5 minute walk to the pool and A-bay beach was hard to beat. A-bay is a GREAT and beautiful beach for a family with young children.

This was a great place to stay and we would highly recommend it to anyone. It is convenient to many of the attractions and beaches on the western side of the Big Island. It is also situated in the heart of the resort area and close to some great shopping. Did we mention that it is just a 5 minute walk to the beach?! The view of the mountains from the lanai is spectacular. This condo is beautifully appointed and decorated and is comparable to staying in a luxury hotel but with much more room! Our return back will not be soon enough! Thank you to Carole for great service!

Harold and Sue V.
West Chester, PA

February 28th, 2009

Hi Carole,

Was texting you from the airplane on the runway, but never finished!

We had the most incredible time — thank you so very much for helping to make that possible!

We loved Kolea 16B.  It was comfortable and clean — I have chronic allergies to dust, dust mites, etc.  Not once did I feel bad — the place was very well maintained!  The kitchens, indoor and outdoor were very well equipped.  Who likes to cook while on vacation?  Well, if the kitchen is beautiful and well-equipped, I don’t mind at all!  I didn’t even mind doing laundry!   ;-)

The 2 bedrooms were tastefully furnished, and the baths were luxurious!  After day trips around the island, we looked forward to coming back to relax in a beautiful home.  We loved hanging out at the pool and having the A-bay beach so close by — the kids went snorkeling and saw sea turtles.  Sunsets were gorgeous at the beach.

A-bay beach had chairs, but we were able to make use of the cooler and beach chairs provided in the unit, to take with us to nearby Mauna Kea beach, a pristine beach.  There really wasn’t much that we were missing, to make our stay comfortable!

Being situated in Waikoloa was an ideal distance from Kona, Kings Shopping Center, Hilton, Mauna Loa Beach, Waimea, etc.   Having walking access to the beach from the unit was great.

The only comment from our family is that the pool was not heated — so the kids did not enjoy it as much as they’d like.  The ocean was much warmer!  We did go spend a day at the Hilton with a day pass to make use of their facilities.  It turned out their multiple pools were not heated either.

Overall, I would highly recommend renting this condo!  Great value in a beautiful home!

Mahalo to you and the owners!

Eileen & family