5 Coffee Brands That Actually Grow Beans In The States

When people think of coffee, they may well associate the drink with beans grown outside the United States. But what if you want to source your coffee a little closer to home? You're in luck. Currently, Hawaii and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico have coffee growers that provide specialty and premium brands.

Hawaiians first began growing coffee in earnest in the 1820s, using plants imported from Brazil. The tropical weather of the islands is ideal for the plants and produces fragrant coffee that is widely enjoyed for its smoothness (especially the widely-vaunted Kona variety). However, not all bags labeled "Kona" are 100% pure, so read the bag carefully to understand what you're purchasing.

Meanwhile, Puerto Rico's fertile volcanic soil bestows a distinctive flavor to the region's Limaní variety of Arabica beans. Although there are well over 2,000 coffee growers on the island, only a small percentage produce premium and specialty blends. Other states are also making forays into coffee bean production. In California, there are over 70 coffee farms in central and southern areas of the state. And in Florida, researchers at the University of Florida are testing plants outside to determine how they will fare during changing seasons in the state's largely subtropical climate. 

Bad Ass Coffee, named for the donkeys who carried bags of Kona coffee beans out of the mountains of Hawaii's Big Island, is a premium brand grown in Kona, Hawaii. In 1995, a woman named B.J. Bilanzich opened a coffee shop in Utah and, having been impressed by what she'd sampled in Hawaii (as well as the cheeky name), acquired franchising rights to Bad Ass Coffee. Soon, those on the mainland got the chance to experience this unique coffee, and many more franchise spots have since opened on the mainland.

Bad Ass Coffee comes in light, medium, and dark roasts. There are currently nine flavored blends, four 100% Kona varieties, six signature blends (including a very dark roast with notes of caramel, graham cracker, and dark chocolate), four varieties of single-origin Hawaiian (coffees produced on other islands and which only contain 10% Kona), and three decaf varieties.

The company is committed to spreading the Aloha Spirit in the community. Its Love for Maui initiative started to offer assistance after the 2023 wildfires and raised tens of thousands of dollars. The company also has efforts that recognize U.S. servicemembers and military veterans. Finally, it honors the donkeys of Kona through the Give a Hoof program, where every purchase of merchandise provides help for donkeys in need.

The Spanish introduced coffee to Puerto Rico in 1736. It wasn't until the later part of the 19th century that coffee became an agricultural commodity. Coffee production stopped in 1898 due to America's annexation. Farmers on the island were encouraged to grow other marketable crops like pineapple and sugarcane. Despite the odds—both economic and weather-related—Puerto Rico built a productive coffee industry. The island's ideal tropical weather gives the beans a unique flavor

Offered by the Hacienda Alto Grande, in Puerto Rico's Lares mountains, is Alto Grande Super Premium Coffee. This brand dates back to 1839 and has earned a solid reputation for producing a distinguished, balanced coffee. Since its inception, Alto Grande has been served to European royalty and even at the Vatican. If you don't have the time or means to travel to Puerto Rico right now, you can order the coffee through Puerto Rico Coffee Roasters or Amazon to get a taste of the island.

Up next is a coffee grown in the Puna district of the island of Hawaii. Big Island Coffee Roasters has won numerous awards including the Best Hawaiian Coffee. The coffee grower chose the boar for its logo to symbolize the perseverance, enterprising, and robust personalities of the local farmers.

The brand began in 2010 when founders Kelleigh and Brandon purchased a run-down coffee farm advertised through Craigslist. Its goal was to improve coffee production. In 2013, Big Island Coffee Roasters won its first award. More awards followed as the company continued working on the craft behind producing quality coffee. This brand is dedicated to preservation. It currently gives back to organizations supporting animal rescues and restoring the habitat.

For those who live outside of Hawaii, Big Island Coffee Roasters will ship directly to you–either single purchases or through its monthly coffee club. Choose varieties like Bright & Sweet with notes of honey-butter, pecan, and cocoa (just to name a few) or Dark & Deep (dark chocolate, cherry, and butterscotch notes). Whether you choose a 100% Hawaiian coffee or a specialty blend, you can purchase the roasting style of your choice.

Last but not least is Café La Finca, which uses coffee that is grown, harvested, and processed in the mountainous town of Jayuya, Puerto Rico. It is a family-owned business that produces 100% Puerto Rican coffee. The Atienza family behind the brand has been making artisanal coffee for more than a century on their farm. The beans are picked by hand, then dried in special rotating drums. According to the Atienzas, when the coffee is ready, it makes a unique sound within that drum that skilled listeners can distinguish.

Café La Finca produces a variety of roasts that are available through the brand's online store and also on Amazon (where reviews have praised its unique taste and high quality). Through the shop you can also purchase coffee accessories, merchandise, and different varieties like Cosecha 21 (a sun-dried medium roast), the Café la Finca Metalizado (a sampler pack), and Café la Finca Premium (a medium roast).

A more familiar Hawaiian coffee brand comes in a bright blue bag with a hula girl. Kauai Coffee is available at grocery stores and through the brand's website. The Hawaiian Hula Collection offers regular and decaf in a variety of flavors—hazelnut, cinnamon graham cracker, coconut crème pie, brewberry crumble, macadamia nut, Irish crème, salted caramel, and chocolate strawberry.

The company also has a premium coffee for connoisseurs — Kauai Estate Reserve. Currently, there are three holiday blends along with Rooster Alarm (a rich dark chocolate flavor with molasses and a malty finish), Kauai Sunrise (a combination of medium and dark roasts), Peaberry (a customer favorite), Kalaheo Estate (has nutty notes and hints of chocolate), Poipu Estate (available as a medium or espresso roast), and Kauai Blue Mountain (a dark roast which is another customer favorite).

Finding your favorite flavor of Hula Girl is as easy as going to your grocer or its website. If the harvest season is right and you've got the money to spare, you might even be able to pick up green coffee beans (which are distinct from the roasted stuff) on the website to try out roasting yourself.