In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Kona coffee in Hawaii, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa has planted a kona coffee orchard at the resort from 40 tree seedlings.
“We wanted the presence of Kona coffee trees as part of our garden of tropical Hawaiian plants so we could educate our guests, who have asked us where they could see a coffee plantation near the resort,” said Bill Countryman, general manager of Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, in a written release. “While Kona coffee is widely grown in higher elevation, the coffee grown at Waikoloa Beach Marriott is a beach variety, made to withstand the coastal elements and weather. It is, however, still exceptional in taste."
The seeds are locally grown from Holualoa and the varietal is Kona Pypica. By late August, the hotel expects reddish coffee bean “cherries” to develop that will later be harvested and roasted.
For Executive Sous Chef Jayson Kanekoa, he’s experimented with different Kona coffee recipes and shares one of his favorites - House Grown Arabica Coffee Bean Rub.
“The coffee adds a wonderful smoky flavor to meat that is subtle and understated," says Kanekoa.
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Hawaii, the Big Island is located on 15 oceanfront acres overlooking ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay and just 18 miles north of the Kona International Airport at Keahole.
It offers 555 contemporary guest rooms, suites and cabanas with private lanai and impressive views, a 5,750 square-foot Mandara Spa and more.
Visit www.waikoloamarriott.com.