Sep 17th 2026
Celebrate National Coffee Day with a Week of Aloha
Celebrate National Coffee Day with a Week of Aloha
National Coffee Day lands on September 29, but one day hardly seems like enough for something that starts so many of our mornings. At Lion Coffee, we're stretching the celebration into a full week — a chance to enjoy a favorite brew, try something new, and appreciate the people and places behind every cup.
Coffee has a long history in Hawaii, and it continues to be part of everyday life here. So whether you're brewing your usual morning cup or opening a bag you've never tried before, National Coffee Week is a good reason to slow down and enjoy a little aloha.
Coffee in Hawaii: A Story Nearly Two Centuries in the Making
Coffee has been part of Hawaii's agricultural story for nearly two centuries. Coffee plants first arrived in the islands in the early 1800s, with successful plantings established in Manoa Valley on Oahu in 1825. Coffee reached Hawaii Island soon afterward, setting the stage for an industry that would eventually become known around the world.
Over time, coffee farming spread into growing regions across the islands. Each area developed under its own combination of elevation, rainfall, soil, and climate, creating a coffee landscape with far more variety than many people realize.
Of course, none of it happens without the people who grow and care for the coffee. Long before a cup reaches your kitchen, coffee cherries have to be cultivated, harvested, processed, roasted, and packed — a journey that begins on the farm.
Celebrating the Coffees of Hawaii
Mention Hawaii coffee and Kona Coffee is usually the first name that comes to mind. Grown on the slopes of Hawaii Island, Kona has earned an international reputation and remains one of the best-known coffee origins in the world.
But Kona is only one part of Hawaii's coffee story.
Coffee is grown in several regions throughout the islands, each with its own growing conditions and history. On Hawaii Island alone, coffee is produced in places such as Kona, Hamakua, Puna, and Ka'u, with additional farms found on Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai.
For coffee drinkers, that variety makes Hawaii worth exploring beyond a single origin. Where a coffee is grown, how it is processed, and how it is roasted can all shape what ultimately ends up in the cup.
Trying coffees from different parts of Hawaii is one of the easiest ways to discover just how varied island-grown coffee can be.
Island-Inspired Flavors, Another Taste of Aloha
Hawaii's influence on coffee isn't limited to where the beans are grown. Some of Lion Coffee's most popular coffees take their inspiration from flavors closely associated with the islands.
Our flavored coffees pair smooth roasted coffee with familiar favorites such as macadamia nut, coconut, vanilla, and chocolate.
Vanilla Macadamia Nut Coffee brings together creamy vanilla and rich macadamia flavor, while Toasted Coconut Coffee adds a warm, lightly tropical character to the cup. For something richer, Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coffee combines chocolate and nutty notes for a smooth, easy-drinking brew.
They're not the same thing as Hawaii-grown coffee, and we don't want to blur that distinction. They're simply another way Lion Coffee brings island-inspired flavor to the morning routine.
How to Celebrate National Coffee Day
There really isn't a wrong way to celebrate coffee. Start with your favorite Lion Coffee, try a different roast or flavor, or spend a little more time with the way you brew. A few small adjustments can make a noticeable difference in the cup.
- Change the grind size. Grind size changes how quickly coffee extracts. A finer grind generally increases extraction and can bring out more intensity and body, while a coarser grind slows extraction and can produce a lighter cup. If your coffee tastes sour or weak, try going a little finer. If it tastes bitter or harsh, try going a little coarser.
- Adjust your coffee-to-water ratio. The amount of coffee you use in relation to water directly affects the strength of your brew. More coffee creates a stronger, fuller cup, while more water makes it lighter. If your coffee tastes thin, try using a little more coffee. If it's stronger than you prefer, use slightly less coffee or add more water.
- Try a French press or pour-over. Different brewing methods can bring out different sides of the same coffee. A French press typically produces a fuller-bodied, richer cup because more of the coffee's natural oils remain in the brew. A pour-over uses a paper filter and controlled water flow for a cleaner cup with more clarity, making individual flavor notes easier to notice.
You don't need to change everything at once. Pick one variable, taste the difference, and enjoy finding the brew that works best for you.
National Coffee Day FAQs
When is National Coffee Day?
National Coffee Day is celebrated in the United States each year on September 29. At Lion Coffee, we're extending the celebration into National Coffee Week so there's a little more time to enjoy the occasion.
Is National Coffee Day the same as International Coffee Day?
No. National Coffee Day is observed in the United States on September 29, while International Coffee Day is observed on October 1.
Is all coffee grown in Hawaii Kona Coffee?
No. Kona is one of Hawaii's best-known coffee-growing regions, but coffee is grown in several areas throughout the islands. Hawaii Island is also home to regions such as Ka'u, Hamakua, and Puna, and coffee is grown on Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and Molokai.
What is the difference between Hawaii-grown coffee and island-inspired flavored coffee?
Hawaii-grown coffee refers to coffee that was actually cultivated in Hawaii. Island-inspired flavored coffee describes the flavor profile, with flavors such as macadamia nut, coconut, or vanilla. The two terms don't mean the same thing.
What are some popular Lion Coffee flavors?
Lion Coffee offers a wide range of flavored coffees, including Vanilla Macadamia Nut, Macadamia Nut, Toasted Coconut, Chocolate Macadamia Nut, and Hazelnut. They're an easy way to bring a little island-inspired flavor into your daily coffee routine.