Kona coffee is one of the few and quite rare coffee drinking pleasures that isn't yet mass marketed throughout the United States. While there may be blends that are widely available pure Kona coffee is still rare enough that it feels like an elite club for which only a select few have membership, much less are invited to attend.

Pure Kona coffee is only grown in Hawaii, more specifically on Kona on the west side of the Big Island. The area in which Kona coffee is grown is quite small by coffee growing standards and is the only place in the world where Kona coffee is grown. This fact alone contributes to the incredible value and expense of a cup of Kona coffee. The richness of this region, which has been contributed to over time by the volcanoes in the area is the reason the flavor of this particular coffee is so unique.

Kona coffee, like many fine coffees is handpicked, and sorted properly in order to insure the best possible care and selection of only the finest beans. The roasting process is also approached with the same great care, as every other step in the process of creating this wonderful coffee that is as distinctive as it is delicious. There really is no apt description for a cup of Kona coffee other than drinking paradise in a cup.

There is no one step that creates the oh so nearly perfect Kona coffee bean but rather a combination of three. First is location, location, and location. You may think I'm joking but seriously; there is only one location in which these beans can grow and flourish to produce the wonderful flavor they make. Second is climate. The tropical nature of Hawaii provides an almost perfect climate where these wonderful plants can grow and flourish. Finally, there is the fact that such extraordinary care is taken of these plants throughout the entire process.

Kona coffee is often imitated but never duplicated. Do not be fooled by the many blends available on the market. I'm not telling you not to try them in order to see if there is one you like, but do not be fooled into thinking that they will taste the same as your beloved Kona coffee. There is very little actual Kona coffee in many of these blends at all and no matter what people will try to tell you in order to sell their product, pure Kona coffee is the only coffee that will provide the distinctive flavor and aroma that most people associate with Kona coffee.

Beyond this, grab your favorite cup, curl up with a nice long book and enjoy your Kona coffee on those long winter days when you're dreaming once again of being back on the island soaking up some serious rays rather than freezing and holing up beneath several layers of blankets and clothes in an attempt to stay warm. You'll be amazed at how the scent alone can have you feeling all warm inside in no time flat.