Best of Hawai'i
Cupping Competition
The premier celebration of excellence in Hawai'i-grown coffee, honoring the farmers, processors, and roasters who represent the very best of our islands.
Now in its 17th YearWhere Quality Meets Recognition
Each year, the Hawai'i Coffee Association hosts the Best of Hawai'i Cupping Competition, a prestigious blind-judged event that evaluates the finest coffees from farms across the Hawaiian Islands. It is more than a competition — it is a commitment to raising the standard of Hawai'i coffee and celebrating the people behind every exceptional cup.
What We Judge
Competition Divisions
Coffees are evaluated across three divisions, each celebrating a different dimension of Hawai'i coffee craftsmanship.
Innovative Division
Celebrating creativity in post-harvest processing and fermentation. This division is for producers who push the boundaries of what Hawai'i coffee can be.
Micro Lot Division
For larger-scale production lots of 500 lbs or more. This division recognizes producers who deliver consistent quality at scale.
Hawai'i Heritage Washed
A dedicated category honoring Hawai'i's traditional coffee craftsmanship using classic varieties and time-honored washed processing methods.
The Process
How It Works
The competition follows a rigorous process designed to ensure fairness, accuracy, and the highest standards of evaluation.
Register
Producers register online and pay the entry fee. Each registered TMK may submit up to six samples across divisions.
Submit Coffee
Green coffee samples are submitted with required moisture and defect documentation. Late submissions are not accepted.
Blind Cupping
An international panel of expert judges evaluates all coffees in a closed-door cupping. All entries remain completely anonymous.
Winners Announced
Winners are revealed at the HCA Annual Conference in one of the most anticipated moments of the Hawai'i coffee year.
Entry Requirements
Eligibility & Requirements
Everything you need to know before submitting your entry.
Who Can Enter
- Any Hawai'i-based coffee producer, farm, or processor
- HCA members and non-members are welcome to enter
- Each registered TMK may submit up to six samples
- All growing regions across the Hawaiian Islands are eligible
Sample Requirements
- Green coffee samples only
- Moisture content must be between 9% and 12%
- Defects must not exceed 15% by weight
- Completed registration form and proof of payment required
- No flavored or blended coffees accepted
- Late submissions will not be accepted
Plan Ahead
Annual Timeline
Plan ahead with our typical competition calendar.
Registration Opens
Entry registration and payment opens for all producers. Spots are limited so early registration is encouraged.
Sample Submission Deadline
All green coffee samples must be received by the deadline. Late entries are not accepted under any circumstances.
Closed-Door Cupping
An international panel of expert judges evaluates all entries in a blind cupping event. Producers are notified of results after judging is complete.
Winners Announced
Winners are announced at the HCA Annual Conference. The Best of Hawai'i award is presented on the final day of the conference.
