Kauai Coffee

This coffee plantation makes for an excellent stop on a south shore tour, with visitors consistently praising the free walking tour through the grounds and generous complimentary tastings. The self-guided walk lets you explore at your own pace, and if you visit between late August and October, you'll catch the harvest season when the coffee cherries are bright red and ripe on the plants. The shop offers fresh-ground beans and an impressive variety of flavored options, with the banana blend getting special mention. Beyond the coffee itself, people love the overall atmosphere. There's a small café serving pastries, ice cream, and iced coffee drinks, with a pleasant terrace where you can sit and enjoy ocean views. The grounds are beautifully maintained and strike a nice balance between modern amenities and plantation charm. If you spend above a certain threshold, they'll ship your purchases home for free, which is handy if you don't want to lug bags of beans around the island. Tour guide Lisa gets a shout-out for her entertaining, joke-filled presentations on the paid tours.