About us

Big Island Coffee Roasters (Makana Gardens, LLC) is owned & operated by Kelleigh Stewart & Brandon Damitz.

We are farmers, scientists, foodies, coffee roasters, florists, & professional people-pleasers.

We love coffee. Everything about it. The subtle flavors, the varieties, the  time it takes to drink it, and - of course - the caffeine.  

From fertilizing, to processing and roasting, we've tinkered and tested every step of the process until the coffee meets our obsessive standards; until every day is "the perfect cup."

Our aim is to share this sensory experience with you: the aromas & flavors embodied in the Big Island's volcanic coffee; the colors, shapes & textures of Hawaii's exotic flowers; the local tropical flavors & gifts which Hawaii is known for.

Oh, and we really love chocolate. Freshly roasted, Hawaiian chocolate (pictured below). No, sorry, we don't sell it - yet. 

Press

January/February 2012 issue of Ke'Ola Magazine: :Big Island Coffee Roasters Ke Ola 

February of 2011:  Big Island Paradise Post, see page 5.

Our story, in words.

Merging our experiences in farming, biology, the service industry and an affinity for the outdoors, we moved to the Big Island of Hawaii to begin a new journey.  A path made way for us as we took over Bob Raley's legacy (previously under the name of "Volcano Isle Tropicals") of fine volcanic-grown Hawaiian coffees, exquisite Hawaiian flower arrangements, and Hawaiian gift boxes.  With vibrant energy and curious minds, we have maintained the superior quality of products and services offered before us, while investigating, experimenting & polishing coffee processing techniques.  Education through community and experimentation has provided new insights that have helped us gain a more in-depth understanding -- not only of what we're doing but why we're doing it. 

In 2011 we re-named our coffee farm, mill & roastery Big Island Coffee Roasters to reflect our dedication for improving the quality of coffee throughout the Big Island of Hawaii. We continue to operate Makana Gardens, LLC as a tropical flower wholesaler and gift box retailer.

Mahalo for reading!