The HCA Best of Hawai'i 2026 Cupping Competition is open for registration  February 1 - February 20, 2026. This is the 17th Annual competition, and we are thrilled to announce some key rule changes designed to elevate the competition and provide even greater opportunities for Hawai‘i coffee producers!

Registration Window: February 1-20, 2026 - NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED!
Cupping Dates: March 23-27, 2026 (Closed-Door Event at Roastronix, Texas)
Winners Announced: July 31, 2026, at the HCA Annual Conference on Maui

Official Rules and Guidelines for the Competition

Register Here

What’s New for 2026?

New Category: Hawai‘i Heritage Washed - A dedicated division honoring Hawai‘i’s traditional coffee craftsmanship.

To qualify, coffees must:

• Be fully washed

• Come from Typica, Bourbon, or Caturra varieties

• Use no commercial inoculants, additives, or co-ferments

• Follow pulped-only fermentation, no in-fruit fermentation

• Fermentation time must be 36 hours or less

Submission Limits

• Each registered TMK may submit up to six samples. If an entity wishes to submit more, extra samples will be placed on a waitlist and accepted only if the 105-entry competition cap is not reached.

Differentiation Rules – No Duplicate Submissions!

• Every sample submitted must have a unique characteristic, such as:
  - Variety (e.g., Typica vs. SL-28)
  - Processing Method (e.g., Washed vs. Honey)
  - Fermentation Protocol (e.g., different durations, co-ferments, or inoculants)
• Duplicate entries will be disqualified, and fees will not be refunded.

Competition Divisions

• Innovative Division: Focused on innovative post-harvest processing techniques, including various fermentation methods and inoculants.
• Micro Lot Division: For larger-scale production with a minimum lot size of 500 lbs.
• Hawai'i Heritage Washed Division

New Category Distinctions
All coffees will now be categorized as:

•  Unpulped: Coffees that retain the fruit skin throughout drying (e.g., Natural, Fruit-Dried).
  
•  Pulped: Coffees that have had the fruit skin removed before drying (e.g., Washed, Honey).
  

Submission Guidelines

• Moisture content must be between 9%-12% and defects must not exceed 15% by weight.
• Each sample must be accompanied by a fully completed registration form and proof of payment.
• Late submissions will NOT be accepted.

Entry Fee: $100 per sample (non-refundable)

The full set of official rules and submission guidelines is available here for your review.

This year’s competition promises to be more competitive and rewarding than ever. Make sure you register early and prepare your best lots to compete among the finest coffees in Hawai‘i!

We have an outstanding panel of international judges lined up for the competition.

For any questions, please contact:

Official Rules and Guidelines for the Competition