Kolea Coffee - Logo

Kolea Coffee is a coffee bean coffee company based in Hawaii, the only state in the US to grow coffee beans. Coffee bean plants were first introduced in Kona on the big island in 1825 as an experiment to observe if coffee could be cultivated in this rich environment. Now almost 2 centuries later coffee is still grown in Kona and beloved by coffee drinkers for its unique boldness and cacao flavor.

The brand style was conceived when a coffee ring formed inside my notebook from a morning pick-me-up. The logo itself is mixed media, painted with morning old coffee, India ink, charcoal, and watercolor for fullness. By including coffee itself in the design, it adds another dimension and uniqueness from other brands. The branding emphasizes playfulness with letter forms, flowing coffee stains, as well as name choices for each brew, further cultivating the “Cheehoo” culture of native Hawaiians.