West Maui coffee farm finds success, future

Lahaina News

"Having a vision for creating a coffee farm is one thing, making sure it's successful in the long-term is another," shared James "Kimo" Falconer, president of MauiGrown Coffee.

For almost 15 years, Kimo and landowner Kaanapali Land Management Corp. have been caring for the coffee orchards that were once part of the old Pioneer Mill operation. Today, nearly 500 acres of coffee fields now blanket portions of the West Maui Mountains within the premiere agricultural community of Ka‘anapali Coffee Farms. 

For Kimo, a five-generation West Maui farmer, it's a dream come true. Thanks to an innovative concept that melds both agriculture and real estate, Ka‘anapali Coffee Farms is enabling lot owners to have their cake and eat it too. 

While property owners enjoy a leisurely lifestyle and, bar none, the most spectacular views on Maui, veteran farmers care for their coffee orchards that reap MauiGrown Coffee's famous coffee varietals – Yellow Caturra, Red Catuai, Typica and Maui Mokka. 

Today, the thriving coffee plantation is bearing more than just the fruits of their labor, it's also translated into green - the color of money.

"Demand often exceeds supply with our coffee varietals selling out each year" shared Kimo about their coffee that is sought by wholesalers and retail customers statewide, on the U.S. Mainland, as well as internationally. "It's a nice problem to have and we are now looking at planting more coffee to meet the demand for our 100% MAUI Origin Coffee."

For Ka‘anapali Coffee Farm lot owners it's a win-win. In December, the coffee operation's success translated into lot owners receiving a check in the mail – the return of approximately 50 percent of their Lot Owner's Association fees paid for the past fiscal year. 

But perhaps the real winner of this coffee farm's success is the West Maui community. Thanks to a far-reaching vision, lots of hard work and a passion to preserve our island's agricultural roots – coffee has a long, bright future ahead – one where Ka‘anapali Coffee Farms' owners are enjoying the ride.