Coffee connects us across continents — from the farmers who care for the land, to the producers who bring each harvest to life, to the roasters and cafés who share those coffees with their communities.
While we don’t regularly carry Kona coffee, we are part of the broader coffee community, and we believe it’s important to stay informed about the challenges facing coffee-growing regions around the world.
On Saturday, May 23, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck the Honaunau-Napoopoo area on Hawaii’s Big Island. Thankfully, there have been no reported fatalities, but the damage has been significant — including to the water catchment systems many Kona coffee farms rely on.
Many rural communities on the Big Island depend on rainwater collection systems for both household and agricultural needs. When these tanks are damaged, farmers can lose thousands of gallons of stored water, creating an immediate challenge for both daily life and crop care.
This comes as Kona growers are already recovering from severe spring storms that caused flooding and additional damage across farming communities.
Emergency water support is helping meet immediate needs, but the long-term recovery remains uncertain. Rebuilding these systems is about more than replacing equipment — it’s about supporting the farms, families, and traditions behind one of coffee’s most recognized origins.
As members of the coffee community, we’re reminded that every cup has a story, and every origin faces its own challenges. We’re sending our support to the growers and communities in Hawaii as they recover and rebuild.
To learn more about the impact on Kona coffee farms, read the original reporting from Sprudge:
https://sprudge.com/magnitude-6-0-earthquake-destroys-water-systems-on-kona-coffee-farms-1039227.html
