Kahiliholo Orchard

While my passion for coffee was primed long ago, it wasn’t until moving to Kauai that my desire to experience the whole coffee chain was ignited. Living in a coffee growing region, my reality as a barista and roaster has expanded to encompass the entire scope of coffee culture, from cultivation to customer connection. 

In late 2018 I was approached regarding an abandoned coffee orchard someone had acquired along with their newly purchased home. The grounds were consumed by seven years of tropical jungle growth. The plants were weary from the struggle to survive. However, a sliver of potential sparked a mutually beneficial connection for all involved. 

Feeling overwhelmed but in need of a challenge, I accepted the chance to experience a side of coffee that was still a mystery to me. During the first few months, I tackled the task by clearing the under story, calibrating the over-story, stumping each tree, pruning the new growth, and constantly tracking the endless organic matter being chipped to use as mulch. 

Each day spent in the orchard felt like a victory. For as daunting as the task seemed, I was encouraged by the plant’s rapid response to every gesture of nourishment. Over time and through trial and error, it became clear that each layer of the ecosystem was interrelated. One single action would have a horizontal and vertical ripple affect. This led to experimentation with permaculture principles, sustainable systems and traditional techniques, which flawlessly amplified the overall immunity, health and quality of the orchard without compromise. While this approach has required a re-wiring of conventional coffee growing conditioning, the health of the orchard as a whole is an undeniable indicator.

Two years and countless humbling moments later, here we are. The trees are stoked out with vibrant foliage, fresh blooms, and healthy fruit. As with all quests, the journey has been full of challenges. Yet, within each challenge is the opportunity to learn, grow and expand. As a result, my respect and understanding of the coffee plant has developed exponentially. 

As a foundational element of Outpost Coffee, Kahiliholo Orchard represents the importance of relationships. When we put the time in, with patience, perseverance and intention, the results are undeniably rewarding. In this case, investing my energy into the restoration of an abandoned orchard has fortified relationships on all levels— from microbiota in the soil, to the wild chickens that graze, aerate and fertilize, to companion plants, the local coffee community, the extended coffee culture and, most importantly, the direct connection to our customers.