The Maui Coffee Association has named James “Kimo” Falconer, president of MauiGrown Coffee Distributors, LLC, its 2026 Farmer of the Year, recognizing more than three decades of contributions to Maui and Hawaiʻi’s coffee industry. The award was presented Aug. 1 during the association’s Seed to Cup 2026 event at Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapū.

The recognition followed another industry honor for Falconer during the same week. The Hawaiʻi Coffee Association (HCA) honored him with its Legacy Leader of the Year Award during its 31st Annual Conference, held July 29-Aug. 1 on Maui. The statewide recognition further acknowledged Falconer’s longstanding leadership and contributions to Hawaiʻi’s coffee industry.

MauiGrown Coffee is proud to announce the arrival of its 2025/2026 harvest, marking a significant milestone in the company’s return to production following the devastating Lahaina wildfire of 2023.

“We have deeply appreciated the many well wishes and continued support as we rebuild from the Lahaina wildfire,” said Kimo Falconer, President of MauiGrown Coffee. “Although our wet and dry mill facilities and the MauiGrown Coffee Company Store were completely destroyed in the fire, the coffee fields in Kaʻanapali remained the shining stars and have been maintained and nurtured during the interim. It’s been over two years since our last harvest, and we are basically starting from scratch, with the exception of the coffee trees.”

There’s a myriad of reasons to love the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate, reflect, share, and give thanks. We, at Kaanapali Land Management Corp. and MauiGrown Coffee, humbly express our gratitude for those who helped make 2018 a memorable year.

Among the highlights of 2018:

Kaanapali Coffee Services is currently harvesting its 11th crop of coffee and despite periods of heavy rains and windy conditions, not to mention two hurricanes in September and October of 2018, we are optimistic for a successful coffee yield. After all, as noted actor, humorist and political commentator Will Rogers once wrote, “The farmer has to be optimistic, or he wouldn’t still be a farmer.” A big mahalo to our ‘ohana of hard working and dedicated farm and mill workers who are working long hours to bring in the harvest this year!