Farm Profile
Farm Owner: Wido Martinez
Acreage: 45 acres
Coffee Varietals: Typica, Red Caturra
Processing Methods: Semi-Washed
How did you become a coffee farmer?
I originally came here for an opportunity. When I saw the chance to work, I took it. Work has always been automatic for me and the want to thrive in this life we were given. I learned a lot from other farmers and watching them thrive inspired me to do the same.
Years in coffee:
As a baby, back in Copan, Honduras, I use to follow my mama around in the coffee fields, picking up as many cherries that fell behind her. Farming has been my whole life, and it was not until 2004 when I moved to Hawaii, to find work as a coffee picker. I started off picking coffee, landscaping, and doing whatever I needed to do to get by in Kona, Hawaii. In 2011, I gained the courage to lease my first few acres of land in Ka’u, and have been continuing to work hard on it till this day.
What are your biggest challenges as a coffee farmer?
There are a lot of challenges being a farmer, anywhere in this world. Farming is not easy and not everyone can do it. I don’t say it to discourage others, but as a farmer it is a 24-hour, 7-day a week job. It may seem easy to say, “from farm to cup,” but trust me when I say, “there is a lot that happens before that coffee makes it to your cup.” Hawaii is a great place to grow coffee, but Ka’u is definitely the best place in the world to do so. When you fall in love with what you do, the best will always come out of you no matter what challenges may come around.
What are your biggest joys as a coffee farmer?
Farming brings me joy even though it is hard work, because nothing beats seeing the beauty of a field that has been really taken care of. The best part to me is being able to bring jobs into the Ka’u community. I farm to share, meaning I want to help others in this life.
Where can your coffee be found for purchase?
Anything else you'd like to tell us about your coffee journey?
I cannot express on how much Ka’u Coffee needs to be shared with the world. Every farmer here knows each other, and it is such a tight community that the cup of coffee you drink from any of our farms, comes with a story. My coffee journey is just beginning, but the history of Ka’u coffee runs deep in the land and the people here.