Coffee producers on Hawaii Island are assessing widespread damage to farms and infrastructure following Hurricane Lala, which struck the region in mid-August. The storm brought extreme rainfall and flooding to key coffee-growing areas, particularly in the southern Ka'u district, just as many farms were beginning their 2026 harvest.
Initial damage reports from the agricultural sector are significant. As of late August, farmers and ranchers across the state had reported over $3.2 million in losses, with nearly $2 million of that total originating from Hawaii Island. The Hawaii Coffee Association noted that growers in Ka'u, Wood Valley, and Miloli'i were among the most severely affected. Damage includes uprooted and crushed coffee trees, loss of ripe cherry, washed-out access roads, and compromised water systems.
The timing of the hurricane presents a critical challenge, as the loss of ripe cherry represents an immediate financial blow. Furthermore, the loss of productive trees, especially younger plantings, will have long-term consequences for future yields and requires significant investment to replace. Federal and state agencies, including the USDA, have begun mobilizing relief efforts. Farmers are being advised to thoroughly document all damages to apply for assistance programs designed to help with tree replacement and land restoration.