Growing Coffee Responsibly for Kauai Wildlife

From coast to canopy, the island of Kauai is a haven for wildlife and natural beauty. Birds soar above verdant mountains, marine life thrives in the clear blue waters, and the sounds of nature echo through valleys and fields. We are honored to call Kauai our home and proud to grow our coffee in a way that takes responsibility for our natural resources.

In honor of Endangered Species Day on May 16, we’re sharing a look at the wildlife of Kauai and the conscious farming practices we employ to do our part.  

The Unique and Diverse Wildlife of Kauai

Kauai is often called the Garden Island for good reason. With lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, rolling farmland, and crystal-clear waters, it’s home to an incredible variety of ecosystems and animals. From native and endangered species to quirky island icons, the wildlife on Kauai is as diverse as the landscape itself.

As coffee growers, we know how important it is to protect the land and waters that sustain all of us. Through sustainable farming, we aim to be good neighbors not only to our community but to the plants and animals that also call this island home.

Feathered Friends: Iconic and Endangered Birds on Kauai

The Famous Jungle Fowl

If you’ve ever been to Kauai, you’ve definitely noticed the chickens. Polynesian voyagers brought moa, or red jungle fowl, to the Hawaiian islands centuries ago. Today, these colorful, free-roaming birds are thought to be descendants of these jungle fowl and domestic chickens that escaped their coops during storms and hurricanes. They may not be rare, but they’ve become a beloved and iconic part of life on Kauai.

Endangered Birds to Watch For

Wild chickens may be the most famous fowl on the island, but they are far from the only birds worth spotting. Kauai is home to several endangered and threatened bird species, including: 

• Newell’s Shearwater: These seabirds are born on Kauai and take their first flight during the fall new moon. To help prevent disorientation and protect fledglings, we adjust our harvesting schedule. For three days before and after the new moon, we do not harvest coffee between sunset and midnight.
• Hawaiian Goose (Nene): The official state bird of Hawaii, the Nene is a rare and protected species that can be found in upland areas and near open grassy fields.
• Hawaiian Short-Eared Owl (Pueo): This native owl hunts during the day and can sometimes be seen gliding above the coffee fields or perched quietly in nearby trees.

These birds are an essential part of Kauai’s ecosystem. Through responsible farming and light-conscious harvesting, we do our part to support their survival.

Four-Legs, Fins, and Fronds

Wild and Introduced Land Animals

While our coffee orchard is not an animal farm, you might occasionally catch a glimpse of four-legged creatures moving through the rows. Over the years, a number of animals have been introduced to the island, including wild pigs, goats, deer, cattle, and sheep. Wild boars are sometimes spotted rooting in the fields, and we do our best to respectfully coexist with them while protecting our crops and workers.

Marine Life Around the Island

Kauai’s coastlines and reefs are just as rich with life as its forests and fields. The surrounding ocean is home to:

• Hawaiian monk seals (endangered)
• Green sea turtles (threatened)
• Dolphins and rays
• Humpback whales (seasonal visitors from November to April)
• Countless species of colorful fish

You won’t find this marine wildlife on our estate, but on a clear day during whale season, you might spot the spout or splash of a humpback whale from the Kauai Coffee Farm Tour lookout. It’s one more reason to visit and soak in the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Rare and Endangered Plants of Kauai

Kauai’s wildlife is supported by a rich tapestry of native plants, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Unfortunately, several of these plants are endangered due to habitat loss, invasive species, and changing conditions. 

While you may not see these rare plants on the coffee estate, preserving healthy soil, limiting chemical use, and managing water responsibly helps protect the broader environment they rely on. By caring for the land thoughtfully, we support the delicate ecosystems that allow both native wildlife and flora to thrive.

Growing Coffee That Supports Wildlife and Natural Resources

At Kauai Coffee, we believe in farming with purpose. Our coffee is grown on a former sugarcane plantation that we’ve transformed into a thriving coffee estate. Sustainability is a core part of what we do, and we’re proud that our 100% Hawaiian coffee is triple certified by the Rainforest Alliance Certified™, Fair Trade USA™, and Non-GMO Project.

These certifications are more than just labels. They represent our commitment to growing coffee in a way that respects nature and people alike.

Rainforest Alliance Certification

The Rainforest Alliance seal means we follow sustainable farming practices that help protect forests, support biodiversity, and improve the long-term health of our environment. It also means our farming methods are designed to adapt to climate change and promote more resilient ecosystems. 

Fair Trade and Community Development

Fair Trade Certified™ coffee supports both environmental protection and community development. Every year, an independent committee of Kauai Coffee staff allocates Community Development Funds raised through our Fair Trade premium to local nonprofits. In 2024 alone, Kauai Coffee distributed more than $78,000 to local organizations through these funds. Supporting our community helps create a stronger foundation for sustainable growth across the island.

Small Steps That Make a Big Difference

Kauai’s wildlife is one of its most treasured assets, and we are honored to farm in a way that helps protect it. Every cup of 100% Kauai Coffee supports sustainable farming, our island, and the communities that care for it. Shop our complete selection of 100% Kauai Coffee online. 

When you choose Kauai Coffee, you are choosing a product grown with respect for the land, the wildlife, and the people who make it all possible. Whether you are spotting a wild pig in the distance or enjoying a whale sighting from our lanai, we invite you to visit and discover the natural wonders that surround us.