Growing up as a rice farmer in the Philippines, William immigrated here in 1976 seeking a better life and opportunities to work. William and his family began their coffee farm, The Rising Sun Will & Grace Farms, in the year 2000. Though, already investing heavily in heavy duty equipment as a contractor, he had doubts about continuing his coffee farm. In the early 2000's Ka'u hadn’t established recognition in in the world of coffee and had no roasting facilities for miles like their neighbors had, Kona Coffee. Being told their coffee was lower in quality or sub-par compared to Kona coffee. Ka'u coffee farmers were in a choke hold forced to sell their sun-dried beans or red cherries just to get by. It wasn’t until the year 2007 when he and other farmers finally saw the efforts they planted turn into fruition. Chris Manfredi entered some 15 farmers beans into the world's largest coffee trade organization — the Specialty Coffee Association of America's Roasters Guild Cupping Competition. To all of their surprises, Hawai‘i’s Will and Grace Tabios of Rising Sun Farm and Marlon Biason of Aroma Coffee Farms, placed sixth and ninth, respectively, effectively placing Ka‘ū on the coffee map. A handful of Ka’u coffee farmers continued to entry in these cupping events and also were awarded “Coffee of The Year” until 2013. This solidified Ka’u as an ideal coffee growing region with producers that continue to innovate and refine their coffee processings

Since starting the path to specialty and the tireless efforts to keep the taste every bit special, William & Ka’u coffee farmers continues to provide seasonal jobs in the Ka’u community. Every purchase of Ka’u specialty coffee supports our communities!