US Brand Directory
Pahala, Hawaii · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive
Rusty's Hawaiian
IndependentRoasts its own coffeeSourcing: Farm level
Visit Rusty's Hawaiian's site Rusty's Hawaiian is a family-run farm, mill, and roastery located on the southern slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii. They are dedicated to producing artisanal, award-winning specialty coffee while honoring the legacy of their late founder, Rusty Obra. The company plays a significant role in the Kaʻu District's reputation as a premier coffee-growing region.
Ownership
Rusty's Hawaiian is a family-owned and operated business. It was founded by Rusty and Lorie Obra and is currently managed by Lorie Obra and her daughter Joan Obra and son-in-law Ralph.
Founded
1999
Roasting
Reported to roast in-house.
What it's known for
The brand is widely recognized for pioneering the specialty coffee industry in the Kaʻu District of Hawaii and for winning numerous international and domestic awards for their high-quality, high-altitude coffee.
Sourcing countries
United States
Farm-level sourcing
The brand operates its own farm and mill in the Kaʻu District, where they process their own coffee. They also showcase exceptional beans from other growers within the Hawaiian islands, maintaining a focus on single-origin quality.
Notable coffees
- — Kaʻu Classic
- — Red Bourbon Natural
Sources used in this deep dive
- https://rustyshawaiian.com
- https://www.rustyshawaiian.com/pages/about-rustys-hawaiian
- https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/learn-how-rustys-hawaiian-became-a-specialty-coffee-superstar/
- https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/the-rise-of-kau-coffee
- https://www.roastmasters.com/hawaiinatural.html
- https://www.coffeedb.pro/roasters/rusty-s-hawaiian
Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-10-20. This company overview is not a tasting review. Original tasting reviews are labeled separately when they exist. Ownership, roasting and sourcing details are attributed to documented sources. While the brand mentions showcasing beans from multiple Hawaiian regions, specific farm names for their non-estate offerings are not consistently listed in their public product catalog.