Voices from our ʻOhana

My name is Renee Keenan, and I manage Kaʻū Coffee Roasters Cafe in Kona, but that’s not how I originally saw myself here.

When I first started, I was only planning to be with the company for a short time, just a couple of weeks to help with the cafe's opening. At that point, I didn’t know anything about Edmund C. Olson, the company, or even coffee, for that matter. I drank it, but I never really thought much about it beyond that.

Since then, I’ve learned so much, and honestly, that’s a big part of what keeps me here. The more I understand the trust, the more I’ve started to see the bigger picture. This isn’t just a coffee shop; it’s something with purpose behind it, and that’s made a big difference in how I approach my role.

Ed was a kind soul, and he had a purpose with what he was building. When he came to the Islands, he started something that became even greater than just a business. One thing that really stands out to me is the vision he had when the Kaʻū Coffee Mill in Pāhala started. It wasn’t just about coffee; it was about creating something sustainable for the community after the sugar cane industry left the area. That focus on the land, on agriculture, and on supporting local farmers is something you can still feel today in everything we do.

At the cafe level, we’re on the front-facing side of that. We’re what customers see every day, but there’s a whole system behind it, from the farmers to production to the team working on the floor. Being in this role has made me more aware of how everything connects, and it’s something I’ve come to take great pride in. It’s not just about serving a good cup of coffee; it’s about representing everything that goes into it.

I’m really proud of the team we’ve built. We’ve grown a lot, and it hasn’t always been easy, especially during busy seasons and large events, but the team has stepped up in a big way. Watching people develop, gain confidence, and take ownership of their roles has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Seeing that growth, not just in business but in the people, is something that stands out to me.

I’m also proud of how far the shop has come. We’ve seen strong growth, expanded our offerings, and created greater consistency in how we operate. Being part of that progress and helping shape it has been a meaningful experience for me. It feels like we’re building something, not just maintaining it.

Looking ahead, I see a lot of opportunities. There’s still room to grow, improve, and try new things, but in a way that stays true to who we are and what we represent. For me, it’s about continuing to build something solid, something that lasts and that people can feel good about being part of.

I’m grateful to be here and to be part of something with that kind of purpose behind it.