Hawai‘i’s Big Island First CBB Outbreak in Ka‘u Coffee Zone

In May 2011, a new and dangerous pest was discovered deep in Hawai‘i’s coffee country—right in the heart of the Big Island’s prime growing zone. For coffee producers and drinkers who care about where their beans come from, this report reveals where and when the coffee berry borer (CBB) first infiltrated Ka‘u, what damage it can do, and how officials responded.

The coffee berry borer (CBB), or Hypothenemus hampei, was first confirmed in Hawai‘i on May 12, 2011, in Pahala, Ka‘u District, on the Big Island. This marked the first detection in that area, although the pest had already been found in the nearby Kona coffee region since September 2010. Ka‘u is among Hawai‘i’s key coffee-growing areas and is now under close watch.

What Is the Coffee Berry Borer?

The coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) is a tiny beetle native to Central Africa. It is the most destructive insect pest affecting coffee worldwide. Active in over 70% of coffee-producing countries—especially across Latin America—this pest drills into the coffee cherry, laying eggs inside. The entire life cycle of the borer, from egg to adult, takes place within the coffee fruit, severely damaging both the bean and the cup quality.

How CBB Invaded Hawai‘i

CBB was first found in the Kona coffee region of Hawai‘i’s Big Island in September 2010. By May 2011, it had spread westward and reached Pahala in the Ka‘u District—the first official detection in that zone. Ka‘u is a major coffee-growing area, and its inclusion in the outbreak raised alarms across the state’s coffee industry. The pest is now known to be actively infesting the western parts of the island.

Impact on Coffee Production

The female CBB bores into the tip of the coffee fruit and deposits her eggs inside. The developing larvae feed on the coffee seed, compromising both yield and flavor. In severe infestations, coffee yields can drop by up to 90%. Beyond volume loss, the presence of CBB often leads to noticeable defects in the roasted bean and can diminish the complexity and cleanliness of the brewed cup.

Control Measures Taken

In February 2011, prior to the Ka‘u detection, the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) approved the use of the fungus Beauveria bassiana as a biological control agent to combat CBB. This fungus infects and kills the beetles and has been employed alongside other efforts by the USDA and local coffee farmers to limit the pest’s spread. The HDOA continues to monitor and assess affected farms to determine the full extent of infestation in Ka‘u.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the coffee berry borer (CBB) first found in Hawai‘i?

The coffee berry borer (CBB) was first detected in Hawai‘i in September 2010 in the Kona coffee region on the Big Island. It was later found in Pahala, Ka‘u District, on May 12, 2011—marking its first confirmed presence in that area.

Where exactly in Hawai‘i was CBB found in May 2011?

In May 2011, CBB was found in Pahala, located in the Ka‘u District on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Ka‘u is a major coffee-growing region, and this detection marked the pest’s first official appearance there.

What damage does the coffee berry borer cause to coffee crops?

The coffee berry borer drills into coffee cherries to lay eggs, and its larvae feed on the coffee seeds inside. This harms both the yield and quality of the beans, with infestations capable of reducing coffee production by up to 90% and degrading cup quality.

What is being done to control the spread of CBB in Hawai‘i?

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture approved the use of the fungus Beauveria bassiana in February 2011 as a biological control method. The USDA and local coffee farmers are also implementing multiple strategies to contain and manage the CBB outbreak, especially in affected regions like Kona and Ka‘u.

Why is the discovery of CBB in Ka‘u significant?

Ka‘u is one of Hawai‘i’s primary coffee-growing districts. The confirmation of CBB there in May 2011 indicated the pest’s spread into another major production area, raising concerns about broader impacts on the island’s coffee industry and the need for intensified control measures.

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