At Hala Tree Coffee, we believe in transparency, hard work, and a whole lot of heart—and no one embodies that more than our owner, Jean Orlowski. From the crack of dawn to the final task of the day, Jean is deeply involved in every aspect of what makes Hala Tree thrive. Here’s a look into a typical day in his life.

5:30 AM – Quiet Starts & Daily Planning
I’ve always been an early riser. There’s something peaceful about the early morning hours that helps me get centered before the day takes off. I start every day by reading the news—both local and global. It helps me stay grounded and informed.

Next, I move into the essentials: answering emails, reviewing our accounting, and going over the plan for the day. It’s a quiet, focused time that sets the tone for everything that follows.

6:30 AM – Breakfast with Danielle
Around 6:30, I wake up my wife, Danielle. We have breakfast together, which I really enjoy. It’s one of the few quiet moments in the day we get to share before things pick up. A good cup of coffee (Hala Tree, of course!) and time with her is a perfect start.

7:00 AM – Morning Farm Meeting
By 7:00, I’m out the door for our morning meeting with the farm crew. We review which fields need work, any inputs that need to be applied, and flag any special tasks or equipment needs. It’s important to me that the team is aligned and supported—our coffee begins in the field, and that’s where our standards are set.

8:00 AM – Checking In at the Shop
Once the shop crew arrives, I like to stop in, even if I’m not handling tours that day. I check to see if they need help, answer questions, and support where I can. I’m not one to sit back and watch—if I can lend a hand, I will.

The Rest of the Day – Wherever I’m Needed
From there, no two days are ever the same. You might find me:

• Working in the field alongside our crew

• Repairing equipment

• Jumping in on tours or washing dishes

• Handling quality control or accounting

• Talking with clients

• Checking in with our Oʻahu coffee shop team

• Or deep in planning and execution for new projects (we have some exciting ones on the horizon!)

In Season – Full Steam Ahead
During harvest season, things get even busier. I spend more time at the mill, working closely with our pickers and making sure every single cherry is processed properly. On those days, work doesn’t end at 5 p.m.—it ends when the coffee is processed and the team is taken care of.

Off Season – A Little Time for Me
In the off season, I try to carve out an hour for training. As a triathlete, staying in shape is important to me—but it’s definitely a challenge with my schedule. A quick run, swim, or bike ride is a great way to reset and recharge.

By 5 p.m., I like to wrap up the day: all tasks completed, plans reviewed for tomorrow. It’s a rhythm I’ve kept from my time working on Wall Street—where being reachable and accountable 24/7 was the norm. I still carry that mindset here. I’m available by phone or email anytime, because I believe leadership is about being present, responsive, and ready to step in when needed.

Team First, Always
What I love most about Hala Tree is our team. I value collaboration, open ideas (even the wild ones!), and working together to innovate and improve. Whether it's a new method in the field or an idea for the shop, nothing is off limits. We're always learning, and we’re doing it as a team.

Jean’s Favorite Hala Tree Coffee – 20% Off Deep Red (Only in June!)

If you know our founder, Jean Orlowski, you know he’s passionate about every step of the coffee journey—from growing and harvesting to roasting and cupping. But when it comes to his personal favorite? It’s all about Deep Red.

This 100% Kona coffee is bold, smooth, and bursting with depth—just like the vision Jean had when he first started Hala Tree Coffee. Now through the end of June, enjoy 20% off Jean’s favorite roast—Deep Red.

It’s a chance to taste what fuels the founder himself.