Recently, we had the chance to talk story with Tony Tate of Ka’awaloa Trail Farm, an award-winning coffee farm and a 100% Pure Kona Coffee Race sponsor. And we can't wait for you to get to know more about the speedy runner and one of our newest sponsors, so keep reading!
Ka‘awaloa Trail Farm is located in the mauka area of the ahupua‘a of Ka‘awaloa, and was part of the ancient Kona Field System that provided food crops such as kalo and ‘ulu to the community of Ali‘i that lived in the area around Kealakeukua Bay around the time of Captain Cook’s arrival in Hawai‘i in the 1770s. Around a century ago, coffee was planted on the land and by the 1970s, the land was divided into small farms.
In 2012, Tony, Louie, and their ‘ohana began managing one of the farms, using natural methods to grow, harvest, and process the coffee. Since its inception, Ka‘awaloa Trail Farm has been on a mission to restore the natural ecological functions of the land and diversify production, shifting from a single focus on coffee to a mixed, agroforestry system incorporating native trees, cacao, and many other fruits and food crops. By 2022, the farm won the Heritage Award at the Kona Coffee Festival Cupping Contest, which is awarded to the highest-ranking coffee produced that year using traditional methods.
“Our mission is to become a model learning farm for the area and demonstrate a method of farming that produces a range of products without using any pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides, minimizing the presence of invasive species and restoring Hawaiian species favorable to native birds, bats, and butterflies,” says Tony.
“Although we are not originally from the Big Island, we have received many blessings over the years from the land and people here, and we’re determined to give back and share Aloha,” says Tony of why Ka‘awaloa Trail Farm became a sponsor of the 100% Pure Kona Coffee Run. “As both farmers and runners, sponsoring the half-marathon was a natural fit for us and a way to embrace the spirit of the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival. Going forward, we want to support other initiatives that align with our values, caring for the land and its people.”
Studies show that coffee can improve your muscles' ability to contract, enhance your endurance, and increase your alertness: “So not only is Ka’awaloa Trail Farm coffee award-winning and delicious, but it could very well help you run faster!” Tony adds. Considering that he placed 6th overall in the half marathon last year, we don’t doubt that it can! This year, Tony is excited to once again stand on the start line on November 9th and everyone at Ka‘awaloa Trail Farm is excited to be involved in the race, helping others enjoy it.
“The race attracts a great group of all types of runners who are supportive and friendly,” says Tony, whose advice for anyone running the race this year is to relax and have fun. “And be sure to thank volunteers and race organizers - It wouldn’t be possible to host the race without them and they put in many long hours to make it a memorable race for all of us.”
Tony’s favorite part of the 100% Pure Kona Coffee Half Marathon is witnessing the dawn and then the sunrise over Hualalai while running out and back along Ali’i Drive: “It’s an amazing sight! There is a great feeling of accomplishment as you crest the last hill in Keauhou, knowing the hardest part is behind you. And passing all the sacred sites along Ali’i Drive on your way to the finish line motivates you to keep going and be inspired by those who show us the way.”
Ready to experience the amazing sights and be inspired on November 9th? Register now for the 5k or half marathon!