Sweet Okole Farm: Cultivating 100% Kona Coffee

Sweet Okole Farm: The Secret “Behind” Their Name

The inspiration behind the name, Sweet Okole.

Perched on the slopes of Mauna Loa, Sweet Okole Farm produces organically grown, hand-picked and processed Kona coffee. Planted in 1990, Sweet Okole Farm has steadily grown in size and popularity. Patrick, the farm’s founding father, still works every stage of the growing, harvesting, and production of his coffee beans. When asked about the farm’s name, Patrick shared, "my granddaughter suggested that I was working my butt off on the farm and there was a song out with ties to the local area; so we came up with the Sweet Okole Farm name eight years ago" (in case you didn’t catch on, okole is Hawaiian for butt J).

Kona RainForest Farm: Providing a true coffee-lover's experience

Kona Coffee Trees on Kona RainForest Farm

Kona RainForest Farm produces some of the finest 100% Kona Coffee the island has to offer, and they do it organically, a feat only 2% of all coffee grown on Kona can boast!

What Makes Organic Coffee Organic?

Well, for Robert and Dawn Barnes, owners of Kona RainForest Farm, growing coffee organically means using natural pest and weed control methods as opposed to agrochemical pesticides and fertilizing their 15-acres of coffee trees with mulch made from leftover coffee pulp. But don’t take their word for it; Kona RainForest Farm’s organically-based operation is certified organic by the Hawaii Organic Farmer’s Association, operating under the United States Department of Agriculture. In addition to organic growing conditions, Kona RainForest Farm uses sustainable farming practices, such as harnessing electric power from the sun and capturing rainwater in catchment tanks for irrigation purposes.

Finally, Red Dirt's Baristas and Keiki Spreading the Aloha Spirit

Sadly, we come to the final post in our series showcasing Red Dirt's 2nd Annual Aloha Coffee and Cultural Festival. 

In this closing post, we focus on our beloved Baristas and Keiki...

Desi was there in the early morning hours (well, not so early) to help set-up...

...and to greet customers...

Ono Grinds and the Crowd at Red Dirt's Coffee Fest

We now come to the post where we showcase the Ono Grinds, and the crowd enjoying those grinds, from Red Dirt's 2nd Annual Aloha Coffee & Cultural Festival.

Local Vendors Show Their Aloha Spirit

Our third post in the Aloha Coffee & Cultural Festival series brings to you our much appreciated vendors.  While the assortment of vendors was vast, there was a shared presence of Aloha woven through each booth, nurturing the feeling of 'Ohana, felt even by those new to Red Dirt.

We saw a wide array of lei adorning many of our beautiful dancers.  The lei is synonymous with the Hawaiian culture.  And bringing this timeless tradition to our festival was our beloved Hadassah, coming all the way from the islands...

Sharing the Aloha Spirit through Song and Dance

To continue our coverage of Red Dirt's 2nd Annual Aloha Coffee & Cultural Festival, this week we take a look at the day's entertainment.  There were beautiful performances from a variety of Halaus, both local and from afar, as well as musical talents that brought melodic island sounds to our celebration.

We first take a look at Jackye and Paul's dear friends from back home: Tina's Ports of Paradise  (accompanied here by Joe from Island Creations)...

Spreading the Aloha Spirit

On Sunday, October 23rd, there were no strangers at the Heritage Square Park in Arroyo Grande, CA.  The owners of Red Dirt Coffee House made sure of that!  Hosting Red Dirt's 2nd Annual Aloha Coffee and Cultural Festival, Jackye and Paul, with the help of countless family and friends, brought the spirit of Aloha and the tradition of 'Ohana to our quiet little town.

If you missed it, here is a brief glimpse at what is sure to become a yearly tradition for many (this will be the first in a series of posts, each highlighting a different aspect of the festival)...

Long before the first steps were taken to plan the Aloha Coffee and Cultural Festival, Red Dirt Coffee House embraced Hawaiian traditions and culture.  'Ohana, the tradition of family, made its way into our coffee shop from the moment we opened our doors.  Loyal customers quickly became dear friends who then grew into our very own 'Ohana.  Offering Hawaiian inspired drinks and delicacies, live Hawaiian music, and Baristas that treat each customer like family, Red Dirt has epitomized the spirit of Aloha.

Wanting to share these blessings with others, Jackye envisioned a day that would celebrate the Hawaiian culture, through song, dance, food, and Aloha.