Uchida Living History Coffee Farm Tour

The last of the three visits to historical sites on the island of Hawaii by the Placed-Based Literacy students and instructors was to the Uchida Living History Coffee Farm in Captain Cook on a beautiful Saturday (2/5/11).  The class came together to learn about an early immigrant from Japan had earned a living growing coffee and raised a family in the early 20^th century on the Kona coast of Hawaii. 

Our guides for the day shared with us how the Uchida family had grown and processed coffee on their small farm.  They also provided a glimpse into how the family lived.  The coffee trees that were planted a hundred years ago are still producing coffee cherries.  The home of the Uchida’s lived in has been restored and the coffee mill that processed the coffee beans is still standing. 

The Mr. Uchida that started the farm must have been an exceptional man as he came to Hawaii to work on the sugar plantation and self educated himself in English and Hawaiian.  Through his self education, hard work, and skilled craftsmanship he was able to raise five children on his small farm in Kona. 

Video of Farm

Pahala Visit

A visit to Pahala Hawaii on a rainy Saturday in November 2010 was a journey in both space and time as we came together to learn from all over the island of Hawaii.  We learned about the past of where the sugar plantation dominated the land and economy for over a hundred years.  And the present and future where the people of Pahala are using the land to earn a living through growing coffee, macadamia nuts, and ranching.

The spirit and generosity of the people of Pahala were amazing.  In a place that has been hard hit by the changing economy, drought, and vog the people we met were optimistic about the future and their ability to make it better.  Bull Kailiawa shared his knowledge of growing award winning coffee with great Aloha.  At the new coffee mill Jeff Silva explained how coffee is processed and how the machinery at the mill is used for the processing.  Our tour guide for the day, Julia Neal, shared with us the history of Plantation House and other historic building in Pahala.

A hundred years from now I can only hope that Pahala will not be overrun by development as most other places have. 

Listen to Podcast

Anna's Ranch Visit 9/25/10

Anna's Ranch located in Waimea Hawaii was visited by the participants in the Lehua Writing Project on September 25, 2010.

Anna's Ranch is a historic Hawaii ranch that was started and operated by the Lindsay family.  Anna Lindsay Lyman-Fisk was the last family owner.  On her death she left the ranch to a non-profit foundation to preserve the ranch and open it to the community. 

Impressions of Ann's Ranch

Stunning views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa
A beautiful stream framed by majestic Hoku Hula.
Tranquil and peaceful.
Cool wind, clean and fragrant blows down from the Kohala Mountains.
Ranch house and buildings are part of the landscape.

Time seems to move in many directions.
The past touches the now and the future.
Many people lived, loved, and died in this place and called it home. 

How could you not love a place so beautiful?

Today we experience this place of beauty and wonder.
We ponder the lives of those who came before us.
And wonder about what the future will hold for this place.

I hope to return someday to walk the land in peace.