Last month, we spent an unforgettable film day with the Keep it Aloha Podcast crew at our Kona coffee farm in Kealakekua on the Big Island. The plan? Share the story behind our farm-to-cup coffee and dive into some real talk about Hawai‘i’s culture, values, and of course, coffee. What actually happened was even better—plenty of laughs, learning, and a deeper connection between our teams.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the day, featuring our teams (L-R):
- Ryson Nakamasu (Honolulu Coffee Farm Manager)
- Chasity-Mae Real (Honolulu Coffee Brand Manager)
- Leomana Turalde (Keep it Aloha Podcast Special Guest)
- Erica Mounsey (Honolulu Coffee VP of Operations)
- Kamaka Dias (Keep it Aloha Podcast Host)
- Jordan Tano (Keep it Aloha Podcast Videographer)
- and behind-the-scenes, Kū Robinson (College student, Native Books employee, Kamaka's brother, 2nd best Super Smash Bros player in the household)
The Trek Up the Farm & Set Up
The adventure began with a classic Big Island moment. While some of our cars made it partway up the steep farm trail, others quickly revealed they were “all-wheel drive” and not the trusty “4-wheel drive” we needed. Cue Ryson to the rescue! He became our shuttle service, ferrying the team and equipment up to the heart of the farm. The ride gave us all a good laugh—and an even better view of the lush landscape awaiting us.
Once we reached the midway point of the farm, we got to work setting up for the day. Tents, tables and chairs went up, and a simple coffee farm-to-cup display. Freshly picked coffee cherries, a variety of beans in different stages of processing, and brewed Kona coffee created a visual and sensory experience that perfectly represented what we do. Sometimes less is more, because the real centerpiece was the incredible backdrop behind us.
Touring the Farm with Ryson
With the setup complete, Ryson took the Keep it Aloha Podcast team on a guided tour of the farm. We loaded everyone onto the truck bed down the farm so we can walk through rows of the ripening coffee trees. He explained the intricacies of Kona coffee production, from planting and pruning to harvesting and processing. The coffee trees were heavy with cherries, their bright red hues signaling that harvest season was in full swing.
We even got to meet some of the farm workers—true heroes of the coffee world—who gave us a glimpse into their daily routines. Ryson then handed over some harvesting baskets and let Kamaka and Leomana give picking a shot. They even learned about the gancho (meaning hook in Spanish), that allows our workers to pull the taller branches down and easier to reach. Let’s just say they’ll need a little more practice before joining the crew full-time, but they had a blast, and we got some great footage of them in action!
Kau Kau Time
After the tour, we were starving, so we grabbed lunch from one of our favorite local spots, The Coffee Shack, just down the hill from the farm on Mamalahoa Hwy. If you haven’t been, you’re missing out—they’re known for their homemade breads and sandwiches that are as hearty as they are 'ono (delicious).
We loaded up on sandwiches and brought them back to our set-up to eat. One of the best parts of the day was just sitting down and talking story with the Keep it Aloha Podcast crew. As we dug in, we couldn’t stop talking about how supporting local businesses like The Coffee Shack makes us feel that local connection—between people, places, and flavors—that makes Hawaii so special.
Leomana shared his incredible journey: from being a US Marine veteran, to a NASA astrophysicist, an entrepreneur with a sunscreen company, and above all a cultural advocate for all things Native Hawaiian opening up his own halau. Talk about a modern-day Renaissance man!
Hearing everyone’s stories reminded us how connected we all are, whether it’s through our roots, our work, or our love for this place we call home.
Filming the Podcast
The last big task of the day was filming the podcast. We spent hours capturing conversations about Kona coffee, Hawaiian culture, and the values we all hold close to our hearts. Jordan, Keep it Aloha Podcast's videographer, was behind the camera while Kamaka and Leomana shared their mana‘o (thoughts).
As the sun started to dip toward the horizon, the farm transformed into something straight out of a postcard. Golden hour hit just right, casting the most gorgeous glow over the coffee trees, Kealakekua Bay, and the ocean beyond. By the time we wrapped filming, the horizon was glowing with hues of orange and pink. It was a moment that didn’t need words—just awe.
Mahalo for Keepin' it Aloha
As the day came to an end, we couldn’t help but feel grateful. Partnerships like this remind us why we do what we do. The Keep it Aloha Podcast team shares our passion for preserving Hawaiian culture and supporting local, and it’s an honor to collaborate with people who truly get it.
We’re so excited for you to watch this episode and experience the magic for yourself. Visit our Instagram (@honolulucoffee and @keepitalohapod) and YouTube for the full episode. Mahalo for supporting both of our teams, for loving local, and for being part of this journey. Here’s to more days filled with laughter, culture, and, of course, coffee.
