Why We’re Called Hala Tree Coffee

When people visit our farm or pick up a bag of our coffee, one of the most common questions we hear is:

“Why the name Hala Tree Coffee?”

Well, let us take you back to where it all began…

The Day We Found the Farm

It was 2012. We had just arrived to see the property for the first time—nervous, excited, full of dreams.

As we drove up the winding road and reached the entrance, something caught our eye right away:
A single Hala tree, standing tall and proud, like a quiet guardian of the land.

That moment stayed with us. That tree felt like a sign—a welcome, a symbol, and somehow, a name just waiting to be spoken.

What Is a Hala Tree?

The Hala tree (Pandanus tectorius) is native to Hawai‘i and other parts of the Pacific. With its long, sword-like leaves and distinct pineapple-shaped fruit, it’s a tree that’s hard to forget.

But beyond its striking look, the Hala tree carries deep meaning in Hawaiian culture.

Traditionally, it was used for:

• Weaving mats, baskets, and sails
• Making rope and lei
• Providing food and medicine from its fruit and leaves

In Hawaiian symbolism, the Hala tree is associated with:

• New journeys
• Letting go of the past
• Honoring ancestors and heritage

It’s a tree that speaks of roots, resilience, and renewal—all things that resonated with us deeply as we began our journey as coffee farmers.

A Name That Just Felt Right

When we officially purchased the farm, we didn’t even have to think twice.
Naming it Hala Tree Coffee felt completely natural—like the farm had already named itself.

That tree was the very first thing we saw. It was a symbol of welcome, of tradition, and of deep connection to the land. And even now, it continues to inspire the way we grow, roast, and share our coffee with you.

Every bag of Hala Tree Coffee tells part of that story.

A Legacy in Every Cup

At Hala Tree Coffee, we’re not just growing coffee—we’re honoring the land it comes from and the people who have cared for it long before us.

So the next time you take a sip of our coffee, we hope you’ll feel a little of that spirit:

• A connection to the land 
• A sense of place and history 
• And maybe even a little bit of magic 

Mahalo for being part of our journey.

Want to see the original Hala tree that inspired it all? Come visit us on the Big Island—we’d love to show you around.