Kilauea Volcano Activity And Greenwell Farms Relief Efforts
Tom and Jennifer Greenwell with donated coffee.
Big Island Volcanoes and Affected Areas
Many friends and customers have contacted us over the past week regarding the national press attention on the recent activity of the Kilauea Volcano in the Puna district of the Big Island. We have appreciated the concern people have expressed about the situation relative to Greenwell Farms and the coffee grown in our area.
While this event is dramatically affecting people living in the Puna area, Greenwell Farms and, in general the Kona Area, has not been affected other than noticeable (but not life-threatening) air quality degradation depending on daily wind patterns.
The map below may provide a perspective not readily available to the general public on the mainland USA.
Source: Map was taken from New York Times article dated May 12, 2018.
The Big Island is has five volcanos, of which four remain active.
- Kohala, which is inactive.
- Mauna Kea, which is defined as active but has not erupted for 4,500 years.
- Hualalai, which overlooks Kailua-Kona, last erupted in 1801.
- Mauna Loa, which has affected the largest portion of the Big Island, and it erupted as late as 1984.
- Kilauea, the most active volcano on the island. This volcano has been continuously erupting since 1983, making it one of the primary tourist attractions in Hawaii.
The earthquakes, lava flows and, now, ash plumes in the surrounding area on Kilauea Volcano are quite a distance away from Greenwell Farms and the coffee areas of Kona. As the crow would fly directly over the 13,600-foot summit of Mauna Loa, Greenwell Farms is approximately 50 miles away from Kilauea and about 100 miles away by car.
During the continuous eruption of Kilauea since 1983, Kona has not been significantly affected other than the periodic incidence of what has become known as Kona’s “VOG,” or volcanic air pollution caused by volcanic emissions. It is important to note that this has no bearing on Greenwell Farms’ coffee production. Our coffee (find our products here) will continue to maintain the highest standard of quality and taste for our customers.
Relief Efforts
Puna district firefighters appreciating the generosity of Greenwell Farms’ customers, whose coffee donations will help get them through some long days and nights protecting the Puna community.
Our hearts go out to the people living in the Puna district. Like many other individuals and businesses on the Big Island, we wanted to help in some way. In the past week, Greenwell Farms released a special Volcano Relief Full City Roast 8oz bag, available for purchase on our website, to benefit Kilauea relief workers and volunteers. Our generous customers have already purchased 142 bags, which were donated and delivered to people aiding the Puna community. The Greenwell Farms team also graciously donated various 100% Kona coffees. We thank you for helping those in need and working together to share the spirit of Aloha!
