Why have "burros" (donkeys) been so important for the development of coffee trade all over the world? Without a transportation system, many high altitude regions of the world with ideal coffee growing conditions would have never been developed. The coffee trade would have been limited to the lower altitudes. This would have restricted the expansion of coffee acreage, reduced the overall yield of coffee trees and prevented the cultivation of specialty, top grade Arabica beans which grow best in higher altitudes.
We truly owe "burros" (donkeys) a big thank you for the many types and grades of coffees we enjoy, especially Kona coffee. The "burro" is native from the arid mountains of northern Africa. "Burros" do not require special breeding programs and training. They are natural pack animals that can transport about 125 pound load at the speed of a human stroll all day long. Their hooves do not require shoes except when the hauling is very heavy and continuous in which case shoes always make sense. A full grown donkey weighs between 400 to 500 pounds and stands between 48 to 52 inches at the shoulder. Coffee farmers used readily accessible and inexpensive materials to build the pack rig, pad, front and back straps to prevent load shifting, and the rope halter used for pack donkeys to follow the leader.
Donkeys are as strong as a mule or a horse despite their apparent smaller and shorter appearance. Donkeys are slower learners than horses and mules but they remember their training longer. Donkeys are inquisitive animals. This makes them endearing to their owners and very helpful in the presence of unexpected situations in the fields. Horses "spook" when frightened or surprised. Donkeys do not do that which can be helpful and even a life saver. Donkeys retreat a few feet, and then spend time investigating the situation in a rather calm manner. "Burros" can be territorial animals which is an advantage in the remote areas where coffee farms are located in that they discourage wild dogs, pigs and other animals. They are very smart when it comes to avoiding injuries, heat exhaustion or dehydration. "Burros" eat greenery they find in fields. For coffee growers, "burros" are ideal animals. Donkeys do not like the taste of the coffee leaves or coffee cherries. What is the result? Donkeys do not eat or damage the coffee trees. In addition, the donkey manure fertilizes the fields organically.
"Burros" became very important contributors to the Kona coffee industry from the start. This was particularly evident when traveling along the steep slopes of Hualalai Volcano. Think about it: how easy do you think it is to navigate narrow, winding, lava rock trails with bags of precious Kona coffee ready for market from high Hawaiian altitudes down to the harbors of Kealakekua or Kailua-Kona? Burros were the perfect animals to travel such treacherous terrains. They became the lifeline for coffee farmers who spend many hours alone surveying the coffee trees and plantations. Coffee farmers develop a close bond with their "burros." Donkeys are both great working animals and pets. "Burros" were replaced to a large extent by the inexpensive US Army jeeps that became available as war surplus in the late 1940's. The four-footed bean haulers were almost completely displaced from the coffee fields. Many, but not all, were released into the shrub to form wild herds that still exist in the Kaupulehu area near the Hualalai Resort and Kona Village Resort areas.
One interesting characteristic of "burros" is the distinctive call they have which can be identified from a distance. They generate sound from either outgoing or incoming air with the well known " hee...haw" call. In the evenings, around the island, it is very common to hear the brays from pet donkeys communicating with each other. Some people say the donkeys' call means "hee....hawled the coffee beans yet?" Donkeys are popular pets around the island. Their sight near the coffee farms is a reminder of their valuable contribution to the Kona coffee trade and a few farmers still use the donkeys for some work around their lands.
Next time you visit the big island of Hawaii, sign up for a trail ride and camping trip with donkeys. There are many operators offering this unique experience. You can experience to a great extent some of the conditions of what it was like for coffee farmers to travel around the Hawaiian slopes and lava hills taking to market their Kona beans.
In the meantime, what about a delicious cup of Kona Extra Fancy 'Certified' coffee?
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