Talkin' Story with Kapeka Alcain - Equestrian and KCTC Ambassador
The Newest Member of Team KCTC
Meet Kapeka Alcain, an Equestrian born and raised in Honalo, Hawai’i. Kapeka joins “Team Kona Coffee & Tea,” alongside Kona local Ironman Championship competitors Skye Ombac and Brandon Mailhot.
Nothing short of a true Hawaiian cowgirl, Kapeka and her family are upholding the generations-old Paniolo tradition in the finest manner. She was born and raised in Honalo on the Kona Side of Hawai’i Island and with the support of her family she has been participating in Rodeo almost her entire life. She’s been a member of the Hawaii High School Rodeo Association since she was twelve years old. Kapeka recently graduated at Konawaena High School, class of 2023! Kapeka and her family are part of the Kona Coffee & Tea ohana and Kapeka has even worked for our company in production.
This rising star is going full steam ahead into a life of Rodeo. Because of her Rodeo skills, she’s accepted a full-ride scholarship to college. Kapeka will be attending Mid-Plains College in North Platte, Nebraska on a full-ride and will be competing on their college Rodeo team in breakaway and barrel racing.
The Journey Has Just Begun
Her and her horse Tobi have got a long journey ahead of them. First, Kapeka will be travelling to Gillette, Wyoming in July to compete in the National High School Finals Rodeo. It’s an incredible honor she’s been given to even be able to go. And it’s not an easy feat. Her equine partner (AKA her horsie!), Tobi, will be coming along…yes…all the way from South Kona to Oahu, then to Los Angeles, and onward to Wyoming where Kapeka and Tobi will compete. She will then move in to her school in Nebraska by August. A long journey…and Tobi is coming too.
To achieve this amazing journey to compete and attend college, Kapeka faces some considerable financial challenges, involving travel expenses and costs associated with the care and travel of her equine partner Tobi. To help meet these needs, Kapeka is calling on her Hawai’i community to assist and we at Kona Coffee & Tea want to pass the word out to our side of the world, on behalf of our friend.
you can Help Kapeka Achieve Success
This month Kapeka is hosting two nights of fundraisers. Both June 9 and June 11 at 6pm, she’ll be hosting a pizza party in Kaneohe on Oahu’s east side, where she will be for a competition. All are welcome to come enjoy some unique ono pizza along with Kombucha on tap with Kapeka’s friends and family. The proceeds from the purchase of your ticket go to help fund Kapeka’s travels, and you don’t even have to attend the pizza party…you can still donate. Oahu, come party!
Giving Back
We are pleased to award a Scholarship of $500 to Kapeka Alcain, on behalf of Kona Coffee & Tea.
As a company we believe in cultivating community and we can’t think of anyone better to represent the Aloha spirit on her journey to school in Nebraska. Please join us in congratulating Kapeka and remember, you don’t have to attend her party in Oahu to make a donation. Congratulations Kapeka Alcain!