Tom Greenwell and ‘Ohana Named Kailua Village Independence Day Parade Grand Marshals

Kona coffee farmer Tom Greenwell and ‘ohana will serve as Kailua Village Independence Day Parade Grand Marshals! As America celebrates 250 years of independence, KVBID is honored to recognize a Kona family whose story reflects the values that have shaped our nation for generations—hard work, perseverance, innovation, and a deep commitment to community.

For five generations, the Greenwell family has cultivated various crops including oranges for the sailing ships coming to the island in the 1850s and ultimately growing coffee in Kealakekua starting in the 1870s. in 1873, Tom’s great grandfather Henry Nicholas Greenwell was awarded the President of the Kaiser’s Exposition a “Recognition Diploma” for his Kona coffee at the World’s Fair in Vienna, Austria.

Through changing times and across generations, Tom and family have remained dedicated stewards of the aina, helping build and sustain Kona’s most iconic agricultural crop—world famous Kona coffee.

Their commitment to farming, ‘ohana, and community has helped preserve Kona’s unique heritage while sharing the world-renowned taste of Kona coffee with people across the globe.