CHARLES T. ONAKA
Onaka Ranch , Hawai’i  

            Charlie Onaka has many badges of merit including: Rancher of the Year 1979, 1995, 2003 (Kona Soil and Water Conservation Division), Paniolo Preservation Society director, Hawai’i Cattlemen’s Association member, West Hawai’i representative to the Hawai’i County Farm Service Agency and Waimea’s Pa’u Marshall.  Charlie was also featured in a Western Horseman magazine article, as well as, on the cover and in an article posted in the Hawai’i Herald. He is founder of Onaka Ranch, it’s manager and ranch hand. 

            Graduating with a BS in Animal Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo , Charlie was then employed at Hawai’i Meat Company and at T.H. Davies Feedlot. He was also a U.S. Government Soil Conservationist and University of Hawai’i Extension Agent .  Prior to purchasing Onaka Ranch Charlie spent cherished years as a Parker Ranch foreman, truly loving the job, people and stories.  

            As age crept up on Tom Onaka, Charlie’s dad, Charlie knew that sacrifices had to be made to not only carry on the family ranch, but to improve the land which in turn would improve the overall wellness of his cattle and ultimately offer a better life for his family.  Through countless “dark to dark” days, hundreds of gallons of sprayed pesticide, fixing rock walls and fence in the cloudless, humid South Kona weather, being a horse trainer and horseshoeing at the snap of a nail, Charlie made it happen. 

            Today, even after suffering a stroke, Charlie makes it a point to continue to keep up with the ranch while spending more time on leatherwork and saddle making.  Patience and affection are clearly displayed by this cowboy and fills the air as Charlie takes the time to continue the tradition of ranching and leatherwork with his grandchildren. 

            When asked what his proudest moment is, without hesitation Charlie will share that he was able to do what he has always enjoyed and through droughts, cattle diseases, and low cattle prices, worked hard to own his home and business and yet managed to send his three children to college.  In his eyes, being able to watch his children graduate with degrees and succeed in life without forgetting about preserving the culture and heritage, life can’t be better than that.  It’s a win-win, but you got to be able to cowboy-up to a whole new level to make it happen.   

 Photos by Robert Gonzalez