Life + Culture

Kona’s Sushi Jewel

Sushi Sam’s Japanese restaurant is a local favorite that tantalizes your palate and comforts your soul Article by Nabil Abu-Assal | Photography by Fletch Photography Oishii is a Japanese word that means “delicious” or “tasty.” Sushi Sam’s, one of Kona’s premier sushi restaurants, could appropriately be renamed “Oishii Sushi.”  Since October 2020, Sam Segawa, the namesake and head chef of Sushi Sam’s, has consistently served “the freshest fish imaginable,” according to numerous testimonials...

Life + Culture

The Kona Beekeeper Legacy Project

From Humble Hives to Global Impact Article by Leandra Rouse | Photography by Andrew Hara There’s a part of Hawaiʻi that most visitors—and even many residents—never see. It lies beyond beaches and busy towns, tucked up rocky mauka roads and behind farm gates. Here, the sun rises on the slopes of Mauna Loa, and the landscape hums with quiet purpose. These are the working lands of Hawaiʻi Island’s farmers, ranchers and beekeepers—a place where beauty and utility meet, and where a little-known...

Arts + Culture

Eating Our Roots

Emmy-winning docuseries shares stories of food and culture on Hawai‘i Article by Tianna Morimoto | Photography by Aria Studios For Kolby Moser, the life of a filmmaker has been filled with long days, constant phone calls, and scheduling as she prepares for the production of season two of her award-winning docuseries, “Eating Our Roots.” The eight-episode series highlights ingredients found on Hawai‘i Island and celebrates the farmers, ranchers and fishermen who grow these foods that nourish...

Health + Wellness

Harvesting Island Flavors

Agricultural roots meet Jasmine Silverstein's mission for nourishment and wellness Article by Matias Arredondo | Photography by Fletch Photography Born and raised on the Big Island, Jasmine Silverstein spent most of her childhood in the rural parts of Puna. She grew up on a small family homestead, where life was deeply tied to the rhythms of the land. Days were filled with harvesting fruit, tending the garden and helping with daily chores that taught her and her four sisters kuleana for the...

Style + Beauty

Consciously Curated Fashion

At The Shop by Jada, custom-branded hats, island-made jewelry, and distinctive “beach to bar” apparel from sustainably-focused, socially-responsible brands are always in style Article by Sara Stover | Photography by Fletch Photography The subtle hum of contemporary jazz and a delicate floral fragrance greet visitors to The Shop by Jada, in the heart of Holualoa. A pale pink dress tousled by the upcountry breeze is tastefully displayed on a mannequin on the shop’s lanai. Within, custom-branded...

Food + Beverage

Tomatoes Meet Ricotta

Whipped Ricotta with slow roasted tomatoes, perfect for shared bites with good conversation! Article by Bethany Reid | Photography by CommunityEats It's so rare when are you actually able to sit down on the table and connect eye to eye with the people who are most important to you. These moments are few and far between. When I get them, I usually want to be eating something delicious at the same time! I recently spent a week with all eight of my siblings doing just that—and it felt like...

Style + Beauty

Island Roots, Global Runways

Courtney Scherer on modeling, skincare, and the power of confidence Article by Matias Arredondo | Photography by Courtsey of Courtney Scherer For Courtney Scherer, modeling wasn’t the dream, at least not at first. Growing up on the island of O‘ahu, she was more focused on fantasy novels than fashion, more Hermione Granger than haute couture. But fate had other plans, and it all started with a subway ride in Seoul. “I was visiting my family in South Korea the summer after freshman year of high...

Arts + Culture

Simply Maggie Q

Born in Honolulu, but the Kona Coast is now her Hawai’i home Article by Jennifer Birn | Photography by Courtesy of Maggie Q Hawai’i-born Maggie Q has been captivating audiences for the better part of 20 years with action roles in high-profile films like Mission: Impossible III  with Tom Cruise, Live Free or Die Hard opposite Bruce Willis and all three films in the Divergent franchise. She was the title character in the popular TV show Nikita and is currently starring in the title role...

Food + Beverage

Superfood Snack Bites

Kid-approved, no-bake bites perfect for lunchboxes, play dates, or an on-the-go boost Article by Jasmine Silverstein | Photography by Meals in a HeartBeat Are you looking for a snack that’s healthy, quick, and something your keiki will actually eat? These no-bake Superfood Snack Bites check all the boxes. Naturally sweet, a little chewy, and just the right size for little hands, they’re packed with real-food ingredients that fuel growing bodies (and busy grown-ups too). The base is soft...

Life + Culture

75 Years of Wonder

HPA celebrates global culture while staying grounded in place Article by Sara Stover | Photography by Hawai’i Preparatory Academy In the countryside of Waimea sits Hawai’i Preparatory Academy (HPA), a private school surrounded by rolling hills, green from the rain ka makani brings. In Hawaiian, ka makani means "the wind.” At HPA, it is at once a mascot inspired by Waimea’s mighty, ever-changing winds, as well as a symbol of the adaptable, strong spirit that faculty and students have...