Style + Beauty

Fashion Grounded in Living Traditions

Creating Space for the Reclamation of Cultural Narratives Through Contemporary Polynesian Fashion Article by Sara Stover | Photography by Fletch Photography From the moment that the beat of an ancient drum echoes through Kamakahonu Ballroom, it’s clear that the Hawaiʻi Kuauli Wearable Arts Fashion Show is far from your ordinary runway event.  “We open with a cultural performance, grounding the experience in the living traditions that inspire the collections,” says Oriana Keparutis, who...

Life + Culture

The Simple Elegance of Pāʻū

A Stylish Celebration of Equestrian Heritage Article by Sara Stover | Photography by Julia Silva Kurppa “Simplicity is elegance,” the late Barbara Nobriga would remind the pāʻū princesses in the weeks before Kona’s King Kamehameha Day Celebration Parade. Whether she was serving as a pāʻū princess, the queen, or the parade chairwoman, it’s a philosophy that Barbara embodied. But confusing “simple” with “easy” would be a mistake for the elaborate arts of pāʻū wrapping and lei making showcased...

Style + Beauty

Equestrian Elegance

The Beauty of Disciplines Firmly Grounded in Hundreds of Years of Tradition Article by Julia Silva Kurppa | Photography by Fletch Photography Rooted in a centuries-old tradition, equestrian-style photography transcends a passing trend or the year's most sought-after photoshoot setting. “The Year of the Horse” did not redefine what has been established for generations; though recently thrust into the spotlight, this newfound attention did not shape its identity. Its culture and expression...

Beauty

Keeping Tradition Alive

HIE Heirlooms of Hawaiʻi Shares Stories of Hawaiian Culture Through Solid Gold Jewelry Article by Tianna Morimoto | Photography by HIE Heirlooms of Hawaiʻi From learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi to dancing hula and the clothes and accessories that are worn, Hawaiian traditions are not only felt but also lived, and two women continue to keep a piece of Hawaiʻi alive through their jewelry company, HIE Heirlooms of Hawaiʻi. Meleana Estes and Noel Shaw are lifelong friends who went to high school together...

Food + Beverage

Autumn Flavors

A Comforting Green Chile Pork Recipe Designed for Easy Weeknight Dinners and Meaningful Family Connection Article by Bethany Reid | Photography by Community Eats & Hailey Cartwright For my family, as September rolls in, there’s a coming ‌together, an almost imperceptible drawing in. A return to routine, a return to hard work, a return to family. Long summer nights at the beach give way to after-school sports and homework.  Historically, fall has me craving meals around my table. Candlelit and...

Life + Culture

Hobby Turned Into Impact

A Young Entrepreneur Flips the Narrative of a Tech-Addicted Generation on Its Head Article by Matias Arredondo | Photography by Anna Velichko It isn’t hard to agree that technology can be a time-killer, a babysitter or a source of isolation. However, what if it wasn’t? Born and raised on the Big Island, 14-year-old Thomas Rooney felt captivated by technology since he was a keiki, even pulling apart computers and small motors. At age nine, he didn’t just absorb information but used it to build...

Food + Beverage

Kona’s Tiny Queen

The Remarkable Story of an Island Bee Ruling Her Hive and Feeding the World Article by Leandra Rouse | Photography by Julia Silva Kurppa On an isolated island in the Pacific, in a hot lava rock field surrounded by coffee trees, in a colorful box buzzing with life—a queen is born. She emerges from her golden cell, a royal nursery built just for raising queens. For the past 16 days, nurse bees have been caring for her closely, feeding her a special elixir called royal jelly.  She grows from...

Fitness

No One Walks Alone

A Grueling Trek Proved That Raising Young Men Requires an Entire Community Article by Julia Silva Kurppa | Photography by Joel Froese “Stop. Breathe. Walk.” The directive from Abe Medeiros was simple, but executing it took everything his grandson, RJ, had left. Clutching the end of his grandfather’s walking pole, RJ was being pulled up the final, brutal incline of Mauna Kea. Behind him walked his father, Randy Tabayunda, watching every step, ready to catch his son if he fell. Years earlier...

Fitness

Teen Golf

Two Big Island Golfers Shake the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship Article by Matias Arredondo | Photography by Alexandra Rowe Photo The Drive, Chip & Putt Championship (DCPC) is a development competition for girls and boys ages 7-15. Participants who advance in the qualifying matches in each age/gender category earn a spot in the National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club, which is broadcast live by the Golf Channel before the Masters Tournament. This year, not one but two players...

Life + Culture

True Vision

An Ophthalmologist's Journey From War Zone to Calling Hawaiʻi Home Article by Nathan McQueen | Photography by Ewalina Photography It is easy to miss Eye Center of Hawaiʻi in Kona if you aren’t looking for it. Located off Queen K, the blue building is the only indicator that it is there. Despite its subtle appearance, extraordinary things are happening inside. Founded in 2001, Eye Center of Hawaiʻi has multiple locations on Oʻahu, Maui, the Big Island, and Kauaʻi. At the Big Island location...