Arts + Culture

Manifesting Artistic Visions

A renowned northern lights researcher helps local artists shine Article by Sara Stover | Photography by Fletch Photography When Dr. Dirk Lummerzheim first met his wife, Jill Backus, at the University of Alaska Fairbanks 40 years ago, he focused on the precipitation of energetic particles into the atmosphere, visually manifesting as the aurora. A photograph of the Milky Way over Pololū, Hawaiʻi was the last thing on his mind, let alone how to help the artist who captured it shine.  After over...

Fitness

A Miracle Finish

Kona man pushes through injuries and illness to become an Ironman triathlete Article by Tianna Morimoto | Photography by Mel Arredondo On October 26, 2024, Kaiden Lieto woke up to accomplish a goal he had trained for years: completing the Ironman Triathlon in his home of Kailua-Kona. Lieto got into the water and began the 2.4-mile swim. After that came the 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run, along the roads of the Kona coast.  As he made his way back into town while on the run, Lieto had...

Auto + Marine

Enjoying the Ride

Spreading aloha from two wheels for more than a decade with family and Kiser Motorcycles Article by Ryan Garrett | Photography by Mel Arredondo Kaumana Barton, Kiser Motorcycles’ general manager, has been riding with a special group of street companions since he first got on a bike—his family. “My first bike actually was my grandpa's last bike, which I restored when I was in high school,” Kaumana says. “It was my dad's first bike too. And then I got that running, and I rode that all through...

Life + Culture

Pizza, Pasta, and Precision

Bianellis is upping its game with new ingredients and flavors that defy the norm Article by Samantha Arredondo | Photography by Whiteshell Photography Co. Bianellis, our local Italian treasure, keeps getting better and better. I had the privilege of tasting both new menu items and old favorites they have worked hard to elevate.  A significant change they have made is the flour for their pizza dough. Rather than Pizza Flour, the standard for most pizzerias in the U.S., Tommy Dews, owner and...

Life + Culture

Celebrating Men At The Stoves

A quartet of veteran chefs are taking Four Seasons Hualalai’s culinary scene to new heights Article by Margaret Kearns | Photography by Fletch Photography The most recent iteration of the resort’s signature oceanfront restaurant marks the third phase of its evolution over nearly 30 years.  Debuting as the casually elegant Pahui‘a restaurant when the resort opened in 1996, it underwent a significant design and menu metamorphosis in 2012 re-emerging as ULU + Sushi. Now with the unveiling of a...

Style + Beauty

Dare To Dream

Mehana Pilago's Journey In Entrepreneurship on the Big Island Article by John-Mark Dyer | Photography by Fletch Photography Behind every big success is a fascinating journey full of risk, pain and perseverance. Mehana Pilago’s story is no exception. However, it’s hard to imagine when you walk into her beautiful new tattoo shop and creative studio in the Kaloko Industrial area. The space is bright and punctuated with eclectic pops of color and creativity. Everything about it is cool...

Arts + Culture

A Timeless Stitch

Woman-owned and sewn leather goods combine style and function into one-size-fits-all fashion Article by Sara Stover | Photography by Fletch Photography The intoxicating smell of leather lingers in the air of a small home studio in the hills above Hāwī. Vicki Dyer, founder and owner of Vicki Jean Leather Design Co., meticulously measures, cuts, and stitches the latest leather design she’s dreamed up. Behind the cutting table, shelves are piled high with leathers in a rainbow of colors, like...

Finance + Legal Services

Recovering A Family Legacy

Against all odds, a collaboration brought a family property back to life Article by Sara Stover | Photography by Fletch Photography When James Augustine met Scotty Martinson at Channel Islands Surfboards, a shop in Santa Barbara, CA, the two bonded over being from the Big Island.  “I was going to college in Santa Barbara and bought a surfboard from Scotty, the shop’s manager, in 1998,” says James, owner of Big Island Commercial Properties.  “You bought more than one,” Scotty says with a...

Life + Culture

Clearing Her Own Path

How Kenna Davidson proudly carries the honor of being Kona’s first professional soccer player Article by Liz Arnold | Photography by Ewalina Photography From a four-year-old on a Kona field to a thirty-year-old playing in stadiums worldwide, McKenna Davidson (Kenna) loves to play soccer.  Success came early for Kenna. While attending Kealakehe High School in Kona, HI, she helped her team win the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) title in 2012 and earned the BIIF Player of the Year...

Life + Culture

Lemon+Olive Oil Scones

These light and bright pastries come together easily for spontaneous spring gatherings Article by Bethany Reid | Photography by Hailey Cartwright As we step into the Spring months, I love to find more ways to eat outside. Picnic brunch feels so lazy, luxurious, and easy to pull together. These Lemon Olive Oil Scones are the top of my 'packable brunch' Menu Items and I absolutely adore how light they are! Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together: 1 1/2 cups of self-raising flour 1/3...