Life + Culture

Honoring A Queen

Kona celebrates Queen Lili'uokalani, the beloved first and last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawai’i, each Labor Day weekend. Article by Margaret Kearns | Photography by Charla Photography The Queen Lili‘uokalani Canoe Race, with a course spanning 18 miles along the Kona Coast, is the world’s largest outrigger canoe long-distance race, attracting some 3,000 paddlers annually from 13 countries worldwide. Hosted by Kailua-Kona’s Kai‘opua Canoe Club, formed in 1929 and one of the oldest clubs in the...

Fitness

Ripples In Hawai'i

The story of how a man's idea became statewide physical training for first responders. Article by Matias Arredondo | Photography by Fletch Photography Police recruit class is intense. It's a lot of running, and the soon-to-be officers undergo stringent exercises. But then, it’s up to each officer to keep that lifestyle going. As time passes, the late night shifts, eating habits, and stress keep most officers from staying in shape.  In 2021, the Hawai’i Police Department (HPD) tried to improve...

Life + Culture

You Can Be Part

Four local non-profits that are making an impact on the local community. Article by Johnny Gillespie | Photography by Various Photographers The start of the year is the best time to think about giving back. How will your generosity have an impact in 2025? Here are a few of our local favorites, maximizing impact in diverse ways. We highly recommend them. Hawaii Fitness Foundation Hawaii Fitness Foundation (HFF) is a nonprofit organization that uplifts Hawai’i’s first responders and...

Arts + Culture

Hidden In Tribal Ink

Che Kā’eo Pilago: a redemptive story of a generational tattoo artist. Article by John-Mark Dyer | Photography by Fletch Photography It’s Wednesday morning, and Che Kā’eo Pilago is tucked at the back of a colorful tattoo shop in the Old Industrial shopping area. He is working intently but easily on a young man’s arm. He is laying down rough guidelines for his tattoo pen with a red marker. His work is quick and makes the art look effortless. It’s no wonder, since Che has been tattooing since he...

Life + Culture

Beyond The Crown

The Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Competition helps women gain life skills and serve their community. Article by Tianna Morimoto | Photography by Ahonui Productions In November 2024, Maianna Taylor finally achieved something her heart longed for. Nerves overwhelmed her body while she stood on stage as one of two contestants remaining in the Miss Kona Coffee Scholarship Competition — a title she had tried to win three times prior. With the bright lights shining on her, Maianna’s heart beat, and...

Food + Beverage

Vegan Mango-Sunrise Cake

With spiced cream cheese frosting. Article by Samantha Arredondo | Photography by Mel Arredondo This dense, moist cake is full of flavor and mouthwatering with a cream cheese, coriander, & cardamom frosting. INGREDIENTS Cake: 3 cup flour  3 tsp. baking powder  3⁄4 tsp. baking soda  Pinch of salt  3⁄4 cup vegetable or any neutral oil  1 ½ cup sugar  1 ½ cup mango purée (plus extra for filling) 1 ½ tsp. vanilla  ½ cup non-dairy milk (coconut...

Finance + Legal Services

Wealth Health

How do we save when what used to be a healthy income is now barely scraping by? Article by Samantha Arredondo | Photography by Fletch Photography The times are changing. We all see it, from the housing market to the grocery store and gas pump to airfare. Inflation and price gouging have left no corner untouched, and what would have been a sufficient middle-class family income 15 years ago is now barely scraping by. Many of us are wondering what on earth to do. It seems like we can’t win, and...

Wellness

Thriving In Today’s Fast-Paced World

Dr. Kristina Roberts shares strategies for achieving lasting wellness. Article by Dr. Kristina Roberts, ND | Photography by Kona Integrative Health In today’s culture, achieving health requires more than just regular exercise or a balanced diet. It’s about adopting a holistic approach that includes physical, mental, and emotional well-being. With its fast pace, digital distractions, and complex societal expectations, the modern world can significantly challenge living a healthy lifestyle. ...

Health + Wellness

In The Business Of Eliminating Barriers

Dr. Scott McMurry shares his vision and inspiration for Waiola Direct Care. Article by Matias Arredondo | Photography by Fletch Photography In 2020, Urgent Care offices in Hawai’i were overrun. Seeing the need for medical help, Dr. Scott McMurry didn’t hesitate to answer the call. He packed eighteen bins with the essentials to start a new life and moved from the mainland to O‘ahu with his wife and four keiki. Growing up in rural Texas, Scott McMurry saw what it was like not to have...

Life + Culture

Hualalai Hosts Champions

PGA Tour legends return to the Kona Coast again this month for the annual Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai Resort. Article by Margaret Kearns | Photography by Mitsubishi Electric Championship Golf Tournament January 2025 marks the 29th year the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, one of two courses at Hualalai Resort and Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, hosts the opening tournament of the annual PGA Tour Champions – a series of 28 tournaments held throughout the year in the United...