Arts + Culture

Framing The Picture

A master’s technique makes a picture worth more than a thousand words. Article by Ryan Garrett | Photography by Fletch Photography “Every piece of art should be treated equally,” says Colette Walton, owner of Colette’s Custom Framing in the old industrial area. July will mark 50 years in the framing business for Colette. When Colette was a child, her mother, Gail Dunlevy, ran an interior design business in the San Buenaventura Shopping Center in Ventura, California. Her father, Paul, opened...

Arts + Culture

Hawaiʻi: Home For Innovation

Culture meets creativity at the Kuauli Wearable Arts Fashion Show, a unique event in Hawaiʻi. Article by Matias Arredondo | Photography by Various Photographers Many Polynesian designers honor their culture as they work to preserve the stories woven into their creations, strengthening the identity of the Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) and connecting the world to their clothing narrative. These stories share the common heritage that unites all Polynesians. Since its inception in 2018, the...

Home Services

Powering A Brighter Future

BlueSky Energy is shining a light on the benefits of solar energy, one solar panel at a time. Article by Sara Stover | Photography by Fletch Photography Josh Mason, owner of BlueSky Energy, is on the roof of a home overlooking Laʻaloa Bay, the cheery blue sky smiling at him as the morning sun’s light hits newly installed solar panels. “‘Blue Skies’ is one of my favorite songs and an inspiration for the company name,” says Josh, once he’s climbed down a ladder and is back on the ground. “And...

Arts + Culture

Cultivating Eden

The visionary landscaping of Max Yarawamai. Article by Johnny Gillespie | Photography by Fletch Photography Throughout Max Yarawamai’s career, he has created oases of beauty and bounty. His trademark is using what grows naturally, sourcing native plants through personal connections. From meeting the local community's needs to executing the most visionary and expansive projects, Max has become the go-to landscaper across the Hawaiian islands. Born on the tiny Federai island on Ulithi atoll in...

Health + Wellness

Caring For You

This Kailua-Kona health clinic delivers whole-person patient care with love and kindness. Article by Margaret Kearns | Photography by Mel Arredondo Aloha Kona Urgent and Primary Care, operating under the umbrella of the independent, non-profit Transformation Health Network (THN), celebrates 10 years of providing stellar holistic care to the West Hawaiʻi community this month.  Situated in the same location – in the heart of Kailua-Kona at Pottery Terrace – over the years, the small clinic has...

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...