Calling Hawaii Island residents! The Vibrant Hawaiʻi Artist Fellowship I am part of is collaborating with national partners to survey our community about arts participation, social cohesion, and wellbeing. Here’s your chance to share how can arts participation affect social cohesion and wellbeing in communities!

A Hawaiian physician, Dr. Akina specialized in internal medicine before purchasing the Kona Hema Preserve to protect it from development and donate it to TNC. He left behind a legacy and the forest he found so beautiful can now be restored and preserved for generations to come thanks to the care of Mel Johansen and his team of volunteers, crew, and a few four-legged hunters.

Daredevil. Lava chaser. Photographer. Host of television series Everything Hawaii. While all are accurate descriptions of Kawika Singson, the moniker he prefers is “creative adventurer” and you can read about some of his biggest adventures here!

A 260-mile race around Hawai‘i Island, Go Big took runner Justin Young of Pāhoa to the edge of his limits and back again.

On Saturday, June 29th, professional ultra runner and Nike elite trail athlete Matt Daniels crossed the finish line of the legendary Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run in fourth place! Not bad for a guy who started 2019 by incurring a concussion in the middle of the Bandera 100k in Texas, forcing him to drop out of his first 100k attempt in January.

In fact, it’s not bad for a guy who never ran more than 34 miles before February of this year! He may not have ever gotten that belt buckle for the Bandera 100k, but six months later, Matt has a Western States 100 belt buckle, so you could say everything more than worked out for this Texas native!

From kids who have been freediving since they were old enough to walk to those who just picked up a three-prong last week, the students who participate in FreediveSafe! Hawai‘i are certain to leave with the confidence to stay calm in the water. Read more about how the non-profit is working hard to improve the safety of spearfishing and freediving communities through training across the islands of Hawai‘i.

Musician Pana Jones was born and raised on Hawai‘i Island, where he could catch a glimpse of snow-draped Mauna Kea from a sun-drenched spot of Kīholo Bay. And his music tells a timeless story, echoing a hope that is more precious now than ever: That there exist corners of the world where we can find safety, love, acceptance, and peace.

“Growing up, I was a runt from a small town, but I knew there was a better life out there after high school, so I took a chance,” says Uncle Jonny Kunitake. It’s no surprise that Jon practices what he preaches. At 80 years old, the retired horse jockey is an avid runner… and he’s just getting started!

From black waters to holes in clouds, Joshua Lambus’s epic experiences serve as proof that anything is possible if you commit. Read about his mission to learn as much as possible “about life, myself, the ocean, the land, the people and culture of this island, and the ways I can serve my community.”

With her colorful look, a new book on the shelves, and thousands of miles in her legs, the Dirt Diva certainly has a lot to smile about these days!  

Think you have what it takes to crew for an ultramarathon? Before race day, read this!

With a huge heart for giving back to her community, Mealoha dedicated nearly five years to serving her community as the first Board Chairperson of the Hawai’i Life Charitable Fund, beginning in 2014. Under her guidance and leadership, the HLCF fundraised to support charities statewide, donating more than $200,000 to Hawai’i charities in 2018, alone. To celebrate Mealoha, Hawai’i Life awarded the HLCF Grant to Hawai’i Forest Institute in her Honor.

On September 5, 2022, individuals and communities around the world will observe the International Day of Charity. Here in Hawai’i, many children face challenging situations, families struggle with financial stability, communities reel from medical care shortages, our ocean and freshwater resources need preservation, and our forests need better protection. Through giving our time, money, or both, we can provide a boost for individuals in need, a catalyst for social change, and a lever for reform. From philanthropic work to volunteering, here’s how you can help to transform lives and improve Hawai’i’s communities.

Honeybees function as a harmonious community, and the Bee Boys are honored to be students of this buzzing society. These Na‘ālehu beekeepers are applying lessons they’ve learned from their bees to connecting with their own community, from Hawai‘i schools to libraries and other local businesses with sustainable practices.

Through stones, King ‘Umi changed the course of Hawaiian history, and at the piko of our island lie the stones that keep his story alive.

A Ka’u coffee grower, mill, and roastery, Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee is part of a group of local farmers committed to building up Hawai’i’s ecosystem so it becomes whole, and healthier than how we found it. And Rusty’s Hawaiian’s story is one of heart, hard work, and hope.

Richardson Beach Park is the site of year-round opportunities for children to cultivate a healthy relationship with the ocean and with others. Through surfing, sailing, and additional activities that are equal parts education and fun, the Richardson Ocean Center’s programs foster confidence and stewardship in kids seven to 12 years old. From non-swimmers to watermen in the making, children who are part of the Ocean Center’s free programs are certain to leave infused with the courage to face their fears.

At Casa de Las Palmas, palms are safe from dangers that might otherwise threaten these enchanting plants. And as stewards of the garden, Irene and Lars intend to keep it that way. Step back in time to old Hawai‘i and read about this menagerie of rare and endangered palms, as featured in Ke Ola Magazine.

The Experience Volcano Festival, an event intended to showcase Volcano Village as more than just a gateway to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, but also a community brimming with culture in and of itself, kicks off with the Ohi’a Lehua Race. Created to be a platform for spreading awareness about ROD, the race educates the community on how to preserve the precious 'ohi'a trees, one mile at a time.

For Grammy award winner, singer, songwriter, and drum master Chris Berry, the most important lesson in school wasn’t even part of the curriculum—improvisation. While living in Zimbabwe, Chris Berry began to create the issue-driven music that he is known for. Today, he helps Hawai‘i Island’s youth develop a passion for music.