“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!

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.

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!

On June 11th, we honor the great strength and intelligence that Kamehameha the Great displayed in his unification of the Kingdom of Hawai'i. Read more about his contributions and how Volcano celebrates his legacy in the blog I wrote for Volcano Heritage Cottages.

Less than two miles outside the entrance to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, in the heart of the small artists’ community of Volcano Village, is the Hale Ohia tract. After a day spent exploring the park, lodgers can cozy up in front of the fire in a quaint Craftsman bungalow, a bright summer cottage, or even a rustic log cabin. Read more about my visit to a few of the most historic of these homes!

If you’re interested in discovering what we’ve learned as Hawai’i residents about the cost of living in paradise and local tips for offsetting the cost of living, then check out this blog I wrote for Hawai’i Life: The Cost of Living in Hawai’i: 8 Local Tips for Affordable Living in the 808

With a voice that sounds like Hawaiian sunlight dancing on the waves, songwriter Kailee Spark challenges listeners to embrace their inner free spirit. Woven into Kailee’s songs are themes of embracing nature outwardly, and cultivating peace within.

Headed from Hawai’i Island to Maui for a conference, Ronnie Velveta and his guitar were waiting to board the plane when a man that Ronnie describes as having “more Aloha Spirit than most” approached him. “He came up to me while waiting to board, his ‘ukulele in hand,” Ronnie recalls. “No suitcase. No case. He was just a guy with a ‘ukulele.” He was Willie K., and Ronnie was about to have the best flight ever!

“Māmaki has numerous health benefits. It really is an incredible plant!” asserts Matt.

It’s no wonder that māmaki is gaining in popularity. From the founders of Hawaii’s Shaka Tea, which sources māmaki from the farm, to buyers in Japan, the Ancient Valley Growers are excited about being part of a local supply chain connecting to global māmaki demand.

Pierre Kimitete’s reputation as a master woodcarver got the attention of both Disney World and the Kona Village Resort. He and Augustine gave their children a choice: move to Hawai‘i Island or Florida. The decision was unanimous, and in 1971, Kona Village Resort became their new home. It was here that they started a soccer program and later founded the Kai ‘Ehitu Canoe Club.

Fragile glass has cracked, creating an unexpected and intriguing ripple in a sculpture of the sun setting into the Pacific. Some artists would label their work a failure after examining the broken piece. Most people would also consider their day a bad one after being stung by a jellyfish. Gary Ackerman is not most people.