Portland Design Works and tattoo artist Jake Tong recently collaborated to launch a line of accessories that accurately grabs the positive, go-with-the-flow vibe of the riders in Portland who bike year-round… even if it’s raining eight months out of the year! Read about the collab in my latest article for BRAIN!

From her hibiscus-fringed studio in the heart of Waimea, Hawai’i, Mary creates watercolors, oils on canvas, mosaics, and murals that reflect her joyful nature. Her artistic journey, however, began with a sudden and debilitating accident that served as the catalyst for her creativity.

When Matt Onojafe started Jafe Cycling in 2020, it was to help African American communities affected by the pandemic. “It’s more than a bike shop. It’s about how cycling can help us overcome the hardships of living in underprivileged neighborhoods. It’s a movement.” Read about how Onojafe is helping the community take control of their health and wellness by making cycling more accessible!

Surf artist Eduardo Bolioli's work often reflects lessons he's learned from time in the ocean ... and earlier this year, I had the honor of talking story with him about what those lessons were and in the process, discovered a world of vibrant surfboards, fins, and other works of art hand-painted by Eduardo.  Read my latest article in Savvy360 Oahu to learn more.

Restoring Hawaiʻi’s koʻa (coral) reefs is a monumental undertaking. And it’s never been more vital! Fortunately, the koʻa outplanting efforts of Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Life Advisory Committee (KMLAC) can improve the health and resilience of our reefs … and people. Read my latest article in Savvy360 Hawai'i Island to learn more about preserving the precious koʻa.

The nearly 175-mile Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail winds over rugged lava fields and along the breathtaking Hawai'i Island coastline. Check out my latest article in Savvy360 Hawai'i Island to learn more about this historical hike that connects the present to the past & future.

Thomson Bike Tours, a cycle tours company providing trips primarily throughout Europe, has assembled a team of industry leaders to elevate trip support. From Tuscany to Oregon, Thomson is providing support and amenities comparable to a professional World Tour team!

“In Kentucky, I had to ride on the back of the bus because I was not white,” Dora recounts. “When others found out I was Japanese, they were not very kind. And when they found out I was from Hawai’i on top of that, they mocked me, asking if I lived in a grass shack. I may have had an outhouse growing up, but I did not live in a grass shack!” In part two of this series, I share the story of how the love of my husband’s grandparents overcame the difficulties of being a biracial couple at a time when it was not socially acceptable.

A soldier in the U.S. Army, Ken Stover was 17 years old when he received orders to report to the Oakland, California Army Terminal. Common knowledge among the soldiers was that Oakland was where one went before being deployed to Eastern countries like Japan. While the island nation was about to become a much more significant part of his life, he didn’t know his destination. In this two-part series, I introduce you to my husband’s grandparents, Ken and Dora Stover, who met and fell in love because Ken got on the wrong troop ship.

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.

From hula to hiking El Camino, Lorna Larsen-Jeyte is still on the move! There’s no denying that exercise and time spent in nature are key to longevity, and Lorna is living proof.

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. 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.

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.

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!

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.