Michael Bennett M.D., FACS Wendell Danforth M.D. John Dick M.D.
Peter Hurlbut-Miller M.D. Craig Wilkerson M.D. Ryan Steck D.O. Kellen Kashiwa O.D. Sarah Ho O.D.
NEW LOOK , SAME GREAT CARE
We are thrilled to share some exciting news! Bennett Eye Institute is officially rebranding our organization to Eye Center of Hawaiʼi (ECH). In the coming weeks, you will see our new name, logo and branding across all channels. However, while our name may be changing, our office locations, hours and team will remain the same.
This decision is more than just a branding update; it signifies our renewed commitment to growth, expanded patient services, and unwavering dedication to patients, our physicians and our staff. Over the years, we've seen remarkable growth and evolution within our practice, and this rebranding represents our vision for the future. As part of this, we are proud to announce the opening of a new office on Kaua`i, furthering our commitment to serving communities across the entire State.
As we embrace this new identity, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our team of dedicated, hard-working staff. It is because of their unwavering commitment and efforts that allow us to serve the people of Hawai'i.
Finally, Mahalo nui loa, to you, the community of Kona for continuing to entrust us with your care and your continued support as we embark on this exciting journey together.
Please feel free to call us at (808) 329-2010 to schedule an appointment or come and visit the clinic at 77-6399 Nalani Street 2nd level Kailua Kona HI 96740
Time to Adventure
The desire for comfort and security is universal. We all love to have our rhythms, set ways, favorite places and people. This is good. I’m so thankful that I can live in relative security and peace, and enjoy life that doesn’t shock or worry most days. I love my good friends, my pace of life, my old hobbies.
That said, inside my heart I often feel a desire for more. I don’t want to settle for simple security, or give in to the mundane. The very thing I need is to try something new, to be a beginner again, to be forced to learn or discover. It’s exposing, but thrilling.
I recently went paddleboarding with some friends. While I had done it a few times before, I’d never been out in the open ocean. And we went OUT. Admittedly, at first I wondered if I had what it takes, if the swell would knock me off, and if I could keep up. But once I gave in to the experience, my heart began to revel in the challenge and joy of being out somewhere beyond my comfort zone. Somewhere wild.
What adventure is calling to you? Where do you need to push the boat out and try something new? There is so much to see, experience, and enjoy here on this amazing coastline. Don’t miss it. Maybe it’s time to try that new hobby, take that trip, or step out into a new friendship.
This issue celebrates some go getters in our community who are helping people get out there! From the technological marvel that is an e-bike to an ocean adventure, and the remarkable story behind Hawai'i Forest and Trail, you will enjoy reading about experiences that are off the beaten trail.
Be inspired. Go explore.
JOHNNY GILLESPIE, PUBLISHER @KONACOASTMAGAZINE
July 2024
PUBLISHERS
Johnny Gillespie | Johnny.gillespie@citylifestyle.com
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South Kona Artists Collective
South Kona Artists Collective is a group of professional artists, including painters, potters, photographers, assemblage sculptors, jewelers, printmakers, woodworkers, and fiber and mosaic artists, who share their work with visitors and island locals through an annual studio tour, events and exhibits on Hawai’i Island. SOKOArtists.com.
Photography by Ginger Sandel
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Gupton Gallery
Located in Ali’i Sunset Plaza, Hawai’i’s newest Fine Art Gallery features the works of artist, Alex Gupton, and ‘The Art of Detail,’ and many other renowned Hawai’i artists. Visit us to be delighted by these pieces you can take home. GuptonGallery.com.
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Photography
ARTICLE BY SARA STOVER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLETCH PHOTOGRAPHY
E-BIKES MAKE HAWAI’I ISLAND ADVENTURES ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE
RIDING INTO A WORLD OF ADVENTURE
The morning sun was climbing over Mauna Kea’s summit as my husband, Patrick, and I unloaded two bikes from our car where Mana Road’s blacktop faded into gravel. Although I gave
“E-BIKES
terrain and in groups with varying skill levels. By customizing the assist, everyone can ride at the same speed.
While the "e" in e-bike stands for "electric" it could easily stand for
ARE POPULAR WITH THE OLDER DEMOGRAPHIC, WANTING TO CYCLE FOR FUN.”
up bike riding years ago because of an injury, an electric mountain bike I rented from Bike Works Kona was about to open the door to a world of Hawai’i Island adventures I’d assumed were only for the fittest athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
“This is a pedal-assist mountain bike, so you pedal to engage the motor,” said Grant Miller, owner of Bike Works and a Kona resident since 1989. After a lesson in changing gears, braking and switching modes, he assured me I was adventure-ready.
“When e-bikes first came on the scene, I thought they were great for commuting. Bike Works sold our first e-bike in 2012, and we got the first offroad e-bikes in 2015. They’re perfect for mountain biking in Hawai’i, with our rough terrain,” Grant said before we all took off down the gravel road.
The e-bike has three levels of assistance (or assist), key to riding comfortably and confidently on varying
"equalizer.” With the e-bike in Turbo mode, I easily kept up with Grant and Patrick, two avid cyclists who would otherwise be miles ahead of me.
As we climbed through a grove of wind-worn eucalyptus trees, Grant explained that the e-bike’s battery should last 4 to 5 hours. “But if you keep it in Turbo the whole time, the battery will drain faster.”
As the road leveled out, I opted for Eco mode. Unlike the max assist that Turbo offers, Eco provides minimal assist, which is perfect for downhills or a cardio session. Switching again to Trail mode, which is in between Turbo and Eco, I rode toward cows grazing under a sky streaked with ao manu (wispy clouds) and further away from my excuses, including lack of time to exercise and physical limitations.
“In my experience, e-bikes are popular with the older demographic, wanting to cycle for fun. And for anyone with lingering injuries or those who
simply believe they’ve aged out of adventures, e-bikes can be a game changer,” said Grant as we rode effortlessly over a cattle guard. “Also, new mountain bikers, including younger riders, find it more fun and practical to ride an e-bike.”
Whether renting an e-mountain bike or buying an e-bike for the road, an electric bike can expand the adventure options. Kona’s Walua Road, Waimea’s Mana Road, the Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve, Hilo Bayfront Trail and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are just a few diverse places to ride on the Big Island.
“Wherever you ride, always check your brakes and the air in your tires before you go,” said Grant. “Wear a good helmet and gloves, and carry tools, a tube, pump and water.”
“E-BIKES CAN BE A GAME CHANGER.”
It’s also important to take time to read any signs and markers explaining the history, native plants and animals, and the names of the places where we ride. In ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the place name evokes a deeper understanding of the area’s water, rain, wind, land and other geographical features. In turn, this connection to place fosters a sense of appreciation and responsibility to ‘āina and the community.
Thanks to an electric mountain bike, I’m experiencing our island’s nature and culture in a more meaningful way. And being able to share that with my husband by riding together? That’s what has me smiling for miles.
To learn more about e-bikes, visit BikeWorksKona.com.
SUPER RAFT
OLD OR YOUNG, VISITOR OR LOCAL, THERE’S ADVENTURE FOR EVERYONE ON BODY GLOVE’S KONA EXPLORER
ARTICLE BY BEN FILLEKES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY WHITESHELL PHOTOGRAPHY
It’s a cloudy morning over Kailua-Kona, and the water corralled by Kailua Pier is green glass. It’s 70 degrees and feels like rain. Whatever the weather might bring, I’m looking forward to a morning on the water, rediscovering the Kona Coast, with Body Glove’s super raft, the Kona Explorer.
Walking past yellow barriers onto the pier, I admire the vessel. “A sixty-five foot, double-decker catamaran barely counts as a raft,” I think to myself. “At least I’ll be covered when it rains and comfortably perched at the full-service bar, if in the event.” Twenty-five minutes early for my trip, I confidently follow the trail of wet
slipper footprints and aromas of freshly applied sunscreen. But I notice, to my chagrin, the deck hands of the watercraft, casting off. The dual hulls are already cutting through the water laden with eager excursionists. It looks like I may have missed my trip.
Tracking the vessel as it departs the pier, my focus lands on a crowd queuing in front of a smaller, more sprightly boat. Dare I say, raft? Three energetic crew are handing out snorkel gear, fitting fins to feet, and carefully guiding people over the inflated frame chafers. An atmosphere of adventure is palpable. Surely, this is the “super raft” I was searching for. Body Glove’s newest little brother
of touring vessels, the Kona Explorer, is lighter, faster and naturally, more daring. As its name suggests, this 41-foot super raft goes where its bigger counterparts can’t, and in better time. To heck with the mini bar! This looks like fun, and I’m not jealous at all, to not have been booked on the catamaran’s guest list.
Our skipper for the day, Captain Erika, not to be confused with Captain America – though she may enjoy the comparison –steps to the bow and briefs us on safety, what we can expect on the 4-hour tour and introduces her high-spirited crew. She demonstrates a fascinating, yet practical assortment of underwater hand signals that we can use while snorkeling, CONTINUED >
to not confuse “hey look at this fish,” for “help I’m drowning!” We’re ready to go.
Before I know it, we’re a quarter mile from our berth, with twin Suzuki 350 engines growling at the stern. Rock ‘n’ roll is blasting out of the speakers and at 30 knots, we’re catching air over the rollers. Above the din of crashing waves and music, the cry of Captain America can just be heard imploring, “Hold onto your hats! We only turn back for hats with heads in them!” Needless to say, I and the other 20 guests heeded her warning.
As we push Northward, rounding Keāhole point, the historic Kona Coast comes alive. A shrouded Mauna Kea begins to peek around the rainy shoulders of Hualālai and the green, carved slopes of Kohala mountain race toward our bow. On our distant port side, the summit of Haleakalā on the neighboring island of Maui, appears to float above the horizon on a platter of cloud. Under the shade of the raft’s large canvas roof, I’m taken aback by the beauty of Hawai’i. I am surprised by the power of rediscovery that
this water bound approach has had on me, for the island I was raised on.
The Kona Explorer cuts through the surf, tracing each contour and cove of the West Coast from Koloko Point to Kiholo bay. Along the way, we’re greeted by a large pod of Hawaiian spinner dolphins, a solitary sea turtle and to our surprise and delight, sunny weather. While the muted emerald ocean transforms to turquoise in the sunlight, the captain and crew take their time along the route, sharing their knowledge of the island and the wildlife we encounter.
We also chance upon a renegade birthday balloon, bobbing where it shouldn’t be, that is hastily fished out by one of Body Glove’s finest. The boat erupts in triumphant applause as the honu choking hazard is pulled up by the net. The crew of the super raft exude mālama pono – they take pride in stewarding the ocean, being mindful of their impact on the environment, and they don’t hesitate to take action during a tour.
Catching up with Captain Erika at the first snorkel location, I ask her what
keeps the Kona Explorer a unique experience for repeat customers and locals alike. She explains, “I’ll look over weather conditions and determine what’s the best for the day. For me as captain, it’s not doing the same thing on repeat. I really enjoy just getting to go and explore and doing something different every day. Giving our passengers something unique each time.”
Over the course of the next 2 hours, adventure ensues. Front flips and backflips are hucked from all
sides of the boat. At each dive site we visit, snorkels encircle the raft like a shoal of neon fish and lunch and drinks are being served deck side. And what super raft adventure would be complete without Captain Erika doing doughnuts and stunt driving all the way back to Kailua Bay to the tune of Electric Light Orchestra’s, Mr. Blue Sky?
Learn more about Body Glove adventure tours and how they’re caring for our waters at BodyGloveHawaii.com.
Guided K a y ak and Snorke l T ou r s
K ea l akek u a B a y
UNTOUCHED HAWAI’I
Highly respected tour company uncovers Hawai’i Island’s hidden natural wonders
ARTICLE BY MARGARET KEARNS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLETCH
PHOTOGRAPHY
From his native Sacramento wetlands to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, curiosity and exploration have fueled long-time Kona resident Rob Pacheco’s passion for the natural world.
Born just north of Chico along the Pacific Flyway in Northern California, it’s no surprise that birds were the first to capture his interest.
“My grandfather was an avid outdoorsman, and as a child, I spent many days fishing with him. To be clear, though, he fished while I watched water birds and searched out all sorts of insects. One bird that sparked my interest was a reed dweller, the American Bittern,” he says.
Rob credits that heron-like bird for the course of study and the career path he chose to follow. He arrived on Hawai’i Island in 1990, bringing years of working as a naturalist for Boulder County parks while attending the University of Colorado Boulder, following that with travels throughout Central America. During university studies, a professor suggested he take over a beekeeping program there, which was the ticket he needed to relocate here.
“After travels, I was broke and needed a job,” he says. Call it fate or blind luck, the most intriguing job to pop up at the time was that of beekeeper in Kona. Landing here, he immediately recognized that the island’s diverse and unique ecosystems rivaled any found on Earth. Isolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with volcanic geology, he realized the islands were among the world’s premier locations for studying evolutionary biology, extinction, endangered species and conservation.
While he spent hours tending bee hives, he continued thinking about how he could share Hawai’i Island’s natural history with others. He also met a like-minded colleague at work, his
now wife Cindy. Brainstorming the idea together, the duo took a leap of faith, gave up beekeeping and started Hawaii Forest & Trail in 1993.
Partnerships the couple developed with private landowners here have been key to the company’s success, resulting in a variety of tours to remote, untrodden locations otherwise inaccessible to residents and visitors alike. Popularity grew by word of mouth, and now the Pachecos are leading small, natural history-focused groups in areas such as Old Kohala Trail and Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, in addition to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and other mainstay attractions.
“We believe educating people about this unique place helps protect Hawai’i’s fragile environment and its endangered species. One of which is Hawai’i’s iconic scarlet red honeycreeper or ‘i‘iwi, the bird featured on our logo.”
“We believe educating people about this unique place helps protect Hawai’i’s fragile environment and its endangered species. One of which is Hawai’i’s iconic scarlet red honeycreeper or ‘i‘iwi, the bird featured on our logo," Rob says.
The couple also believes in giving back; to that end, they created the ‘I‘iwi Fund in partnership with the Hawaiian community, which provides grants to local organizations involved with nature, conservation and the Hawai’i Community Foundation. For each tour guest, Hawaii Forest & Trail donates $1 to the fund and encourages donors to match it, according to Rob. The fund has generated $130,000 since it was created in 2018.
“Now with more than 350,000 guests who have participated in their tours, Rob says there have been more than a few notables among them, including rock and roll legends, tech industry tycoons, a former U.S. President and a wannabe president.”
Now with more than 350,000 guests who have participated in their tours, Rob says there have been more than a few notables among them, including rock and roll legends, tech industry tycoons, a former U.S. President and a wannabe president.
“We’ve met lots of interesting people over the years – famous and not – and that’s been another rewarding part of the work,” he says.
Hawaii-Forest.com.
Hualalai Rd Kailua Kona, Hawaii www.eyewearkona.com
Waikoloa Road, Suite 305, Waikoloa, Hawaii www.eyecarewaikoloa.com
CARING FOR HEARTS WITH SERVING HEARTS
ISLAND
CARDIOVASCULAR AND VEIN INSTITUTE’S FOUNDER, SHARES HIS VISION AND COMMITMENT WITH THE BIG ISLAND
Geography is certainly one of Hawai’i’s most considerable virtues. Yet, it can be challenging when residents seek specific medical treatment. In many cases, the only way to find the right specialist is by hopping to a different island. Thankfully, professional visionaries aim to present a solution to that problem.
Dennis Good and Kristi Yearout moved from Arizona to Hawai’i in 2013 to enjoy paradise and provide quality
ARTICLE BY MATIAS ARREDONDO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLETCH PHOTOGRAPHY
care to their patients. After spending two years on Oahu, they settled on the Big Island, where Dennis founded the Island Cardiovascular and Vein Institute. Since then, this power couple has worked relentlessly to establish a service accessible to Kona and Hilo. Their goal is to provide quality cardiovascular care in the community and save patients from traveling extensive distances for healthcare.
Prior to establishing Island Cardiovascular and Vein Institute, options for convenient cardiology and vascular care were limited on the Big Island. Private practices, such as Island Cardiovascular and Vein Institute, play an essential role in the overall health
outcomes of patients on the island. “We collaborate with other private practices, hospitals, and medical facilities to provide the best care possible for the community,” says Dennis.
“Hawai’i residents would prefer to receive care locally instead of traveling to another island. We want to facilitate that opportunity for patients,” shares Dennis.
Island Cardiovascular and Vein Institute seeks to grow its practice and offer more services in its two offices. Performing procedures in an outpatient setting rather than in a hospital is more convenient and less costly for the patient. While hospitals may be backed up for weeks or
THE BONDS WE’VE FORMED WITH THESE PATIENTS ARE IMPORTANT.
even months, private practitioners can expedite the process to help patients recover and get treatment faster. There are still some operations that can only be performed on Oahu or Maui – like openheart surgery – but now, some less invasive procedures are performed at offices like Island Cardiovascular and Vein Institute.
Despite being present on the east and west sides of the Big Island, Dennis and Kristi identified another challenge residents face: how often the medical professionals rotate. “Patients who have been here for many years enjoy having the same provider and not having to keep switching. We have a lot of medical professionals
that come and go, and it seems like it's hard for patients to establish a relationship. When that provider moves away, the patients must go through that process again,” says Kristi.
Island Cardiovascular and Vein Institute approaches its medical practices holistically to break that cycle. Patients are more than just medical cases; they are ‘ohana. “The bonds we've formed with these patients are important. Since we've been on this island and worked at different offices, our patients have followed us because we have an established relationship. It says a lot that people trust us. We can be close and still be able to do our job,” Kristi shares.
Dennis and Kristi don’t take this trust lightly. When patients walk into their offices, they often don’t come alone. They bring their whole family to support them. As there’s always fear attached to an unknown situation, Island Cardiovascular and Vein Institute aims to educate individuals on their disease process and treatment options. Understanding what is happening to someone’s body lowers their anxiety and stress.
“It's ultimately the patient’s decision what they choose to do. When our health goes awry, we don't feel like we're in control, but giving people options provides that,” Kristi adds. This mindset started as a caregiver and continued when she became a nurse practitioner. Now, offering understanding and shared decision-making with her patients is a philosophy that follows her everywhere.
On the other hand, Dennis pursued his medical career because he always admired the intricacies of the heart and its essential role in life. He acquired 21 years of experience in cardiovascular surgery, then obtained his Physician Assistant certification and has been practicing in vascular surgery for 12 years.
Dennis and Kristi are grateful for the ‘ohana they’ve built around them and thank the community for trusting them. Together, they share a passion for motorcycles and wish they could ride as much as they used to when they were back in Arizona. Yet, there’s nothing like riding through the Hawaiian beauty. In their free time, Dennis enjoys hiking and exploring the island, while Kristi prefers walking
their three dogs and jogging. “Spearfishing is my therapy, and working out is Kristi’s therapy,” Dennis says.
As we are more than just physical bodies, finding fulfillment and being thankful are equally crucial to being in shape. “Everybody needs something in their life that helps them relieve stress, such as outdoor activities, hula, Zumba, etc. Moving your body is self-care, it’s essential to your entire wellbeing,” Kristi adds.
Cardiac and vascular care should not wait until our bodies start failing. Critical decisions can improve our quality of
life and prevent future issues. “Eating a healthy diet and integrating a regular exercise routine can aid in lowering a person's glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels, therefore decreasing their cardiovascular risk,” says Dennis. Getting out there and enjoying life is good for our heart, emotions, and spirit. We can exercise and watch our diet to steward our health correctly. But if we ever require cardiovascular care, we have the assurance that we have caring professionals on this island who can help us.
Learn more at IslandCardiovascular.com.
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JULY 2024
JULY 4TH
4th of July Parade & Firework
Extravaganza in Kona
Downtown Kona | 5:00 PM
Watch a beautiful fireworks display along Kailua-Kona town and Kailua Bay for a view you won’t forget. Catch the parade beginning at Kekua’okalani Gym, continuing along Ali’i Drive and finishing at Royal Kona Resort, and then stay for the fireworks over Kailua Bay. ParadiseInHawaii.com.
JULY 5TH
First Friday: Art After Dark
Holualoa Historical Village | 5:30 PM
On the first Friday of every month, we come together for a block party after dark. Enjoy art galleries and boutiques, live music, gourmet “grab and go” food, and a chance to mingle with fellow art and culture lovers in the heart of Kona coffee country. Holualoa gets together and celebrates after dark every month, rain or shine. HolualoaVillage.com.
JULY 13TH
Hula Arts at Kīlauea Program
1 Crater Rim Drive Building #23 Volcano, HI 96718 | 10:30 AM
The Volcano Art Center (VAC), located on Kīlauea volcano, fosters arts and culture. Experience authentic Hula Kahiko performances and other traditional arts. Join their free live hula performances on the second Saturday of each month, presented outdoors without amplification. VAC, a non-profit organization founded in 1974, promotes Hawai‘i’s artistic and cultural heritage through visual, literary, and performing arts. VolcanoArtCenter.org.
MAKE PRICELESS MEMORIES.
RIDE BIG ISLAND.
BICYCLE RENTAL, SALES, AND EXPERT SERVICE
events
CONTINUED
JULY 13TH
11th Annual Big Island Jazz & Blues Festival
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel | 5:00 PM
Our annual Jazz Festival has another incredible lineup of Grammy Award Winners, Grammy Nominated Artists, Music Hall of Fame Members, and Jazz and Blues Legends. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy these incredible performances on the Big Island. MaunaKeaResort.com.
JULY 26TH
62nd Annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament
Kailua Pier 75-5751 Kuakini Hwy #202 | 8:00 AM
The Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament (HIBT) has achieved iconic status in the fishing world. This prestigious five-day tournament, governed by strict International Game Fish Association rules for big game fish world records, does not offer cash prizes. Despite this, it draws a global fishing audience. Come and witness this world-class event. Contact Laura Aquino at admin@hibtfishing.com.
JULY 27TH
5th Annual Experience Volcano Festival
19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. | 10:00 AM
The Experience Volcano Festival on July 27th & 28th, celebrates the unique culture, people, and traditions of the Volcano Area. Enjoy music, Hawaiian culture, artist demos, guided tours, family activities, and more—all mostly free! If you’re on the Big Island, join the festivities! ExperienceVolcano.com.
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