Kona Coast, HI June 2024

Michael Bennett M.D., FACS Wendell Danforth M.D. John Dick M.D.

BENNETT EYE INSTITUTE

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

Be Courageous

Aloha!

We are excited to celebrate the men, fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and uncles in our community.

Men have a unique responsibility. They tend to have the largest impact on our lives. That can be in the most positive ways or make some of the deepest wounds in our lives. In our large community, some have had great fathers. Others, haven’t been as lucky or haven’t known their father or lost him. All of those scenarios reflect in our lives.

While we can’t control what has happened to us, we can control how we impact others. As men, let’s not repeat the mistakes that have wounded us. Let’s set a new standard for those around us and the next generation. Just because you never had a great father, does not mean you can not become a great one. You can be that studly husband you always thought you’d be. The world has a way of grinding down men to make them sluggish. Sometimes, we need to shake off the dust and rise to the occasion.

Let’s remember our voice is significant in the lives that surround us. Be an encouraging voice. Even if it feels awkward to start or you don’t have the perfect words. Remember, our smile can go a long way to spreading aloha.

Let’s take responsibility for our ‘ohana and community in new ways to help make the world a better place.

TAYLOR STUTTS, PUBLISHER @KONACOASTMAGAZINE

June 2024

PUBLISHERS

Johnny Gillespie | Johnny.gillespie@citylifestyle.com

Taylor Stutts | taylor.stutts@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

John-Mark Dyer | johnmark.dyer@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Matias Arredondo | matias.arredondo@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Crystal Chang | crystal.chang@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Margaret Kearns, Tianna Morimoto, Paul Sullivan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Fletch Photography, Wester Aloha

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

3:5-6

Western Aloha For Men

Clothes worn

Father-Son Adventure

How

Aloha Vibes

Aloha Vibes is located along the picturesque shoreline of Kailua-Kona. This vibrant establishment embodies the spirit of aloha, with tropical flavors, warm hospitality, and a breathtaking ocean view. Whether you’re enjoying our signature dishes, sipping on our custom cocktails, or simply relishing in the beauty of the sunset from our outdoor patio, Aloha Vibes is a haven for food enthusiasts and island lovers alike. AlohaVibes.com

Photography by Aloha Vibes through Google Reviews

Japanese Auto Works and Service is your one-stop repair shop in Kona, Hawai’i. We’re not your typical auto shop. Our family-owned business is run by a dynamic duo of experienced auto professionals who treat you like family and your vehicle like our own. We believe in treating our customers how we want our moms to be treated. This belief guides our approach to every interaction, every service, and every repair. JAWSKona.com.

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Ahualoa Family Farms

From our delicious hand-picked and roasted Macadamia nuts to our perfectly roasted coffees, Ahualoa Farms has something for everyone. Every product we grow, produce, and sell is “No Ka ‘Oi” the best! We grow coffee, Lilikoi, Myer lemons, bananas, and juice real Maui onions for our recipes. We never use artificial flavorings or preservatives and our mac nuts are 100% Hawaiiangrown, from the Big Island. AhualoaFamilyFarms.com.

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Photography by Ahualoa Family Farms

Photography by Japanese Auto Works And Service

K EEPINGTH E PASTALIVE

MAN SHARES HAWAIIAN FISHNET-MAKING KNOWLEDGE WITH YOUNGER GENERATION

ARTICLE BY TIANNA MORIMOTO

KONA

“It’s really honoring my ancestors.”

Sitting at the beach in Kailua-Kona with the wind in his face, the ocean in the distance, and the smell of saltwater in the air takes Apolonio ‘Apo’ Kalani Aquino Sr. to a place of peace. He soon takes out a synthetic fishing line and begins to tie dozens of knots to create what will eventually become a large fishnet.

Apo, now 61 years old, holds this knowledge of fishnet-making close to his heart and his identity; for him, fishnet-making is a way to ensure that the past knowledge and culture of his Hawaiian heritage stay alive in today’s world. “It’s really honoring my ancestors,” he says.

“The net is like our escape and quiet time for us,” says Apo. Born and raised in Kailua-Kona, Apo has seen the town evolve into a bustling city on the Big Island’s west side.

“Kona was very much a fishing village,” he says. Apo learned how to make fishnets from his father. He would also

watch his uncles sew their fishnets at Honokōhau Beach.

Apo passed his fishnet-making knowledge to his son, who was his first student. He started making the nets full-time a little over 15 years ago, saying it has become like therapy to him.

“Everything can just go away, and I’ll just focus on making my net, and getting it completed,” he says.

In 2015, Apo and his wife Stephanie moved to the Island of Molokaʻi where he taught students how to make fishnets. They lived there for five years before returning to Kona. Apo says the people on Molokaʻi are very much like how Kona used to be, in the sense that they are very into fishing.

While teaching students how to make the nets, Apo educates them on how Native Hawaiians used to create and throw nets in the past, ensuring that the culture and history of the people of Hawaiʻi can be passed on to the younger kids.

“I’m just carrying the torch onto the next generation.”

“I can talk about throw-netting but I can’t take the credit. I have to give the full credit to all those before me as throw net makers,” says Apo. “It’s not starting with me. I’m just carrying the torch onto the next generation. But it was passed on from the generations before me.”

Apo says that out of the hundreds of students he’s taught – children and adults – only about two can make a net from start to finish.

Traditionally, fishnets have been used by Native Hawaiians to catch food. Making the nets by hand is a long and tedious process that requires patience and mathematical skills. “Basically, I tie knots,” says Apo.

First, one must get their fishing line and begin to tie knots around the center or piko to create the maka or eyes. A spacer tool can be used to measure each eye. This process will form a big circle that will be thrown into the ocean to catch the fish. So, the bigger the circumference of the circle, the more knots or eyes need to be added. Working on a net full-time typically takes one to three months to complete.

“Starting it is one thing. But we all know in life, to finish something takes focus to get it done,” says Apo. His nets typically

sell for around $1,300. In recent years, he has seen the desire for fishnets start to be used for a different purpose: as art.

In December 2021, Apo and his wife opened a pottery store called Kona Town Hui. He has begun to incorporate the fishnets into art by imprinting the design onto the pottery pieces or even making nets to hang in people’s homes.

“I can see people not wanting to get a throw net because the fish in the ocean is not as abundant,” he says. “As far as net making, it took me a little while to imagine it being an art. But people say that all the time. That it’s an art, and throwing the net is an art too.”

Using the fishnet for art has opened Apo’s eyes to how he can still perpetuate the culture on something that can last for decades.

“For now, I’m leaning a lot towards making more art pieces so that it can be perpetuated and left, so people go ‘It might have been made in the year 2024, but it looks like it was made in the 1800s.’”

Yet, no matter the use, Apo continues to create these fishnets to keep past knowledge and cultures alive for future generations.  Learn more at KonaTownHui.com.

ARTICLE BY PAUL SULLIVAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WESTERN ALOHA

For Men

Clothes worn year-round from sea to snow, paddle to saddle, and Waikiki to Waimea.

Western Aloha is a Hawaii-based brand inspired by everyday life on the Big Island of Hawaii – ranching, rodeos, surfing, paddling, and enjoying time with friends and family.  This is the life of the Paniolo, the Hawaiian cowboys who have been here since 1832.

Some of the first Aloha shirts were made out of colorful kimono cloth imported from Japan and China.

WesternAloha.com.

CONTINUED >

Opposite: “Alenuihaha” tells the story of the Big Island outrigger canoe paddlers brave enough to attempt the Alenuihaha Channel. Above: Paniolo were wrangling cattle (and surfing) in Hawaii before there were cowboys in Texas.

“Some of the first Aloha shirts were made out of colorful kimono cloth imported from Japan and China.”

Top: Boars (pua’a) are a big part of life in Hawaii — as garden nuisances, pets, wild game, or the featured dish at a luau.

Right: “I live in Waimea, a blend of mountain and ocean, of Western and Aloha. Coming up with a name for our brand was pretty easy.” — Paul Sullivan, Founder

HOW BIG ISLAND BOYS WERE TRANSFORMED IN THE HIMALAYAS

Father-Son Adventure

ARTICLE BY JOHN-MARK DYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLETCH PHOTOGRAPHY AND TIGER HILL

At age 10, Abraham Hill got a revelation about himself in the middle of a workout with his dad. “I don’t allow myself to do hard things, I quit before I need to. I have more than I can give,” he said while wearing his 14 lb weighted vest.

This workout was part of his father, Tiger’s, secret plan to prepare Abraham for a surprise father-son trekking trip in the Himalayas. With seven other men and their boys from the Big Island, this group flew to Nepal and hiked high into the mountain villages.

“The trip was costly and inconvenient. It was happening during the busiest season of my life. But I never regretted the time and investment I made in Abraham. It was all worth it.” Tiger reflects, “Nothing comes close to the feeling of being a dad.”

CONTINUED >

“As I’m taking Abraham through this experience, all my memories of me and my dad flooded my brain. He taught me to be a waterman, he took me through these amazing experiences that shaped me. Now I’m shaping Abraham into who he’ll be when he is a father. He didn’t complain, he didn’t ask anyone to carry his pack. When we hit hard moments during the trek, we could go back and reference our training and say, ‘If we did it then, we can do this now. Let’s keep going,’” Tiger shares.

One day, after the trek, Tiger was helping Abraham wrestle through his frustration for having more household responsibilities than his younger sisters. Because of their adventure together, Tiger knew he could challenge him, “What you’re feeling is manhood. That’s what men do, we take responsibility for things no one else wants to do.” The trek forged a deep bond of trust between them.

It’s impossible to overestimate the power a father has to shape his children. The time, effort, and intentionality to be a good father are costly. But like Tiger remembered as he trekked alongside his boy, these are the moments of Abraham’s only childhood. He will carry these memories for the rest of his life. The cost is worth it and makes us ponder, what can we do to invest in the precious people in our lives?

Guided K a y ak and Snorke

Q&A With Ahualoa Family Farms

NEW OWNERS FOR THE OLDEST

MAC NUT FACTORY ON ISLAND

ARTICLE BY MATT HOLMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY AHUALOA FAMILY FARMS

Matt Holmes, Marketing Director of Ahualoa Family Farms, answers some questions about this beloved family operation and the work done to produce the mac nuts that delight the Big Island.

WHY FARMING ON THE BIG ISLAND?

Chad’s farm business in California supplied feed for local dairies. As the local dairies continued to be replaced by housing developments, Chad set his sights on the next big thing. His sister had lived on the Big Island and said he should look for farm opportunities here. Chad met the founders of Ahualoa Farms who were looking to retire, they immediately hit it off and the rest is history.

WHAT

WAS

THE GREATEST CHALLENGE, TAKING

OVER THE OLDEST MACADAMIA NUT FACTORY ON THE ISLAND?

The first step was resurrecting this historic old building that had been neglected for so long. The massive restoration is still working on to this day. Simultaneously, we were designing the processing equipment, which we had no previous experience with. The equipment was delivered in pieces, and we had to put it all together ourselves. Then, as soon as we went to flip the switch on the new factory, the pandemic hit, which was a massive challenge for everybody. We were ready to start processing all of our macadamia nuts, and suddenly we had no visitors coming to purchase them.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A MACADAMIA NUT TREE TO PRODUCE ITS FIRST HARVEST?

About 5 to 7 years. We have a 25-acre diversified farm and support over 50 local growers who we buy additional nuts from. Many of the macadamia nut trees on the island are past their prime, therefore we hope to start planting new trees soon.

DO YOU FARM ANYTHING ELSE BESIDES NUTS?

Yes, in addition to macadamia nuts, we also grow 100% Hamakua coffee, which is quickly gaining a following. We grow Meyer lemons and lilikoi to make our specialty products. We also have a section of our farm where we grow flowers. We are in the process of planting a fruit forest with every edible plant and fruit imaginable, too.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

Continuing to promote and support local agriculture. Farmers are often taken for granted, yet, they are responsible for an essential job. Aside from Ahualoa Family Farms supporting our local mac-nut farmers, we hope to plant new macadamia nut trees to sustain our farming family for generations. So please thank a farmer and support locals.

HOW MANY FLAVORS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR MACADAMIA NUTS?

We have 11 flavors of gourmet-quality macadamia nuts. We pride ourselves on having the freshest, most delicious macadamia nuts, made in small batches. We have a dry roast (plain), sea salt (the classic flavor), lilikoi, Hawaiian honey, Maui onion & garlic, coffee liqueur, pineapple & coconut, chili-spiced, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and cinnamon spice available during the holidays.

HOW MANY STATES AND COUNTRIES DO YOU DISTRIBUTE YOUR PRODUCTS TO?

Our products can mostly be found within the state of Hawai'i. We have dozens of retail partners across the state that resell our finished products, and we also supply bulk macadamia nuts to different bakeries and restaurants. Plus, we have our online store so we can ship to anyone in the world!

Learn more at AhualoaFamilyFarms.com.

“We have a 25-acre diversified farm and support over 50 local growers who we buy additional nuts from.”

Photo Credit: Sheyanne Lyn Photography

ARTICLE BY MARGARET KEARNS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLETCH PHOTOGRAPHY

ONE OF KAILUA-KONA’S FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD BISTROS KEEPS THE ALOHA FLOWING WITH NEW OWNERS AT THE HELM.

RE-IMAGINED JACKIE REY’S

It’s been just over one year since Paul Streiter and Angela Rey, co-owners who established Jackie Rey’s Kona, handed over the keys to Chad Atkinson

windows were un-shuttered to open up distant ocean views.

“We love Jackie Rey’s. Paul and Angie opened the restaurant in 2004

“THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS OFFERS OWNERS IMMEDIATE GRATIFICATION FROM DINERS.” – CHAD ATKINSON

while retaining ownership of their Hilo restaurant. The transition was so smooth, that the restaurant never stopped serving its elevated comfort food while the transfer was completed – the focus remained on combining the freshest local ingredients perfectly prepared and served in a comfortable, friendly environment.

“We arrived on Hawai’i Island in December 2022 and closed the deal on January 9, 2023, without the restaurant closing for even one day of service,” Chad, a native of Utah and 25-year veteran of the high-tech industry, says.

Serving only dinner now, a complete re-model was executed during the day, including the installation of an expansive and exquisite ocean blue, acrylic bar created by renowned Hawai’i artist Seth Greene. The back bar features a massive wall of individual glass tiles and dramatic lighting. New floors also were installed and

and built an incredible brand, a great restaurant and team,” Chad says. “Many staff members have been part of the restaurant ‘ohana for years.”

When the opportunity arose, Chad says, the timing was right. Having spent some time living in the Caribbean after saying goodbye to the tech world, he fell in love with island life and was ready for both, a career and lifestyle change.

Before making the jump, his friends offered some sage advice. “They told me, if you move to Hawai’i you can embrace it or fight it, but don’t go there and try to change it, let it change you,” he says. “In just a year, I’ve come to love the spirit of aloha. I’ve never been a hugger, but now I’ve gotten used to a hug rather than a handshake when meeting and making new friends.”

While island living was part of the spark that fueled the change, he says over time he was tired of working with clients on tech projects for up to two

years, meeting deadlines, and staying on budget without receiving any heartfelt appreciation.

“The restaurant business offers immediate gratification from clients who’ve had a great meal and had a wonderful evening making memories with family and friends,” Chad says. “It’s incredible to feel the energy and to receive immediate, sincere thanks.”

A solid business professional, one thing Chad readily admits is that he is not a foodie! In fact, he says, “Eating really is not my thing!” So he knows well enough to leave the kitchen in the capable hands of Executive Chef Jeric Genavia who has been heading up the stoves at Jackie Rey’s Kona for over six years. A native of the Philippines, he grew up in a food-loving family. They moved to Monterey, California when he was 14 years old, where his restaurateur father was tapped to manage the Fish Hopper restaurant there. In 2007, he was named General Manager of the KailuaKona restaurant, where Jeric was soon put to work washing dishes.

“I don’t have a culinary degree, my training, everything I have learned was taught on the job. While my style fits closely with Pacific Rim cuisine, I have worked with fantastic chefs specializing in Japanese, Thai, Italian and French foods,” he says.

It is evident in the menu that Chad says will be constantly changing with carefully selected and diverse offerings. While a few popular items remain from the earlier reiteration of the restaurant, including the Mediterranean Hummus Salad

“EVERYTHING

I’VE LEARNED WAS TAUGHT ON THE JOB…”

and the Seafood Trio, many new have been added featuring tastes from those world regions with a decidedly local twist. One example that illustrates the creative fusion of those cuisines is the Mochiko Crusted Fresh Catch. It’s served with Molokai Purple Mashed Potatoes, Ginger Lime Beurre Blanc, Kabayaki, Namasu and Wasabi Tobiko. Fusion gives way to classic presentations with what Chef Jeric says is a new guest favorite: Port Wine Braised Lamb Shank.

With extensive offerings from the bar, including some 27 Hawaiian-crafted spirits, Chef Jeric says he often snags ingredients to use in his dishes: Amaretto, Port Wine, and Maraschino Cherries.

Also new, Chad says, “We’ve added lots of steaks to the menu with a variety of cuts offered – Tomahawk Ribeye, Filet Mignon, New York Strip and Ribeye – our goal is to build on the restaurant’s great foundation, preserve the quality of the brand and level things up a bit,” Chad says.

Perhaps nothing showcases that leveling up better than the Aina Ahiahi No Elua dinner for two: 34oz Tomahawk Ribeye; Lobster Tail, ½lb King Crab, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Vegetables, Demi-Glace and Béarnaise Sauce.

If you have room after all that, choose the Champagne Coast Cake for dessert (a Naked Cake layered with fresh strawberries and Chantilly Cream) – it’s sinfully delicious!

Make a reservation at JackieReysKona.com.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JUNE 1ST

IRONMAN 70.3 Hawai'i

Kohala Coast

The Ironman 70.3, also known as the Half Ironman, is an annual world championship competition that takes place along the northwest coast of the Big Island. The course takes a large amount of stamina to complete, as there is a wide variance in the terrain, elevation, weather and course conditions. IronMan.com.

JUNE 1ST

Historic Kailua Village Guided Tours

Ali'i Drive | 9:30 AM

Visitors and kamaʻāina are invited to meet for a free and guided Historic Walking Tour of Historic Kailua Village, where people have gathered for centuries. Discover for yourself that special feeling that made Kailua so appealing to Hawaiian royalty of yesteryear still exists today. HistoricKailuaVillage.com.

JUNE 2ND

3rd Annual King Kamehameha's Awesome Athletes Canoe Race

Hilo Bayfront | 9:00 AM

The 3rd Annual King Kamehameha's Awesome Athletes Canoe Race celebrates Hawai'i's diverse culture and community in the state's official sport, with Hawai'i's inclusive outrigger (wa'a) race for youth and adults with disabilities. Participant athletes compete in 6-man racing outriggers in the very waters where King Kamehameha's warriors launched their canoes to conquer Maui.  HiloCanoeRace.com.

Hawaii Medspa

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