PXG offers a complete lineup of clubs from drivers to putters, custom fitted to improve your game and bring you more enjoyment on the course. Schedule your one-on-one fitting and watch your performance skyrocket!
High blooms ... local lingo ... American Chameleons... eat loco ... fiery nuts ... and sea goats.
Resident Shelley Smith shares her insight and treasures of Hawai‘i.
Getting familiar with the Big Island.
A few ways to have an impact and give back to Hawai‘i during your stay.
Whether serving as decoration or used to communicate status, natural adornments have played a significant role in Hawaiian culture— many of which are still popular today.
There are clubs, and there is Kohanaiki—a private 450-acre oceanfront playground that welcomes a new generation of Kona-lovers. Five minutes south of the Kona International Airport, and uniquely positioned to offer a sense of escape, Kohanaiki embraces island life in ways both new and familiar. Whether at the 67,000-square-foot Clubhouse, on the Rees Jones-designed golf course, aboard the 39-foot Kaikea, or in the cabanas opening out to views of ancient lava flows and anchialine ponds, you’re surrounded by history, culture and adventure. Refreshingly private yet remarkably social, Kohanaiki is a new living experience unlike anywhere else in the islands.
42
REFORESTING SANDALWOOD
Cover Photography + Styling NATALIA MASTRASCUSA
Cover Photography + Styling ESTELLE SKINNER
42 48 52 56 64 68 72 76 81
Seeing the forest for the trees.
Find happiness and health in nature.
Exploring history and culture at Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.
Spend a day discovering this charming town on the Hāmākua Coast.
Endless options abound when it comes to this versatile local favorite.
DESTINATION HONOKA‘A 72
Chef Bruce Bromberg of Blue Ribbon Restaurants on local inspiration and the upcoming Mauna Lani Culinary Classic.
The Moon and Turtle delivers sought-after Asian cuisine in Hilo.
Epicurean finds around the island.
BEACHES | 106 GOLF | 113
(“let the stories live on”) as you collection of transformational yourself in the history and culture of personalized adventure on the island.
OF THIS
awaits on the of the Island ancient fish petroglyphs, Mauna the tone for remember. Greet on a sunrise pros, relax in an a cozy place stargaze together.
+ DO | 83 SHOP + STYLE | 149 ISLAND LIVING | 169
MASTHEAD
EAT + DRINK | 125
MAPS | 177 TRAVELOGUE | 186
Personalized Shopping Experience
KEVIN GEIGER
DANIEL DUVAL
MUN SOK GEIGER
MICHELLE LACOUR
NATALIA MASTRASCUSA
RINA MAE TABAFUNDA
ANDREW WALSH
KRYSTAL KAKIMOTO
MARY TROY JOHNSTON
EMERY GARCIA
DIGITAL
SAVVY360 APP on THE APP STORE/GOOGLE PLAY SAVVY360.COM
CONTACT
FOR COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS, EMAIL US MAGAZINE@SAVVY360.COM
FINE PRINT
© 2023 SAVVY360, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any form without the prior written permission of SAVVY360.
DESIGNED AND PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
it is our privilege to help you find the perfect Hualālai home. As Hualālai Resort’s exclusive on-site real estate office, we are the experts in this luxury niche market, having closed more than $2.8 BILLION since 1996.
We focus 100% of our efforts on sales at Hualālai. We look forward to sharing our insights and unique listings with you, and providing incomparable service for all of your real estate needs at the world’s premier residential resort.
The vibrant orchid tree (Bauhinia purpurea) is a beautiful sight to behold in full bloom. Originally from South China and Southeast Asia, the deciduous tree now flourishes across the Aloha State. Also called the “butterfly tree,” it can be seen dotted with fragrant, orchid-like flowers for much of the year. The tree reaches heights of about 30 feet and its flowers vary from purple, pink and lavender. In some countries, such as India and Sri Lanka, various parts of the orchid tree is thought to possess chemical components with anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal and thyroid hormone-regulating capabilities; and in some cultures, the seeds are used as a food source. Despite its eye-pleasing nature and possible health benefits, some consider the orchid tree a weed because of its ability to thrive and spread quickly.
Incredible memories of Hawai‘i are made at the edge of the ocean as talented dancers and musicians perform and Mauna Kea chefs put on their own dazzling show featuring kālua pig and the Island’s most delicious edibles.
From handcrafted cocktails and elevated local cuisine, to a full lū‘au experience, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel offers something for everyone.
Overlooking Kauna‘oa Bay, Manta pioneered Kohala Regional Cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients delivered daily.
With sweeping views of Kauna‘oa Bay, friends and families gather for mixologist-crafted cocktails and wine complemented by gastropub cuisine.
Puka is the Hawaiian word for hole, and if you hear someone yell it while you follow him through the jungle, watch out! There are many places around the island where collapsed sections of lava flow have created puka in the terrain, and can easily swallow up a foot or more. Kīpuka is a term used for an opening of a small, isolated place of lush forest that have been spared by former lava flows but are surrounded by the telltale black rock. These kīpuka are often oases inhabited by large communities of native plants and animals. Puka shells are small white shells with a hole in the center used to make jewelry. A Hawaiian riddle: Puka kinikini; puka kinikini; ‘a‘ohe ona puka e puka aku a (many, many holes; many, many holes; but no hole to go out through). Answer is a fish net.
Set
The green anole, a small and common lizard, was first introduced to Hawai‘i in the 1950s to be sold in pet shops. Anoles are an extremely diverse and plentiful group with nearly 400 species found throughout the southeastern U.S., West Indies, Mexico and Central and South America differing in behavior, physiology and ecology. They are now the most popularly spotted lizards in the Hawaiian Islands and are useful in pest control.
Anole are closely related to iguanas and sometimes termed the “American chameleon” for their color-changing qualities, although they are not true chameleons. Their color spectrum ranges from the brightest of greens to dull brown tones. Their camouflaging effect is related to their body temperature and mood, though it does seem like anoles like to color match their backgrounds. The spectrum of color change is due to three layers of pigment cells: yellows (xanthophores), blues (cyanophores), and browns (melanophores). There is also an extremely rare baby blue phase of the anoles color mutations, only found in one out of every 20,000 green anoles living in the wild.
Kevin B. Shiraki
R(B) | RB-18374
(808)960-0308
In terms of traditional dishes found here, the loco moco is about as local as you can go. Believed to have originated in Hilo in the 1940s, the loco moco has since spread in popularity across the Pacific Islands from Samoa to Japan, and even to the U.S. mainland and has been featured on shows aired on the Travel Channel. The basic loco moco is a scoop of white rice topped with a hamburger patty and a fried egg, then smothered in brown gravy. However, there are many variations of the staple. Meat substitutions are the most common, with favorites being kālua pork, ham, spam, teriyaki beef or chicken. Loco moco may sound a little odd, but the ingredients manage to combine deliciously. Try a loco moco with fresh seafood such as mahi-mahi or ‘ahi (tuna) for a more refined twist.
DINING
The Bistro at the Cinemas
Charley's Thai Cuisine
Kuleana Rum Shack
Romano's Macaroni Grill
Sansei Seafood, Steak & Sushi
ENTERTAINMENT
Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas
Kozy's Comedy & Magic Show
FASHION
Blue Ginger
Cariloha
Coconut Ave
Crocs
Kona Surf N Sandals
Mahina
Malibu Shirts
Olivia Clare Boutique
PacSun
Quiksilver
Reyn Spooner
Volcom
FOOD OUTLETS
Dairy Queen/Orange Julius
Hawaii Kind Grinds
L&L Barbeque
Mauna Kea Tropical Treats
Island Greens
Starbucks
Waikoloa Pizza
Waikoloa Shrimp Co
GROCERY
Island Gourmet Markets
JEWELRY & ART
Genesis Galleries
Hawaii Fluid Art
Lava Light Galleries
Mashka Jewelry
Maui Divers Jewelry
SERVICES
Hawaii Life Real Estate
Hilton Grand Vacations Club
Home River Group
Kona Coast Vacations
KOR Salon & Day Spa
RestoricaHawaii
Rider Levett Bucknall
Waikoloa Dental Clinic Vacasa
SPECIALTY & GIFTS
Bikeworks Beach & Sport
Claire's
Da Big Bags
Lids
SoHa Keiki
SoHa Living
Sunglass Hut
Yoga Barre
Loc ated 2 0 minutes nor th of the air por t along the scenic Kohal a Coas t
The ancient Hawaiians had many uses for the kukui nut, notably as a source of light. Commonly known as the candlenut, the seed contains flammable oil extracted for torches or burned whole like a candle. The nut was originally brought to the Islands by early Polynesian settlers aboard canoes and served as an important source of sustenance and medicine in addition to light. The oil contained in the nut is known to have anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties and is used to treat a variety of skin conditions.
In 1959, the kukui was named the o cial emblem for the State of Hawai‘i because of its multiple uses and benefits and its symbolic value. The kukui was significant to early settlers and was considered the symbol for protection and enlightenment. The tree has taken root all across the state and thrives along coastal forests reaching heights up to 80 feet tall. While here, enjoy kukui nut in a lovely lei or in delicious poke (cubed raw fish).
Goatfish are an edible delight for local fishermen and are commonly found in inshore waters. There are 10 di erent species of the goatfish native to Hawai‘i, and all share distinct barbells that hang from below their jaws. These accessories give the fish a comical, goatlike appearance but provide invaluable sensory input for finding food. The predator probes sandy sea floors with its “whiskers” in search of worms, crustaceans, mollusks, brittle stars and urchins before it dives in with its snout to collect its meal. Several goatfish species are highly esteemed in ancient Hawaiian culture; they were used as o erings to the gods, prized at feasts, atoned for sins and celebrated in song. All goatfish species are popular as food and eaten raw, broiled and cooked in ti leaves or salted for a couple of days then cooked. Snorkelers are sure to spot them in groups around vibrant island reefs. If you can catch your own, you are in for a delicious treat.
Thursday-Monday: Dinner 5:30pm - 9:00pm
For Reservations Call (808)880-1111 or visit meridiarestaurant.com
Inspired by the Mediterranean, Meridia’s innovative menu is dedicated to the islands. Featuring fresh farm-to-table ingredients and provisions, brilliant cocktails, and a global wine list are complemented by ocean views and attentive service.
2022 OpenTable Diners’ Choice
2022 Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence
Voted Best New Restaurant by Hawai’i Magazine
Favorite beach: All beaches, but Kaunao‘a Beach at Mauna Kea Resort is especially dear to me. A decade of memories over the years adds up, from early days of watching my son learn to swim in waves to building friendships while being active. This beautiful beach has a long stretch of sand perfect for walking, jogging and talking with friends. Our tradition is to touch the lava rock at each end of the beach or the lap doesn’t count.
Favorite snorkel spot: Two Step at Hōnaunau Bay. It is epic! There is so much to see, waiting for you under the surface. I always bring family and friends to see this great spot—it never disappoints.
Favorite hike: Mud Lane. The cathedral arched trees overhead remind me of forests where I grew up on Vancouver Island—different trees but same majestic presence.
Favorite ritual: Daily cortado, my coffee habit, at ARVO in Waimea or Trading Company near Kona, depending on where I am. Both keep my heart beating with my love of Kona coffee!
Favorite hangout: Uila Records. I tend to overplay my favorite music of the moment to death with protest from my 13-year-old son. I visit Uila for listening, shopping and fresh music inspiration.
Favorite treat: Ice cream in Hāwī at Our Founding Farmers. Dozens of smallbatch, homemade flavors when you want a special treat. Lemon is craveable, I will eventually try every kind.
Favorite place to splurge: Seaside Beach at Hualālai. Resort fashion did not come naturally at first moving from a land of short summers! This is a perfectly curated shop that has everything one might need to feel fab whether working out or going out!
Favorite discovery: Enjoy Fashion Salon in Waimea. I have far less ‘bad hair’ days thanks to Francesco and Katia.
Occupation: F&B Director Hualālai Club, Four Seasons Resort Hualālai
How long you have lived in Hawai‘i? 9 years
Moved from: Vancouver, British Columbia
Favorite Hawaiian entertainer: Ka‘ulu Amaral dancing hula. Every time, without exception, I feel moved to tears when I watch Aunty dance hula. You can’t help but feel like you are a witness to a living legend. She transcends emotional interpretation and generations of Hawaiian tradition through gesture and movement.
Favorite place for getting ready for happy hour: Kamuela Liquor Store. It is always a pleaure to talk story with Alvin while checking out Old World reds, beautiful Champagne, and extensive tequila selection. This is the best location to supply happy hour!
Favorite place to catch the sunset: Residents’ Beach House. Working at Hualālai has allowed me nightly access to the best show on earth. Stunning sunsets and the occasional green flash are spectacular while dining at this hidden gem of a restaurant, steps away from the ocean.
Favorite food: Kona Kanpachi. Baked, crudo, ceviche, salt crusted. Exquisite in any form and so good for you with an extra boost of omega-3s.
Favorite place to take in history: Pololū Valley is extraordinary both in historical significance and scenic wonder.
If you were a visitor, you would want to know ... the Pono Pledge! @ ponopledge.com.
The land you're standing on is very special. For millions of years, forces of nature have worked to create and shape these very islands, as each one slowly, but surely, rose from the sea. Welcome to the island of Hawai‘i, also known as the Big Island, the newest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. Here, you can witness many facets of awe and wonder as you explore valleys carved eons ago or newly formed coastlines, all waiting for you to discover their immense beauty, their historical and cultural importance, and their relevancy to our island’s vibrant future.
Bigger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, the Big Island is an island of contrasts and contradictions. Maunakea looms as our tallest volcano at 13,803 feet, but extends another 19,700 feet below sea level making it the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the base. (Mount Everest is the highest mountain.) Yet, only a hundred feet or so shorter, Mauna Loa is considered the world’s largest volcano, both in terms of mass and volume. Kīlauea, which until recently was one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is not even the youngest. Right off the southeast coast of the Big Island lies Lō‘ihi Seamount, a submarine volcano slowly growing larger, and poised to make its emergence above the sea surface in only a mere hundred thousand years, give or take.
Whatever type of adventure you’re looking for, the Big Island delivers in spades. If you’re looking to step foot into some of the world’s best and most colorful beaches, with your choice of white at Hāpuna Beach State Park or Manini‘ōwali Bay (also known as Kua Bay), black at Punalu‘u, grey or green sands at Papakōlea, you’ve come to the right place. If you’d rather explore massive
peaks, dense jungle rainforests, subterranean lava tubes (Thurston Lava Tube in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park), dry, arid deserts, and almost all types of landscapes in between, the Big Island has it.
Thrill-seekers might prefer catching a big wave or soar high above the trees on a zipline over stunning waterfalls. For adventurers who prefer less adrenaline inducing activities, gently float down an old cane field irrigation ditch in a tube in Hawi. And nature lovers can look for sightings of native birds in a peaceful forest. Whatever you’re seeking, whether its relaxation and respite on a gorgeous beach or unforgettable adventure, the Big Island is an extraordinary playground for all.
Everything about the Hawaiian culture, traditions, history, language, food and, of course, genuine aloha is truly what makes this place so singular. Learning about King Kamehameha, the great unifier of all the Hawaiian Islands, and his journey from a young chief to commanding statesman, is a historical significance felt greatly on the Big Island, his birthplace.
The Big Island is home to one of the most diverse populations in the entire United States. Along the way, you’re sure to experience the unique culture of many ethnic groups of people who have made Hawai‘i home over generations. From the ancestors of former sugar cane workers, including Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese and Korean residents, to more recent immigrants such as Anglo-American, Marshallese and other Polynesian Islanders, each culture has brought its own flavor here. Taking the time to see how they’ve blended into a beautiful mélange is one of the joys of the different experiences found here.
With over 400,000 visitors annually, Kahalu‘u Bay is easily one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Hawai‘i. But this overwhelming popularity comes with a hefty toll that can result in the physical destruction of coral, diminished fish activity and damaging chemicals being added to the sea. The ReefTeach program was created to reduce these stressors and increase the resiliency of the sea by educating visitors and residents on how they can respectfully enjoy the ocean. Starting with a University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant in 2000, the initiative was joined in 2006 by The Kohala Center, which helped to expand the educational offerings resulting in the robust programming that endures today. Well-trained and dedicated volunteers of all ages are available for on-site education at Kahalu‘u Bay Tuesdays through Saturdays between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm. During these sessions, participants learn basics such as what coral is and the types of fish you will see at the Bay as well as specific information on how to be a non-destructive snorkeler. When visiting Kahalu‘u Bay, be sure to partake in this free educational program and learn how to malama (care for) the sea that we all love.
Learn more about the ReefTeach Program at kohalacenter.org/kbec/reefteach
Founded in 1996, this nonprofit organization dedicates its efforts to the conservation of Hawaiian wildlife, the protection of native species and the restoration of natural habitats. Operating out of Kā‘anapali, Maui, the Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund now has programs statewide helping to connect volunteers with opportunities to make a difference and protect our delicate ecosystems. On the Island of Hawai‘i, programs have been established allowing volunteers to hike into remote areas to aid in the monitoring of honu (green sea turtle) nests, coastal clean-ups in the Ka‘ū region or tend to plants in the native plant nursery. For established volunteers, there is also a program available where groups head out to the shoreline to search for lost or abandoned nets which can be hazardous to sea creatures. Whether you have an afternoon, a day or even a weekend, the Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund has a volunteer opportunity to fit your time and interests.
Learn more about the Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund at wildhawaii.org/
As the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative states, we all have a reason we may want a tree planted. Some may want to commemorate celebrations like an anniversary or the birth of a new family member. Others may want to have a tree planted in honor of a loved one who has passed. And others may just want an opportunity to leave a place in a better state than when they visited. Whatever your reason, the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative is giving people the rare opportunity to help plant koa trees and be part of the renewal of native forests. Held in high esteem by native Hawaiians, the koa tree was central to life on the islands. Whether being used by warriors to construct weapons or carved into beautiful canoes used to sail the seas, koa wood symbolized beauty and strength to the Hawaiian people. Today, koa trees and native forests are dwindling due to over-harvesting, damage by cattle and deforestation. For a fee, you can support the planting of a koa tree complete with a Legacy Tree Certificate, which notes the type of native tree planted and tree dedication. With the aid of drones and mobile technology, purchasers can return home and view their trees remotely to monitor their growth.
For more on their programs or to sponsor the planting of a native tree, visit legacyforest.org.
Image by Natalia Mastrascusa
For thousands of years, Hawaiians have adorned themselves with materials sourced from nature. Whether serving as decoration or used to communicate status, these natural adornments have played a significant role in Hawaiian culture. Many of these objects are still popular to this day, tying together generations of those who adorn themselves with nature.
Symbolic of the connections between people, lauhala products are created by weaving leaves of the hala (Pandanus tectorius) tree. So intertwined with the history of the Hawaiian people, lauhala sails even brought the Polynesians to the islands when they settled the Hawaiian chain between 1,000 – 1,200 A.D. Today, you can find lauhala in many forms – woven into hats, wrapped around bangles, crafted into bags and as mats like the ones Hawaiians used thousands of years ago.
When buying a lauhala product, it is recommended that you smell the item to make sure the product is free of any musty smells. To store a lauhala product, you will want to choose a cool, dry place without any direct sunlight and cover the lauhala product thoroughly because dust can easily settle in its folds. It is also recommended that you inspect your lauhala piece between wears snipping away fraying edges as they appear. If not snipped away, these frays can continue to erode the structure of the lauhala product.
Cherished as one of the most prized shells in the world, Ni‘ihau shell products are created by the painstaking stringing of tiny shells collected on The Forbidden Island of Ni‘ihau. The art of creating lei, necklaces, earrings and bracelets from these tiny shells is an art form taught between generations of families and for hundreds of years, ali‘i (chiefesses) could be seen wearing multiple-strand necklaces crafted from these diminutive shells.
Lei is the most popular product featuring these shells, which can take years to complete just one. To be considered a true Ni‘ihau shell lei, all the shells must be collected on the island of Ni‘ihau, and the lei must be crafted in Hawai‘i. There are three types of shells allowed in the mix –laiki shells, also known as rice shells for their resemblance to grains of uncooked rice; momi shells, which are slightly smaller than the laiki shells and oval in shape; and the kahelelani, the tiniest and most prized of all Ni‘ihau shells. Measuring just larger than a pin head, kahelelani shells have a gentle dome and come in a variety of colors from ‘ākala (a rosy pink) to the ke‘oke‘o (a delicate white color).
When shopping for a Ni‘ihau shell lei, look for balance within the design and consistency of the shells. Since the shells are made from calcium carbonate, they are sensitive to all chemicals, and it is recommended you do not get makeup or perfume on your shells. To clean a Ni‘ihau shell lei, it is recommended you gently wipe the lei with a 100% cotton cloth and store it in a box or jewelry case.
Also known as black pearls, these stunning organic gems grow within black lip oysters in French Polynesia. Ranging from white to black in base color, Tahitian pearls feature stunning undertones in colors of pink, blue, silver or peacock green. Developing in round, semi-round, teardrop and baroque shapes, Tahitian pearls are typically strung together as stunning necklaces and used as a striking addition to rings or earrings.
Once you bring your Tahitian pearl jewelry home, there are care notes to be aware of. When wearing your Tahitian pearls, it is recommended to treat the pieces of jewelry as “final touches” worn after hair and makeup are completed to avoid getting chemicals on the pearls. If you tend to have dry skin and don’t wear your pearls often, a small amount of olive oil or coconut oil can be used to hydrate and shine them. After wearing a Tahitian pearl, it is recommended to gently wipe the piece with a dry cotton cloth or clean sea water and pat dry, being mindful to never use an ultrasonic cleaner, steamer or brush. When storing jewelry crafted from Tahitian pearls, it is recommended to store pieces in a case or pouch to avoid scratches and avoid dry or hot environments.
A couple local options when looking for Tahitian pearl jewelery on the Kohala Coast are Hildgund Jewelers and Maui Divers Jewelry.
The nuts from the kukui tree, one of the canoe plants brought to Hawai‘i by the original Polynesian voyagers, represent enlightenment, protection and peace. This multipurpose nut was vital to life in Hawai‘i. The meat within the nut was roasted and used as an ingredient in traditional poke, the oil was harvested to light lanterns and the remaining shell was used as decorative embellishment for hula dancers, kahuna (priests) and ali‘i.
Once the nut was cleaned out, the exterior was sanded, buffed and polished. After preparation, the kukui nuts were strung to create shiny lei or bracelets used either as ceremonial garb or as a pure ornament. Today, kukui nut lei are available in many stores and lei shops and are often given at times of celebration. This low-maintenance lei will last for years if given the proper care of a gentle wipe down after wear with a cotton cloth.
Whether blocking the strength of the sun with a wide-brimmed lauhala hat or adorning their necks with the delicate shells of Ni‘ihau, Hawaiians adeptly adorned their bodies with materials from nature. Thankfully, these traditions have been passed down from generation to generation allowing us to continue to enjoy the natural adornments as people of the past did.
Where you see dried up pastureland on the island of Hawai‘i, chances are sandalwood (‘iliahi) used to populate the space forming a verdant green canopy as far as the eye could see while protecting multiple stories of plants and trees that thrived together and nurtured each other. Of the eighteen species of ‘iliahi in the world, Hawai‘i has its own wealth of six species—more than anywhere else—endemic to the islands but now reduced to a rarity by overharvesting. ‘Iliahi was integral to an ancient culture that valued its long-lasting fragrance, its medicinal qualities and its sacred role in accompanying the dead on their next journey. >>>
Sean Chun, a keeper of the traditional culture and kahuna lapa‘au (respected traditional healer) on Kaua‘i, observes the significance of sandalwood to Hawaiians. He remembers as a boy he “used to gather for kupuna (respected elders)” sandalwood “that would include the leaves and shavings with iwi (bones) that were buried.” He continues, “Medicinally, the leaves and bark were boiled with several other herbs and used as a wash for wounds or open sores. It was also used to treat head lice when combined with other herbs.” A use that really harks back to Old Hawai‘i is the heartwood of ‘iliahi being formed into a powder and dusted on kapa (tapa cloth / bark cloth) to add a perfumed scent. Unlike koa, ‘iliahi was used sparingly in the crafting of musical instruments.
Hawaiians were not the only ones to recognize the value of ‘iliahi. The wood has a sacred place among Buddhists, as Buddha was cremated on a bed of sandalwood. Hence, the fragrance was believed to help in the passage from this life to the next soul form. Malas (prayer beads) and incense are made from sandalwood in the belief it is a counterforce to negative forces. As a result, it was a cherished gift in India. Chinese medicinal practitioners especially valued sandalwood for activating Qi energy, bringing it into harmony by stimulating yang energy.
Sandalwood was a staple in Chinese traditional and Ayurvedic medicine. The oil or paste from sandalwood has been used for millenia to calm and cool the body, as well as to treat ailments such as the common cold, skin concerns and upset stomach. Healing properties of sandalwood are promising for the ailments present today throughout the world—from mood disorders, especially anxiety, to inflammation and even cancer. Herbalists are enthralled with many of the properties of sandalwood. Lisa Parker on Kaua‘i was fortunate enough to have acquired a gallon bag of sandalwood sawdust. She was able to use it in her “distiller to make some nice hydrosols.” Mainly, she enjoyed co-distilling sandalwood with ylang ylang, the latter also known for boosting mood and encouraging a feeling of well-being. Spa experiences with sandalwood and other healing herbs are very desirable, also owing to beneficial skin effects.
Demand was so high for ‘iliahi in the early 1800s that it became the main Hawaiian export
between 1810 and 1820. Chinese traders contracted with Hawaii’s first king, Kamehameha I. The trade decimated the forests and took a toll on the laborers who carried the wood, since Hawai‘i did not have the animals used elsewhere to be “beasts of burdens.” The extensive deforestation that took place affects Hawai‘i to this day, leaving huge land areas literally dried up and barren. The entire tree was harvested in the past to maximize the capability to extract oil from the root and tree stump. Overharvesting took place contravening the Hawaiian tradition of maintaining a balance between the land and people—planting a tree for the one extracted and taking from the land sparingly and respectfully. To further the plight of ‘iliahi forests, the tree requires a “symbiotic planting” in which host trees (namely ‘ōhi‘a lehua, māmane, pūkiawe and ‘a’ali’i) are companion planted to support the tree.
In a new era of cultural awakening and native environmental awareness, efforts are being made throughout the island to restore what has been lost. Hāloa ‘Aina is a spread of land on the slopes of Mauna Loa on the Island of Hawai‘i that consists of 2,780 acres dedicated to reforesting ‘iliahi. The name includes the Hawaiian word ‘aina which is very symbolic and suggestive of the Hawaiian traditional wisdom, mālama ‘aina, that is to take care of the land because it takes care of us. The care and honoring of the land are core values of indigenous cultures. Founder Wade Lee found the land in a barren state in 2010 and committed to restoring it. The stewards of the burgeoning forest started keeping track of the number of ‘iliahi trees in 2014. According to a land survey in 2021, they documented the existence of 700,000 new trees, including the ones they had planted and natural volunteers. Reforestation efforts have also seen rainfall increase.
Only the dead trees are harvested. When the main stem at the top of the tree dies, the tree becomes susceptible to fungi, with some entering through the root system from the soil. This is the tree ripe for harvesting. The oil is then extracted over twenty-eight to thirty hours. Son of the founder, Justin Lee, described the unadulterated process. The oil is cured in a warm environment for seventytwo hours and does not need to be touched again before going to market.
Combining economic viability with sustainability, Hāloa ‘Aina aims to be a model for others intent on reforesting pastures into forests. Justin describes what he hopes will be the end product. The goal is to take the land back to “pre-cow conditions,” 150 years before cattle, before the cattle industry clear-cut the forest and introduced non-native grass. A huge challenge in restoring the forest is clearing invasive plants that multiply quickly in a tropical environment. Justin wants Hāloa ‘Aina “to resemble what old Hawai‘i sandalwood groves would look like.” The project considers the dry land forest to be the most endangered environment in Hawai‘i. His main concern is “that we are a Hawai‘i family doing what is right for Hawai‘i.”
The Hawai‘i we know as paradise is very much defined by the forest. Even with loss, forests make up about one-third of the land area of the state. The Hawaiian tropical forest stands out among forests for its numerous endemic species, estimated to be over 10,000. Sadly, the forest area of Hawai‘i has been reduced by half. Therefore, the loss of species is devastating. Species include plants, animals and microscopic organisms. So many species have been endangered and lost that Hawai‘i has increasingly been labeled “the extinction capital of the world.” Alarmingly, the forest is struggling to be a sanctuary for the species that depend on it. Habitat loss is certainly a factor in the devastating loss of forest birds. The forest is essential to the quality and supply of water. Forest depletion first became a concern in the 19th century when it became apparent that water might not be available to sustain sugar production as it became more profitable. In response, a forest reserve
system was created but has not been able to keep up with the pace of destruction. Concerns about the availability of drinking water currently have become heightened. Rainfall tends to decline as the forests decline. In a multi-storied tropical forest, each layer plays its role in collecting rainfall and condensation. Leaves, trunks and root systems become conduits for water. The canopy is a giant soaking sheet. Higher level plants drip, drip, drip water onto lower layer species. Surface layers of ferns, shrubs and fungi cushion the forest floor. Abundant vegetation and the cooperative ecosystem can soften the fall of rain and absorb it gradually into the ground and filter it into streams. The opposite situation of run-off, even flooding, result in soil erosion occurring on bare, parched land. “Rewilding” through reforestation creates a gentler environment for natural processes and safer habitat for forest creatures.
The spiritual motivation behind saving the forests was beautifully expressed by Chan K’in Viejo, a revered indigenous Mayan spiritial leader. He wrote, “When a mighty tree is felled, a star falls from the sky. When the great trees are cut down, the rain ends, and forest turns to weed and grass.” Such has been the tragic fate of ‘iliahi forests. Much is at stake in the reforestation projects that are taking place throughout the islands … ancient Hawaiian culture, traditional medicinal practices, the creatures that inhabit the forest, the shape and fertility of the land, how the rain falls, and, it seems, the stars.
Learn more about Hāloa ‘Aina and opportunities for planting trees at their reforestation project and other volunteer activities at haloaaina.com.
Aloha— a word rich with meaning, culture and history. It represents an island way of life, a consciousness of caring and appreciation for the ‘āina (land), the moana (sea), and the po‘e (people). It is a practice passed down and cultivated within the Hawaiian community, both an invitation and offering to be part of something communal—a spiritual collective allowing the participant to experience a greater sense of being and wholeness with the land and people around them. To embrace the spirit of aloha means connecting the nature of one’s own being with the ebb and flow of island living.
But where does aloha come from? Is it mana (spiritual power) saturated within the porous volcanic rock and deep blue horizons of the islands? Or is it the mana all people have deep down below the horizon of their thoughts, a flowing consciousness of magma saturating the core strands of our very DNA, just waiting to erupt? Are we hardwired to look upon the beauty and grandeur of these remote islands and connect with a deep evolutionary sense of peace and comfort? Did our ancestors, be them Hawaiian or other, evolve in a world where the bounty and protection of these life-giving ecosystems was such a powerful and central component to their survival that the very smell, hues, shapes and sounds of these places are etched deep into our genetic identities and collective conscious awareness? Much as we flinch when a spider jumps at us in the dark, have we evolved to react with a deep sense of gratitude, peace, comfort and happiness around nature’s grandeur?
Have you ever asked yourself why staring out at the water fills you with a sense of awe, excitement and a profound peace that you are exactly where you should be at that moment? Billions of dollars are spent to travel to these types of destinations each year. Whole industries have evolved around them— travel, tourism, clothing, outdoor gear, adventure sports, etc. Have you ever wondered why the same piece of property is 10 times more expensive on the beach than it is on the block around the corner from a factory? Why do people spend thousands upon thousands of dollars to dig big holes in their backyards and then fill them up with water? Or pay extra for an ocean view at a resort? Is it simply for the beauty? Or is it because a compulsion deep inside the recesses of our instinctual brains will go to extreme lengths to look out and feel, smell and see the sea or any bit of pristine nature looking back at us? Which begs the question—why do we consider these places beautiful? There is no doubt that some scenescapes are more desirable than others. So, what is it about the nature of nature’s beauty that moves us to unwind, decompress, get “back to basics” and allow our stress to flow away like a babbling brook and our sense of happiness and contentment to rise like the mighty peaks of Mauna Kea?
We are easily lulled by the sweet siren song of nature’s masterpieces into our core state of consciousness, a mindset we fight fiercely and fruitlessly to recreate through our day-to-day triumphs and tragedies, but slip effortlessly into, like a well-worn glove, once our toes press softly into a sandy beach or the smell of sea spray fills our heads with the promise of place-based perfection. But, why? And does this have something to do with the spirit of aloha?
As scientists and spiritualists delve ever deeper into our subconscious, a few surprising and not-so-surprising trends have begun to emerge. Many credible studies have shown that nature can improve focus, performance, reduce the number of sick days, and even assist in managing pain. We are hardwired
to feel healthier, more grounded and at peace with ourselves in and around natural settings, particularly the water. This may seem obvious, as we all know that feeling of peace, contentment, excitement and energy in nature. But it turns out that people who live close to the water are actually happier than those living farther away. Just being shown pictures of the water or natural green landscapes, elicits positive emotional responses. Even the color blue has been shown to create soothing effects associated with trust and relaxation. Clearly, certain shapes, colors, sounds, feels and smells are biologically more pleasing to the mind.
This is partly based on the fact that we have evolved over millions of years to the tactile sounds, smells, feel and function of the natural world. But we have removed ourselves from that world in which our senses are most closely attuned. Instead, we live with hard sidewalks, images on a television, plastic surfaces, box shaped rooms and lines of sight constantly cut short by walls and windows. But when we return to nature in any way, shape or form, be it looking at a blue or green picture, walking in the woods or swimming in the ocean or a river, we literally reimmerse our minds into the world which we emerged from over thousands of years of evolutionary conditioning. That is what you feel when you look out at the ocean, up at the moon or across a mountain vista. You are home! At least your brain thinks so.
A type of peace and happiness literally washes throughout your body as the neurons and hormones of your subconscious brain fire away in rapid celebration as they recognize the forms, angles, shadows, sights and smells that you grew from and to which you belong. A fish knows what to do in water—it swims. Just as your brain recognizes the natural environment better than any other and is therefore “happy” when it finds itself in familiar territory. That is the warm and fuzzy feeling we get staring up at the starry outline of Hawai‘i’s volcanic peaks; it’s the “flow experience” of spending the day hiking or exploring a coastal beach; it’s why we choose to live here or chose to travel here despite great difficulties. Something instinctually conditioned within each of us compels us to seek the places our brains have evolved to recognize, the places we consciously label “beautiful.”
Our minds are simply attuned to the tactile world that is most likely to aid in our survival. For most of human history, this has been natural settings. So, when we experience the full sensory onslaught of modern life, our brains don’t easily accept that these foreign sensations
will lead us to safety. The result is stress. Go down to the beach, and immediately the brain recognizes the sensations it knows best, and although the natural world can be a dangerous place, we feel a sense of well-being and understanding. The belief that being near a beach can benefit one’s health is not new: doctors have been recommending trips to the shore or seawater bath treatments as early as the 18th century.
Hawai‘i’s natural dominion helps us to experience a core way of being that we all have embedded in our subconsciousness. As we connect with it, we understand the spirit of aloha: a shared experience of peace, happiness and contentment brought forth by aligning the ancient makeup of our minds with the natural world that has sculpted us. A feeling that you belong. A feeling of aloha.
Breathe your vitamins. The sea air contains thousands of negative ions, which are odorless, tasteless and invisible molecules that produce biochemical reactions once they enter your bloodstream to increase levels of serotonin and increases the flow of oxygen to your brain.
Eat fish. Research shows that people who eat fish regularly are less likely to suffer from depression. Many studies show that omega fatty acid deficiency may lead to depression. Fish is a symbol for happiness and good health in various religions and cultures and for good reason.
Take a stroll. In a study conducted by Stanford University, “The benefits of nature experience: Improved affect and cognition,” being in nature produces positive affects on a person’s well-being including reduced anxiety and rumination, and an increase in working memory performance. Simply taking a walk through a natural setting can increase performance on tasks that need sustained focus. In one test, performance on memory and attention tests improved by 20% after the subjects walked through an arboretum. Performance was also increased when subjects looked at nature photos.
Stay healthy. In other studies, experiencing nature reduced the number of sick days taken in an office setting.
Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park emerges into view as a vibrant green oasis in a land of barren, sun-scorched lava. This pristine park just south of Kona invites guests to find sanctuary below mighty stonewalls, gently swaying palm trees, and humble thatched roof huts. Despite its lush appearance, it’s important for visitors to realize it was once much more than a reprieve from the elements.
The name of the park stamps its ancient purpose as pu‘uhonua means “place of refuge.” It is believed that for over 700 years, Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau served as both a favored residence of Hawaiian kings, and a sanctuary for the exiled and doomed. In ancient Hawai‘i, the kapu (sacred laws) system strictly governed every aspect of society. Infractions as simple as touching the property of ali‘i (royalty) led to certain death, as it was believed the gods would unleash natural disasters for unpunished offenses.
A pu‘uhonua offered sanctuary to anyone facing execution under the kapu system. During times of war, these compounds also provided a safe haven for families on the run, and offered defeated warriors a place to rehabilitate. Even those guilty of serious crimes could find shelter inside a pu‘uhonua, but first
they would have to avoid capture and secure safe passage to their destination.
Though not the only place of refuge, PPu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau was considered the most significant given its remarkable architecture, and no simple place to enter. A palace complex inhabited by ali‘i forbid trespassers from the east, towering stonewalls blocked all other land entry, and only ali‘i could land their canoes at the bay’s small, protected cove. To reach safety, asylum seekers were forced to plunge into the uncertain waters of Hōnaunau Bay and swim their way to sanctuary. If a lawbreaker survived the swim and entered the pu‘uhonua, they were granted a ceremony absolving them of their crimes and allowed to return back to society.
According to ancient Hawaiians, the sacred site’s powers came from the bones of 23 deceased chiefs buried within the temple and mausoleum, Hale o Keawe. It was believed the bones of these chiefs contained mana, or spiritual power, that would protect the lives of the village’s inhabitants from the fury of the gods.
For many centuries, in addition to being a home for kings, a bustling village sat just outside the sanctuary’s walls. Abundant fish inhabited the bay
while inland farmers grew taro, sweet potatoes, bananas, sugar cane and breadfruit. Nearby freshwater springs gave consistent drinking water and the bay offered a calm landing spot for canoes. Once the traditional seat of power for the chiefdom of Kona, ali‘i and their council lived in the Royal Grounds at the edge of the refuge. Hōnaunau was also known the ancestral home of the Kamehameha dynasty.
After the arrival of European settlers in the late 1700s, Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau slowly began to lose its esteem as a cultural and political epicenter of Hawai‘i. The shallow bay could not host the large trading vessels of the outsiders, and ali‘i chose to move to the more booming ports of Kailua and Honolulu. Much of the refuge began to fall into disrepair, and it was finally abandoned with the fall of the kapu system in 1819. For decades, the city crumbled under the harsh forces of sun, wind and sea. Although initial reconstructions began as early as 1880, it wasn’t until after the designation as a National Historic Park in 1961 that full-scale restoration effort brought new life to the once grand ruins of the Place of Refuge.
Today, Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau is considered one of the most sacred and culturally significant sites in the state and is well worth a visit. The masterfully maintained park grounds encompass a total of 182 acres and encourage visitors to get in touch with the intriguing and powerful history of the region. Stand in front of the nearly 1,000-ft long aptly named Great Wall and try to imagine how long it took to create this engineering marvel. Believed to have been first constructed around 1550, the wall measures nearly 12’ tall and 18’ wide and is composed entirely of meticulously stacked and unmodified chunks of lava rock.
The site’s famed Hale o Keawe is the most intact Hawaiian heiau (temple) still remaining, and haunting ki‘i (carved wooden statues) surround its walls. Visitors also have the chance to view Polynesian-style paddling canoes, wander among authentic thatched roofed structures and play
traditional Hawaiian games. The south end of the park encompasses the remains of former Ki‘ilae Village, accessible by a scenic 2-mile round-trip coastal trail. Keep an eye out for the park’s other inhabitants, the gentle honu (sea turtle), flocks of colorful birds and plots of edible and medicinal plants.
As a bonus, the protected waters of Hōnaunau Bay offer some of the best snorkeling and diving conditions on the Island. Nicknamed “Two Step” for a moderately easy shoreline access near the boat launch, the waters here are teeming with vibrant coral plumes and schools of colorful reef fish. At the north end of the bay, the reef ends and a deep sandy bottom hosts acrobatic spinner dolphins more often than not. Stay out of the water if the seas are rough and keep your distance from the dolphins no matter how hard they beg you to come play.
Fortunately, accessing Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau no longer requires a swim. The nearly 420-acre National Historical Park can be found by heading roughly 20 miles south of Kona on Highway 11. Turn makai (toward the ocean) between milepost 103 and 104 onto Highway 160, before cruising the final 3.5-mile stretch. Turn at the Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park sign and make your way in.
Self-guided tours are made easy with a highly informative park map; be sure to stop by the visitor center to grab one. Park hours are from 8:15 a.m. to sunset every day, and entry fees are $20 for a car and $10 on foot. For up-to-date information on cultural demonstrations and guided talks, call the visitor center at (808) 328-2326, extension 1702. You may also find information online at www.nps.gov/puho/ index.htm. Hōnaunau is a great place to be immersed in Hawaiian and Polynesian history, so allow at least an hour or two for proper exploration of this sacred site. Please be respectful of the cultural significance of this extraordinary place and follow all rules and regulations. Bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat; and step into history.
Today, Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau is considered one of the most sacred and culturally significant sites in the state
Rimmed by towering eucalyptus trees and verdant fields lies a land that has lent its fertile soils to generations of farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs and kings. Discover Honoka‘a—a land that continues to give.
Home to Native Hawaiians who believed the land to be infused with mana and honua (power and peace), this region along the lush Hāmākua Coast stretched throughout several ahupua‘a (land divisions that ran from the mountains to the sea). Coastal fishermen who braved fishing off the steep cliffs traded with lowland farmers and upland hunter-gatherers. All shared in the bounty of the land. Natives reaped banana, sweet potato, yam and kalo (taro) abundantly before sugar took its reign in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The sugarcane industry invited the first generations of Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Puerto Ricans, Koreans and Filipinos to work in the fields and build their new lives on the cliffs. Honoka‘a transformed into a vital commercial and recreational hub, and so emerged the historic town and its western-style buildings that symbolized
the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture that also took root. As the sugar industry dissolved, the community diversified its crops and quieted down. But sitting against the deep blue Pacific waters that seemingly rise into bright skies and distant puffy clouds, Honoka‘a continues to offer its harvests and beauty, all while retaining its plantation-era charm and sweet heritage.
To explore and taste for yourself the bounty of Honoka‘a, start with an awakening cup of rich Hāmākua coffee from Āhualoa Family Farms’ “nuthouse,” once a sugarcane haul truck fueling station. Savor Hāmākua coffee’s bold flavors with very low acidity and bitterness, and of course, you must pair your pour with gourmet macadamia nuts handpicked from local orchards. For a hint of sweetness, try the lilikoi (passion fruit) macadamia nuts, and for something a little richer, sink your teeth in chocolate-covered macadamia nuts. They’re quite addicting. Now a jar of the sweet and salty Mac Butter or the decadent Macnella chocolate spread will catch your eye. Just treat yourself!
Once you’re fueled up and energized, make your way into Historic Honoka‘a Town. Travel back to old Hawai‘i as you wander through the wooden plantation-era buildings on Mamane Street, the town’s main road. Discover preserved treasures like the Honoka‘a People’s Theatre, a 525-seat theater built in 1930 by Japanese American entrepreneur Hatsuzo Tanimoto. At the height of the silver screen era, the movie house was packed regularly and played a range of Hollywood and international films for its multicultural audience. The Honoka‘a People’s Theatre continues to serve as a gathering place, presenting a selection of popular and independent films and is recognized as the heart of the town.
For another treat, grab a warm malasada from Tex Drive In. The golden, pillowy Portuguese doughnut dusted with sugar can be enjoyed plain or piped with a luscious filling. Guava, mango, coconut and more—the pastry fillings are enticing. Each bite will have you licking your sugared lips to satisfaction.
Before exploring more of Honoka‘a, head some eight miles north to majestic Waipi‘o Valley, where ruling Hawaiian monarchs took seat. More than 50 generations of Hawaiians lived in this once political and religious center. Though
today less than 100 people live amongst the waterfalls, kalo fields and rivers permeating the valley, Waipi‘o remains a beloved landscape. The steep, narrow road to the valley is currently closed to visitors, but the lookout offers gorgeous views of this regal haven. Stand in awe as the dramatic cliffs plunge 2,000 feet into the evergreen fields and listen as the waves charge unceasingly onto the gorgeous black sands. Come with respect and leave inspired.
When you’re ready for a memorable meal, head back to town and stop at Harmoni Foods, a casual Korean eatery run solely by chef-owner Susie. Using organic ingredients and only the freshest local produce, Susie consciously prepares food to bring out all the natural flavors gifted by the local soil. The bibimbap is perhaps the most colorful dish you will lay your eyes on. To bring this vibrant bowl to life, Susie sources ingredients from five local farms, sometimes more. Even the perfectly seasoned beef comes from cattle that graze on the grasses of the Hāmākua Coast. If you order the kimchee grilled cheese sandwich, add the turmeric ginger lemonade, and let all the flavors revive your senses. Everything on the menu is flavorful and beyond delicious—an understatement, really. You’ll be planning your return before your last bite.
Stand in awe as the dramatic cliffs plunge 2,000 feet into the evergreen fields and listen as the waves charge unceasingly onto the gorgeous black sands. Come with respect and leave inspired.
If you’re in Honoka‘a on a Sunday, visit the Hāmākua Harvest Farmer’s Market, where you’ll see for yourself the bounty of the land. The market hosts a variety of vendors offering fresh, locally grown produce and ‘ono (delicious) food. For traditional Hawaiian staples, see Bradda Les, who grows kalo right in Waipi‘o Valley. The steamed kalo chunks or pounded poi (taro in a pudding-like consistency) will give you an authentic taste of the crop deemed sacred to Hawaiians. Another favorite dish is the sesamesoy-based hō‘i‘o (fern shoot) salad, also picked from the valley.
As you continue to explore the medley of shops on Mamane Street, the tantalizing aroma of chocolate being tempered will lure you through the doors of the Honoka‘a Chocolate Company in the Hasegawa building, where confectioner Seishiro Hasegawa served Japanese treats in the plantation days. Carrying on the building’s sweet legacy, Honoka‘a Chocolate Company handcrafts award-winning artisanal chocolates from cacao grown on the island and even right above town. Indulge your senses while sampling all signature chocolate flavors like the silky Drunken Goat Milk Bar with a special barrel-aged infusion
or the Pure Hawaiian Cacao Bar, which boasts buttery toffee notes and a nutty finish. But don’t feel guilty for consuming so many sweets. After all, you are immersing yourself in a town with sugary beginnings.
And of course, you can’t forget to do some shopping. If you want to take some artwork back with you, visit Revel Artistry Collection, which hosts treasures from 25 local artists. The boutique’s selection includes original paintings, resin art and koa bowls and drums, just to name a few. For contemporary island clothing and handmade swimwear featuring patterns inspired by the islands’ flora, visit Kelea Love Swimwear, Kalokini Swimwear or Wehi’s Boutique. If you’re overwhelmed by all the beautiful designs, just snag a piko‘ole pāpale, a crownless hat perfect for your beach or messy bun hair days.
Honoka‘a is filled with so many other things to explore and indulge in. Here is a place truly rich in hospitality, history and soil. Whatever you seek to experience, you’ll leave enlivened and nourished with a deeper connection to the land— the land that continues to lend itself generously to all who step foot on it.
story KRYSTAL KAKIMOTO
Often a bucket-list item for visitors to try, poke is synonymous with the Hawaiian Islands and has roots in pre-contact times. While maintaining elements of the traditional recipe, poke has incorporated ingredients of settlers and mirrors modern palates, helping it become a popular dish worldwide. Whether stepping up to the poke counter at a grocery store or visiting a neighborhood poke shop, the options can seem overwhelming; but by understanding the history, ingredient options and ways to eat poke, you can have fun along the culinary adventure of enjoying one of Hawai‘i’s favorite dishes.
Long ago, fishermen would return from their time at sea to clean the fish they caught that day. While cleaning the fish, they would take tiny bits of the remnants and season them with Hawaiian sea salt, bits of limu (seaweed) and a sprinkle of ‘inamona (ground and roast Kukui nut). This nutritious dish replenished their vigor and satisfied their hunger and thus, the dish of poke was born.
The word “poke” literally means “to cube” or “to cut into pieces,” referencing the chunks of fresh fish which are central to this dish. Traditionally, fish like ‘ahi (Yellowfin tuna), aku (Skipjack tuna) or he‘e (octopus) were the base of poke and were cut against the grain resulting in a more tender cut. Ancient Hawaiians would add their prized Hawaiian sea salt or ‘inamona to season the dish and often top it with a bit of crunchy limu. Over recent decades, slices of sweet Maui onions or pieces of green onion have been added to the mix also. This simple rendition of poke is both sweet, spicy, refreshing and briny, making for an unforgettable experience.
As people from Japan, China and Korea moved to the islands to work on the sugar and pineapple plantations, they brought ingredients from their homelands that they married with traditional Hawaiian poke. Additions of shoyu (soy sauce) and sesame oil added new flavor profiles to the dish while toppings such as furikake (roasted seaweed and sesame seeds), tobiko (flying fish roe) and wasabi (Japanese horseradish) added bursts of flavor.
Millions of tourists travel from the continental United States to Hawai‘i each year and as more travelers visit, poke chefs have met their new guests’ preferences with the addition of ingredients familiar to the visitors’ palates. Two important additions to the ingredient list of poke were mayonnaise and sriracha sauce which are key when creating the ever-popular, spicy ‘ahi poke. Beginning with chunks of tender ‘ahi, shoyu and sesame oil are often used to flavor the fish. Scoops of mayonnaise and sriracha are added before the poke is topped with slivers of green onion. After traditional poke, spicy ‘ahi poke comes in as one of the favorite types of poke today. Today, you might see poke topped with bits of fried onions, cilantro and even jalapenos.
As poke continues to evolve, vegan options are also appearing at poke counters. For a meatless option with great texture, some like to opt for tofu poke. Typically, tofu poke begins with cubes of firm tofu (pressed soy curds) which are tossed in shoyu, sesame oil and sometimes rice vinegar which brightens the dish.
Aromatics of ginger and garlic are also a staple in tofu poke making this dish wonderfully savory and perfect as an entrée or snack. Another extremely popular type of vegan poke features steamed beets as the base. Also prepared in a similar way to traditional poke, beet poke has a similar sweet earthiness to fish making for a delicious alternative to traditional poke.
Poke originated as a snack enjoyed à la carte by fishermen. Today, poke can still be enjoyed on its own as a snack or as a pupu (appetizer). Many shops also offer poke bowls which start with a generous serving of
steamed rice and usually two poke options. poke bowls continue to progress with lots of colorful toppings and sauce options but the great debate in the islands is how to properly eat a poke bowl. Some locals prefer to dig right in and eat their poke bowl as-is with each scoop being a luck of the draw. Others prefer to mix all the ingredients in the bowl together to ensure equal ingredients in each bite. Either way, poke bowls are a fun way to enjoy this traditional creation in a modern way.
Another unexpected way to enjoy poke is by serving the poke on chips to create a great fusion dish. Typically drizzled with savory sauces, this way of eating poke can be seen on many restaurant and bar menus. To make poke nachos at home, start with a bed of your favorite thick-cut chip. Top the chips with your poke of choice and then decorate with sauces like kakayaki (a sweet-soy glaze for fish) sauce, srirachamayo sauce or even a wasabi aioli. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onion and enjoy a fun play on nachos.
From its roots in ancient Hawai‘i, poke has come a long way to reflect the melting pot that Hawai‘i has become. Whether eating poke à la carte as you watch the sunset or enjoying a haute poke flavored with truffle oil, it is important to remember that there is no wrong way to eat poke
Brown's Beach House
‘ULU Ocean Grill
CanoeHouse
Seafood Bar
Pau Hana Poke
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
Hau Tree
story KRYSTAL KAKIMOTO
images STEVE HILL
Speaking with celebrity chef and half of the fraternal team behind the Blue Ribbon restaurant group, what shines through is the passion that Chef Bruce Bromberg has for locally sourced ingredients and the family spirit infused through all his ventures.
Raised in New Jersey and trained at Le Cordon Bleu, he and his brother Eric Bromberg translated their love of food into their first restaurant, Blue Ribbon Brasserie. Since the opening of their first location in 1992, the brothers have continued down the path of success by creating dining experiences authentic to the neighborhoods their restaurants are nestled within. This year, Chef Bruce is a leading force behind the Mauna Lani Culinary Classic, a three-day food celebration highlighting the best in gastronomy, wine and mixology.
Looking back on your childhood, what are some fond memories you have that are centered around food? Well, there’s an awful lot of them! I would have to say that we grew up in a very food-centric household. It was always centered around what my dad would bring home that night and what he would cook for us. It didn’t matter what he was making, but there was always a story behind everything we would eat. I would have to say that one of the most exciting memories that I had around food was when my father held a political fundraiser back in the 70s at our house. I must have been eight or nine years old, and it was a Maine-style lobster bake. I remember being a little kid seeing hundreds of lobsters being cut up and dished up and remember standing right next to the guys who were cutting the lobsters all night.
Being raised in a household where food played such a significant role, do you think you always wanted to be a chef?
Yes. My brother and I are co-chefs, and we started Blue Ribbon Restaurants thirty years ago. The crazy thing is we were pretty obsessed with Benihana as children and would dress up as Benihana chefs. I think for Eric’s thirteenth birthday, I got him a chef knife, knife holster
and Benihana hat. We would practice slicing shrimp and things like that to the point where I think we kind of destroyed our mom’s kitchen trying to recreate the Benihana dishes. But, you know, I don’t think I knew exactly that I was going to be a chef, but I knew my brother and I loved creating things together and were always coming up with different recipes.
What drew you to the islands and made you realize you wanted to call Hawai‘i home?
I came to Hawai‘i for the first time for a James Beard event. It was a celebrity chef tour, and we prepared a dinner at the Mauna Lani eleven years ago. Somehow, the island resonated with me; the people and the culture resonated with me. I loved the fact that there was this strong culinary culture that existed, and I fell in love with the products that were on the island. I think the islands also drew my wife in, who is from South Africa. She has gotten incredibly close and comfortable here, even though it is on the opposite side of the planet. I think it was really the chefs and farmers we met and just the overall family structure that seems so solid and culturally deep. That’s what made us feel comfortable in Hawai‘i and made us want to raise our child here.
What are some of your favorite local ingredients to work with?
Well, I am obsessed with hearts of palm that come from Puna Gardens. It is an extraordinary product. I sent some to Tiffany Derry, who is one of the visiting chefs of the Culinary Classic. She immediately said that it would be the star of her dish. We are also close with a lot of the local farmers, and I’m always excited about the various products and love the seasonality in the produce.
What would your perfect day off look like?
Strangely enough, it might involve some cooking! The perfect day might be paddling or spending time in the water with my family followed by hanging out with family and friends. I have a great outdoor kitchen set up in my home in Hawai‘i. We would probably end the night with a Hawaiian-style BBQ.
What are some ingredients that you always have in your kitchen?
I always have different sea salts from Hawai‘i, and I think they are great building blocks for bringing out the flavors in fresh products. I always try to buy locally and fresh and try to create cool dishes with what I find in the markets.
How did you get involved with the Culinary Classic event?
I did the event back in 2012 and then we ended up moving to Hawai‘i. When Auberge Resorts took over at Mauna Lani, I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to revive what we had built all those years ago with the James Beard Foundation. I reached out to the Mauna Lani team and proposed this idea, which also falls on the 30th anniversary of Blue Ribbon Restaurants. I wanted to do something special and thought nothing could be better than bringing together local chefs with mainland chefs to highlight Hawai‘i’s amazing bounty of seafood, meats and produce to celebrate Hawai‘i.
Chef Bruce notes that what originally started as a oneday dinner has evolved into a poignant event. Between live food demonstrations and cocktail walkarounds with chefs on the beach, each event is aimed at bringing the attention of the culinary world to the Big Island. With the Mauna Lani Culinary Classic, he aims to “bring the community together and take advantage of this exciting opportunity to honor everything we have.”
August 31 - September 2, 2023 at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Mauna Lani presents the inaugural Mauna Lani Culinary Classic, a three-day food celebration featuring the best in gastronomy, wine and mixology. Showcasing award-winning local and national talent as well as an unbeatable line-up of experiences, the Culinary Classic connects chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, friends and neighbors in the name of culinary creativity. For tickets and more information, visit aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/culinary-classic.
story KRYSTAL KAKIMOTO
Lauded as one of the hottest restaurants in the state and one of the “can’t miss” Asian restaurants in Hawai‘i, Moon and Turtle continues to amaze guests with their international menu infused with Pacific flare. This intimate restaurant exudes the vibes of a beloved neighborhood haunt, where guests enjoy the purposefully small menu that allows Chef Mark Pomaski to focus on executing each dish without sacrificing quality.
Born and raised in Hilo, Hawai‘i, Chef Pomaski’s journey to kitchens officially began in Eugene, Oregon at a Japanese restaurant called Shiki where he met Tetsuya Ozaki. Under Ozaki, a third-generation sushi chef from Osaka, Pomaski learned the fundamentals of sushi and basic knife skills that gave this Hawai‘i boy a solid culinary foundation. From Oregon, Pomaski worked in Seattle before returning to the islands—imbued with all the knowledge and training he gained in the kitchen and from his mentors. In 2007, he was hired as the head sushi chef for Roy Yamaguchi’s newest restaurant, Roy’s Waikīkī, and later became the corporate sushi chef for all of Roy’s Hawai‘i restaurants.
Pomaski now enjoys a full-circle moment by participating in the thirteenth annual Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival which was co-founded by his former boss, Chef Roy Yamaguchi. This year, Pomaski joins the over 150 internationally renowned chefs participating in this three-weekend-long epicurean experience which showcases the diversity of Hawaiian agriculture and homegrown culinary talent. One festival event that Pomaski will be participating in is the Indigenous World Cuisines event which will be held on October 20, 2023 at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. This outdoor evening event will bring together ten esteemed chefs who will highlight their diverse
cultural heritages via indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking preparations.
Pomaski will be representing his own restaurant, Moon and Turtle, which he and his wife took over in 2013. At that time, the menu featured Thai dishes; but with dedication, attention to detail, and a thoughtful eye, Pomaski reinvented the menu to better reflect the flavors found in the islands. He also worked to create connections with local farmers, ranchers and fishermen to incorporate more local ingredients and give the menu a better taste of place. Over the past ten years, the restaurant has evolved, blending aspects of fine dining with the ease of comfort food while gaining a loyal following.
The menu is small—offering a handful of tapas-style plates and about three larger plates each night—all meant to be shared family style. The reasoning for the highly curated menu is that it allows Chef Pomaski to fine-tune and master each dish, sending out culinary masterpieces with each order placed. Another quirk of the location is that the menu changes frequently allowing the chef to serve the freshest produce, fish and island-grown products creating a menu that reflects the variation of season.
While the menu does change regularly, there are crowd-favorite dishes that are must tries. One all-star dish is the Smokey Sashimi which starts with tender
filets of local ‘ahi topped with kiawe-smoked shoyu (soy sauce), Hawaiian chili pepper water and extra virgin olive oil. Deceptively simple, this dish blends the smoky saltiness of the shoyu with the sweet briny flavors of the sea to capture an umami flavor within each bite. Another signature dish of Chef Pomaski’s repertoire is his Mushroom Risotto which begins with grains of Koshihikari rice, a short-grain varietal known for its natural sweetness and chewy consistency. The rice is slowly cooked with white wine, Hāmākua Ali‘i mushrooms and earthy shiitake mushrooms before being finished with nutty parmesan cheese and a drizzle of truffle oil.
An exquisite drink menu complements the menu options, much of which is chosen by Chef Pomaski’s wife and Moon and Turtle co-owner, Soni. Many of the red, white and sparkling wines were selected for their pairing versatility and ability to play well with the bold flavors of each dish. Aside from their divine wines, another lure for many customers is the handcrafted cocktails, many of which feature produce and hand-squeezed fruit juices made from products sourced from the
islands. As with the food menu, the drink menu also changes frequently but there are a few crowd favorites to look for. One is their Li Hing Preserved Lemonade which starts with a serving of Pinnacle vodka, fresh lemon juice and house-made simple syrup. Their house-preserved lemon syrup and li hing (preserved plum) seed are added, resulting in a mouth-puckering sour drink balanced with a kiss of sweetness.
In 2022, Chef Pomaski earned the high honor of being named a semifinalist for the James Beard Award in the category of Best Chef in the Pacific Northwest and Pacific. Despite this esteemed nomination, the unassuming atmosphere, fivestar service and attention to detail continue to shine each night at Moon and Turtle. As Pomaski’s star continues to rise, his attention to detail and thoughtful dishes persevere, making Moon and Turtle a must-visit restaurant on the Big Island.
The Moon and Turtle is located at 51 Kalākaua Street in Hilo; (808) 961-0599; Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Since opening its doors in January 2021, Patisserie Nanako has gained a devoted following of people who fell in love with their handmade, Japanese-style pastries. A family-run business, Patisserie Nanako is the brainchild of Nanako Perez-Nava. Raised in Kagoshima, Japan, she graduated from the Nakamura Pastry Technical College before moving to Hawai‘i to work in some of the most illustrious kitchens in the state. For over a decade, she worked on her craft before moving to the Big Island to open Patisserie Nanako with her husband and three children. One popular menu item is their Mini Milk French Baguettes. The mini baguettes are baked fresh until fragrant and golden brown before being split down the center. Once opened, each baguette is hand filled with their delectable, sweet cream transforming the baguettes into the perfect breakfast on the go or a sweet midday treat. In addition to an assortment of turnovers, sweet bars and filled pan (Japanese bread), another staple of their menu is the Raspberry Ladybug Mousse. Created by Nanako when she worked for the Moana Surfrider in Waikīkī, the ladybug now serves as a symbol of good luck for the pastry chef as well as the Patisserie’s logo. This enchanting dessert features a rich mousse encased in a sweet raspberry glaze that sits atop a light chocolate cake. The pastry shop is known to sell out quickly, not only because of high public demand but also because of the small batches employed by Nanako to keep quality standards high.
Patisserie Nanako in the Parker Ranch Center; 67-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy. #A106 Kamuela, HI 96743; (808) 796-3630; Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Instagram @patisserienanako.
Located on the Kona Coast is a 10-acre aquafarm serving premium, live abalone for the entire world to enjoy. Big Island Abalone specializes in producing the Japanese Ezo strain of abalone, an abalone prized for its tenderness, versatility and briny delectability. For over 20 years, researchers have studied this strain in conjunction with the Kona environment to understand why it does so well in Kona waters. Researchers surmise that the vibrant volcanic activity combined with the pure, cold sea water makes for the ideal environment for abalone to thrive in. In addition to these factors, the area receives nearly 300 days of sunshine which allows the Dulse algae, the main food product for the abalone, to flourish. Tours of the abalone farm are held throughout the day, but reservations are required to ensure there is available space on the tour. The exploration of the aquafarm runs up to one hour in length and explores the history of the farm as well as the history of abalone in Hawai‘i and across the world. Guests learn about the lifecycle of abalone and are treated to hands-on abalone and sea creature interactions before the tour concludes with a sampling of freshly grilled abalone.
Big Island Abalone; 73-357 Makako Bay Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740; (808) 334-0034; bigislandabalone.com; Tours available Monday to Friday at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 11:45 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.
Established in 1998 and still owned by the Reddekopp family, the Hawaiian Vanilla Co. welcomes guests to visit their sprawling farm and tour their vanilla vines after enjoying an intimate, gourmet lunch featuring their vanilla products. The two-hour experience is o ered Monday through Friday beginning at 12:30 p.m. and begins with guests selecting a beverage of their choice. Whether enjoying their vanilla lemonade, vanilla iced tea or a blend of the two called the “Jimmy Boy,” guests are refreshed before embarking on their vanillainfused adventure. The coursed lunch continues with highlights including their fresh greens tossed in vanilla raspberry balsamic dressing and a vanilla-bourbon marinated chicken breast served atop vanilla sweet bread buns and garnished with caramelized onions and their vanilla mango chutney. After lunch concludes, attendees are taken to tour the grounds while they learn about the history of the company and the cultivation of vanilla beans. As the afternoon winds down, guests can explore the Hawaiian Vanilla Co. store to purchase their pure vanilla extract or whole vanilla beans as well as products that incorporate their vanilla like the Island Pineapple Chutney or Vanilla Garam Masala Spice Rub.
Hawaiian Vanilla Co.; 43-2007 Pa‘auilo Mauka Road, Pa‘auilo, HI 96727; (808) 776-1771; www.hawaiianvanilla.com; Lunch and tour available Monday to Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Tour only available Monday to Saturday from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cool down after a hot day at the original shave ice spot on the island and delight in some of the most inventive flavor combinations around. inventive flavor combinations around. The Original Big Island Shave Ice Co., or OBISIC for short, dates to 1957 when Lorraine Kaono began to drive her mobile store, called Waimea Home to Home Market, through neighborhoods to sell vegetables, meats, candy, cold soda and shave ice. In 1976, she renamed her business Lorraine’s Snack Mobile and continued to sell sweets to locals for decades becoming affectionately known as “The Shave Ice Lady.” The company grew and in 2013, her son Reginald Ignacio opened their Waikoloa store which is now in their fourth generation of family operation. When visiting their store, guests have three routes to take to place an order. They can either select one of their tried-and-true, pre-made flavor combinations like the Lava Flow or Rainbow Cream, indulge in a specialty flavor combination like the Almond Joy or Root Beer Float or make their own original creation. To do this, guests start by choosing the size of their shave ice followed by ice cream options that sit below the fluffy shaved ice. Syrup options follow ranging from sweet cotton candy to extravagant strawberry cream, or flavors made from real fruit juice like guava and liliko‘i. Once the first three steps are complete, the final choice is to select which toppings they would like to decorate their mountain-high masterpiece.
Original Big Island Shave Ice Co. in the Waikoloa Kings Shops; 250 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa, HI 96738; (808) 865-6069; www.obisic.squarespace.com; Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
KOHALA ZIP & DIP zipline
MAUNAKEA SUMMIT & STARS stargazing
DELUXE SNORKEL BBQ & DOLPHIN WATCH boat tour
HISTORICAL CAPTAIN COOK DINNER CRUISE boat tour
UMAUMA FALLS ZIPLINE TOUR zipline
UMAUMA RIVER & FALLS DELUXE ATV TOUR o -road tour
KEALAKEKUA SNORKEL TOUR boat tour
THE ORIGINAL SUNSET & STARGAZING TOUR stargazing
LUXURY CATAMARAN CHARTER boat charter
HIDDEN CRATERS HIKE hiking tour
KONA KOZY magic show & improv
VOLCANO ADVENTURE TOUR sightseeing tour
THE INTERACTIVE ROASTING TOUR co ee tour
THE MAUNA KEA LŪ‘AU lū‘au
HAWAI‘ILOA LŪ‘AU lū‘au ISLAND BREEZE LŪ‘AU lū‘au
LŪ‘AU O HALE HOALOHA lū‘au
CAPTURE THE MOMENT portraits & photography
Sights
PU‘UKOHOLĀ HEIAU cultural site
LAPAKAHI STATE PARK cultural site
PU‘UHONUA O HŌNAUNAU cultural site
AHU‘ENA HEIAU
Snapping the QR code on any guide page will take you there in the Savvy360 app.
› COMBO OF 2 POPULAR TOURS
› PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE
› STUNNING VIEWS AND WATERFALLS
Spend an inspiring and exhilarating day in North Kohala, a land of stunning beauty and profound cultural significance. Zipline high above the forest floor, picnic with stunning views of the North Kohala valleys and swim under a private waterfall fed by a cool mountain stream. Two popular tours (Kohala Waterfalls Adventure and Kohala Canopy Adventure) are combined into one action-packed day where you will stroll by secluded waterfalls in a private nature reserve, swim and play under a hidden waterfall and enjoy lunch at an exclusive picnic site. Enjoy a fun, offroad drive behind the locked gates of Kohala and fly through the full aerial canopy course, led by two certified guides.
55-515 Hawi Road, Hawi (Map G, #2, PG 184)
The journey from sea level to the nearly 14,000 foot summit of Mauna Kea reveals the wonders and world-class clarity of the Hawaiian night sky. Enjoy a warm picnic dinner and learn about Hawaiian star navigation. Discover the historical accounts of early travelers through the mountain regions with your interpretive guide as you delight in the awe-inspiring Hawaiian sunset at the top of Mauna Kea, the highest point in the Pacific. The tour will then descend to a lower, more comfortable elevation after the sun slips over the horizon as you sip hot chocolate during a private star show with our 11-inch Celestron telescope and your guide reveals the night sky.
Hawaii Forest & Trail
(808) 331-8505
• hawaii-forest.com
73-5593 A Olowalu Street, Kailua-Kona (Map D, #1, PG 182)
› LEARN ABOUT HAWAIIAN CULTURE
› BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF NIGHT SKY
› WINTER PARKA & GLOVES PROVIDED
Step aboard a luxury 65-foot catamaran for a fun-filled day of adventure on the Kona Coast! Explore the reefs on a protected underwater sanctuary, swimming and snorkeling among the marine life, and look for passing spinner dolphins that show up frequently along the way to the snorkel site. Snorkel instruction, Rx masks and Reef Safe sunscreen are available, along with complementary water toys, stand up boards and life vests. This 4.5-hour cruise includes about two hours of water time, complemented by a continental breakfast, BBQ burger lunch, snacks and beverages. Cocktails are available for purchase as well as local spirits and craft beers. You’ll cruise along the coast on cushioned seating, with access to restrooms, changing rooms and showers on board. When you’re done snorkeling, get the adrenaline flowing on the high-jump platform and 20-foot waterslide. Just bring a towel and a smile and they've got the rest!
This luxurious, three-hour, twelve-mile cruise to Captain Cook Monument departs in the afternoon from the Kailua Pier. The timing is perfect to see all the historical sites of the Kona Coast by day and catch the sunset on the way back. Unwind and listen in to live Hawaiian music while enjoying your favorite libation from the full-service premium cash bar o ering local spirits, craft beers, wines, champagne and blended drinks. Your first drink is complimentary! Their executive chef will prepare a five-course Pacific Rim style dinner for you. Nowhere in Hawai‘i will you witness a better dinner view than from this vessel, the Kanoa II. Keep your camera ready as dolphins may join you. As you approach the turn around point in Kealakekua Bay, you will see the monument where Captain James Cook first set foot in 1778. Enjoy a little history and fun!
Body Glove Cruises
(800) 551-8911
• bodyglovehawaii.com
75-5629 Kuakini Hwy., Kailua-Kona
(Map E, #1, PG 183)
Your experience of a lifetime begins at the Umauma Experience: Hawai‘i’s premier destination for outdoor activities. Umauma features a world-class 9-line zipline experience over waterfalls with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, the Hāmākua Coast and Mauna Kea. The first four lines are dual, so you can zip alongside a friend or family member. Line #4 is the longest at 2060 feet and entirely over the Umauma River! In total you zip almost 2 miles over all 9 lines combined! With a friendly staff, amazing views, beautiful waterfalls and long ziplines… Umauma will be your favorite experience during your trip to Hawai‘i. Don’t miss it!
If you are searching for your next adrenaline-filled adventure during your stay in Hawai‘i, take in the beautiful views of Umauma and the Hāmākua Coast riding in an off-road vehicle. Choose between an ATV or SXS and get down and dirty as guides lead you along a venturous course with stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, breathtaking stops to view the Umauma River and beautiful waterfalls, and a journey through a locally grown guava grove. There is no better way to enjoy miles and miles of muddy (or dusty) excitement. Includes a 5.5-mile course, opportunities to take photos of beautiful waterfalls and tropical scenery, as well as a short break at a private waterfall and lagoon.
31-313 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Hakalau (Map A, #6, PG 178)
› SUSTAINABLE TOURISM CERTIFIED
› BOATS POWERED BY BIODIESEL
› PLANT-BASED MEALS + SNACKS
Climb aboard the Fair Wind II and create magical memories in Hawai‘i! Snorkel in historic & pristine Kealakekua Bay, site of the world-famous Captain Cook Monument. With five decades of guiding Hawai‘i Island visitors, Fair Wind has earned a reputation for providing premium nautical adventures. Snorkel, swim, jump off the high dive or race down one of two slides, they offer fun for all ages and skill levels, while focusing on the safety of their guests. For the more experienced adult snorkeler looking for a more intimate and adventurous cruise, the Hula Kai vessel offers luxury and comfort while exploring remote locations along the South Kona Coast. Offered on both cruises, you will be equipped with all the snorkel amenities and gear while being served delicious and nutritious, plant-based meals and snacks highlighting locally-sourced and organically-grown ingredients— including 100% Kona Coffee and fresh produce grown on their own farms.
Journey to the top of this spectacular mountain, Maunakea. Learn about the night sky from Polaris to the Southern Cross and see the treasures of the night sky through a powerful telescope. As the pioneer guide service on Maunakea, their professional guides have over 60 years of combined experience on the mountain. This tour is educational and fun. Learn all about the island’s geography, culture and natural history from their experts, and a laugh or three isn’t out of the question. Get transported in comfortable, Mercedes 4X4 passenger vans with custom-built, coach-style seating and large windows where everyone gets a great view. Watch the breathtaking sunset and stargaze at the heavens with a panorama night sky like no other. This 7.5-8.5 hour excursion includes arctic style parkas, a hearty hot supper, gourmet hot beverages and convenient pick-up points.
› SEE ASTONISHING SCENERY
› PARKAS & A HEARTY MEAL PROVIDED!
› PROFESSIONAL, KNOWLEDGEABLE GUIDES
maunakea.com
Get ready for an epic adventure on the water with the Island's best luxury sailing and snorkeling charters by Big Island Shaka. Experience genuine aloha aboard their forty-foot sailing catamaran and brand-new luxury powerboat, the Shaka Lux. There are multiple types of private charters to choose from with departure times offered from sunrise to sunset. Enjoy world-class snorkeling, sailing, dolphins and whales (in season), views of Maui and picture-perfect sunsets. Included with every charter is their base amenity level, “Holo Holo,” which provides water, all snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen, lotion and shampoo and conditioner. Upgrade to the “Big Kahuna” amenity suite for complete catering options for any occasion, champagne and cabana beach towel service in addition to items included in “Holo Holo.” The well-trained crew will help to accommodate your preferred itinerary, desired activities and food and beverage requests.
Hidden high above bustling Kailua-Kona on the slopes of Hualālai Mountain is a world-class volcanic landscape that few ever experience. Passing through locked gates, Hawaii Forest & Trail will take you to this exclusive access location filled with native cloud forest, eruptive craters and a hidden lava tube. Begin this 3-4 mile trek on foot with your interpretive naturalist guide at 6,500 ft. above sea level. See firsthand the geologic forces that shaped large swaths of North Kona. Travel to magnificent coastal viewpoints and stunning lava formations; walk amidst a forest of native birdsong and scramble through a lava tube. Hualālai has many of the same qualities as Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park—without the drive!
Hawaii Forest & Trail
(808) 331-8505
• hawaii-forest.com
73-5593 A Olowalu Street, Kailua-Kona
(Map D, #1, PG 182)
› ACCESS THE INACCESSIBLE
› ADVENTURE IN LUXURY
› CREATE A CUSTOMIZED EXPERIENCE
Kozy is an internationally acclaimed and recognized “World-Class Comic Magician” and multiple award winner. He has 38 years of experience as a headline performer and producer in the global stand-up comedy market, nightclubs, theaters and casino resorts. His TV credits include HBO, Showtime, The Tonight Show, The Late Show, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, ABC, NBC, CBS, as well as The International Broadcast Market. Kozy also had the honor of a command performance for the British Royal Family at The London Palladium. He has made the Big Island his permanent home and is honored to bring The Magic of Hawai‘i to the stage at Kozy’s Tiki Palace. The show is a perfect blend of Kozy’s personal original magic and comedy, combined with the unique magic of Hawai‘i.
Discover the origins of the Big Island of Hawai‘i at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and witness the remnants of the recent 2018 eruption. Peer into the depths of Halema‘uma‘u Crater which doubled in size in the last three years. Watch steam clouds form as ground water seeps onto hot volcanic rock at the steam vents. Enjoy a picnic lunch and stroll through Lili‘uokalani Gardens. Drive through the city of Hilo and down Banyan Drive with live narration from your expert driver guide. Watch the prism of colors appear in the mist of the 80-foot waterfall at Rainbow Falls. Also offered as a one-day trip from the island of O‘ahu with an optional helicopter ride.
Polynesian Adventures
1-800-622-3011
• polyad.com
888 Kalanianaole Avenue Unit C, Hilo (Map H, #1, PG 185)
› SEE WATERFALLS AND VOLCANOES
› INCLUDES A TOUR OF HILO TOWN
› SWEEPING VIEWS AT KEALAKOMO
At Kona Joe Coffee, you are the coffee roast master! The Interactive Roasting Experience is a combined guided and roasting tour. Tour the Kona Joe Coffee farm, where the world’s first trellis coffee is produced. See how they grow and process Kona coffee like wine. Learn how to expertly roast coffee and operate an authentic, mini artisanal coffee roaster with instructions from your guide. Gain the secrets and magic of what makes coffee roasting a transformative experience as you roast ten ounces of coffee to your personal taste. Package the coffee and take it home to enjoy as a memory of your Kona Joe experience or as a gift. In addition to learning how to expertly roast coffee, you will receive a cup of Kona Joe coffee and a coffee gift. Located 8 miles south of Kailua-Kona.
Hawai‘i’s most historic and legendary lū'au has been called the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel home for more than five decades. Since the 1960s, Hawai‘i’s favorite feast and show welcomes guests to an unprecedented oceanfront setting for a memorable evening under the stars at the ocean’s edge. The evening's menu includes traditional Hawaiian fare along with a wide array of contemporary offerings and delicious desserts. A highlight for many is enjoying the talented Lim Family of Kohala who share Hawai‘i’s rich tradition of music. Children in attendance will enjoy learning the "Hukilau" hula and everyone will enjoy the show’s storytelling and a variety of music and dance all leading up to a thrilling fire knife dance finale. Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:30-8:30pm.
Held
Steeped in tradition and history, Kalāhuipua‘a at the Fairmont Orchid is known as a gathering place for ali‘i (royalty) and special visitors. An evening at the Hawai‘iloa Lū‘au is full of this same tradition of Hawaiian culture and hospitality, with the finest cuisine prepared by an award-winning culinary team and an internationally renowned cast of performers sharing the stories of Hawai‘i through live music and dance. Storytelling begins as beautiful hula dancers and talented musicians share the tales of Polynesia’s brave and courageous voyagers—as they traveled to Hawai‘i and established this land. Our family from Tahiti share the stories of their journey to Hawai‘i, with the lively beat of the traditional toere drum. Held Saturday evenings at the Fairmont Orchid and seasonally on Wednesdays.
Held at Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i (808) 326-4969 • hawaiiloaluau.com
1 N. Kaniku Dr., Kamuela (Map C, #1, PG 181)
Experience an evening of delicious food and authentic Polynesian entertainment. Held under the stars on the shores of Kamakahonu Bay and Ahu‘ena—Kamehameha the Great’s former estate in Kailua-Kona, the Island Breeze Lū'au has been named "Best of West Hawai‘i" since 2000. The evening begins with a warm welcome and an opportunity to meet the performers, while learning traditional arts and crafts. Savor the lavish Hawaiian cuisine with local favorites including kalua pork, fresh fish, grilled beef and fresh island produce all combined with an open bar. Island Breeze Lū‘au is held under the stars, on the historic grounds of the King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Resort, located adjacent to the pier in Kailua Bay.
Held at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Resort Courtyard by Marriott (808) 326-4969 • ibluau.com 75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona (Map E, #3, PG 183)
Celebrate the beauty and stories of the land area known as Kalāhuipua‘a. Considered the “piko” (center) of the 5 majestic mountains of Haleakalā, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualālai & the Kohala mountain range—Mauna Lani is a sacred place to all who have the privilege of enjoying its beauty. Traditionally, lū‘aus are important family celebrations with a feast of favorite foods, mo‘olelo (story telling), mele (music) and hula. Lū‘au o Hale Hoaloha brings together all of these, as an award winning cast shares Mauna Lani's very special history and the true essence of aloha and ‘ohana with everyone in attendance. Held under the stars every Friday evening, guests are welcomed on to the ‘ilipana (land area) of Kalāhuipua‘a and immediately understand what makes a gathering at Mauna Lani a forever memory.
68-1400
› PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWS YOU TO TRAVEL ANYWHERE, INCLUDING TO EMOTIONS THAT COME WITH THE BEAUTY OF A TENDER TOUCH
Are the images you take on your phone (or the nearest passer-by) the ones you want to display on your wall, or on your social media page? Will the photos be good enough to showcase in your home or be precious family heirlooms loved by your loved ones? When you want fine photography to cherish forever, hire a professional who can capture your family authentically, yet artistically. Natalia Mastrascusa is an award-winning photographer whose approach is genuine, thoughtful, and stylish. Her joy is to capture emotional splendor in a simple touch, kiss, laughter and just enjoying time together. Her passion for family photography started with her desire to capture her own family in a way her children will treasure their life memories for generations to come. Hawai‘i offers spectacular backgrounds for your dream family portraits. Every session begins with a candid conversation to ensure you get the priceless pieces of art your family deserves.
This quiet and peaceful park allows visitors a glimpse into traditional Hawaiian religious practices and the fascinating life of the most revered Hawaiian king. Built by King Kamehameha to honor his family war god, Kū and to fulfill the prophecy of uniting the Hawaiian Islands, it tells the vibrant tale of the unification of the Hawaiian Islands during one of the most important periods in Hawaiian history. Thousands of men, including Kamehameha himself, worked for nearly a year in the construction of this temple. It is said that the workers formed a long human chain from Pololū Valley, over 20 miles away, to Pu‘ukoholā. They passed lava rocks down this human chain, one by one, and used them to skillfully build Pu‘ukoholā Heiau without the use of any bonding agents such as cement or mortar.
Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (808) 882-7218
62-3601 Kawaihae Rd., Kawaihae (Map B, #1, PG 180)
About 12 miles north of Kawaihae, Lapakahi State Park features the remnants and partially rebuilt structures of a 700-year-old fishing village named Koai‘e. At this 262-acre park, you can take a short self-guided tour and gain an understanding of what daily life was once like in this village. This area was inhabited until the late 1800s. Historians are not completely sure why it was abandoned, but a popular theory is that the water table decreased and minimized access to fresh water in this location. In addition to providing a glimpse into life in ancient Hawai‘i, Lapakahi offers stunning views of the coastline and ocean. Lapakahi is free and open from 8am to 4pm daily, with the exception of state holidays. Brochures are typically available when you enter the park.
Lapakahi State Park
Located 12 miles north of Kawaihae Harbor (Map A, #3, PG 178)
This national historical park known as Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau served as a safe haven in times of war and was also a place of cleansing for kapu (law) breakers. Wooden images of Hawaiian native ki‘i (gods) and heiau (temples) on the sacred grounds of the beautiful and serene beachfront sanctuary make this a must-see historical park. Because ancient Hawaiians believed that if the spirit was not fed then it would drift away, kāhuna and others left food offerings in the temple. Today with the revival of Hawaiian customs, you may see offerings of food on the lele (tower) at Hale O Keawe. The park is home to some of the most significant traditional Hawaiian sites in the Hawaiian archipelago. Open daily 7am to sunset. Admission is $3-$5.
Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park (808) 328-2326 • nps.gov/puho
Four miles south of Kealakekua Bay on Rte 160, Hōnaunau (Map A, #4, PG 178)
A thatched shrine built and restored on an artificial island in Kamakahonu (Eye of the Turtle) is guarded by wooden images (ki‘i). King Kamehameha I settled here in 1812 and maintained his royal residence until his death here in 1819. King Kamehameha dedicated Ahu‘ena Heiau, a temple of prosperity, to Lono, god of fertility. Significant history was made on the royal compounds when Liholiho, who became King Kamehameha II, dined with the great queens Keōpūolani and Ka‘ahumanu, breaking one of the most rigorous kapu. This bold act brought on the abandonment of the ancient kapu system and opened the door to Christianity.
Kamakahonu Bay at Historic Kailua Village 75-5660 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona (Map E, #4, PG 183)
Pololū Valley might not be very well known outside of the residents of the Big Island; however, it is a majestic sight. Located in North Kohala at the end of Highway 270, it winds past the quaint town of Hāwī. Just past 28-mile marker, you will round the corner and suddenly be treated to a breathtaking view of Pololū Valley—the same view that previous generations have enjoyed for centuries, and one of the most spectacular panoramic views on the Big Island. The walk down to the valley floor is a rocky hiking trail less than a mile long and ends at a black sand beach. The views make the hike worthwhile, however, the hike up can be strenuous. It’s advised that you wear sturdy shoes and use caution, especially if the path is wet. You won’t find any amenities or lifeguards on the beach, but you will get a rapturous glimpse of nature’s beauty at its finest.
Mile marker 28 on Hwy 270, Kapa‘au (Map A, #5, PG 178)
Also known as Valley of the Kings, Waipi‘o ("curved water" in the Hawaiian language) Valley could also be considered earth’s Garden of Eden, with breathtaking vistas bounded by 2,000foot cliffs, spectacular Hi‘ilawe Falls plummeting 1,200 feet from Kohala Mountain to the bottom of the valley, fruit trees, taro fields, streams, and a crescent black sand beach. The steep and narrow road down the valley is currently closed to visitors, but the lookout offers breathtaking views without breaking a sweat. The lookout is perfect for taking pictures and having a picnic in the covered pavilion.
Located at the end of Hwy 240, Honoka‘a (Map A, #7, PG 178)
The charming old-school island town of Hilo, seemingly frozen in time, has many waterfalls that are not only easy to find, but require just a short walk to view. Waiānuenue Falls, famously known as Rainbow Falls, is one such waterfall that stretches about 80-feet long and is probably the most easily accessible on the island—just a short walk from the parking lot and only a few minutes from downtown Hilo. The falls' name was inspired by the multi-colored prisms seen in the mist of the falling water and comes from ānuenue, meaning rainbow, and wai meaning water. The water spills over an ancient lava rock cave that is said to be the home of the Hawaiian moon goddess, Hina. Depending on the amount of rain, the waterfall sometimes descends at a trickle or it could be gushing over the edge with many ribbons after a storm.
Rainbow Falls Rainbow Dr., Hilo (Map H, #2, PG 185)
Located within ‘Akaka Falls State Park, this is one of the most highly recommended waterfalls to visit on Hawai‘i Island. The pathway to reach 442-foot tall falls is about 0.4 miles long and takes you through an enchanting rainforest, as well as to a smaller 100-foot tall waterfall, Kahuna. Several legends of varying details surround ‘Akaka Falls. The premise, however, is that a Hawaiian chief named ‘Akaka lived in the area and was said to be having an affair. When his wife discovered this, he somehow ended up falling to his death, creating ‘Akaka Falls. The trailhead is located just off the parking lot. The paved route, which includes multiple steps in places (not wheelchair accessible), makes an easy to follow loop offering stunning viewpoints of the two waterfalls. Parking is $10 per car.
‘Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls Rd., Honomu (Map A, #1, PG 179)
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,677 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes—Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. From wilderness adventures to short walks and scenic drives, there's plenty to do in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Walk through lush rainforest and see a cave where a river of lava flowed 500 years ago at Thurston Lava Tube, or enjoy one of the many trails in the park, such as the Kīlauea Iki trail which descends 400 feet through rainforest into a volcanic crater, and hike across a hardened lava lake from the 1959 eruption. Check with the park regarding the latest activity at the crater.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Located near Volcano Village
(808) 985-6000
(Map A, #2, PG 179)
› NUMEROUS DAY HIKING TRAILS
› TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE TO THE SEA DOWN CHAIN OF CRATERS ROAD
A nationally-ranked beautiful, white sand crescent beach fringed with palms and naupāka is a great place for swimming and snorkeling due to the gradually sloping sandy bottom, except during heavy winter surf. Get there early since public parking passes are limited. Lifeguard, restrooms and showers are available. There is a reason that Laurence Rockefeller visited this site in 1960 and chose to build the Kohala Coast's first resort on this pristine beach. You'll feel like you're in a real life Corona commercial as you relax at this idyllic spot. Located through the entry gate to Mauna Kea Beach Resort off Hwy 19.
62-100
This splendid, large white sand beach with clear turquoise water is great for swimming, snorkeling and body boarding. See Maui’s Haleakalā across the big blue Pacific. It’s crowded on the weekends and shade is scarce, so plan accordingly. Be careful of the strong rip currents and shore break. There is a lifeguard, picnic areas, snack stand, restrooms and showers. Located off Hwy 19, it is adjacent to The Westin Hāpuna Beach Resort with plenty of public parking spaces. The park has free admission for Hawai’i residents and is $5 for visitors. There are also camping permits available.
Located off Hapuna Beach Rd. and Hwy 19
Old Puako Rd., Kohala Coast (Map B, #3, PG 180)
› COUNTY LIFEGUARDED BEACH
› BE AWARE OF SURF CONDITIONS
› BRING YOUR OWN SHADE
A-Bay is a lovely, crescent beach with salt-and-pepper sand ideal for sail boarding, windsurfing, swimming and catching a perfect sunset. Palm trees separate the Pacific from the ancient fishponds and petroglyph fields. The water is usually calm so it makes a good family beach. You can walk south on a path upon entrance of the beach to find more private white sand beaches. Equipment rental, restrooms and showers are available. Located off Waikoloa Beach Dr. across from the Kings’ Shops and fronting the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort. Follow signs to beach.
Named for the utility pole marker, this is a lovely white sand beach with crystal clear blue water that is great for swimming and snorkeling due to its sandy bottom and gradual drop off. Snorkeling is great around the rocky outcropping inside the bay, but the best snorkeling is in the southern portion where depths range from 10 to 30 feet. Mostly the water is super clear, but periodic freshwater invasion by an intermittent stream can ocassionally reduce surface visibility. Exercise caution during the winter months due to high surf. There is plenty of shade and restrooms and showers are available. Located off Hwy 19, turn onto Puako Beach Dr.,then take the first right onto Old Puakō Road; beach parking will be on your left. This is where the beach also gets its moniker, 69 Beach, due of the number "69" utility pole close to the parking area.
This salt and pepper beach fringed with palms is within a sheltered cove and popular for swimming, snorkeling and fishing, and one of the best spots for snorkeling on the island, with an abundance and variety of colorful reef fish and sea life. Beware of high surf and rip currents. This is a great family beach park with picnic area, restrooms and showers available. Significant cultural history lies at this location, with Kahalu‘u Bay being listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Ku‘emanu Heiau lies on the north side of the bay, overlooking a popular surf break. Please be mindful of the living coral at this beach and help to preserve the corals by not stepping on them. Also, be sure to wear reef-safe sunscreens here, and every time you enter the Hawaiian waters.
A 1,642 acre coastal state park with some of the best beaches on the island, Mahai‘ula Beach is an exquisite white sand beach great for swimming and snorkeling in the well-protected bay. About a 30-minute walk north of Mahai‘ula Beach is Makalawena Beach, one of the most stunning beaches on the island, with silky white sand and beautiful, crystal clear turquoise water with sand dunes and trees as a backdrop and a shoreline made up of intricate coves. Located about 2 miles north of Kona International Airport off Hwy 19 between mile marker #90 and #91, take the rough 1½-mile road down to the beach. Part of Kekaha Kai State Park and just a mile or so north on Hwy 19 is Kua Bay, a gorgeous, pristine white sand beach great for swimming and body boarding.
Palm trees line this inviting lagoon where green sea turtles rest on the black sand. Near the boat ramp at the northern end of the beach lie the ruins of a heiau (temple) and a flat sacrificial stone. The swimming area is very rocky, and it can be dangerous to swim. Restrooms and camping are available. Ki‘i pohaku (petroglyphs) can be found near the County Park Pavilions within a protected area surrounded by a rock wall, just past the parking area. Make sure you look for these ancient carvings as they are easy to miss. There are also three ancient heiau in the immediate vicinity of Punalu‘u. Nearby is Ninole Cove, a small beach with a grassy area and lagoon good for snorkeling, with sand channels that make for easier access.
› COUNTY LIFEGUARDED BEACH
› BE AWARE OF SURF CONDITIONS
› WATCH FOR RESTING HONU
A PXG club fitting will bring you greater distance, accuracy, and consistency from tee to green. At your one-on-one club fitting, a PXG Fitting Specialist will meet with you to discuss your skill level and goals before introducing you to the PXG product line. Next, your fitter will analyze your performance data with TrackMan® golf simulators as you hit a selection of PXG clubs. PXG Fitting Specialists are highly trained golf equipment and fitting experts who work exclusively for PXG. Watch your performance skyrocket as you are expertly fitted for the right club heads, loft, lie, shafts, and grips to increase your distance and accuracy while lowering your scores. There’s nothing quite like a tour-caliber PXG club fitting to improve your performance and enjoyment of the game.
Schedule your PXG club fitting now at PXG.com or by calling 844.PLAY.PXG.
The first Jack Nicklaus Signature Course on the Big Island is home of the PGA Champions Tour Mitsubishi Electric Championship every January. This carefully groomed course was designed with a sense of place. Special care was taken to preserve the historic King’s Trail located on the course, and other significant cultural sites at the resort. Residents and residential guests of Hualālai along with guests of the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai may enjoy this great facility, which includes a nine-acre driving range with 27,000 square foot short game practice area. The course is coming off an extensive renovation that will be sure to impress all levels at this seaside gem.
This newly-opened 3,000 square-foot instruction and practice facility is the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy exclusive programming and improve their golf game with state-of-the-art technology and expert instruction. Programming includes a variety of offerings that combine fun, fitness, technology and luxury. Instructional services feature one-on-one coaching, video analysis, on-course lessons, full-day retreats, multi-student lessons, indoor “learn and play” sessions using TrackMan flight simulation, fittings and other custom programs. One of the indoor bays features Topgolf Swing Suite, a teaching studio featuring a golf simulator and lounge. The only offering of its kind in Hawai‘i, the tech-laden Swing Suite combines serious instruction with a menu of games.
Located in Hualālai Resort (808) 325-8000 • hualalaigolfhale.com
72-100 Ka'upulehu Dr., Kailua-Kona
(Map D, #6, PG 182)
› THE LOUNGE & COMFORT STATION BOASTS A FULL KITCHEN & BAR
› GET A LESSON IN STYLE—AND TECH
This Arnold Palmer/Ed Seay-designed 18-hole championship course is nestled into the dramatic natural contours of the land from the shoreline to about 700 feet above sea level. This beautiful course features spectacular vistas of the Kohala Coast and the Pacific, with snow-capped Mauna Kea volcano as a backdrop. Hapuna’s challenging play and environmental sensitivity make it one of Hawai‘i’s most unique golf courses. The Pacific Ocean provides every hole with a picture perfect backdrop. Hapuna Golf Course has gained a reputation as a hidden gem and for that reason is always a local favorite. Hapuna's challenging play and environmental sensitivity make it one of Hawai‘i's most unique golf courses.
For over 40 years, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has been the most celebrated resort in Hawai‘i. And Mauna Kea Golf Course, carved out of ancient lava flows by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., is consistently ranked among the top courses in the world. Created on what was once a barren black lava field, today’s lush fairways tumble across seaside cli s with unfolding ocean and coastal views. This course which emulates the legend of Hawai‘i as a golfer’s paradise, boasts the famed 3rd hole, seen above, where surging blue inlet waves thunder against a rocky black shoreline for an experience you’ll remember forever. Without changing the essential character of his father’s design, Rees Jones completed a tee-to-green renovation in 2008.
Ranked among the top 10 destinations of Golfweek’s “Best 2022: Top public and private courses in Hawaii,” Mauna Lani’s North Course is an 18-hole haven tucked within primordial lava fields and lush kiawe canopies. A coveted tour venue for golf enthusiasts, the North Course enjoys one-of-a-kind golf experiences, unrivaled amenities and state-of-the-art facilities. Pause to absorb the natural beauty of signature hole No. 17, where a natural lava bed amphitheater envelops more than 100 yards of verdant fairways.
Located in Mauna Lani Resort
(808) 885-6655
• maunalanigolf.com
68-1050 Makaiwa Place, Kohala Coast (Map C, #6, PG 181)
Former home to the PGA’s Senior Skins Game between 1990 and 2000, the South Course is a dramatic oasis with nods to avid golfer and famed senator, Francis H. I‘i Brown. Brush the rugged coastline in pursuit of humbling mountain and ocean views, or weave between undulating lava flows while practicing your short game. As you putt through fairways once cherished by golf icons of the past, celebrate the postcard-worthy views of No. 15, one of the world’s most photographed overthe-ocean holes.
› LAVA AND EPIC VIEWS ABOUND
› BRING YOUR SHORT IRON GAME— AND CAMERA—TO NUMBER 15
Located in Mauna Lani Resort
(808) 885-6655
• maunalanigolf.com
68-1050 Makaiwa Place, Kohala Coast
(Map C, #6, PG 181)
› A PERFECT COMBINATION OF NINES FORMS 27-HOLES OF GOLFING BLISS
› SHORT ON TIME? JUST PLAY NINE
World renowned golf has long been associated with the Kohala Coast, and Waikoloa Beach Resort is home to “Hawai‘i’s Premier 27-Hole Golf Experience.” Comprised of the Beach Nine, Lakes Nine and Kings’ Nine, each nine-hole loop at Waikoloa Beach Resort presents a unique landscape for the game along with aweinspiring views that range from the towering mountains that form the center of Hawai‘i Island to the shimmering blue Pacific Ocean. Nine-hole combinations are offered as 18-hole rounds and nine holes can be played anytime of the day. Start early, and play all 27-holes in one day.
CANOEHOUSE regional cuisine
HĀ BAR & GRILL island-inspired & al fresco bar
BEACH TREE cal-ital
‘ULU OCEAN GRILL regional cuisine & sushi
HUALĀLAI GRILLE steakhouse
THE MARKET gourmet market & deli
MANTA regional cuisine
COPPER BAR Eurasian & craft cocktails
MERIDIA mediterranean SEAFOOD BAR & GRILL island -inspired
BAR & GRILL asian cuisine
Snapping the QR code on any guide page will take you there in the Savvy360 app.
› DRAMATIC OCEANSIDE SETTING
› EXTENSIVE WINE LIST
Overlooking the Great Lawn, the Resort Pool, and the royal fishponds of Kalāhuipua’a, Hā Bar showcases creative spins on classic cocktails, shareable pupus, and alfresco ambience. Sip a Lani Tai - our take on the mai tai - before heading to the nearby Adult Pool, or stick around for live music while enjoying one of the best vantage points of golden hour.
› AL FRESCO STYLE BAR
› OPEN FOR LUNCH DAILY, 11AM-5PM
› OPEN FOR DINNER DAILY, 5-9PM
Located at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection (808) 885-6622 • aubergeresorts.com/maunalani
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr., Kohala Coast (Map C, #15, PG 181)
› NO BETTER PLACE TO END YOUR DAY— OR ENJOY A 3-HOUR LUNCH
› OPEN AIR, BEACHSIDE DINING
The essence of “barefoot elegance,” Beach Tree brings the feel of a Hawaiian beach house, where you can dine on the sand or in the open-air dining room as you savour Californian cuisine with an Italian twist. This ocean side restaurant and bar is an experience—a place to enjoy casual dining and linger longer, where the focus is on fresh, local, seasonal and handmade cuisine. The cuisine is Cal-Ital— innovative Italian dishes infused with California flavors. Handcrafted cocktails incorporating fresh, local fruit and a great selection of wines are also featured. At the center of the resort, it is a place to meet, connect with friends and family and celebrate lifestyle. Serving lunch, dinner and drinks daily, with Hawaiian entertainment nightly from 6-8:30 p.m. Casual resort attire.
Located at Four Seasons Resort Hualālai (808) 325-8000 • fourseasons.com/hualalai
72-100 Ka'ūpūlehu Dr., Kailua-Kona (Map D, #12, PG 182)
“R.S.A. – Regional, Seasonal and Artisanal” – cuisine is served alongside the surf and under the stars at this award-winning restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, where 75 percent of the food comes fresh from the ocean and local farms. Showcasing a stylish blend of Hawaiian architecture and modern flair - a fun, lively, informal setting where guests are inspired, surprised and delighted by Hawai‘i’s natural beauty and the flavors of the Pacific. Casual, friendly and knowledgeable servers guide guests through a social dining experience, highlighting an innovative ocean-to-table menu with playful tableside presentation. Cuisine is prepared oven roasted, flame grilled and wok fired, and signature dishes include: Crispy Hawaiian Snapper, Lemongrass Pork Chop, Table-side Ahi Poke and Mango Lime Tart. Open daily for breakfast and dinner.
Located at Four Seasons Resort Hualālai (808) 325-8000 • fourseasons.com/hualalai
›
START OFF AT
AT THE BEACHSIDE FIRE PIT
› SIGNATURE ISLAND FLAVORS & STEAKS
› INTIMATE, CLUB-LIKE AMBIANCE
› EXTENSIVE WINE LIST
A classic American steakhouse, the Grille is set above the picturesque 18th green of the famed Hualālai Golf Course, a signature Jack Nicklaus Golf Course and evokes a contemporary club feel and a lovely place to relax and dine. The menu features Island-infused flavors, prime steaks, pork chops, lamb, fresh local fish and free range chicken dishes with a twist on traditional sides. A classic chateaubriand sourced from Durham Ranch is a thick-cut slow roasted 18 oz. tenderloin filet carved tableside. Don't miss the pastry chef’s signature Macadamia Nut Toffee Ice Cream Pie. The bar offers an extensive wine list including excellent wines by the glass, a popular beer selection and a variety of signature hand-crafted cocktails.
Mornings at Mauna Lani begin with freshly brewed Kona coffee from Mauna Lani’s island outpost, The Market. Inspired by New York’s iconic delis, The Market features everything from housemade sandwiches and salads to warm pastries and desserts, incorporating fresh and local ingredients cultivated on the Island of Hawai’i. Curate the perfect beach picnic with local craft beers, sandwiches, and desserts baked daily.
Located at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection (808) 885-6622 • aubergeresorts.com/maunalani/dining
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr., Kohala Coast (Map C, #15, PG 181)
› SPECIALTY ISLAND OUTPOST
› OPEN DAILY, 5:30-10PM
› LOCALLY-SOURCED INGREDIENTS
› FANTASTIC WINE LIST
› OPEN-AIR WITH MAGNIFICENT VIEWS
Dine at award-winning Manta, the original restaurant pioneer of Kohala Regional Cuisine, using locally sourced provisions procured by Hawai‘i’s farmers, ranchers and fishermen. Overlooking Kauna‘oa Bay, this open-air restaurant boasts stunning ocean views and breathtaking sunsets, paired with an impressive wine list and nightly live entertainment. Featuring innovative culinary creations by Michelin award-winning chef de cuisine, Bryan Nagao, an O‘ahu native and proud alumnus of Culinary Arts School at the University of Hawai‘i’s Kapi‘olani Community College. He spent nearly three decades abroad in Asia serving as head chef for restaurants in Hong Kong, Seoul, Taiwan, and Bangkok; further enhancing his interpretation of modern Asian-American culinary style that has distinctly become Manta’s taste profile and carries on the rich tradition of culinary excellence at Mauna Kea.
Considered a timeless favorite, Copper Bar was redesigned to embrace the resort's storied past while launching modern flavors paired with fresh local ingredients. Now considered one of Kohala Coast's favorite dining place, the restaurant and bar features casual, creative tapas and entrees paired with an impressive selection of craft cocktails, tap beers and wine. Come and unwind with nightly live music and hula while enjoying breathtaking ocean views.
Located at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (808) 882-5707 • maunakeabeachhotel.com
62-100 Mauna Kea Beach Dr., Kohala Coast (Map B, #12, PG 180)
› CREATIVE TAPAS & ENTREES
› CRAFT COCKTAILS
› SCENIC, OPEN-AIR SETTING
› OPEN-AIR SEATING
› CREATIVE HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS
› CATCH A SUNSET AT THE BAR
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort’s new signature dining experience introduces an innovative menu inspired by the Mediterranean and infused with our island’s bounty. The fresh seasonal menu is complemented by al fresco seating, fresh farmto-table produce and ingredients and house made artisanal bread nook. With the use of the resort’s local herb garden and citrus, Meridia also highlights signature brand cocktails and mocktails, ensuring every handcrafted recipe is expertly mixed, shaken or stirred. Expand your culinary confines at Meridia, framed by sweeping ocean views accompanied by crafted cocktails, Wine Spectator awardwinning wine list, and attentive service.
Looking for a restaurant and bar with a chill vibe, great food, and fabulous tropical cocktails? Taking their décor cues from tiki bars of yore, Seafood Bar & Grill has the complete relaxed island atmosphere that encourages you to come and stay a while. Pony up to the 70-foot long mango wood bar covered by a thatched awning complete with kitschy tiki humor and three flat screen TVs for your sports viewing pleasure, in a nice air-conditioned space. The atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious, unpretentious food with local flair are inviting—and, you may find yourself staying a bit longer than you planned. You’re almost guaranteed a good time here. Open daily from 11am to 9pm.
Kawaihae Harbor (808) 880-9393 • seafoodbarandgrill.com
61-3642 Kawaihae Rd., Kawaihae (Map B, #11, PG 180)
› HAPPY HOUR TWICE DAILY
› INVITING, AIR-CONDITIONED ATMOSPHERE
› ASK ABOUT THE DAILY FISH SPECIAL
Get whisked away to a place where stories are shared after a long day of exploration, similar to the way Japanese fishermen in northern Japan would do over premium binchotan (white charcoal) in their ancient fishing villages. While the open flames are reserved for the back of the house, the style of cuisine and the communal spirit makes this an exciting new place to dine here on the Big Island. A gathering place for friends and family to enjoy a fresh take on Asian cuisine, the menu features the time-honored tradition of grilling meat, seafood and produce over an open flame. Shared plates and grilled skewers are the hallmarks of this culinary experience. The full service bar showcases artisan cocktails, premium sake and vast collection of whiskey.
The vistas alone are worth a leisurely evening at Brown’s Beach House, Fairmont Orchid’s signature fine dining restaurant. Perched above Pauoa Bay, this celebrated AAA Four Diamond venue takes in one of the island’s most spectacular sunset panoramas. Sit down to a decadent pa‘ina (feast) in relaxed oceanfront elegance as you indulge in fresh, innovative Hawai‘i regional cuisine sourced straight from the land and sea. Listen to live Hawaiian music featured nightly, while connecting over the most tantalizing flavors the island has to offer. Because eating and drinking isn’t just eating and drinking – it’s savoring life. E ‘ai kakou (Bon appetit)! Open daily for dinner. Reservations are recommended.
Located
›
›
INNOVATIVE HAWAI‘I REGIONAL CUISINE
Independently owned and operated, here, you’ll be treated like a “regular” from your very first visit. And by your third...? We’ll likely know your “usual” as well as your name! Our coffee is locally sourced. We work one on one with farmers throughout the state to insure our coffee is single farm sourced. Our roasting partners roast in small batches twice a week. All this work is done to bring you only the finest cup of coffee. Sunny days guarantee that our outside seating will be full of guests enjoying a drink or treat. We also offer comfortable seating inside our cafe with free wifi and plenty of outlets. So whether you're stopping for your morning coffee, lunch, or an afternoon snack, we've got you covered!
Located in the Shops at Mauna Lani (808) 731-4000 • maunalanicoffeeco.com
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr. #300, Kohala Coast (Map C, #17, PG 181) Juice 101
Established in 2010, Juice 101 provides customers with juices, smoothies and dishes that are equally as delicious as they are healthy and nutritious. Juice 101 is constantly adapting and changing to meet your healthy cravings. We pride ourselves on fresh juices and made-to-order smoothies packed with super foods and mouthwatering flavor combinations. Our juices and smoothies are a perfect addition to our nutrient-dense salads, acai bowls, paninis, cold wraps, and amazing breakfast offerings. Juice 101 is more than just juice, it is a feeding frenzy for your senses, an edible lifestyle lift, and an energy revitalization that your body demands. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, bodybuilding, or paleo we have many options to meet your needs.
Located in the Shops at Mauna Lani (808) 887-2244
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr. #301, Kohala Coast (Map C, #18, PG 181)
Pueo’s Osteria is an inviting, Italian-inspired restaurant that provides great food in a fun environment. Chef James Babian focuses on the finest Italian products paired with seafood, produce and meats from boutique farms (sourced locally whenever possible), including farm-fresh products from local farmers’ markets. Engaging service, approachable pricing, great flavors await at Pueo’s Osteria— Food, Wine & Fun. Open daily for dinner from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., with bar hours until 11 p.m. Smart casual attire. Recently voted #1 Italian Restaurant in West Hawai‘i and Diner's Choice by OpenTable for 2021. Relax in the comfort of their indoor seating with A/C on those warm tropical nights! Check out the new location in Waikoloa Plaza and capture the ocean and sunset views!
Waikoloa Plaza Shopping Center
(808) 339-7566
• pueososteria.com
68-1820 Waikoloa Rd., # 1201, Waikoloa Village
(Map A, #13, PG 179)
› FRESH ITALIAN CUISINE
› LOCAL, SEASONAL INGREDIENTS
› RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
› OPEN 3-9PM THURSDAY-MONDAY
› RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED
› HAPPY HOUR FROM 3-4:30PM
Located in the heart of Waimea Town, FORC’s (acronym for farmer, ocean, rancher, cook) style is open, relaxed, ohana-friendly and full of Aloha. With a focus on Hawaiian regional flavors, award-winning Chef Allen Hess has expanded on local land and sea offerings and developed a menu both distinctive and creative. The indoor and outdoor dining rooms welcome you into a relaxed, neighborhood feel while the bar area has an authentic country style design, a nod to the area’s roots. Gather your family and special someone to feast on traditional local comfort food and hearty, seasonal dishes like Big Island grass fed beef, whole roasted fish and Ali'i mushroom poke. Vegetarian, paleo and gluten free options are also available. Pair your meal with a select wine from their Sommelier’s wine list or seasonally mixed cocktail libations.
Located in Waimea (808) 731-4656 • forchawaii.com
65-1214 Lindsey Rd, Waimea (Map F, #4, PG 186)
Located in the Waikoloa Resort’s Queens’ Marketplace, the Bistro at the Cinemas offers an eclectic array of delicious “fun foods” that are appealing to every taste and budget: gourmet favorites such as lamb ribs, filet mignon and blackened ahi tuna to the best salads, burgers, hand-made pizzas, tacos and more. Plus, you’ll love the Bistro’s outdoor lanai setting with its full bar and cheerful vibe – especially on weekend evenings where you can enjoy live music every Friday through Sunday. Food and drinks can also be delivered to the movie auditoriums, where the leather loveseats feature convenient retractable trays for your in-movie dining comfort. This is certainly the place for a memorable lunch or dinner whether you’re seeing a movie or not.
Located
69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr., G1, Waikoloa
(Map C, PG 81, #4)
› HAPPY HOUR DAILY FROM 2-5PM
› OPEN-AIR DINING OR IN THE CINEMA
› OPEN DAILY 11:30AM-8PM
› HAPPY HOUR DAILY FROM 3-5PM
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill has moved to a brand new location located just across the street from the iconic Kona Brewery. Umekes has remained a popular gathering place in Kona for locals and tourists alike over the past 9 years. Known for their poke and seafood that’s “so fresh, it’s off da hook!,” Umekes takes pride in serving the freshest fish from Hawaiian waters and has been voted the Best Poke & Seafood restaurant in West Hawai‘i since 2016. Enjoy craft cocktails, island brews, or their upscale wine and liquor selection. Pair with their world famous Poke, Fresh Catch, or Deep Fried Lau Lau for the ultimate experience. Come enjoy Kailua-Kona’s new local hot spot, open from 11am–9pm daily. Be sure to check out their new location at the Kona Airport prior to departure!
› FRESH, LOCAL POKE BOWLS
› AHI FILETS AVAILABLE DAILY
› A GREAT PLACE TO GET FRESH FISH
Pau Hana Poke, owned and operated by two local families, is the newest addition to Kona’s culinary scene. Located above Costco in the new industrial area, Pau Hana Poke serves up poke bowls made with fresh fish, most of which is caught by the owner in Kona waters. Enjoy favorites like spicy tuna and California roll, with several popular options for sides. They also offer fresh fish for sale. Open MondayThursday from 10am-4pm, Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-3pm. Please check for current hours. If you are looking for a fresh, healthful, sustainable and fast meal, visit Pau Hana Poke.
Above Costco in New Industrial (808) 315-7952 • pauhanapokehi.com
73-5617 Maiau St. Bay 10, Kailua-Kona (Map D, #15, PG 182)
As Kona's original specialty wine and liquor market, Kona Wine Market has been providing top shelf service for almost 30 years. The knowledgeable and passionate team is there to help make that timely pairing recommendation or put together a delicious gift for that special someone. They also provide local (within 24 hrs) and nationwide FedEx shipping. Custom gift baskets feature local sweets and savories that will brighten anyone's day while supporting Hawai‘i vendors. Offering craft draught beer for your growlers to go and boasting the island's best selection of craft and imported beers in their Lava Tube Beer Cave. Join them Fridays, anytime between 3pm-6pm, for casual and complimentary tastings—not to mention the freshly baked breads from Sandwich Isle Bread Co. delivered on Fridays by 3pm.
Above Costco in New Industrial (808) 329-9400 • konawinemarket.com
73-5613 Olowalu St. Suite 1, Kailua-Kona
(Map D, #16, PG 182)
Miyo’s Restaurant has served homestyle Japanese dishes featuring locally sourced fish and produce in the Hilo area since 1987. Located in the Manono Marketplace across from Big Island Candies, their unpretentious, delicious Japanese food and understated décor has earned them the loyalty of locals and travelers alike. Choose from traditional Japanese dishes like tempura, hot pots, donburi, miso soup and bento plates with several combinations to choose from while you enjoy live music from local talent. Miyo’s also offers the only Izakaya and multi-course Omakase (“up to the chef”) dinner prepared by Chef Louis Pauole (by reservation only, Tuesday–Friday, with two sittings available: 5–6:30pm and 7-8:30pm) in an intimate setting adjacent to the main dining area. There are plenty of vegetarian selections. Walk-ins welcome, but reservations are recommended.
Located in Manono Street Marketplace (808) 935-2273 • miyosrestaurant.com
564 Hinano St., Hilo (Map H, #6, PG 185)
› FRESH CATCHES DAILY
› MENU FEATURES GENEROUS PORTIONS OF FRESH FISH & SALADS
Centrally located in downtown Hilo, Mohala’s Bayfront Fish & Chips is close to all the shops and local sites. Choose from a few fresh catches of the day, and make sure to bring your appetite, because portions are big. To accompany your onolicious, perfectly cooked fried fish, dive into some of the tastiest sauces such as malt vinegar aioli dip, traditional tartar sauce, garlic dill aioli, and to kick up the heat, Korean and buffalo. For lighter fare, they offer a dinner-size house salad piled with veggies, which you can add fish or seafood to, and some of the best clam chowder we’ve ever eaten! Don’t forget dessert: choose from delectable selections like fried bananas with ice cream, churros, and root beer floats. Appetizers include a melting pot of delicious choices, such as fish lumpia, fried pickles, calamari and smoked mozzarella.
Located in downtown Hilo
Wine tasting in paradise is just a sip away. Home to some of the most unique wines in the world, the country's southernmost winery has been producing awardwinning wines since 1993. Located between Mauna Loa and Kīlauea, Volcano Winery encompasses twelve acres on which they grow four varieties of grapes, and two acres where they grow four different kinds of Japanese tea. A great place to taste unique blends made with local fruits such as Volcano Blush and Hawaiian guava wine. Visitors are welcomed with aloha into their quaint and cozy tasting room, which is flanked by two Koa wood wine bars and surrounded by gifts for the wine aficionado. Wine tastings are offered daily, including the top seller Volcano Red and their signature Macadamia Nut Honey Wine. House made cheese platters, estate tea tastings, Ka‘ū coffee and other refreshments are available as well.
Located in Volcano (808) 967-7772 • volcanowinery.com
35 Pi’i Mauna Dr, Volcano (Map A, #14, PG 179)
› TASTINGS OFFERED DAILY
› GUIDED VINEYARD TOURS BY RESERVATION
› OPEN DAILY 10AM-5:30PM
Founded in 1873, Hildgund is the ultimate in fine custom designs and handcrafted jewelry—every piece unique by its elegance, every piece one of a kind. They have a wide selection of precious and semi-precious colored stones plus many varieties of fine jade. The almost unlimited choice of their diamond collection is only of the highest quality. Customers worldwide have returned to a Hildgund location time and again, convinced that they have found one of the finest jewelry boutiques anywhere. And for the man who has everything, be sure to check out the exclusive knife collection for Hildgund by William Henry, who creates a range of tools so perfectly conceived and executed that they transcend superlative function to become superlative art. The typical knife takes more than eight months from conception to completion, like this custom design shown.
› ONE-OF-A-KIND BOUTIQUE
› HIGH FASHION TO RESORT CASUAL
› FINE JEWELRY & PRECIOUS GEMS
The true definition of resort luxury can be found directly below the Four Seasons hotel lobby inside the stylish Seaside Luxe Boutique, featuring the world's most premier fashion lines. From Missoni Mare and Eres swimwear to the precious gems of Sidney Garber, Marlo Laz and LB Bracelets, Seaside Luxe exudes high fashion on a grand scale with Samantha Sung and Zimmerman. You'll also find Gianvito Rossi shoes and numerous other leading footwear designers to complete your signature look. This one-of-a-kind boutique concept complements the breezy Hualālai Resort aesthetic while engaging the latest global fashion trends for an incomparable culture shopping experience.
Located in Hualālai Resort
(808) 325-4765 • hualalairesort.com
72-100 Ka'ūpūlehu Dr., Kailua-Kona (Map D, #11, PG 182)
Tiffany & Co. recently unveiled its latest campaign with global House ambassador, ROSÉ of BLACKPINK, introducing her second Tiffany HardWear campaign. ROSÉ has become one of the most idolized young women in music and fashion. The campaign picks up where the singer’s 2021 Tiffany HardWear campaign left off—pushing the attitude and energy further. Tiffany HardWear first debuted in 2017 and has since become one of Tiffany’s signature jewelry collections. Its iconic gauge link motif, based on a 1971 bracelet from The Tiffany Archive, and industrial shapes are a tribute to the power and edge New York City—a nod to the rebellious energy of its streets. Yet, no matter how subversive, the Tiffany HardWear designs are elegant and sophisticated expressions of the fierce, feminine spirit that defines the collection.
Located in Kings' Shops at Waikoloa Beach Resort (808) 886-1931 • tiffany.com
250 Waikoloa Beach Dr., Waikoloa (Map C, #8, PG 181)
› TIMELESS DESIGNS
› CELEBRATION & BRIDAL
› CLASSICS TO TRENDING PIECES
› ESTABLISHED IN 1959
› EXCLUSIVELY MADE IN HAWAI‘I
› FOREVER GUARANTEE
Embark on an enchanting journey of everlasting memories with Maui Divers Jewelry. Impeccable artistry and genuine passion breathe life into their iconic Hawaiian jewelry. Backed by superior craftsmanship, expert design, and unparalleled customer service, your story finds its home in every locally made design. Since 1959, each piece has included the valuable protection of their famous Forever Guarantee. It's a testament to their unwavering customer commitment and outstanding quality. Visit Maui Divers Jewelry on O‘ahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kaua‘i, and at MauiDivers.com. Plus, mention Savvy360 in-store and receive a free gift with qualifying purchases of $500 or more. Unforgettable memories await.
› EMERGING DESIGNERS
› SUSTAINABLE BRANDS
› SEASONAL TRUNK SHOWS
Mauna Lani’s new lifestyle boutique, Milo, celebrates the joy of travel through thoughtfully curated clothing, accessories and household luxuries. Featuring brands that take you from adventures aboard Kalama Kai to memorable dinners at CanoeHouse, Milo provides everything you need for every step of your journey, for every member of your family, and for your loved ones back home. Shop Zimmermann, Eres Swimwear, Frank & Eileen, Xirena, Orlebar Brown, Onia, Goshwara Fine Jewelry and more. Open daily from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
Located
(808) 885-6622
• aubergeresorts.com/maunalani
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr., Kohala Coast (Map C, #27, PG 181)
Noa Noa presents a profusion of patterns and colors in traditional Hawaiian and Pacific island tapa and ethnic designs from around the world. Hand-batiked all natural fabrics include cottons, rayons, silks and linens. As you walk through their stores you will notice that the displays include many interesting and unique pieces. These artifacts include 12th to 19th century Chinese and Thai ceramics, Ikat weaving, ceremonial masks from Borneo, Java, Papua New Guinea, Sumatran Batiks, baskets, drums, an extensive collection of tapa cloth from Fiji, Samoa, Borneo, Toraja, Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya. Noa Noa jewelry is exclusive and one-of-a-kind. Noa Noa jewelry has been hand-selected from Indonesia, Thailand, Burma, Mexico, Morocco and Africa and are made of gold, silver, and a variety of other natural materials.
› ONE-OF-A-KIND JEWELRY
› HAND-BATIKED NATURAL FABRICS
› HAWAIIAN TAPA & ETHNIC DESIGNS
69-250
62-100
› EXPANSIVE, OPEN-AIR SETTING
› GREAT RESTAURANTS & FOOD COURT
› LOCAL SHOPS & BOUTIQUES
Located in Waikoloa Beach Resort, Queens' Marketplace is a family-friendly outdoor shopping center with a wide variety of tropical foliage and water features including koi ponds. With an eclectic mix of locally-owned boutiques, national retailers, a yoga studio, art galleries, a top-rated salon and day spa, notable restaurants, a popular food court, a luxury cinema, and a gourmet grocery store, Queens’ Marketplace is the gathering place of the Kohala Coast. Restaurants include local favorites Sansei Seafood & Steak and Kuleana Rum Shack along with popular Romano's Macaroni Grill and Charley's Thai Cuisine.
Located in Waikoloa Beach Resort (808) 886-8822
Dive deep into Hawai‘i’s contemporary art scene, unveiling hidden local talent creating masterful works of art. It’s an experience full of joyful creative expression and connections. Shop online or by appointment in the private gallery and discover your wonder and inspiration as you collect art and memories made in Hawai‘i. Founder and curator, Tiffany DeEtte Shafto, finds herself drawn to artists who create beautiful works that evoke those positive emotions. Joyful, playful, serene—they all have their place in our hearts, homes, and workplaces. Working closely with local established and emerging artists who are so passionate and focused on their mastery has shifted how Tiffany sees the world and has ignited her passion for sharing it with you. Exclusive art displays at the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection and Hualālai Realty.
› HAWAII-INSPIRED AND LOCALLY HAND-CRAFTED JEWELRY
› TAKE HOME A UNIQUE PIECE OF PARADISE
Every piece in the “Sassy” brand is hand crafted in solid sterling silver. The family have been goldsmiths for generations, right here on the breathtaking Big Island of Hawai‘i. Their quality and attention to detail is unparalleled, with bespoke collections that are heavily inspired by the legends and stories of Hawai‘i, and the powerful healing and serenity Hawai‘i shares with all of us. Capture your memories, and keep your toes in the sand with a truly unique piece of island style jewelry from Sassafras. Bring home the aloha—from their ‘ohana to yours—with more than just a keepsake, with something truly inspired.
Located in Parker Square (808) 885-1081 • sassafrashawaii.com
65-1279 Kawaihae Rd. #106, Waimea (Map F, #8, PG 184)
75-6129 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona (Map E, #11, PG 183)
Live the aloha lifestyle in tropical resort wear from Blue Ginger. Perfect for any island occasion, Blue Ginger offers colorful, timeless resort wear sure to bring smiles and warm memories of the islands. Original batik prints inspired by the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands are available in comfortable clothing for all ages. A family run establishment, Blue Ginger has long been an island favorite with kama‘āina and visitors alike. With eight locations throughout the Hawaiian Islands Blue Ginger has something for everyone, from the youngest keiki on up. Colorful sundresses, caftans, aloha shirts, accessories and more. Celebrating 39 years of living the aloha lifestyle these exclusive prints and fashions continue to delight multiple generations.
Located in Queens' Marketplace (808) 886-0022 • blueginger.com
69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr. #K2, Waikoloa (Map C, #9, PG 181)
› LIVE THE ALOHA LIFESTYLE
› MATCHING FAMILY PRINTS
› TIMELESS RESORTWEAR
BOUTIQUE & ACCESSORIES on KOHALA COAST
With a passion for excellence and attention to detail, the world-famous “Made in Italy” luxury experience is now available right here on the Big Island. Enjoy Fashion Salon brings innate style and Italian elegance to Hawai‘i, with cuttingedge hairstyling techniques and genius color transformations. Honored to serve local and international clients with their decades of combined expertise in creating unforgettable looks, owners Francesco Pucci and Katia Vasciminno have worked their hairstyling magic for over 12 years at their flagship location in Torino, Italy. With dedicated, bespoke services offered to each and every client, they offer an unparalleled, European approach to hair and beauty. Techniques are continuously updated through research and hands-on professional development in the most important fashion academies around the world.
Located in Parker Ranch Center
(808) 731-6165
• enjoyfashionhawaii.com
67-1185 Mamalahoa Hwy., Suite F129, Waimea
(Map F, #5, PG 184)
SALON in WAIMEAHawaii Titanium Rings® on the Kona Coast of Hawai‘i Island o ers one-of-a kind hand-crafted rings. Island created and ONLY made with 100% hypoallergenic, aerospace grade titanium! Precision sized with ALL sizes available. Hand inlaid with over 60 exotic woods and minerals to choose from. The superior quality, durability and unique designs are exclusive to them, and they o er the widest selection of titanium rings for every occasion, all of which are customizable. Personalized engraving, as well as lifetime sizing and warranty. Hawaii Titanium Rings® has been in business for over 25 years, with their original two locations, here in Kailua Kona. Drop by their downtown Ali‘i Dr. location from 10am-6pm daily, or pull up a chair and custom design your ring(s) at their Artist Manufacturing Studio on Maiau street (above Costco). Hours vary at manufacturing studio so appointments are highly recommended.
Two locations in Kailua-Kona
(808) 756-1173
• hawaiititaniumrings.com
75-5744 Ali'i Drive, #190 (Map E,#10, PG 183)
73-5617 Maiau St., Unit 5 (Map D,#9, PG 182)
› ORIGINAL HAWAII-MADE DESIGNS
› TRUE MATCHING RING SETS & SAME INLAY
› COMPLIMENTARY INSIDE ENGRAVING
Nourish yourself with the extraordinary power of Hawai‘i’s most famous nut! Ahualoa Family Farms grows, processes and produces delicious 100% Hawaiian macadamia nuts and 100% Hamakua coffee. All their premium flavored mac nuts are made in small batches with real ingredients for a gourmet experience. With 10 different flavors, the hardest part is choosing your favorite. Nuts about chocolate? They’ve got you covered! Try the chocolate covered macadamia nuts, chocolate covered coffee beans and their onolicious, house made macadamia nut chocolate spread, macnella. More than just a bunch of nuts, they also offer 100% Hamakua coffee, known for being unique and flavorful, with low acidity and bitterness. Located in Historic Honoka‘a town, the gateway to Waipio Valley, stop by “The Nuthouse” and see what’s crackin’! Come in for free samples, relax on the lanai, enjoy a cup of coffee, and take home your favorite macadamia nut flavor. See you at The Nuthouse!
Located in Honoka‘a town (808) 775-1821 • ahualoafamilyfarms.com
45-3279 Mamane St, Honoka‘a (Map A, #15, PG 178)
Small but mighty! Tucked in the town of Kamuela is our cozy, family-owned and operated boutique filled with one-of-a-kind treasures. Packed with a punch, we offer casual apparel, charming accessories and keepsakes, unique gifts and so much more. Bentleys has been part of Kamuela for over 30 years and we are humble and proud to offer a place for talented local makers to share their art with you. Come stop and see us on your travels through the island. You’ll see why our repeat customers say we are A Must Stop Shop. Come Smile With Us!
Located in Parker Square (808) 885-5565 • @BentleysHomeCollection
65-1279 Kawaihae Rd #107-108, Waimea (Map F, #7, PG 184)
Big Island Candies’ Hilo Flagship Store is a “feast for your senses.” The aroma of shortbread fills the air; windows allow you to look into the factory to watch artisans create signature dipped shortbreads—and more—right before your eyes! Stroll and shop for gifts, featuring an assortment of individually wrapped goodies in packaging that celebrates the joy of the seasons, and the natural beauty of Hawa‘i. With so many innovative indulgences to choose from, our representatives are happy to answer questions about our products, even make a few suggestions, in order to help you find the right item. Come in, and you’ll experience why Big Island Candies has been the go-to destination for Hawai‘i’s finest cookies, chocolates and confections, since 1977. Open daily 8:30am-5pm, factory viewing on Mondays-Fridays from 9am-3:30pm.
Located in Hilo (808) 935-8890 • bigislandcandies.com
585 Hinano St., Hilo
(Map H, #4, PG 185)
› GIVE THE GIFT OF HAWAI‘I!
› ONLY THE HIGHEST GRADE INGREDIENTS
› FEATURING FRESH LOCAL PRODUCTS
Hualālai Resort is located in the ahupua‘a (land division) of Ka‘ūpūlehu. Here, the land is rich in lore, natural resources and plant and sea life. This coastal land once known as a fishing village, transformed into the coastal community that has set the new standard in hospitality. Hualālai is a small part of the island’s rich exploration, welcoming a new generation to live and stay. Come explore the culture, share the adventures and fall in love with the spirit of Hualālai. There’s nothing more rewarding than calling this magical mauka-to-makai (mountainto-sea) paradise on Hawai‘i Island’s Kona-Kohala Coast home. Whether you’re in search of a traditional Hawaiian hale (house) or a more contemporary villa, homes at Hualālai surround you with breathtaking beauty, provides you with ever-expanding activities and instills you with aloha spirit.
›
›
Kohanaiki is a private club community carefully crafted on 450 spectacular oceanfront acres of the sunny Kona coast. Once the playground of Hawai‘i’s greatest king, Kamehameha I, its shores are steeped in history with cultural landmarks, petroglyphs, and situated among a rustic mixture of rolling golf greens, sacred ponds, ancient lava flows, palm trees, and a one mile stretch of stunning Kona coastline. The Club features a Rees Jones-designed oceanfront golf course, a luxurious Beach Club, 67,000-square-foot Clubhouse and Spa, an Adventure Team, and dining options ranging from casual poolside fare to exquisite fine dining. You can design and build your own home, or select from a range of beautiful move-in ready homes designed by prominent architectural firms. Properties from $5M to $24M.
›
Exceptional clients. Exceptional properties. Karen Ferrara is an award-winning Real Estate Executive with over 30 years in the luxury Real Estate, Construction, Resort and Private Club Sector. Karen is a founding member of Compass Hawaii and Realm Global and commits whole-heartedly to both her clients and community. Karen & her husband support several local non-profit community programs as the Kahilu Theatre, Hawaii Island Humane Society and Karen humbly serves as a Trustee of North Hawaii Hospice. She enjoys spending time playing golf at Mauna Kea, walking with friends at Kauna‘oa Beach, and passionately supports local small business, artists, chefs and farmers. Karen loves patronizing her favorite restaurants and hosting or attending a great wine dinner. More than anything, Karen is deeply grateful for her ‘ohana, friends, neighbors and furbabies who fill her life with love and laughter every day.
Founding
Partner, Karen Ferrara, MBA, REALTOR®
Compass Hawaii | Founding Member, Realm Global (808) 883-0094
• karen@karenferrara.com
karenferrara.com
• License #RS-72752
Indich Collection's unique designs are inspired by the casual elegance of the island lifestyle. As designers and manufacturers of Hawaii Rugs®, Indich uses traditional oriental carpet weaving techniques and materials to create some of the most artful rug designs found anywhere. Celebrating 42 years in Hawai‘i with the largest selection of area rugs in the Pacific Basin, and with their Custom Design Program, Indich offers clients virtually unlimited design, color and size options. Traditional, contemporary and Tropical designs stir your imagination as you enter the "Art Under Foot" gallery. Free consultation, installation and delivery for West Hawaii. Free drop shipping island-wide and to the mainland with minimum purchase. Open daily from 10am-6pm.
› CREATE YOUR OWN CUSTOM RUG
Located in Kaloko Business Center, above Costco (808) 329-6500 • hawaiianrugs.com
73-5617 Maiau St. #1, Kailua-Kona (Map D, #9, PG 182)
Having arrived in Hawai‘i from New Zealand in 1979, Yvonne has over 40 years of experience focused on resort residential sales on Hawai‘i Island's Kona-Kohala Coast. Consistently ranked among the Top Realtors in the state, and as previous owner and Principal Broker of Mauna Lani Realty, Yvonne possesses the historical perspective, experience, depth of knowledge and excellent reputation as one of the most valued professionals in resort real estate—including Hualalai Resort, Kukio, Mauna Kea Resort, Waikoloa Beach Resort, and of course Mauna Lani Resort. An avid golfer and scuba diver and currently heading the exclusive Mauna Lani Portfolio at Corcoran Pacific Properties, Yvonne appreciates the exceptional lifestyle Hawai‘i o ers home buyers and permanent residents. Recognized as one of the most successful realtors in the state of Hawai‘i, Yvonne's passion for resort living and outstanding expertise in the coastline continue to earn her numerous accolades and outstanding results for her clients.
J. Khouri-Morgan, REALTOR® - Broker Senior Advisor, Corcoran Pacific Properties | Mauna Lani Portfolio
KOHALA COAST Puako to Kawaihae
KOHALA COAST Waikoloa Beach Resort to Mauna Lani
KONA COAST Honokohau Harbor to Hualālai Resort
KONA COAST Kailua-Kona to Keauhou
WAIMEA aka Kamuela
NORTH KOHALA Hawi to Kapa‘au
HILO on the bay
‘Akaka & Kahuna Falls
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Lapakahi State Park
Place of Refuge
Pololū Valley
Umauma Experience
Waipi‘o Valley
Kona Joe Coffee
Club at Hōkūli‘a
Papakōlea Beach (Green Sand)
Punalu‘u Beach (Black Sand)
Papa‘aloa Country Store
Pueo's Osteria
Volcano Winery
Waikoloa Plaza
Ahualoa Family Farms
Hawai‘iloa Lū‘au
Kona Kozy
Lū‘au o Hale Hoaloha
Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas & The Bistro
‘Anaeho‘omalu Beach (A-Bay)
Mauna Lani Golf - North & South Courses
Waikoloa Beach Resort Golf
Kings' Shops
Noa Noa
Tiffany & Co.
Queens' MarketPlace
Blue Ginger
Maui Divers Jewelry
Shops at Mauna Lani
Binchotan: Bar & Grill
Brown's Beach House
CanoeHouse
Hā Bar
The Market
Kamuela Provision Company
Mauna Lani Coffee Co.
Juice 101
Tommy Bahama
Fairmont Orchid
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Hilton Grand Vacations - Ocean Tower
Hilton Grand Vacations - Kohala Suites
Hilton Grand Vacations - The Bay Club
Hilton Grand Vacations - Kings' Land
Marriott Waikoloa Beach Resort & Spa
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Body Glove Cruises
Fair Wind Cruises
Island Breeze Lū‘au
Ahu‘ena Heiau
Kailua Pier
Magic Sands Beach
Kahalu‘u Beach Park
Body Glove Retail Store
Kona Diamond Co.
Hawaii Titanium Rings
Sassafras
Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill
Willie's Hot Chicken
Club Wyndham Hawaiian Resort
Courtyard Marriott King
Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
Royal Kona Resort
Royal Sea Cliff
Outrigger Kona at Keauhou Bay
187
NOTES + SKETCHES document your travel adventures, the places you visit, experiences you encounter, or something weird you saw at the pool.
188
ITINERARY PLANNER prefer to keep it analog? You can still get the most out of your trip and start planning your itinerary here, just grab a pen and do it old school.
DOWNLOAD THE SAVVY360 APP
This link will take you to the appropriate app store to install the app, where you can create a trip, start building your itinerary, collaborate with friends, and more...
What do you want to do today?
We hope that you enjoy this very special place. Help us preserve its beauty as you explore with a heightened level of awareness, intention, and respect. Mahalo nui loa.
Do you crave unforgettable experiences?
Does pursuit of Earth’s natural wonders and their stories capture your imagination?
Extending to all corners of Hawaii Island, our fully outfitted, small group tours reach untouched destinations and inspire deep personal connection with the land.
With Hawaii Forest & Trail and Kohala Zipline, don’t just plan a vacation, prepare for an adventure.
