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

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

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

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

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

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

Nā Pe‘a is a youth program that focuses on the fundamentals of strong leadership, and effective stewardship of land and marine resources by perpetuating the Hawaiian sailing canoe’s traditions and practices. In Nā Pe‘a, the canoe brings into focus a global recognition and connection, and teaches students to think about challenges outside themselves and how individual actions impact entire communities.

Hailing from Maui, Stan made his debut singing leo ki‘eki‘e on stage when he was 12 years old. Although it was his beautiful falsetto style that garnered him fame, it was his ability to connect that endeared “Uncle Stan” to Hawai‘i residents and visitors alike. The message of his songs lives on in the hearts of the many he touched through his music: share your gift with the world and use it to connect with others.