On June 11th, we honor the great strength and intelligence that Kamehameha the Great displayed in his unification of the Kingdom of Hawai'i. Read more about his contributions and how Volcano celebrates his legacy in the blog I wrote for Volcano Heritage Cottages.

Less than two miles outside the entrance to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, in the heart of the small artists’ community of Volcano Village, is the Hale Ohia tract. After a day spent exploring the park, lodgers can cozy up in front of the fire in a quaint Craftsman bungalow, a bright summer cottage, or even a rustic log cabin. Read more about my visit to a few of the most historic of these homes!

If you’re interested in discovering what we’ve learned as Hawai’i residents about the cost of living in paradise and local tips for offsetting the cost of living, then check out this blog I wrote for Hawai’i Life: The Cost of Living in Hawai’i: 8 Local Tips for Affordable Living in the 808

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.