“In Kentucky, I had to ride on the back of the bus because I was not white,” Dora recounts. “When others found out I was Japanese, they were not very kind. And when they found out I was from Hawai’i on top of that, they mocked me, asking if I lived in a grass shack. I may have had an outhouse growing up, but I did not live in a grass shack!” In part two of this series, I share the story of how the love of my husband’s grandparents overcame the difficulties of being a biracial couple at a time when it was not socially acceptable.

A soldier in the U.S. Army, Ken Stover was 17 years old when he received orders to report to the Oakland, California Army Terminal. Common knowledge among the soldiers was that Oakland was where one went before being deployed to Eastern countries like Japan. While the island nation was about to become a much more significant part of his life, he didn’t know his destination. In this two-part series, I introduce you to my husband’s grandparents, Ken and Dora Stover, who met and fell in love because Ken got on the wrong troop ship.

A Hawaiian physician, Dr. Akina specialized in internal medicine before purchasing the Kona Hema Preserve to protect it from development and donate it to TNC. He left behind a legacy and the forest he found so beautiful can now be restored and preserved for generations to come thanks to the care of Mel Johansen and his team of volunteers, crew, and a few four-legged hunters.

From hula to hiking El Camino, Lorna Larsen-Jeyte is still on the move! There’s no denying that exercise and time spent in nature are key to longevity, and Lorna is living proof.

On Saturday, June 29th, professional ultra runner and Nike elite trail athlete Matt Daniels crossed the finish line of the legendary Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run in fourth place! Not bad for a guy who started 2019 by incurring a concussion in the middle of the Bandera 100k in Texas, forcing him to drop out of his first 100k attempt in January. He may not have ever gotten that belt buckle for the Bandera 100k, but six months later, Matt has a Western States 100 belt buckle, so you could say everything more than worked out for this Texas native!

From kids who have been freediving since they were old enough to walk to those who just picked up a three-prong last week, the students who participate in FreediveSafe! Hawai‘i are certain to leave with the confidence to stay calm in the water. Read more about how the non-profit is working hard to improve the safety of spearfishing and freediving communities through training across the islands of Hawai‘i.

A 260-mile race around Hawai‘i Island, Go Big took runner Justin Young of Pāhoa to the edge of his limits and back again.

Musician Pana Jones was born and raised on Hawai‘i Island, where he could catch a glimpse of snow-draped Mauna Kea from a sun-drenched spot of Kīholo Bay. And his music tells a timeless story, echoing a hope that is more precious now than ever: That there exist corners of the world where we can find safety, love, acceptance, and peace.

“Growing up, I was a runt from a small town, but I knew there was a better life out there after high school, so I took a chance,” says Uncle Jonny Kunitake. It’s no surprise that Jon practices what he preaches. At 80 years old, the retired horse jockey is an avid runner… and he’s just getting started!

From black waters to holes in clouds, Joshua Lambus’s epic experiences serve as proof that anything is possible if you commit. Read about his mission to learn as much as possible “about life, myself, the ocean, the land, the people and culture of this island, and the ways I can serve my community.”

With her colorful look, a new book on the shelves, and thousands of miles in her legs, the Dirt Diva certainly has a lot to smile about these days!  

Think you have what it takes to crew for an ultramarathon? Before race day, read this!

Honeybees function as a harmonious community, and the Bee Boys are honored to be students of this buzzing society. These Na‘ālehu beekeepers are applying lessons they’ve learned from their bees to connecting with their own community, from Hawai‘i schools to libraries and other local businesses with sustainable practices.

Through stones, King ‘Umi changed the course of Hawaiian history, and at the piko of our island lie the stones that keep his story alive.

A Ka’u coffee grower, mill, and roastery, Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee is part of a group of local farmers committed to building up Hawai’i’s ecosystem so it becomes whole, and healthier than how we found it. And Rusty’s Hawaiian’s story is one of heart, hard work, and hope.

Richardson Beach Park is the site of year-round opportunities for children to cultivate a healthy relationship with the ocean and with others. Through surfing, sailing, and additional activities that are equal parts education and fun, the Richardson Ocean Center’s programs foster confidence and stewardship in kids seven to 12 years old. From non-swimmers to watermen in the making, children who are part of the Ocean Center’s free programs are certain to leave infused with the courage to face their fears.

At Casa de Las Palmas, palms are safe from dangers that might otherwise threaten these enchanting plants. And as stewards of the garden, Irene and Lars intend to keep it that way. Step back in time to old Hawai‘i and read about this menagerie of rare and endangered palms, as featured in Ke Ola Magazine.

The Experience Volcano Festival, an event intended to showcase Volcano Village as more than just a gateway to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, but also a community brimming with culture in and of itself, kicks off with the Ohi’a Lehua Race. Created to be a platform for spreading awareness about ROD, the race educates the community on how to preserve the precious 'ohi'a trees, one mile at a time.

For Grammy award winner, singer, songwriter, and drum master Chris Berry, the most important lesson in school wasn’t even part of the curriculum—improvisation. While living in Zimbabwe, Chris Berry began to create the issue-driven music that he is known for. Today, he helps Hawai‘i Island’s youth develop a passion for music.

Daredevil. Lava chaser. Photographer. Host of television series Everything Hawaii. While all are accurate descriptions of Kawika Singson, the moniker he prefers is “creative adventurer” and you can read about some of his biggest adventures here!