Kona Coast, HI May 2023

Storyteller:

Kolby Akumu Moser

HOME + DESIGN

A DESIGNING WOMAN: MONICA AMENT

MAY 2023

To the movers, shakers, builders and makers.

I don’t know about you but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who just make life more rich and beautiful. Our wives, mothers, and daughters are some of the most influential women in our lives. They certainly made my life more well-rounded and complete.

And of course with Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers but the mother figures and aunties in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends, and leaders doing extraordinary things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.

My mom put up with a lot. She was raising four active kids. I bet most of her life felt like one shuttle bus trip to the next. Our sports and social lives were a lot to keep up with. I’m thankful she handled so much drama in between all of that. My wife displays how a strong and empathetic mother can stabilize the household no matter what life is throwing at you.

While it’s always important to shop local and support our local businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize businesses owned by women in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this roleconnecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to our Kona Coast women.

They are movers and shakers, builders and makers. They are both seen and unseen. Their silent service blesses those who are under their care. Their attention to detail shows us something about beauty that can’t be seen or understood any other way.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call or get your kids on a video call with the women in your life who deserve recognition. It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them.

May 2023

PUBLISHERS

Johnny Gillespie | Johnny.gillespie@citylifestyle.com

Taylor Stutts | taylor.stutts@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

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

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Margaret Kearns | margaretekearns@gmail.com

Joe Wilmot

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Fletch Photography, Chelsea Aaron

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

THE i4

UNLEASH YOUR ELECTRIC SIDE.

The All-Electric BMW i4 Gran Coupe models offer class-defining style and unbridled performance, with up to 536 hp (i4 M50), 301 miles of range (i4 eDrive40), precision handling, and a chassis made from innovative materials, such as high-tensile steel and aluminum. The standard Rear Air Suspension delivers consistent ride height and comfort.

The i4 is 100% electric and 100% BMW. This is the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine.

Contact a Client Advisor at BMW of Hawaii to learn more and to ask about how you could receive a $7,500 Credit* when you lease the BMW i4.

BMW of Hawaii

74-5533 Loloku Street

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

(808) 930-3400

bmwbigisland.com | @bmwbigisland

* Terms and conditions apply. See Client Advisor at BMW of Hawaii for details. ©2023 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW trademarks are registered trademarks.

The Ultimate Electric Driving Machine

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @konacoastcitylifestyle

1: Incredible toast from ARVO. 2: Captain Chuck & Brenna ready for whale watching. 3: Over 30 years of performances from Island Breeze. 4: The team at O’Reilly’s is always so helpful. 5: Crossfit Kona squads up for local fitness competition. 6: Sushi Cocoro with the catch of the day. 7: Serving up hot chicken and cold beer.

ISLANDBREEZEPRODUCTIONS

@CAPTAINZODIACKONA

@WILLIESHOTCHICKEN_WHC

@SUSHICOCORO

@CROSSFITKONA

@KONACOASTSC

@A_R_V_O

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Hawai'i Keiki Museum

The Hawai'i Keiki Museum connects children to Hawai'i Island through hands-on exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) that is all around us using open ended play experiences. Discover, create, play, and learn about island science. Come enjoy a truly unique experience, with over a dozen exciting hands-on exhibits -  it's Science Fueled Fun for the Whole Family.

Big Island Bees

Big Island Bees is a family business producing delicious honey since 1972. Unique among commercial sellers of honey, we are a family operation and the honey in our jars comes exclusively from our own hives, which we have carefully attended to without the use of artificial feeds or chemical miticides. This care isn't compromised by packing with high-speed equipment, but rather preserved by a slow and deliberate operation without the use of heat or filtration.

Kai Eats + Drinks

Enjoy Pizza from our wood-fired brick oven like nowhere in Kona. We've got burgers made from local beef and tacos. And how do you compliment the perfect meal? Perhaps the largest selection of Beer on tap on the island? Our keg room might be a tempting place to browse one of the 48 brews! How about one of our famous Huggo’s Mai Tais?  We have those too!

Photography Big Island Bees

Photography Kai Eats & Drinks

Umekes Airport Location

Save your appetite for the departure lounge. Umekes is opening a new pop-up location this month in the North terminal at Kona International Airport. Chef and owner Nakoa Pabre has twice been awarded “Winner Overall” of the prestigious Sam Choy’s Poke contest and his restaurants were voted “Best Poke in Hawaii” in both 2016 and 2017. Look forward to visiting for a tasty treat before you catch your flight.

Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/KonaCoast

One of the nation’s top neighborhood restaurants. “…the food is as good as the view, and the view is terrific.”

- Bon Appetit

“Downtown Kona’s premier oceanfront restaurant where the chef delights guests with guava-braised baby back ribs and grilled mahi mahi”

Island Style Dining at the Waters Edge

Storyteller: Kolby Akumu Moser

SHIFTING FROM TV NEWS JOURNALIST TO PRODUCTION STUDIO OWNER, KOLBY IS TELLING STORIES THAT MATTER.

ARTICLE BY MARGARET KEARNS PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLETCH PHOTOGRAPHY

Pahala native Kolby Akuma Moser grew up listening to the stories her grandparents told and learning that the wisdom of the elders is the torch that enlightens the path of the keiki (children).  While in high school she recorded an oral history of her grandmother talking story about life in the islands back in the day – the traditional way of sharing history, legends and myths since ancient Hawaiian times.

As the years passed, Kolby lost the precious audio, but she did not lose the lesson – that is the importance of sharing stories of the past that matter before they are lost forever. With the seed planted more than 20 years ago, that lesson resonates in her work today.

Giving up her then dream job as a TV news journalist in 2007, Kolby set out with her business partner Jay Kaneshiga to film a story about an orphanage in Thailand dedicated to fighting against child trafficking. They knew if it was done right, it had the power to soften hearts, raise awareness and change lives. Not long after that, in 2008, ARIA Studios was born in Oahu.

“In 2012 ARIA Children’s Fund was launched in response to many of our clients and friends expressing a desire to contribute to the plight of children worldwide,” Kolby says.

Since then ARIA Children’s Fund started its own clean water initiative in the Philippines and has partnered with organizations around the globe such as Zoe International which works to protect children who are at risk or in extreme poverty.

In the meantime, she and Jay were busy building their core production team now numbering seven professionals and their roster of clients for still and video lifestyle shoots – weddings, anniversaries and such – as well as developing the commercial side of their company. With a growing business, ARIA Studios relocated to Waimea on Hawaii Island in 2015.

“We are so fortunate to work with some of Hawaii’s most talented photographers and videographers. We shoot together, train together and inspire each other – we consider each other family,” Kolby says. “And today, we are honored to partner with brands, big and small, in faraway places and right here in Hawaii to tell stories in our clients’ voices that drive real results for them.”

Among those brands ARIA studios has partnered with: Hawaiian Airlines, American Savings Banks, Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Foodland, Microsoft and Google among others.

Pursuing a concept close to her heart in 2022, Kolby co-directed (with Nainoa Langer) and produced a documentary film entitled, “Hometown Legends”. She set out to feature a handful of respected kupuna (elders) representing different aspects of Hawaiian culture to tell their stories.

“We asked anybody and everybody here who we should interview. We ended up with an overwhelming list of about 100 individuals with fantastic stories. It was impossible to include them all, so we boiled it down to five who were mentioned over and over again,” she says.

“Hometown Legends”, released to private audiences in late 2022 and now being entered for consideration by various film festivals, highlights and pays homage to paniolo (cowboys) lawai‘a (fishermen) po‘e ulana (weavers) pahu (drum) carvers and hoe wa‘a (paddlers). It captures their journeys, adversities overcome, accomplishments and the wisdom they believe is important to pass down to the next generations.

“Eventually, we hope to have it aired on PBS Hawaii,” she says.

The kupuna featured in “Hometown Legends” follow in the descriptions below.

“It wasn’t until years after starting ARIA Studios that I realized the power of story. I’ve seen lives change as a result of a well-told story.”

SONNY KEAKEALANI

KOHALA, PU’UANAHULU, WAIMEA

Robert Sonny Keakealani, Jr., a third-generation cowboy from Pu'uanahulu, grew up speaking 'olelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian language) with his grandmother while fishing and ranching with his family. Uncle Sonny worked for Pu'uwa'awa'a Ranch and Parker Ranch which took him to every mountain, coast and corner of Hawai‘i Island. He and his daughter, Ku'ulei, talk about aloha 'aina - to know your 'aina (land) intimately and to care for, connect to and protect your places.

KEONI AWEAU TURALDE

KA’ALAEA, KEAUKAHA

John Keoni Aweau Turalde is originally from Kaalaea, O’ahu where he was taught to hunt, fish and eat what he caught. He was the youngest person to participate in the Moloka'i Hoe (6-man outrigger canoe paddle from Moloka‘i to Oahu’s Waikiki finish line) and then became a commercial diver. He ultimately lost the use of his legs in a diving accident. Today, he is a master pahu (drum) maker in Keaukaha, a teacher and keeper of much cultural knowledge. His son Leomana is also interviewed in this segment.

WILLY KAUPIKO

MILOLI’I

Born and raised in Miloli`i - the last Hawaiian fishing village on Hawai’i Island – Uncle Willy returned home after the Vietnam war to fight to preserve the coastline, the ocean and the traditional fishing practices. He says it is important to know who you are and fight for what you believe is pono (right, proper). His son, Kaimi, who has also moved home to Miloli'i to start a charter school for the kids in their village, is also interviewed.

MANNY VEINCENT

KEAUKAHA, WAIMEA

From growing up on the ocean in Keaukaha to fighting in the Korean War, being called to the slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa and starting Kawaihae Canoe Club 50 years ago, there are common themes woven through Uncle Manny's story. In this documentary, he talks about his deep, spiritual connection to the ocean and land, how he overcame hardship and what he wants the next generation to remember moving forward. Uncle Manny’s only daughter Kahea is also interviewed, presenting another interesting perspective.

“In our documentary, “Hometown Legends”, five Hawai’i Island kūpuna (elders) share stories of life ‘back in the day’ and how they see it changing now.”

SHIRLEY KAUHAIHAO KEALIA, KE‘EI

Shirley Kauhaihao was raised in Kealia by a family of farmers, commercial fishermen and cowboys. Her grandmother taught her how to weave lauhala (leaf of the hala tree) and she continued that tradition, making lauhala art pieces all her life, while teaching others around the world to do it, too. Aunty Shirley talks about overcoming tragedy when her husband passed away leaving her to raise four young children on her own. She also lost her son and then granddaughter. She is a shining example of strength and grace, always giving back to her community. Among her words of wisdom: the importance of conversation. “It hurts to see people walk into a restaurant these days, sit down and immediately pull out their phones,” she says. She encourages everyone “to put that device down and spend time with those you are with”.

Beautiful cinematography, scenery and music provide the perfect backdrop for these stories.

And there is more to come, according to Kolby. Production begins this year on another “Hometown Legends”, this time focusing on kupuna on the island of Molokai. That documentary, she says, will debut in December of this year.

“Looking back over the past 14 years, I realize I have grown to be a true believer that all great leaders need great leaders. I would not be here today without the mentors, business coaches and tribe that helped me navigate this wild journey,” Kolby says. “I am so grateful.”

And now, she says, one of the things she loves most is mentoring young filmmakers and entrepreneurs and sending them off on their way to a successful career. ariastudios.com

Mahina

EFFORTLESS BEACHTOWN CHIC CLOTHING AT REASONABLE PRICES.

ARTICLE BY JOE WILMOT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA AARON

Husband and wife team Jody Curtin and Joe Wilmot opened their first Mahina on Maui’s north shore back in 2006. Since then the funky little boutique chain has grown to fifteen locations throughout the Hawaiian islands, including stores in Waikoloa and Waimea on the Big Island. The initial concept is now as it was then: Fashionable clothing at reasonable prices. Calling their style aesthetic “effortless beachtown chic,” Mahina is on top of what’s trendy in the moment but always with an eye for island living.

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Gauzy

and breathable romper is perfect for exploring the island.

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Mahina nurtures a positive place to work and grow.

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This outfit is the epitome of Beachtown Chic.

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A jersey lined silk dress is perfect for special occasions.

| IMAGE 5 Bringing aloha in beautiful casual wear.

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Toes in the sand, looking your best in beach attire.

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Airy white dress with denim jacket for an afternoon out on the town.

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As a long-established business in Hawaii we’ve seen the islands and fashion change over time. We’ve always had fun figuring out what’s next!

This textured button down with frayed edging is a casual look for everyday use.

Our team is full of incredibly talented, kind, multi-faceted women who have been the backbone of Mahina for all these years.

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A Designing Woman: Monica Ament

ARTICLE BY MARGARET KEARNS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLETCH

Long-time Big Island resident Monica Ament is the owner, designer and project manager of Monica Ament Interior Design. She lives and works in the charming hillside town of Holualoa just about three miles up Hualalai Mountain from Kailua-Kona. She was born in Oakland, California but she grew up with one foot in that East Bay city with family, and the other foot in Kona also with family.

“It was important for my mother who was from Kauai to stay connected with the islands, so we were back and forth throughout my life,” she says.

Monica says she likes to refer to herself as a “mix plate’, explaining that her mother is Filipino, Hawaiian and Chinese, and her father is 100% Native Indigenous/First Nations.

“I am half Native and my tribes are Navajo, my clan is Kinyaa‘aanii’ Towering House Clan.

I  am also a member of the Pueblo of Laguna. Add in my mother’s heritage and I am truly a mixed plate,” she says.

She attributes her experience of living in the East Bay and Hawaii Island, layered between her cultural background, as major players in shaping and inspiring the way she lives her life and channels her creativity and design style.

Couple all that with her pursuit of training at the Interior Design Institute in Newport Beach, California where she earned her certification in 2007, and her passion for a career in design was formalized.

“School was always a challenge for me, but when I entered the design institute I literally found my calling,” Monica says.

While studying design there, she put her ideas and skills to the test working at CONTINUED >

Hawaii Island interior designer Monica Ament draws inspiration from her multi-cultural roots and the place she calls home.

Chameleon Design in Laguna Nigel, focusing on and learning more about luxury coastal style. Before heading back to Hawaii Island, Monica spent time in the Lake Tahoe area where she worked with a contractor learning everything about drywall and painting –skills added to her growing repertoire. She returned to Hawaii Island in 2013 and among the established designers she initially worked with here, she cites her time with lighting specialist Diane Kanuha as her major inspiration for diving into her journey with a business of her own.

“Diane was the ultimate ‘Boss Babe’ so smart, confident and in control. At that point in my career I never personally knew a woman with her own business. By then I knew my place was meant to be in the design world working with clients, yes, but directly with contractors as well,” Monica says.

She took the leap of faith in 2016, setting up her own design firm and growing her roster of luxury residential clientele each year since. While she works primarily in home design, she has dabbled in commercial design as well. Her signature coastal style is on display at Umeke’s Restaurant Bar & Grill in its new location at the Brewery Block in Kailua-Kona. Monica designed the panels separating the hostess waiting area and the private dining room, using repurposed glass and iron to create what looks much like mermaid tail scales.

“My approach with every project is to listen to my client’s personal needs and taste, then execute them with my knowledge and expertise – and always with a dash of my own secret special sauce! This makes every project different and uniquely the client’s own,” Monica says.

The process, she says, begins with a sit down with potential new clients, an interview of sorts to make sure we are a good fit. Many projects require a long-time commitment, she adds, so it’s important to know that the relationship will be comfortable and agreeable.

“Fortunately, in the end, my clients always become good friends,” Monica says.

She encourages all of her clients to “let your home tell your story”. She believes that not one space is truly alike because those who live in it cannot be replicated.

“Every fabric, every curve of a chair, every piece of art tells a story of who you are and where you have been. We design spaces that complement not only the architecture of our client’s home but the lifestyle that they thrive with,” Monica says.

CONTINUED >

Each project she works on emphasizes the importance of sourcing local, she says, with the goal of supporting the community while designing artful and functional spaces that reflect the land and the people who live on it.

Warm, rich native island woods, ocean colors, highly textured print-on-print outdoor fabrics, and clean design lines all figure prominently in Monica’s signature style as seen in her most recent work at Hualalai Resort, Kohanaiki and in upcountry Holualoa.

“At Hualalai, we were chosen to do a complete villa re-model in the resort’s Ahli‘ipua development. The clients are a young couple from Canada who had a clear vision of the look they wanted – a tropical ocean getaway with a contemporary beach vibe,” Monica says. “We basically started from scratch, re-doing everything from the existing cabinetry, wall-coverings, flooring, countertops and kitchen backsplash in the three bedroom, four bath villa.”

Following three months of research, Monica delivered their vision in just three and a half months. She credits the client’s quick decision making in achieving the fast turn-around. The newly re-invented villa is available for rent now through Hawaii Island’s Elite Vacation Villas.

The work at Kohanaiki focused on re-imagining a family media room, including the introduction of island-inspired artwork and decorative pillows. The Holualoa project was

a new construction luxury home with the design blending modern clean lines with rich wood tones and natural textures.

“With every project we learn something new and that’s what keeps the work really exciting,” Monica says.

Earlier this year, expanding her design studio from one small room to two, Monica opened a luxury retail boutique adjacent to her workspace. It offers up everything from hand-crafted ceramics by Claire Seastone and abstract paintings by Bailey Ferguson (inspired by surfing wipeouts) to luxury fabrics, decorative pillows, wallpaper, and much more – all locally sourced, of course.

She shares the rustic building, situated in the heart of Holualoa, with Ginger & Koi, Kimi & Li Bikini, Sky Cody Leather & Coco + Lita – all female-owned businesses. “I’m so happy to be surrounded here by a group of such amazing women.”

A self-described family woman, Monica is married with two children. When she’s not busy in her studio or out at one of the many luxury homes she is working on, you can find her out bodyboarding or longboard surfing at one of the Kona Coast’s great surf breaks.

Monica’s luxury boutique is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm and Saturday by appointment only; closed on Sundays. Contact Monica at (808) 294-5176 or design@monicaament.com. Visit her online at monicaament.com.

“My studio and boutique share space in a building filled with amazing ‘Boss Babe’ business owners – I’m so grateful to be surrounded here by such creative women.”

MAKE PRICELESS MEMORIES RIDING ON THE MAJESTIC ISLAND OF HAWAII

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

MAY 5TH

Thinking Money, Breakfast with AARP, FINRA, DCCA

ROYAL KONA RESORT, 75-5852

ALI‘I DRIVE KAILUA-KONA , HI 96740 | 10:00 AM

What is going on with Crypto Currency? What is a Non Fungible Token (NFT)? How do self-directed IRA’s work? What is the Hawaii Retirement Savings Program? Join AARP Hawaii and financial regulators for a breakfast discussion of emerging investment trends and tips for keeping track of your investments. Make sure to register online before the event.

MAY 6TH

James Mane: The Average Samoan Comedy Tour

KONA ELKS LODGE, 75-170

HUALALAI RD, KAILUA-KONA, HI | 6:00 PM

James Mane is a Samoan comedian who was raised in an Asian neighborhood in Hawaii and then played football in Buffalo, NY. Mane has performed stand-up comedy all over the country. Most recently, selling out the Blue Note Hawaii in Waikiki on a Wednesday night.

MAY 6TH

Anaeho'omalu Splash

ANAEHO`OMALU BAY, 69275 WAIKOLOA BEACH DR

WAIKOLOA, HI 96738 | 8:00 AM

Join us in the kick off of the Triple Crown open water swim series in West Hawaii. A one mile swim in Anaeho`omalu Bay (ah-nah-eh-hoo-malu) that takes you out over reefs and fish. It is not unusual to spot a honu as you race overhead.

MAY 19TH–29TH

Honoka‘a Western Week

MAMANAE STREET IN HONOKA'A

Honoka‘a Western Week is a roundup of activities that celebrate the paniolo heritage of Hamakua Coast. Visitors are invited to stroll on down Mamanae Street and enjoy the colorful “photostops” painted by local artists. Look for an epic block party with dancing in the streets, a daylong Saddle Up Saturday with vendors, food booths, cowboy games, music, silent auction, and more.

MAY 27TH

Philip Howard Piano Concert

KONA LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY, 77-165 LAKO ST, KAILUA-KONA, HI 96740 | 5:00 PM

Inspired by film music and composers such as Ennio Morricone, David Foster and Alan Parsons, Philip Howard's music explores and expresses the things in between. He is excited to be back performing in Kona for the first time in 3 years.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/KonaCoast

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

Make an Impact for Mom

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Invite Her To High Tea

Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches.

Pick Your Own Fruit

This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)

Book Her a Weekend Away

There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.

Complete a Jigsaw Puzzle

Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling.

Take a Flower Arranging Class

Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.