Kona Coast, HI July 2023

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 can receive a $7,500 Credit* on select 2023 BMW i4 models.

BMW of Hawaii

74-5533 Loloku Street

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

(808) 930-3400

bmwbigisland.com | @bmwbigisland

Using Your Gift

At the center of each issue, we highlight hard-working, passionate individuals sharing their gifts with our community. It's remarkable to sit and listen to their stories and reflect on the impact they are making.

I want to challenge you to reflect for a moment on the impact you make on the people in your life. The warm meals you put on the table, the extra care you take to make someone feel heard and seen. The energy and creativity you give to serve the community through your work—all of it makes such a profound impact.

"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. And when he isn't around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" It's a Wonderful Life, 1946.

We can each grow weary in our good deeds. My hope is that this magazine will remind us all that our hard work matters. It's easy to forget the big picture. As we each offer our unique gift to the community, we actively participate in building a healthy and beautiful ʻohana. We need what you bring to the table—your skills, character, and hard work. As we highlight artists, teachers, athletes, and the wide variety of inspiring figures, maybe you'll discover a new area you are uniquely designed to impact.

It is a real joy to interact with the generous and creative people we focus on each issue. We hope you catch some of that joy too.

July 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

Johnny Gillespie, Beth Reid at CommunityEats

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Heather Morse at HNM Photo, Beth Reid, Deron Verbeck, Alyssa Rogrigues, Rebekah Moyer, Johnny Gillespie

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 Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

MEET ILEANA C. SANCHEZANDERSON, MD

FOUNDER & AESTHETIC SPECIALIST

Ileana Sanchez-Anderson, MD, is a family practice physician and a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and a fellow in Aesthetic Medicine. She has practiced medicine in Hawai’i for over 20 years.

Dr. Sanchez-Anderson has a passion for aesthetics and has received extensive training from world-renowned experts in aesthetic medicine. She attends multiple conferences around the world to bring the best and most innovative technology to Hawai’i.

“With Beautiful You, my emphasis is on anti-aging and medical aesthetics – to help provide the highest standard of care in a convenient, state-ofthe-art setting to patients of all ages.” 808.333.5705

Glyph Art Gallery

We represent the work of over thirty artists and craftspeople. The gallery features original works, as well as archival giclée prints. Our artists work in watercolor, oil, ink, wood, glass, resin, gourds, precious metals, pixels, and other mediums. We proudly feature the work of Big Island artists and artisans. Their art reflects the character and diversity of their island home: colorful, exuberant, earthy, and steeped in the rich culture of the Hawaiian Islands.

Want

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

Zoey Esthetics

Zoey Esthetics provides personalized skin care solutions, customized to meet the unique needs and budget of each individual client. In addition to in-person consultations and treatments, the option of virtual appointments is also available, offering convenient access to essential products.

Ahualoa Family Farms

As fourth-generation farmers, agriculture is in our blood. We’ve expanded the farming operation, with plans to start a macadamia tree nursery and plant new macadamia orchards. Our mission is to live with aloha, honor the ‘aina, and share the blessings it provides with our worldwide ‘ohana. We do this by growing, processing, and producing the best 100% Hawaiian macadamia nuts, from our family to yours.

FreeDiveSafe offers formal training at no cost to help prevent freediving related deaths in the Hawaii Islands

Photo by Alyssa Rodrigues

KONA NON-PROFIT IS DIVING DEEP TO KEEP ISLAND KEIKI SAFE

ARTICLE BY MARGARET KEARNS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALYSSA RODRIGUES, DERON VERBECK

A native of New Zealand, long-time Kona resident Niki Stepanek grew up in Tauranga on the North Island’s Bay of Plenty, spending most of her time in or on the water.

“My family spent all weekends and holidays out boating and harvesting seafood from the ocean. By the time my sister and I were 6 or 7, we were jumping off the back of the boat, diving to retrieve all things–kitchen utensils! Our parents threw them in as a sort of start to our freediving training,” Niki says.

Flash forward to 2010 and Niki, then thirty-one, set a New Zealand national record in freediving without fins to a depth of 206 feet. It is a record she continues to hold to this day. Following years of traveling the world, diving in locations throughout the Red Sea, the Atlantic, and the Pacific, she landed in Hawai'i which she says has the very best year-round diving conditions in the world.

“The entire Kona-Kohala Coastline offers a number of diverse diving opportunities, and generations of those living here have been freediving for recreation and spearfishing for sustenance, as is the case in most ocean communities around the

globe,” Niki says. With a goal of giving back to her adopted home, Niki who is deeply passionate about ocean safety, founded FreeDiveSafe, a non-profit 510C(3) organization in Kailua-Kona in August 2020. The ultimate catalyst for her decision was the release of government statistics that revealed 50 percent of the state’s drowning fatalities from January to July that year were freediving related.

“Modern freediving safety training is an essential element to spearfishing practices, ensuring our divers can safely enjoy harvesting from the ocean. Modern freediving protocols have really advanced in the last 10 to 15 years, and I am dedicated to ensuring this training becomes available statewide and is integrated into the tradition of handing down sports techniques to the next generation,” Niki says.

Together with a team of freediving and spearfishing industry leaders and with grants in hand, Niki’s FreediveSafe! introduced a free community dive safety training program targeted to those 12 to 25 years of age. Currently, it is the only freediving and spearfishing safety nonprofit organization addressing this need in the Hawaiian Islands.

Photo by Niki Stepanek

Photo by Deron Verbeck

Photo by Alyssa Rodrigues

Photo by Alyssa Rodrigues

“As freediving and spearfishing continue to grow in popularity, it becomes more urgent to make this safety training accessible to everyone without the cost being a factor,” Niki says. In addition to grants, the organization has received a number of individual donations.

“Our training is proven to save lives, and so far 600 Hawai'i residents have taken part since the program’s beginning,” she says. “And while we do offer it to those 12 to 25 years of age, about 80 percent of our students are in the middle school to high school age group.”

It’s an age group, the team says, that is most impressionable and also an age group whose sense of bravado at times outweighs common sense. In too many cases, they say, these kids go out diving alone and never come home.

FreeDiveSafe’s team of certified freediving instructors conducts a one-day 4-hour course—2.5 hours in the classroom and 2.5 hours in the water—that introduces students to proper freediving supervision, basic safety, and rescue procedures used in recreational freediving and spearfishing. These courses are offered at various times of the year in Kailua-Kona and Waimea, as well as various neighboring island locations.

“This course should be viewed as a minimum requirement for everyone participating in any form of freediving. The number one takeaway is never dive alone—always dive with a buddy who is also trained in safety protocols, including how to recognize when your partner is suffering from oxygen deprivation and critical rescue techniques,” Niki says.

Photo by Alyssa Rodrigues

Photo by Alyssa Rodrigues

The organization also offers educational presentations customized to the needs of specific groups (clubs, schools, community). Tailored to the group’s interests and age level, the presentations are 40 minutes in length with a 15-minute Q&A. The presentation covers the risks associated with breath-hold-related activities, how these risks are mitigated with formal training, and how these safety and rescue techniques can be integrated into the diving community so everyone can come home safely.

“Together, we can prevent freediving-related deaths in our ocean communities.”

For more information on this non-profit organization including details on upcoming programs, visit freedivesafe.org. To help with the cause visit the Donate page.

Photo by Alyssa Rodrigues

Escape to Tranquility

Our One Night Getaway to the Holualoa Inn

ARTICLE BY JOHNNY GILLESPIE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBEKAH MOYER AND JOHNNY GILLESPIE

Summer vacation is a whirlwind of activities for our kids. While my wife Jenni and I cherish the joy and excitement they experience during this time, from time to time we find ourselves craving a moment of respite. Sometimes an escape is needed from the demands of parenthood.

Recently, we needed to experience some muchneeded relaxation and a chance to connect as a couple. On the Kona Coast, we are spoiled for choice with many amazing resorts and hotels, but we were looking for something more unique. We found the captivating

Holualoa Inn, nestled in the heart of Kona Coffee country. It was a haven of peace and tranquility that far exceeded our expectations.

Originally built in 1972, the house sits in the center of a working coffee farm that has been lovingly restored by now-owner Cassandra Hazen. When she purchased the property in 2005, the land was overgrown and the house was in need of significant repair. Cassandra speaks of the labor of love that has been required to not only restore the property but take it to the next level of excellence. When asked about the atmosphere

she’s created, Cassandra says, “When I see our guests around the property, whether they are just walking, taking pictures, drawing, or spending time reflecting on life, it warms my heart. I love to see our guests enjoy the experience—the experience of our beautiful living island.”

From the moment we arrived at Holualoa Inn, its serene and idyllic setting captivated us. The drive down the enchanting driveway heightened our anticipation, and the outside world faded away. Set amidst a meticulously manicured garden and surrounded by the beauty of nature, the inn emanates tranquility and a high-end boutique feel.

A gracious staff member Paul greeted us with a refreshing glass of lemonade and a cool towel. Entering the house, we were immediately struck by its elegant and inviting ambiance. The thoughtful design and attention to detail created a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Each room was a sanctuary in itself, offering a refuge from the outside world. From the cozy sitting areas to the sumptuous beds, every corner of the house exuded warmth and tranquility, providing the ideal setting for romance and relaxation.

One of the highlights of our stay was our walk through the Art Sculpture Garden, an experience that stimulated both our minds and souls. It provided a moment of quiet reflection and a reminder to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day.

As afternoon turned to dusk, we dined by the pool. The setting sun cast a warm glow and the rhythmic sound of raindrops lightly falling added a touch of magic. We lingered, enjoying the pleasure of simply being in each other's company. When night fell, we retired to our room, enveloped in the atmosphere of romance and peace.

The following morning, we awoke at the first light of dawn, greeted by a soft glow seeping through the curtains. Lying in bed, we allowed ourselves to doze in the warmth of the morning light, relishing stillness. Time slowed down as we enjoyed the serenity of the moment, grateful for this precious respite from the demands of daily life.

Breakfast was delightful, with Ina, our gracious host, and Sarah, the talented cook, serving up a mouthwatering plate of huevos rancheros cooked from scratch. Since Holualoa Inn is a working coffee

“Entering the house, we were immediately struck by its elegant and inviting ambiance. The thoughtful design and attention to detail created a perfect blend of luxury and comfort.”

“When I see our guests around the property, whether they are just walking, taking pictures, drawing, or spending time reflecting on life, it warms my heart. I love to see our guests enjoy the experience—the experience of our beautiful living island.”

farm, breakfast is also paired with coffee from the property, locally roasted to perfection. The rich flavors were perfectly complemented by friendly conversation and a welcoming atmosphere.

Before bidding farewell to this paradise, we decided to soak up some sun by the pool. The shimmering water reflected the sunlight, creating a spectacle that stretched out towards the endless horizon. At that moment, we found solace in the stillness and basked in the warmth of the Hawaiian sun. It was a moment of pure bliss, a memory that will linger in our hearts until our inevitable return.

There is a simple power in taking a moment to nurture our own souls and reconnect with each other amidst the raucous of daily life. Life is full. Parenting is hard. Summer is long. Moments like this brief staycation help us carry on with joy and appreciate our little ones in a new way. All too often we have excuses that keep us from taking moments to reflect and connect. In reality, a moment of pause gives tremendous strength and helps us be the parents we want to be.

When it was time to leave, we reluctantly said goodbye to our oasis, but we already missed our kids and were eager to see them. We left with a sense of anticipation and certainty that we would return. The memories created during our short getaway to the Holualoa Inn will remain indelibly etched in our hearts.

You’re sent to an isolated island and can only bring three things.

WHAT WOULD YOU BRING?

ARTICLE BY MATIAS ARREDONDO

A TRUE TRAILBLAZER: GRANT MILLER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER MORSE AT HNM PHOTO

Grant Miller might be known as the person behind Bike Works, opening his first shop on Ali'i Drive in 1988, but what many don't know is how much of his heart he has poured into the Kona area. He loves staying busy and when not sponsoring local sports events or helping customers in one of his shops, he is volunteering at the Makāula 'O'oma Trails in the Honua'ula Forest Reserve.

Everything started when the Tree Research, Exploration, and Education Foundation asked Grant to help make the trails accessible for hikers and bikers. Once a ranch, the land was repossessed by the State of Hawai'i after the lease was over, with the purpose of turning it into a recreational area. Unfortunately, the paths were overgrown and some sections of the trails were gone, but the potential was still there.

Excited, Grant took on the challenge. Since then, once a week for the past thirty years, he and his friends have gathered to take care of the trails and keep them cleared. For them, uncovering the natural haven is a privilege and an act of gratitude toward the local community.

“When you see a section of the trail completely blocked, and then you spend two hours working on it, the result is something that not just you, but everyone can enjoy. That is a very satisfying feeling,” Grant says.

What initially drew his attention was the cloud forest; the smell of mist and the chirping of the birds, echoing in the woods. The sunbeams sneaking through the branches and the dewdrops glinting on the leaves. It was the reward of seeing a side of Kona unknown to even those that have lived in the area for a long time.

“Everyone needs an escape from this hectic world. A place where you can clear your mind, walk or ride your bike, without worrying about what you’ll have for dinner or what that person did yesterday,” he says.

Grant's desire is for people to become aware of the richness that Kona offers besides water sports. As there are not many places to do mountain biking legally on the Big Island, the trails are a safe place without worrying about cars.

“This activity is good for the whole family. It's an invitation for everyone to enjoy Hūalalai. From young kids to older folks, and from mountain bikers to triathletes. Everyone can come and ride or hike with their tribe,” he says.

Grant has never seen his work as a job but as a gift. By volunteering, he found his own tribe; people that came for the scenery and stayed for the fellowship they found.

Grant looks forward to seeing his friends every week and riding together. Many of them have joined his initiative and helped throughout the years, giving their time and work freely. Yet, hands are always needed. If the trails are not kept up often, the forest reclaims them immediately.

FROM SHOP OWNER TO VOLUNTEER WORKER, GRANT MILLER IS UNCOVERING ONE OF HŪALALAI’S GEMS.

Currently, the Makāula 'O'oma Trails take up only a third of the reserve. Grant's dream is for a passionate patron to adopt the land and bring a professional team to expand it, the twelve hundred acres could then be turned into a worldclass trail park. This would put Kona on every hiker and biker’s radar, offering an alternative to those that not only want to enjoy the makai, but the mauka side as well. It would improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

In the meantime, Grant will keep joining the volunteers that meet every Thursday and the first Saturday of every month to maintain the paths.

“I might be the one organizing this project, but the heart behind the mountain trails is every man and woman that has worked on them,” he says.

Contact Grant at (808) 326-2453 or grant@ bikeworkskona.com. Visit his shop online at bikeworkskona.com .

Hawai’i First Responders Invitational

Q&A WITH TIGER HILL ON THE UPCOMING FITNESS COMPETITION CONNECTING YOUTH AND FIRST RESPONDERS

ARTICLE BY JOHN-MARK DYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY RESPECT THE CORNERS

OFF ROAD | FITNESS

TELL US ABOUT YOUR GROWING UP IN HAWAI'I, DO YOU HAVE ANY MEMORIES OR INTERACTIONS WITH FIRST RESPONDERS?

I was born and raised on the windward side of O'ahu. Most of my interactions with first responders were hectic. Police and fire officers showed up for domestic or substance abuse or some traumatic experience. I definitely looked up to them but never had time to see them outside of these intense situations. When my friends became firefighters and lifeguards my perspective changed. My gratitude grew as I saw what these guys navigate every day. They are heroes.

HOW DID THE FITNESS TRAINING WITH FIRST RESPONDERS BEGIN?

Training began during COVID. A couple of police officers came to our Respect The Corners gym to see our space and the work we were doing with high school athletes. One of them was recovering from a serious injury and I offered to help him rehab. It started as training but turned into a friendship. It was my way to give back to these guys.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST ABOUT FIRST RESPONDERS?

I am inspired by their excellence in their work and their selflessness. I’ve had the privilege to see them outside the uniform and these guys are the real deal. They carry that excellence into everything they do and give so much of their time to the community whether they are on the job or not.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE FIRST RESPONDER INVITATIONAL?

The two main groups I have worked with over the past couple of years have been youth and first responders. My heart was to create an event that would bring those two groups together. I hope this experience will lead the youth to positive choices for their future as they connect with the first responders.

WHAT IS THE EVENT GOING TO BE LIKE?

The event is going to be a challenging test of fitness and a fun experience. It involves all aspects of what first responders do here in Hawai'i. It starts with a swim at Kailua Pier and then a run to the University of the Nations campus where they will embark on a series of obstacles designed for first responders. These youth and first responders will have to work as a team to accomplish it.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE THROUGH THE EVENT?

My hope is to create an experience that will change people's lives. I believe events like this can lead to transformation here in Hawai'i. More kids pursuing careers and lives of excellence and service. More first responders pursuing training and healthy lifestyles. And last, more ways that we can support these men and women who lay their lives down for us.

HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED?

The event is on July 29th, 2023, and I would love everyone to come and support us! I have gone to every police station on the island and their facilities need help. Our goal is to upgrade every station's equipment so they can get adequate training. I need everyone’s help with this! Tinyurl.com/FRIKona

— Tiger Hill

MAKE PRICELESS MEMORIES RIDING ON THE MAJESTIC ISLAND OF HAWAII

events

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

JULY 1ST–2ND Firecracker Open

HONOKŌHAU MARINA

Kona Tournaments is hosting its 36th annual Firecracker Open. Marlin and ahi score in this legendary event. For more information, visit konatournaments.com.

JULY 4TH

Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks

KAILUA BAY | 6:00 PM

PARADE, 8:00 PM FIREWORKS

The annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Extravaganza is the island’s biggest 4th of July celebration. The parade begins at 6 PM with vibrant floats, musical acts, and color guards marching through the street. It is followed by dazzling fireworks over Kailua Bay at 8 PM.

WE PROVIDE BICYCLE RENTAL, SALES AND SERVICE

JULY 7TH

First Friday: Art After Dark

HŌLUALOA VILLAGE | 6:30 PM

On the first Friday of every month, the village comes together for a monthly block party after dark. Come join us for art galleries and boutiques, live music, gourmet “grab and go” food, and a chance to mingle with fellow art and culture lovers in the heart of the Kona coffee country. Hōlualoa gets together and celebrates after dark every month, rain or shine.

bikeworkskona.com

(808) 326-2453

75-5660 Kopiko St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

bikeworkshawaii.com

(808) 886-5000

69-201 Waikoloa Beach Dr. Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738

JULY 8TH

Keauhou Farmers Market

KEAUHOU SHOPPING CENTER

| 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

At our market, you will find locally raised produce, honey, flowers, Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, meat and eggs, handmade bread, jams, and so much more. All are 100% grown and produced in Hawai’i. Enjoy meeting the farmers and makers dedicated to bringing you fresh food right from their farms, while walking through our beautiful outdoor market.

JULY 21ST

Kona Wine Market Friday

Tasting

KONA WINE MARKET: 73-5613

OLOWALU STREET SUITE 1

KAILUA KONA HI 96740

Visit Kona Wine Market every Friday from 3 PM-6 PM for a complimentary tasting. Come and expand your wine tastes and knowledge. Also featuring beer, sake, champagne, and more. Located near Costco in the Kaloko industrial park.

Rahul Bose, MD LOCALLY OWNED, BIG ISLAND GROWN

GET INSPIRED EAT & DRINK SHOP LOCAL YOUR DIGITAL DESTINATION FOR LOCAL LIVING 37 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/KONACOAST JULY 2023

Mango Crisp

ARTICLE BY BETHANY REID WITH COMMUNITYEATS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETHANY REID

ingredients

filling:

• 4 cups of mango, diced into 1/2inch cubes

• 1/3 cup of raw sugar

• 1/3 cup of gluten-free flour (or all-purpose flour)

• Juice of 1 orange

• Zest of 1 lime

• 1/4 cup of melted butter

topping:

• 1/4 cup of melted butter

• 1/2 cup of gluten-free flour  (or all-purpose flour)

• 1/4 cup of raw sugar

• 1 cup of rolled oats

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a round pie dish, toss together the mango, flour, sugar, lime zest, and orange juice. Then, drizzle the melted butter throughout the fruit mixture.

3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, and cinnamon powder. Drizzle in the melted butter and combine with a fork. If little clumps form, know that is a good sign. You want lots of those sticky, buttery, sugary clumps.

4. Evenly distribute the topping over the mango in the baking dish.

July is peak season for mangos

Here in Kona, July is the peak season for mangos. This simple family favorite uses juicy fresh mangos, orange juice, and lime zest to make a bright and cheerful summertime dessert. There’s no better companion than Tropical Dreams Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream, made right here on our beautiful Big Island.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, remove from oven, and allow to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving.

6. I pair this with Tropical Dreams Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream!

More recipes at communityeats.com