Kona Coast, HI March 2024

Preserving Culture Amidst Progress In Kona

“Exceptional. I walk in, get greeted, and within minutes, I am called for the

Each tech was caring and explained the process. I moved through the stations and at the end, I was

was as kind and professional as the first time I met him. To me, a

to efficiently. This is that place!”

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

A Place To Thrive And Grow

Home. Those four little letters embody so much for each of us. For everyone, the word home conjures up unique images and feelings.

Family. Connection. Love. Peace. Safety. A sanctuary for thriving and growing.

Home can encompass all these elements and much more. In this issue, we delve into various themes that profoundly shape our experience of home.

We are thrilled to spotlight the exceptional work of Mark de Reus, a seasoned architect whose creations grace our island. His design philosophy and innovative process are not only captivating but have also left a lasting impact on our landscape.

Additionally, we have insights from one of our partners, Christian Coatzee of Stone Solutions. He guides us through the essential questions to consider when making design choices for your home. His expertise is both enlightening and invaluable.

A unique aspect of “Home” on our island is our deep connection to the land. It's our honor to feature Uncle Reggie Lee, who has dedicated his life to this island. His example of selfless collaboration and commitment to the future serves as an inspiration and model for us all.

Finally, we are excited to feature a local business that is making space for people to gather and connect in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. We hope you enjoy reading about Kona Wine Market and what Sterling Leatherman has done to gather people around his wine-tasting nights.

What aspects make “Home” meaningful to you? Reflect on this, and then infuse that meaning into your living space with renewed purpose.

This island is our collective home. Let's cherish and nurture it together.

JOHNNY GILLESPIE, PUBLISHER @KONACOASTMAGAZINE

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Johnny Gillespie | Johnny.gillespie@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

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

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Matias Arredondo | matias.arredondo@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Crystal Chang | crystal.chang@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Margaret Kearns

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Alexandra Rowe Photo, Anna Velichko, Joe Fletcher

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

BREATHING ROOM with a view.

Experience Hokuli‘a, the Kona Coast’s most spacious and private residential club community designed for active, health-conscious adventurers and avid golfers. You’ll enjoy unsurpassed amenities at the exclusive Club at Hokuli‘a, a world-class 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, and plenty of space to gather, celebrate or simply unwind.

Hokuli‘a homeowners enjoy 1,260 uncrowded acres with a peaceful shoreline park featuring on-site hiking trails, picnic areas, snorkeling at Nawawa Bay, tennis, pickleball and golf.

Let Your Home

Tell Your Story

WE DESIGN ARTFUL & FUNCTIONAL SPACES WITH AN EMPHASIS ON SOURCING LOCAL.

Let your home tell your story. There is not one space alike because those who live inside them 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 traveled. We design spaces to compliment the architecture of your home & your very personal and unique lifestyles.

Body Glove Hawaii

We feature snorkeling, dolphin and whale-watching tours, and lunch and dinner cruises! The Dinner Cruise is an award-winning must-do in Kona. On the Morning Snorkel, the boat turns into a floating playground and guarantees to leave you soaking wet and smiling. Get on board for Seasonal Whale Watches during the winter months! Planning something big? Ask about Private Charters for larger groups. BodyGloveHawaii.com

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Kona Boys Inc.

If you are looking for the best activities on the Big Island, look no further.

Photography by Body Glove Hawaii

Kona Boys offers amazing opportunities to explore the Kona Coast, learn about the Hawaiian culture and have the best day of your vacation. Our friendly little beach shack provides beach and ocean sports equipment rentals (snorkel gear, beach chairs, SUPs, kayaks) as well as paddle board lessons and Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe rides.

KonaBoys.com

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BMW of Hawaii

As the only dealership on the Big Island, we are committed to bringing you courteous, exceptional service. Our beautiful dealership in KailuaKona is equipped with a large, open showroom that displays a variety of vehicles to fit every person’s needs - from the popular BMW 3 Series to the all-new, redesigned X3, our BMW M lineup, and a selection of BMW Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. We’re here to serve you!

BMWBigIsland.com .

Scan to read more

Photography by BMV of Hawaii

Photography by @konaboys

FINE

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SUBSCRIBE TO THE KONA COAST EMAIL FOR BI-WEEKLY COMMUNITY UPDATES, EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND EXCITING EVENTS.

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THE SURPRISING SECRETS BEHIND MARK DE REUS’ WORLD-CLASS HOMES

Building

A Sanctuary

ARTICLE BY JOHN-MARK DYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOE FLETCHER

For most of us, the luxury homes along the Kona Coast represent a world we will never touch. But for Mark de Reus, they stand as monuments to his passion, creativity, and love for the Big Island and nature. Each home represents a beautiful story of collaboration and unity between the designer, client, and the land. “It's like their hands and our hands are in the same clay. We're doing this together,” Mark says.

One project, in particular, a home on the South Kohala coast, is among his favorites. Mark calls it the Pahinahina House. It was the trust that Mark built with his client that made this home such a memorable undertaking. “They knew I was listening to them very carefully about integrating things they wanted in the house,” he explains.

The client was excited about Mark’s vision and wanted to do whatever it took to get the job done right. That was rare. Together, they crafted a beautiful sanctuary. Mark says, “Each design is an original work for the client – it’s idiosyncratic and individual because each property is different – each client is different, and they come to us to develop a unique personalized design.”

CONTINUED >

During the design process, his client expressed her desire to incorporate curves into the home. That idea grew in Mark’s imagination and is reflected in the home’s distinctive curved beams. It’s a feature that connects the home with the ocean it borders.

“I always found it mesmerizing to sit there, especially in the winter when you get those big ocean swells. They start in the distance, at the horizon. And you can watch them roll across the ocean, and then release all their energy right onto the craggy lava shoreline,” Mark reflects.

If you visit his website, there is a beautiful description of the home: “A Japanese-like sense of restraint is prevalent throughout the design. Pavilion-like hipped roofs convey a sense of island architecture … There is a play of contrasts in the craftsmanship of these stone walls. The exterior lava stone, coarse in texture, transforms to soft, refined sandstone as one enters the home. The luxurious blending of natural woods lends the home a materiality that is both ancient and modern.”

The Pahinahina House is an expression of Mark’s deeply held values: to integrate the architecture and the land.

“I don't want it to try to compete with the natural beauty that's on these wonderful properties. Or try

to call attention to itself and be pretentious. We’re not about trying to have ‘look at me’ architecture. Our vision is to allow the design of the landscape to evolve together, interweaving the two together, and to achieve a quiet elegance to the design.”

It’s apparent to anyone who interacts with Mark that he isn’t working a day job. He embodies the passion and creative vision for his work. The design process pulls on his deep sensibilities for harmony, beauty, and functionality. The work is meticulous. “The process of design and detailing takes 10, 12, 14 months … We go through it very thoroughly, and we end up with about 400 sheets of working drawings … that's not counting, you know, the structural, mechanical, electrical, lighting, and specifications,” he says.

Mark is quick to recognize the teamwork needed to bring these projects to life. “We're passionate about it, and everybody in the company is with us in the same way. And that's why it's so great to work with everybody in the firm.”

He also acknowledges the importance of working with the right builder. He says they often become part of the team. Their expertise and ability to source materials are a crucial part of the process.

Mark built an appreciation for craftsmanship early in life. After high school, with a passion for skiing, Mark moved to a resort town in Idaho. He worked construction in the off-season to make ends meet. He apprenticed under a talented contractor who was an excellent mentor. Furthermore, he learned a variety of trade skills: concrete, framing, stone-masonry, plasterwork and cabinetry. It was through that experience he developed an interest in design and decided to attend the University of Idaho to get an architecture degree.

Architecture led him into an adventure, “When I got out of college, I ended up having a bit of a peripatetic career, moving around quite a bit. Ten years in San Francisco and five years working in Indonesia, then back to San Francisco, where I got hired by Hart Howerton to be the lead architect for the Kukio Beach Club.” That brought Mark to the Big Island.

It was after that project that everything changed for him. “When I moved to the Big Island, it got to a point where it felt like it was the right time and place for me to get away from the corporate mentality and go out on my own. I greatly respected the firm I was with at the time, and a smooth transition was important to me.”

In 2005, Mark founded de Reus Architects. Since then, he has received numerous design awards, been featured in publications and television, and been recognized by Architectural Digest as one of the world’s top architects.

He explained what fuels his work, “The endeavor of designing and building a home addresses an intimate human need

… it’s a place that’s a sanctuary for our physical and psychological well-being. We find it to be a deeply personal and rewarding experience to design a home – that is both a sanctuary and a retreat for a client and their family. This is what drives us.”

At this point in his 43-year career, Mark wants to pour into the next generation. “I do enjoy being a mentor. I say I'm in my mentorship phase now. I'm 71, we've got 22 people in the firm, and a great group of really talented designers, architects, and managers. When I think back, I appreciate all the great mentors I had in my life.” He wants to offer the same support he received.

But being a mentor didn’t come easy. Mark admits that he tended to be demanding. He points back to a lesson he learned in Jakarta. A senior Indonesian architect pulled him aside and encouraged him to view his role more like a Bapak (a father), than a taskmaster.

He suggested Mark check in on his young staff more often and make sure they understood how to succeed. Mark reflected, “He was giving me incredibly good advice on how to be a mentor. And I just took it to heart. I changed my ways right then and there.” It had an immediate impact on the office. He enjoyed a stream of thank-yous, compliments, and higher productivity. And that lesson has traveled with him ever since then.

Mark’s life work points to the impact of listening well, paying attention to detail and beauty, the power of lending support, and maintaining respect for our surroundings. It’s only right to be inspired and provoked by his drive for excellence.

So maybe the next time we drive past these homes, we need to allow them to stand as monuments to us. They are reminders to listen to those that we love, to be attentive to our duties, to strive to make life more beautiful, to work harder to support those around us, and always keep an eye on how we are making the Kona Coast a better place to call home.

deReusArchitects.com

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

WHAT WOULD YOU BRING?

Preserving Culture Amidst Progress In Kona

ARTICLE BY JOHNNY GILLESPIE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA VELICHKO

KUPUNA’S QUEST TO SHARE WHAT HE HAS

“My mom always said we must share our kuleana (responsibility), what we have ...

“For over seven decades, Uncle Reggie Lee has called the Kona Coast of the Big Island home. Born in 1950 in Kailua-Kona, Uncle Reggie comes from a family whose roots in the region stretch back generations. Both, his mother's and father's ancestors, held prominent positions in local communities, with his grandfather serving as a respected lawyer and judge in Kailua-Kona town for many years.

Uncle Reggie has some fun memories from his early years on the island. When he was a boy, Old Kona Airport was located very close to town. “Our family was very religious. We never missed church on Sundays, no matter what," he recalls. "I can still picture being in Mokuaikaua church and the pastor having to stop during service because a plane was coming in for landing. The beautiful chimes that rang at 6 p.m. reminded kids what time it was, the kickball/softball games with friends, diving for fish or catching fish off of the seawall, canoe paddling during the season.” Uncle Reggie recalls with a smile. “We didn’t eat beef until I was like 11 or 12 years old. Our food was all these little goats running around. Even donkeys. They were one of our favorite foods.”

The Hawaiian culture, mainly the locations of important cultural sites, trials, and proper names of areas within the ahupua’a were very important to Mom (Tutu). Elizabeth Maluihi Ako Lee. “That was what my mom was all about,” Reggie says, “to share what we have because once it goes away, it goes away.” A master Lauhala weaver – she was named a Living Treasure by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for her weaving – Maluihi made perpetuating Hawaiian cultural traditions a top priority. Her mother tongue was Hawaiian, and she spoke it even when it was outlawed in her early years. This upbringing rooted Uncle Reggie strongly in his Hawaiian identity and instilled in him the responsibility to carry on sharing his culture, as his mother had taught.

After graduating from Konawaena High School, Uncle Reggie embarked on a career in law enforcement with the Hawai’i Police Department, and 25 years with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). He reflects fondly on his time serving the community, saying, "God really blessed me through it all." On any given day, Uncle Reggie might be scuba diving in the clear Kona waters working on a mooring, up in the air in a helicopter over the volcano, or working in rugged upland forests doing drug eradication. “You'd see all the beauty of this country," he reminisces.

Experiencing Hawai’i's magnificence firsthand reinforced Uncle Reggie's deep connection to the land and inspired his lifelong dedication to cultural stewardship and environmental protection. In 2008, upon retiring from the DLNR, he accepted a new role advising the developers of Kohanaiki Shores on cultural matters. "My mom always said we must share our kuleana (responsibility), what we have, or shame on us. So I make sure the partners we work with understand Hawaiian perspectives," Uncle Reggie explains.

But Uncle Reggie’s commitment to preserving the cultural heritage is about more than just a job. It’s about home. His family lineage is deeply tied to the land and waters of the Kohanaiki ahupuaʻa. Ahupuaʻa are traditional Hawaiian land divisions that generally run from the mountain to the sea, allowing communities to sustain themselves using resources from different elevations. Ahupuaʻa like Kohanaiki provided all that early Hawaiians needed to thrive, with appointed ali’i caretakers, ensuring sustainable management of resources for future generations. Uncle Reggie sees his cultural advising role as part of a stewardship of land that has run in his family for generations.

For Uncle Reggie, land represents sacred gifts from akua and ancestors to be stewarded for future generations. "When you die, you can’t take it with you,"

“ ”

he notes. This perspective guides his ongoing work with groups like the ‘Ohana O Kohanaiki Foundation to protect cultural sites, fishponds, native flora and fauna across the region. As a member for 15 years, working alongside artist Gary Eoff, an outstanding local artist from Kona, has developed a relationship on how to care for the māla (garden), loko wai (ponds) kō kākou ka paka (taking of the park), and lāʻau (plants).

Through their partnership, Kohanaiki Shores donated over 100 acres of coastal land to establish a community park. They funded improvements like restrooms, access roads, and educational signage about the natural and cultural history of the area. This popular local “Pine Trees” surf spot has become a staple for local families.

For ‘ohana, the correct name for “Pine Trees” is Puhili. "I can never repay them (Kohanaiki) financially, but I'm so grateful for what they've done," says Uncle Reggie. Developing the park space respectfully and including local input, allows for both public access and perpetuation of cultural practices to continue at this sacred site.

Uncle Reggie fondly recalls his childhood exploring the vast open spaces that now host modern developments. While change is inevitable, he believes cultural knowledge can still be shared. "Kids today don't have the time we did to learn outside. But we must teach them our ways," he insists.

Despite immense changes to our coastline, Uncle Reggie believes there is an opportunity for newcomers

CONTINUED >

to truly experience the Hawaiian culture that is still alive here. Through ongoing cultural education projects, advising developers, and bringing diverse communities together, Uncle Reggie serves as an intercessor helping all people understand and perpetuate the ways of life rooted in this sacred ‘āina for centuries. The value of his contribution and that of others like him is hard to measure. Without influencers like these, the most precious parts of our culture and the lessons of history begin to slip away.

Uncle Reggie’s life serves as a radiant example to the rest of us. Change is always happening, it is right and good to embrace it. But we have to honor and preserve the legacy handed to us. If we only look back, we won’t offer future generations the help of standing on our shoulders. If we merely look forward, we stand to miss the blessing of generations of experience, culture, history, and most of all lessons learned. For those blessed to live on this amazing coastline, we can follow Uncle Reggie’s example

by stewarding our kuleana, honoring those who have gone before, and giving our best to those who will follow. We can be the ones who bring out our treasures, old and new, for those who will come after.

This is our home. How will we steward it, and what will be passed to the next generation? Our land is filled with a rich tapestry of Hawaiian culture and history. It’s our responsibility to understand all that our land has to offer and to bring it to the next generation.

Now in his seventh decade calling Kailua-Kona home, Uncle Reggie remains dedicated to his mother’s vision. "As long as I’m still living, I’ll keep perpetuating our culture and making sure it has a home," he says. By embracing responsible progress while preserving cultural knowledge and sites, he ensures the rich heritage woven into the fabric of the Kona coast will continue for generations to come.

“Home is Kona, man. I just love Kona. When I go, I want to throw my ashes in Kona.”

“ ”

Kids today don’t have the time we did to learn outside. But we must teach them our ways.

Creating Unforgettable Moments

CESTHAT M AKEYOUR H O EM

HC O I

AVOIDING THE COMMON MISTAKES OF KITCHEN AND BATHROOM DESIGN

ARTICLE BY MATIAS ARREDONDO PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA ROWE PHOTO

“You have to pick something that can withstand the usage.”

Each piece of natural stone is unique, just like your home. Thus, choosing the right material is a decision you should not take lightly. Christian Coetzee, owner of Stone Solutions – a company that has served Hawai’i for almost 20 years – shares how to avoid the most common mistakes when bringing your home designs to life.

To start, you should decide in what environment the material is going to be. Ask yourself, will it receive direct sunlight? Is it going to be in a place with heavy water usage? Perhaps in a location where people are cooking and baking? Will it be outdoors or indoors?

Most people go and select the material purely based on the color or aesthetics, but then get frustrated by its limitations. Some materials can stand up to hot oil, others get bleached by the sunlight, and a lot of materials can't stand up to an acidic environment. “You have to pick

something that can withstand the usage,” Christian says. “Otherwise, a year down the line, you’ll feel like you should’ve picked something else because now, the material is stained, and you have to pay the price for maintenance.”

According to Christian, you should never put marble in a kitchen. Why? It requires too much care and the staining factor is high due to acid burns like vinegar and lemon. It’s the same for some softer stones like travertine. If you are going to do a lot of cooking, consider a denser material that is man-made, like Taj Mahal or quartzite. “The general rule of thumb is – for the most part – the natural lighter materials look white or soft yellow. To avoid doing a lot of maintenance, gravitate away from them,” Christian says.

If you do not want your design to look outdated after a couple of years, don’t go for the trending colors. Most neutral hues are timeless, like Taj Mahal or

“Hawai’i is catching up to the porcelain trend that is all over the mainland.”

subdued tones. “If people want to sell a home, then it might be ideal not to pick something super busy that has a date on it,” Christian shares. Instead, the more monotone the color or pattern, the longer it’ll stay current.

Also, don’t pick your floor covering by looking at just one tile because it doesn’t represent everything that comes in the box. Instead, unpack a box of that tile and lay it out to see how all the different tiles work together. That way you won’t be disappointed.

People often come to Christian with cabinet drawings that are out of the size bounds of the material and end up paying more for their projects. To avoid this, he recommends they work on their cabinet and stone selection first, and then do tile and paint. Never the other way around.

“If you already have a cabinet tile and paint picked, and then try to find a stone that fits your idea, you might get stuck because the stone selection isn't always that wide,” he says.

Always keep in mind that your cabinets should be conducive to the size of the stone. “A lot of stone products are not longer than 10 feet, yet, people come with cabinet drawings that are 10 feet five inches or 11 feet. This makes for a very unsightly installation because now they

have to piece the materials together,” Christian warns. Pick your cabinet color and your stone, and then work with a cabinet designer. See if the designer can bring the cabinet layout within the bounds of the material, it will make for a better installation.

Consider that things take a bit of time on our island. So don’t wait till the very last moment to try to secure materials or to track down somebody who can install it. Especially because most contractors give free estimates. A couple of months before you're even ready to start, get on somebody's radar, as most contractors are booked for several months at a time. “If you wait till the last minute, the amount of contractors that'll be willing to do your job will be very small, especially those that do high-quality installation,” Christian says.

When deciding what contractor you should work with, research who's got a good reputation. Line somebody up a few months in advance and wait for them. Even if it means you buy the cabinets and store them for a month. Then, as soon as your stone installer is ready, they can do the installation. Don’t pick someone in a rush. If a contractor is willing to do the job immediately, ask yourself why are they available when everybody else is booked up.

CONTINUED >

A lot of materials at Stone Solutions come from Brazil, India and Italy. Brazil is the main driving force in the stone market right now, as it has some of the nicest veins of material. Yet, the new thing in the stone market that solves a lot of the maintenance issues is porcelain. “Hawai’i is catching up to the porcelain trend that is all over the mainland and even worldwide, especially huge, beautiful, walk-in showers. Porcelain doesn't wear and tear, it doesn't absorb water or stain. You don't need to seal it, and it can be in direct sunlight. So most of your applications' problems are solved by this new product,” Christian shares.

Learn more at Hawaii-Stone.com .

Are

Dennis Good, PA-C Kristi Yearout, APRN-Rx

Rahul Bose, MD

ARTICLE BY MARGARET KEARNS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA VELICHKO

SERVING THE KONA COMMUNITY FOR MORE THAN 27 YEARS

KONA WINE MARKET

Now situated in its third location, Kona Wine Market has doubled its space and tripled its revenues since relocating to Old Industrial from its previous spot in Kona Commons 10 years ago.

The move came when new owners Sterling and Schel Leatherman took

food and wine culture, it was always an interest. We enjoyed meals at great restaurants and weekend trips to the nearby Sonoma and Napa Valley wine regions,” Sterling says.

It also was a huge help that the shop’s veteran staff stayed on with

“THE PURCHASE WAS A LEAP OF FAITH.”

over operations in 2014 and took advantage of an opportunity to expand the bottle shop’s size, along with its offerings, while reducing monthly lease payments.

High School sweethearts and natives of Palo Alto, California, the couple relocated to Hawai’i Island in 2013, following several years on Oahu where Sterling completed studies at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa.

“Arriving here, we looked at many possibilities for starting our own business. It was Schel who spotted the post advertising Kona Wine Market for sale,” Sterling says.

And while he had experience working in retail from the age of 14, he says, it never involved food and beverage.

“The purchase was a leap of faith, but having grown up in the San Francisco Bay Area with its amazing

the transfer of ownership, including Howard Bubord, known in-store as the “wine wiz,” and General Manager Rick Ayers (now retired). At that time, Jackie Chrisman took over Rick’s role.

“Together with our most recent hire, Ali Cork – yes, that really is her last name! – they are responsible not only for the market’s growth and success, but mine as well. For the first four or five years, I took a back seat, letting the veteran team take the lead. During that time, I learned a lot, listening to them and the many distributor representatives who call on us daily, describing the wines, spirits and beers to customers. Sampling the products also enhanced the learning curve,” he says.

Now with an average inventory of 3,000 products, including food items such as gourmet cheeses, cured meats,

CONTINUED >

caviar, Kona coffee, nuts and spreads, as well as cigars, Sterling says, “We are by no means just a wine shop. And 10 years in with many thanks to my staff, I’m confident in the knowledge I’ve gained and now share with customers,” Sterling says.

Knowing his client base well, he adds, is one key factor in determining the specific products he will offer among the many available.

“We can’t carry everything, but we do our best with more than 300 different beers on offer in our refrigerated, lava tube beer cave, and we’ve also introduced a growler station with six draft beers available. Of course, we continue to offer a broad variety of wines from the world’s best-growing regions, with old and new world wines represented equally. We are especially strong with selections from Pacific Coast vineyards – California, Oregon and Washington – while our French wine offerings are growing,” he says. “And, late last year, we opened a new section featuring only natural, organic wines.”

“WE’RE LOOKING TO SPONSOR MORE CHARITY EVENTS IN 2024.”

– STERLING LEATHERMAN

Also, popular are the Friday tastings at the shop from 3-6 p.m. and the implementation of an increased Kama’aina discount. In addition, Sterling and the team also are committed to giving back to the community by hosting charity events. Most recently, they teamed with local restaurants and chefs to host a food and wine experience/silent auction last September, raising $12,500 for Maui Strong in the wake of the disastrous August fires.

“We’re looking to sponsor more charity events in 2024, and we’re also planning an event to celebrate our 10th anniversary this August,” Sterling says.

For more information, log in at KonaWineMarket.com

MAKE PRICELESS MEMORIES. RIDE BIG ISLAND.

MARCH 1ST

Friday Movies

Under the Stars

King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort | 7:00 PM

Join for Friday Movies Under the Stars! Free for locals and guests of the resort, grab a seat on the Lu’au Grounds at sunset and enjoy your favorite movies with freshly popped popcorn. For more information visit KonaBeachResort.com.

MARCH 1ST

First Friday: Art After Dark

Holualoa Historical Village | 5:30 PM

On the first Friday of every month, we come together for a block party after dark. 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 Kona coffee country. Holualoa gets together and celebrates after dark every month, rain or shine.

MARCH 5TH

Bubble Run Kona

Bid Island Running Company, Ali’i Drive | 12:00 PM

Bubble Run is a 3-mile event where participants run, walk, dance, and play. The course features foam bogs of colored suds that are encountered along the way. A portion of the proceeds from the event goes towards funding, research, and treatment for families battling terminal illness and childhood cancer.

BigIslandRunningCompany.com/ event-calendar

MARCH 5TH

Lei Making

Queen’s Marketplace, Waikoloa 6:00 PM

Learn how to make your very own Pua Kalaunu (crown flower) lei from start to finish during our monthly lei-making workshop with Ainahua Florals. Wear your lei at home or gift it to someone you love. Limited to 15 guests on a first come, first served basis.

QueensMarketplace.com/events

MARCH 9TH

Kona Brewers Festival

Ahu’ena Heiau, Ali’i Drive | 9:30 AM

Experience Kona’s spirit in celebrating the 29th Craft Beer Anniversary on local culture and community in Hawai’i. Established in 1996, the beloved community event has become a cherished tradition, attracting visitors and locals alike. Proceeds from the festival support local nonprofits focused on the environment, youth, sustainability, and culture, making a positive impact on the Big Island community.

KonaBrewersFestival.com

MARCH 17TH

Big Island

International Marathon

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Hilo | 6:00 AM

The Big Island International Marathon run goes along the old coast of the Big Island. The marathon is 2 out and back, starting at the Hilo Hawaiian and finishing back at the same hotel. Packet pickup and the Expo are the day before the race at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Enjoy seeing athletes compete in this world-class event!

HiloMarathon.org

Hawaii Medspa

Emsculpt is a revolutionary non-invasive body contouring treatment, that utilizes high-intensity electromagnetic technology to effortlessly tone and define muscles. With just a few sessions, target specific areas and achieve your desired body goals. Experience the future of fitness with Emsculpt.