Kona Coast City Lifestyle (2025)

08/11/2025

Powering a Brighter Future
Perched on a rooftop overlooking Laʻaloa Bay, Josh Mason, founder of BlueSky Energy, takes in the morning sun reflecting off newly installed solar panels. “‘Blue Skies’ is one of my favorite songs and an inspiration for the company name,” he says with a grin. “And of course, a blue sky day is the best day for solar energy.”
Founded in 2014, BlueSky Energy helps Hawaiʻi Island residents and businesses find energy solutions that are efficient, sustainable, and tailored to their needs. After years in business brokerage, Josh shifted to the solar industry, quickly realizing how powerful renewable energy could be. “Solar energy can make Hawaiʻi less dependent on fossil fuels, moving us toward more energy independence and a more sustainable future,” he says. “Why bring fuel from somewhere else when we already have so much sunshine here?”
Committed to integrity and education over sales commissions, BlueSky Energy designs systems that fit each customer’s lifestyle and ensures they understand how everything works from solar panels and inverters to energy storage. “At the end of the day, I want to go to bed knowing that BlueSky put their interests above all else,” Josh says.
Learn more at WhyBlueSky.com and read the full article on our website!
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Article by Sara Stover
Photography by Fletch Photography

06/11/2025

Trippin with Dogs
For nearly 60 years, the Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society (HIHS) has been devoted to caring for and finding loving homes for animals across the island. With locations in Keaʻau and at the 12-acre Animal Community Center in Holualoa, HIHS is recognized as one of the nation’s most progressive and compassionate animal care organizations. “Everything we do is geared toward getting to know each animal as best we can,” says CEO Lauren Nickerson.
One of its most beloved programs, Field Trips for Shelter Dogs, invites residents and visitors to take a dog out for a day of adventure exploring dog-friendly beaches, trails, and parks. These outings not only give the dogs a much-needed break from the shelter but also help staff learn more about their personalities. “Even just a few hours out of the shelter promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves dogs’ behaviors,” Lauren explains.
Supported by Maddie’s Fund and community donations, the Field Trips program has become a model for shelters nationwide. In 2016, HIHS received the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce’s Business Innovation Award for the initiative, which continues to connect animals with people across the island in meaningful ways.
Learn more at HIHS.org and read the full article on our website!
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Article by Margaret Kearns
Photography by Courtesy of HIHS

04/11/2025

Our November issue is here and it invites you to slow down and be inspired with stories like Expecting Miracles, Trippin’ with Dogs, Grateful to Create, Generations Made Secure, and Carrying the Line. Every page rooted in gratitude and island life!

Read the new articles on our website!

31/10/2025

The Kona Beekeeper Legacy Project
Leandra Rouse, daughter of Kona queen bee producers, has spent the past year documenting Hawai‘i Island’s beekeeping history through The Kona Beekeeper Legacy Project, a museum exhibit and 10-minute documentary. What began as a birthday tribute to her father evolved into a broader story highlighting the vital role Kona’s beekeepers play in global food systems, particularly through queen bee breeding. Around 25% of the hives in the continental U.S. rely on Kona-raised queens, helping sustain crops like almonds, apples, and avocados even as mainland colonies face massive losses.
The project showcases the island’s working agricultural lands, distinctive single-flower honeys, and the collaborative relationships between beekeepers and farmers. Leandra partnered with nature photographer Andrew Richard Hara to capture the industry’s labor, science, and artistry, from sunrise beeyards to ranches and coffee farms. The film and exhibit also preserve local stories, including historical connections to astronaut Ellison Onizuka and early honey producers like Enzo Kobayashi & Sons.
Leandra emphasizes the unique challenges and rewards of queen breeding: “With queen breeding, you never do the same thing twice,” and the importance of land access, noting, “Beekeepers here depend on landowners, as 90% of their operations run on other people’s land.”
The exhibit, which recently completed a run at the Kona Historical Society, will reopen in spring 2026 at Anna Ranch Heritage Center in Waimea. The project celebrates Kona’s agricultural heritage and its quiet but crucial impact on food systems worldwide.
Read the full article on our website and learn more at HistoryOfKonaBeekeeping.com
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Article by Leandra Rouse
Photography by Andrew Hara

30/10/2025

Kona’s Sushi Jewel
Sushi Sam’s in Kona, led by Osaka-born chef Sam Segawa, has earned a loyal following for serving some of the freshest fish on the Big Island since opening in October 2020. Known for “sea kissed” tuna, salmon, scallops, and sweet shrimp, Sam’s sashimi and rolls rival offerings in major sushi hubs like Los Angeles and New York. Regulars praise specialties like the Hamachi appetizer, Ahi Tataki, Avocado Bomb, and his Veggie Roll, where vegetables are used to accentuate the fish.
Sam blends authentic Japanese techniques with flavors that appeal to island visitors, and he also offers standout non-fish dishes such as rib eye steak, teriyaki chicken, and fresh salads. The restaurant features a curated selection of Japanese whiskeys, sake, beer, and wine. Portions are generous, with most meals ranging from $50 to $100 per person.
“Your mouth delights in the utterly unique combinations of color and flavors,” says a devoted customer, while another notes that Sushi Sam’s cozy, minimalist ambiance makes every meal feel special.
Make reservations at (808) 796-3535, and learn more at SushiSamHawaii.com.
Read the full article on our website
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Article by Nabil Abu-Assal
Photography by Fletch Photography

30/10/2025

Harvesting Island Flavors
Born and raised on the Big Island, Jasmine Silverstein grew up on a small family homestead in Puna, learning the rhythms of the land, the value of fresh ingredients, and the importance of supporting local farmers. Her early experiences on the family’s organic farm, combined with her studies in Environmental Studies and personal health journey, shaped her philosophy that food can nourish both body and community.
Jasmine is now the founder of Meals in a HeartBeet, an organic meal prep delivery service serving Kona, Kohala, Waimea, and Hilo. She prioritizes sourcing local produce and proteins from trusted farms, emphasizing both flavor and the resilience of Hawai‘i’s food system. “When I cook, I’m not just feeding people, I’m weaving together those stories and passing them on in the form of a meal,” she says. Her meals are naturally gluten-free, mostly dairy-free, and crafted to be both nourishing and crave-worthy.
Looking ahead, Meals in a HeartBeet is opening a new location in Kona, which will serve as a meal pickup spot and grab-and-go shop for healthy foods, aiming to strengthen connection to the community and the land. Jasmine hopes every meal inspires people to appreciate the story behind their food.
Read the full article on our website and learn more at Order.HeartBeetFoods.com
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Article by Matias Arredondo
Photography by Fletch Photography

29/10/2025

Eating Our Roots
Kolby Moser, a Big Island filmmaker and founder of Aria Studios, geared up for season two of her Emmy-winning docuseries Eating Our Roots, which premiered October 4 on K5. The eight-episode series celebrates Hawai‘i Island’s farmers, ranchers, and fishermen, highlighting local ingredients and the people who grow and produce them while raising awareness about food sustainability, water rights, and challenges facing local agriculture.
Co-created with celebrity chef Ippy Aiona, who hosts, co-produces, and writes the show, each episode explores the history and impact of a featured ingredient before Chef Ippy prepares a dish using it. Season one covered items like beef, coffee, kalo, ‘ulu, and green onion, and won an Emmy for Editing Content – Short or Long Form.
Kolby emphasizes the dedication of her small production team and the community’s support, noting that the project was largely self-funded and fueled by volunteer hours. “Season one was a true passion project. We had one sponsor who got the show on air, but my company absorbed 100% of the costs involved in creating the show,” she says. She adds, “I hope that the people who are making our food feel like the heroes that they are. They deserve all the credit. It is a hard, grueling job to deal with weather, taxes and invasive species; they're up before the sun, and their work never ends. I just want them to feel celebrated, but I also want us to be educated as consumers to make smart choices when we're at the farmer's market, or we're at the grocery store.”
A native of the Big Island, Kolby began her career in news before founding Aria Studios in 2008. Her work, including the 2022 documentary Hometown Legends, reflects her belief in the transformative power of storytelling and her commitment to mentoring local filmmakers. “Our kūpuna were storytellers and filmmaking is our generation’s medium to tell stories. I’ve seen it really impact lives. I’ve seen it heal and transform lives. It’s a really powerful tool,” she says.
Read the full article on our website and learn more at AriaStudios.com
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Article by Tianna Morimoto
Photography by Aria Studios

29/10/2025

Simply Maggie Q
Hawai‘i-born actress Maggie Q has spent nearly two decades at the forefront of Hollywood action, with standout performances in Mission: Impossible III, Live Free or Die Hard, the Divergent trilogy, and the TV series Nikita. Her latest role as detective Renée Ballard in Amazon Prime Video’s Bosch spinoff Ballard offers a grounded, modern take on the police procedural genre.
In an exclusive interview, Maggie reflects on her journey from modeling in Asia to becoming an international film star and dedicated animal rights advocate. She discusses her transition from aspiring veterinarian to actor, her ongoing work with organizations such as WildAid and The Animal Rescue Mission, and how life in Kona provides balance to her demanding career.
At home on the Big Island, Maggie embraces a quieter rhythm, surfing, kayaking, and spending time outdoors with her three rescue dogs. She also shares her perspective on sustainable fashion and the importance of mindful consumption, themes that echo her broader commitment to living with intention.
Read the full article on our website!
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Article by Jennifer Birn
Photography by Courtesy of Maggie Q

28/10/2025

Consciously Curated Fashion
Tucked in the heart of Holualoa, The Shop by Jada blends modern style with island charm. Owner Jada Holt has created a boutique where sustainable fashion meets personal expression, featuring consciously crafted brands, handmade jewelry, and her signature custom hats. Each piece reflects Jada’s commitment to “slow fashion,” an approach that values quality, longevity, and ethical production over fleeting trends.
A lifelong connection to the space makes the shop especially meaningful. Once home to a historic general store, the building now carries on a legacy of craftsmanship and community. Jada’s family plays an active role in the business. Her twin daughters help during school breaks, and her mother, Tara Van Mols, designs ocean-inspired jewelry sold in the shop.
Beyond fashion, Jada’s favorite part of her work is the connection she builds with customers. Whether it’s helping a woman design a custom hat or chatting during Holualoa’s First Friday events, she aims for everyone to leave with confidence and a memory. With a second location now open on Aliʻi Drive and plans to expand online, Jada continues to grow her brand while staying true to her vision of mindful style and meaningful connection.
Read the full story on our website and learn more at ShopJada.co
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Article by Sara Stover
Photography by Fletch Photography

28/10/2025

Island Roots, Global Runways
Growing up on O‘ahu, Courtney Scherer never imagined a future in modeling until a chance encounter in a Seoul subway set her on an unexpected path. At 15, she was scouted by one of South Korea’s biggest entertainment agencies to become a K-pop star. Her mother declined the offer, choosing instead to sign her with a local modeling agency back home. That decision launched a two-decade career that would take Scherer across the globe, from Los Angeles and New York to Japan and Bali.
Now living on Hawai‘i Island, Courtney reflects on her journey with gratitude and perspective. She credits her success to professionalism, kindness, and a sense of humor, qualities that kept clients coming back. Beyond modeling, her philosophy on beauty is grounded in balance, self-care, and confidence. Influenced by her Korean heritage, her skincare routine focuses on nourishment from within, hydration, and consistent protection from the sun.
Today, she continues to model selectively while working in real estate and inspiring women to embrace authentic beauty. Her upcoming 2026 modeling workshop will focus on confidence, self-love, and navigating the industry with integrity.
Read the full story on our website and learn more about Courtney’s journey on her instagram account
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Article by Matias Arredondo
Photography by Courtesy of Courtney Scherer

27/10/2025

Raising Resilient Kids
As parents, it’s natural to want to protect our keiki from pain—but shielding them from every struggle may actually hold them back. In this heartfelt reflection, a local writer and parent explores the tension between protection and growth, sharing a powerful story of baby turtles whose struggle to reach the ocean made them strong enough to survive.
Like those turtles, our children need challenges to build resilience, confidence, and emotional strength. The key, the author explains, is not rescuing them from hardship but guiding them through it—with love, reflection, and emotional support.
Practical steps include self-reflecting on your own childhood triggers, using emotion coaching to help kids process feelings, and knowing when to step in for safety. Struggle, when met with support, becomes the foundation for confidence.
Read the full essay on our website for insights and tools to help your keiki grow stronger through life’s challenges.
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Article by Stephanie Daniels
Photography by Stephanie Daniels

27/10/2025

Superfood Snack Bites
Looking for a healthy snack your keiki will actually eat? No-bake Superfood Snack Bites from Big Island chef Jasmine Silverstein of Meals in a HeartBeet and HeartBeet Catering are quick to make, naturally sweet, and packed with real-food ingredients that nourish kids and adults alike.
Made with wholesome staples like dates, nuts, and seeds, these bites are free of refined sugar and full of flavor. They’re customizable, easy to prep ahead, and fun for little helpers to roll—making them perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or after-school snacks.
Rooted in her belief that food is medicine, Jasmine crafts allergy-conscious meals inspired by global flavors and fueled by local farms.
Read the full article and get all three recipes at HeartBeetFoods.com
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Article by Jasmine Silverstein
Photography by Meals in a HeartBeat

Kona Coast City Lifestyle

08/11/2025

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29/10/2025

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