Gayle Kaleilehua Greco
Living in Kailua-Kona, Gayle Greco is a management consultant and project manager to local business owners. A former executive for major publishing companies, Gayle lends her expertise to Ke Ola Magazine as a writer. Her passion for Hawai‘i is deeply rooted in the community through business partnerships, kōkua (service) associations, hula and Hawaiian cultural arts.
A Wa‘a Named La‘i‘ōpua
By Gayle Kaleilehua Greco Being birthed on the ‘āina of Hawaiian homelands at the Villages of La‘i‘ōpua in Kailua-Kona is a wa‘a (canoe) by the same name, La‘i‘ōpua. Not since the Makali‘i was constructed in 1993, has there been an…
Hōkū Pa‘a: The North Star of Melodic Harmonies
By Gayle Kaleilehua Greco Sitting in the ancient petroglyph fields at Waikoloa, Tani Waipā looked to the heavens for guidance on what was to be her next step in life. In moments of deep reflection and trust, Tani scanned the…
Hale o Ho‘oponopono: Perpetuating the Cultural Legacy of Hōnaunau
By Gayle Kaleilehua Greco Driving down the single lane road towards the Hōnaunau boat ramp, there is a quietness that envelops you, a glimpse of the ocean, and a curiosity of what happened on this land in the early days…
Twilight at Kalāhuipua‘a’s 20th Anniversary: A Time of Remembrance, Preservation, and Community Service
By Gayle Kaleilehua Greco “My first impression of the property and ponds was that I didn’t think there were places like this that still existed.” says Danny “Kaniela” Akaka, reminiscing back to a day in 1972 when he first stepped…
Darlene Ahuna: Celebrating Traditional Hawaiian Music
By Gayle Kaleilehua Greco The sound of her voice is unmistakable, a resounding ha‘i (falsetto) spun with the grace of serenity. You are in the presence of Darlene Ahuna, a Hawaiian traditionalist singer and musician who has been playing music…
There’s Only One Uncle Earl: Uncle Earl Regidor at the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai
By Gayle Kaleilehua Greco Greeted by an engaging smile and embracing hug, the word Aloha takes on its true meaning as a seed is planted in the hearts of those who meet Uncle Earl. His stately presence, reminiscent of the…
Ambassador of Aloha: Michelle Kaulumāhiehie Amaral
By Gayle Kaleilehua Greco Have you ever seen an angel dance?” asks Cultural Center Manager Earl Regidor as Michelle Kaulu Amaral starts to dance in the lobby of the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai. With the first step, Kaulu begins to float…
Every Store has a Story: The Japanese Pioneers of the Kimura Lauhala Shop
By Gayle Kaleilehua Greco “Come, come, here is the room I was born in; there used to be a shoji door here,” says Alfreida (Kimura) Fujita, as we walk down the hall of the Kimura Lauhala Shop in Hōlualoa. Alfreida’s…
From Seed to Soul: North Kohala’s Eat Locally Grown Community Initiative
By Galye Kaleilehua Greco The churning sound of mixing wet cement shovel-by-shovel, two able bodies continuously mixing in rhythmic timing, are met by the words of David Fuertes, “we need ‘em, we make ‘em.” Uncle David is referring to the…
Hawaiian Cultural Tour at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay
By Gayle Kaleilehua Greco To hear, ‘the answer is in the land,’ was the biggest blessing of my life,” says Lily Dudoit, Director of Culture at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay. Lily tells tales of royalty…
Kaukulaelae, We Honor You
By Gayle Kaleilehua Greco The sun shines, glistening on the waters of Keauhou Bay. The palm trees give notice to the wind as it moves across the land. The paddlers glide their canoe across the sea, propelled in rhythmic stroke.…
Kāko‘o ‘o I Nā Keiki (Support the Keiki) to Advance the Common Good for All Hawai‘i Island Keiki
By Gayle ‘Kaleilehua’ Greco A child’s big, innocent eyes gaze out into the distance. He waits street side, anticipating excitement, yet remaining ever-so-patient. He is surrounded by his ‘ohana who summon the minivan down the street. Reminiscent of waiting for…
Signature of One’s Life: The Story of Ben Mahi Samson
By Gayle ‘Kaleilehua’ Greco A signature is an imprint, a sign of one’s self that signifies who we are. A signature comes in many forms, as common as a signed name to as subtle as a familiar color. What happens,…
The Love Story of Harp and Soul: Manuel and Bernice Roberto
By Gayle “Kaleilehua” Greco The strum of the harp mixed melodically with the sound of the flute leaves an echo lingering in the air. It weaves with the breeze, playing on heartstrings, as if one is sitting in heaven. Lost…
The Journey of Hula Competition: The Experience of One Haumana
By Gayle ‘Kaleilehua’ Greco When you are asked to be in a hula festival, contest, or competition, the journey for oneself starts at that moment. Inevitably, it is really not about the contest at all; it is about the passage…
Kumu Hula Etua Lopes, E Ola E Ola Mau
By Gayle ‘Kaleilehua’ Greco When the moments in between chicken skin are filled with laughter or tears, you know you are in the presence of the great storyteller, Kumu Hula Etua Lopes. Born on August 29, 1953 in Damien Track…
Lessons of Light: Ethan Tweedie Captures the Beauty of Hawai‘i Island
By Gayle ‘Kaleilehua’ Greco Sitting on the front steps of Parker School, a teenage boy pensively gazes at Mauna Kea, not knowing why, and yet, in his heart he knows he is home. One winter day, living in New Jersey,…
“He Mo‘olelo kō ka Lei”: A Story of the Lei
By Gayle ‘Kaleilehua’ Greco The very symbol of aloha is the lei. And the most cherished expression is that of a child, “He lei poina ‘ole ke keiki,” meaning, “A beloved child is a lei never forgotten.” A celebration and…
Ko Bo Kahui Ho‘oilina Ola: Bo Kahui’s Living Legacy
By Gayle ‘Kaleilehua’ Greco One person can make a difference, and everyone should try,” said John F. Kennedy in his 1961 inaugural address. Craig ‘Bo’ Kahui was seven years old at the time and living in Kalihi on O‘ahu. One…
The Goddess and the Artist: Pele Dreaming
By Gayle Kaleilehua Greco At first glance, you wonder, are her eyes open or closed? Is she smiling or pensive? Is it lava flow or ocean? That is the mystery of MaryAnn Hylton’s casting of “Pele Dreaming.” The image of…
