HAKA: The Hawai‘i Animal Kuleana Alliance
By Mālielani Larish Moving hastily, Syndi Texeira lifted her neighbor’s dog, an 80-pound pit bull mix named Bear, into a vehicle for transport out of Leilani Estates. It was May 3, 2018, and the police and civil defense had informed…
Ka Wehena: Pua Kalaunu
Na Kumu Keala Ching lāua ‘o Kumu Pa‘akea Akiu ‘Ae, Pua Kalaunu Kaulana nā pua, pua kalaunu Kui ‘ia ia lei puni ke aloha Aloha palena‘ole e Lili‘uokalani He ali‘i nō ia, ‘Onipa‘a ē ‘Onipa‘a ē, ʻOnipa‘a la, ‘Onipa‘a e…
Journey from the Land of Hibiscus to Hawai‘i Island
By Jan Wizinowich Although not native to Korea, the hibiscus has long been its national symbol. Probably originating in India, the hibiscus is easily transplanted, and endowed with adaptability. It most likely made its way north through China into Korea,…
Local Food: The Ono Hua Moa (The Delicious Chicken Egg) and a Recipe for Dutch Baby
By Brittany P. Anderson A clamor of loud cackles and squawking erupts from the pasture. The flock of egg-laying hens continue their vocal display for the next 15 minutes letting everyone know that an egg has been laid. Just as…
Sharing the Art of Palm Craft with Sylph Nightbloom
By Mālielani Larish With a luxurious green palm frond perched on her lap, Sylph Nightbloom gives the opening instructions to the workshop participants gathered around her. “Lift the first two palm leaflets up,” she says as she demonstrates, “so they…
Casa de Las Palmas: Hilo’s Sanctuary for Rare and Endangered Palms
By Sara Stover On an unassuming country road outside of Hilo, perched above the ancient waters of Waiākea Stream, grows a menagerie of rare and endangered palms. Before you even step foot onto the grounds of Casa de Las Palmas…
The Many Hands, Feet, Wings, Paws, and Hoofs of Lili House Farm
By Nancy S. Kahalewai What do Arthur the mini-donkey, Wilma and Fred the African desert tortoises, and Tommy the American heritage turkey have in common? They all get to roam and graze on a carpet of sweet grass on the…
Medicinal Plants from the Garden: Unlock the Healing and Cleansing Power of Lemon
By Brittany P. Anderson A young boy reaches his hand into a branch of shiny green foliage, palming a bright yellow, slightly oblong fruit. The tree sways as he tugs to release the object of his desire. Bringing his hand…
Ipu Stories—From Seed to Stage
By Nancy S. Kahalewai There are few things as unique as the feel, shape, sound, texture, decoration, source, and even lineage of a Hawaiian ipu drum. Pahu (drums) are part of the bedrock of traditional Hawaiian hula traditions, dancing, and…
For the Love of Hawai‘i Island Beekeepers
By Stefan Verbano Since the dawn of agriculture, honeybee keepers have braved the swarm in search of that coveted golden nectar. The sound of an open hive is intimidating—a buzzing roar which connects with some ancient, instinctual human sense that…
Featured Artist: Alexander Rokoff
The paintings featured on this issue’s cover and table of contents were both created by the same artist, Alexander Rokoff. The cover’s Blind Shepherd is about ‘aumakua (personal gods). Alexander explains, “To me, it feels similar to the Native American…
Talk Story with an Advertiser: Jade Painting, LLC
Jade Painting recently opened their Hawai‘i Island office, although they’ve had full-time workers here for more than five years. Started on O‘ahu in 1974, the founder, John Wyman, Sr. loved the Hawaiian Islands so much, that he started his own…
Island Treasures: Ginger Sandell
How many people have you known who could create fine art as well as they “crunch numbers?” Ginger Sandell can do both, and do them well! Fully retired from her CPA career in 2020, Ginger is finally able to focus…
Ka Puana: A Satisfaction with the Land
