Style + Beauty

Boutiquemates

For nearly a decade two women have shared a studio storefront and proved that with friendship, success can be achieved at any stage of life Article by Samantha Arredondo | Photography by Fletch Photography Off Lunapule Road, there is a shared shop corner holding two boutiques run by long-time friends. Just entering the storefront you might not even realize it isn’t one cohesive store, but Amy Sheffield, of Pueo Boutique, and Hannah (Price) Carpenter, of Quill & Feather, have been sharing...

April 2024

Arts + Culture

Culture and Community

Kona woman works to preserve and spread Hawaiian culture in West Hawaiʻi Article by Tianna Morimoto | Photography by Ewalina Photography Leināʻala Kekūhaupiʻo-Fruean is a woman who knows her purpose in life. The mother of three wears many hats as a cultural leader in the Kona community. Yet, what keeps her going through the busy weeks, multiple jobs, and hours of service is knowing that she is fulfilling her destiny: to make West Hawaiʻi a better place. “I’m a mother, I'm a daughter, I'm a...

April 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Community-Focused: Key To Success

62 years of Big Island Toyota investing in Hawai'i’s ‘ohana Article by Matias Arredondo | Photography by Fletch Photography Jackie De Luz is not only the President & Secretary of Big Island Toyota, but she also embodies the commitment to excellence established by her family. Her ancestors came from Portugal and arrived in Hawai’i in the mid-1800s. Since then, the De Luz family has served the community with a variety of businesses until they found their true passion: cars.  David De Luz...

April 2024

Home + Design

Floral Finesse

Mandi Post's thoughts on making Mother's Day special Article by Johnny Gillespie | Photography by Anna Velichko Mandi Post was born and raised in Kona. She was part of the first graduating class from Kealakehe High School and received a double major in Business Administration and Spanish from the University of San Diego. She worked for SDG&E for almost 5 years before deciding corporate life wasn't for her. Soon after, she got married and moved back to Hawai’i. Her vision for a store was to...

April 2024

Arts + Culture

Hawai’i Storyteller Sara Ackerman

Bestselling author finds inspiration from nature and her family memories Article by Margaret Kearns | Photography by Whiteshell Photography Co. Sara Ackerman’s first historic novel, set here on Hawai’i Island, was published in 2018 (“Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers”), and today, just six years later, her sixth novel, “The Unchartered Flight of Olivia West,” debuted in February.  “I have been writing poetry since I was 11 when our sixth-grade teacher had us create a book of poems – I still...

April 2024

Life + Culture

Investing In Paradise: The Brando

An exclusive resort’s uncompromising embrace of nature and luxury Article by Johnny Gillespie | Photography by The Brando Nestled on the atoll of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia, a resort is modeling not only the epitome of luxury but also a new standard of contributing and mindful tourism. The Brando is one of the most exclusive and aspirational destinations in the world, with its boutique island vibe and world-famous spa. Less known, however, is the way the resort is turning industry norms on...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Preserving A Kona Coast Treasure

1,000 years of ancient Hawaiian history, culture and traditions Article by Margaret Kearns | Photography by Lionhearts Creative Yes, Captain Cook was killed at Kealakekua Bay in February 1779, however, the indigenous people’s history in this wahi pana (sacred place) – their culture, sacred sites. Religious practices and sustainable stewardship of the ʻāina and kai date back more than 1,000 years. And while some note Captain Cook’s arrival here as the first Western contact, oral history, and...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Celebrating The First Year

A few words from our publishers, Taylor Stutts and Johnny Gillespie Article by Taylor Stutts and Johnny Gillespie | Photography by David Parks As we print our anniversary issue, it feels amazing to look back on our first year. We’ve been privileged to share the stories of so many incredible people and places. It takes a remarkable team to pull together a publication like this, so we want to take a moment to thank a few who have been instrumental in making Kona Coast City Lifestyle possible.  ...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Staying The Course

In a world where cash is king, Taylor Easley places people first Article by Ben Fillekes | Photography by Alexandra Rowe Photography It was the winter of 2009. Financial markets globally were floundering. Banks were receiving unprecedented government bailouts, and the S&P 500 recorded its worst start to a year in history. As the economic pulse of a nation flatlined, a young financial advisor was on the cusp of cutting free from the moorings of regularity to launch toward uncharted seas. Taylor...

March 2024

Home + Design

Building A Sanctuary

The surprising secrets behind Mark de Reus' world-class homes 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...

February 2024