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

Life + Culture

Preserving Culture Amidst Progress In Kona

A local man's quest to share what he has Article by Johnny Gillespie | Photography by Anna Velichko 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...

February 2024

Home + Design

Choices That Make Your Home

Avoiding the common mistakes of kitchen and bathroom design Article by Matias Arredondo | Photography by Alexandra Rowe Photo 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...

February 2024

Food + Beverage

Kona Wine Market

Serving the Kona community for more than 27 years Article by Margaret Kearns | Photography by Anna Velichko 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 over operations in 2014 and took advantage of an opportunity to expand the bottle shop’s size, along with its offerings, while...

February 2024

Travel

Helicopter Man

The many ways can Cal Dorn uses his choppers good Article by John-Mark Dyer | Photography by Paradise Helicopters One of Calvin Dorn’s favorite things about owning helicopters is the chance to surprise people with a free ride. He looks for waiters or valets – someone who wouldn’t normally have the money to book a flight. He adds them to his waitlist and when an open seat comes up, he gives them a call and tells them to hop in. He loves sharing the magic of the island with people. Calvin...

January 2024

Life + Culture

From Policeman To Cattle Rancher

Scotty Lewis, Providing Double Duty Service To Our Community Article by Margaret Kearns | Photography by Fletch Photography Cattle ranching on Hawai’i Island had a humble start in 1793 when Captain Vancouver gifted one bull and six cows to King Kamehameha I. Sadly, the bull died, but all was not lost as one year later Captain Vancouver returned, bringing with him four bulls and eight cows – all longhorn cattle known as bullocks. The small herd flourished on the 400 acres of rich, green...

January 2024