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Book your appointment today! Call us at: 808-329-2010
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Exceptional Eye Care, Close to Home.
Aloha From Kona Coast’s New Editor
I am a wife and a mother to my favorite people. When I am not lost in the pages of a book, you will likely find me at the beach or wandering the aisles of a grocery store, eager to try a new recipe I discovered online.
As we explore the theme of Home, I find myself returning to a familiar longing. I grew up between the lush tropics of Costa Rica and the frost-kissed landscapes of Finland, never fully belonging to either place. Perhaps that is why I have always loved to travel. My sense of home has become a patchwork, stitched together by cultures, places and seasons that have shaped my heart.
Here in Kona, I carry all of that with me—a collection of past journeys, childlike wonder, and a readiness to embrace the beauty and warmth this corner of the world continues to reveal.
Hawai‘i presents itself to me as an alluring paradox. Its waters shimmer in impossible shades of turquoise, among the most beautiful I have ever known. Yet, beneath that beauty lies a history shaped by pain, labor and endurance. There is a gentle, almost fragile loveliness here, set against a powerful culture—one forged by warriors and some of the greatest explorers and navigators the world has known.
It is this juxtaposition that awakens my soul to ponder on what I seek in a home. Hawai‘i has long been a place I dreamed of calling home. Still, even surrounded by such wonder, daily life remains ordinary and, at times, difficult. The miracle of answered prayers does not exempt me from human struggle. In that tension, a deeper longing emerges—not simply for beauty, but for perfection; not just paradise, but a garden untouched by loss.
C.S. Lewis wrote, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”
Hawai‘i awakens that truth within me. It exposes an ache no ocean, sky or place can fully satisfy. And yet, it also strengthens my faith to hope for what lies ahead. This place offers fleeting glimpses of what is to come—whispers of an eternal joy, a future not yet reached but already felt.
I will continue marveling at all this island has to offer and to highlight it to the best of my abilities through this publication.
Warmly,
JULIA SILVA KURPPA, EDITOR @KONACOASTMAGAZINE
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Johnny Gillespie | johnny.gillespie@citylifestyle.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Taylor Stutts | taylor.stutts@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Amanda Troyer | amanda.troyer@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Julia Silva Kurppa | julia.kurppa@citylifestyle.com
Residential Sales North & South Kona 2003 to 2024 Kona Airport to South Kona | Realtor of the Year 2007
“Whether buying or selling real estate, trust the Browns to deliver courteous and loyal representation with integrity, kindness and care.” suebrownhawaii.com
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INTERIOR | EXTERIOR | RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL MAKE YOUR
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Money Wise with Kari.
Kari Clark Investment Advisor Representative
Women face a financial landscape shaped by longer life expectancy, income gaps, and career interruptions for caregiving. These realities mean women must plan, save, and invest differently to achieve lasting financial security. But with the right strategies, women can build wealth confidently and effectively—on their own terms. Whether you’re navigating life transitions or simply want more control over your money, understanding these financial dynamics is key. Want to know what smart financial planning looks like for women today? Scan below to read more now.
Pacific Exterior Maintenance
Licensed and insured, we can handle everything from cleaning your gutters to pressure washing your driveway. We'll get rid of all the dirt, grime and stains, leaving your property looking impeccable. Plus, with our professional service, you can avoid costly repairs and enjoy a well-maintained exterior for years to come. Trust us to deliver, efficient and long-lasting solutions that will elevate the look and durability of your property. PacificExteriorHI.com Scan to read more
Gwendolyn Ross, M.D.
Dr. Ross graduated from the Sidney Kimmel Medical College At Thomas Jefferson University in 1980. She works in Kailua-Kona, HI and 1 other location and specializes in Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Call at (808) 325-3255 to make an appointment.
Photography by EpicStockMedia
LIVABLE ISLAND LUXURY
ARTICLE BY SARA STOVER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALICIA GREENWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Creating
When interior designer Barbie Palomino ordered a custom bed for her client’s Kūki’o residence, it was the culmination of a lengthy decision-making process.
“I explored several options with the Cavens before settling on an investment piece for the master bedroom from a designer furniture line. But when I checked up on the order, I learned that the factory had been flooded by Hurricane Helene. All the fabrics were destroyed, and the factory shut down because its equipment no longer worked,” says Barbie. “I’m really action-oriented, so it's not the end of the world when something like this happens.”
Barbie calmly delivered the news to the Cavens. With grace and grit, she worked on some creative solutions.
“Scrapping it wasn't one of them. It had taken too long to get this bed approved, and I was too emotionally invested. I needed to see it come through,” says Barbie, who applies over 15 years of diverse design experience to navigate any mishaps that may emerge along the way to creating luxurious spaces that are livable and approachable.
After moving to Kailua-Kona six years ago, Barbie opened Studio Palomino, a boutique interior design oasis. She quickly realized that the choices for high-end furnishings on the island were few and far between, so she founded ROOST Design Hale, a full-service interior design retail store, furniture studio and showroom at BREW Block.
As co-owner and principal designer of Studio Palomino and ROOST Design Hale, Barbie creates spaces that are elevated and functional, while capturing the spirit of each client and the place they call home. What may begin as a project to source a few intentional pieces through ROOST often transforms into a full design journey with Studio Palomino, as was the case with the Cavens’ residence.
When they bought their Kūkiʻo home, it came with furniture that had not been touched in a few decades. In need of some updated pieces, the couple reached out to Barbie after a mutual acquaintance recommended her.
“The Cavens wanted to create a space that felt refined but relaxed. Over the past two years, this expanded into the dining room, the bedroom, the office, the den and the lanais,” Barbie recalls. The process started with capturing the floor plan in CAD (Computer-Aided Design). “Immediately, I saw that we could make the living room feel much grander. Pocket doors provide a transition from the living room to the expansive patio, pool, tropical manicured lawn and the ocean, so we also wanted to enhance that view.”
“The Cavens have kids and a dog, and they hang out in the living room a lot. The room’s design was inspired by the way the family uses this space. They also wanted enough space to entertain, which they had not felt comfortable doing before because the style seemed so outdated,” Barbie says, adding that their personal aesthetic and tastes influenced the project. “I try to appeal to my clients’ personalities, so none of my projects look the same. This is the only one that has these particular massive, black coffee tables.”
Other pieces that can only be found in the Cavens’ living room include a 12-foot-long sofa set and an entry cabinet, both custom-made.
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“Every home should be a reflection of the people who live in it. That’s why I love collaborating with our clients to create custom pieces like this cabinet for concealed storage of the family’s shoes and the dog stuff. To give it an indestructible surface, we used a repurposed extra countertop,” says Barbie, whose own love for color and contrast inspired the light blue area rug that graces the generous room. “They were hesitant to bring in a little bit of color. So I brought a 2×4 sample and laid it down. They walked on it barefoot for a few days, and we turned it different ways. The way you turn the rug also affects the way the light hits it and informs the way we had it cut."
Sconces were added to enhance the sense that the living room is a gathering place, while wallpaper creates a softer touch. “The wallpaper was a fiasco to install,” Barbie says with a laugh. “But it ended up gorgeous.”
Inspired by the natural beauty of Hawaiʻi, Barbie incorporates local materials, art and culturally-grounded influences into her designs whenever possible. Rather than off-therack art for the Cavens, Barbie suggested commissioning local artist Krista Skehan to create a painting specifically for them. The result is an unforgettable piece that ties together the blend of modern and transitional styles that Barbie incorporated into the living room.
As for the delayed bed, Barbie knows that such challenges come with the territory: “I’m a problem solver, and when it came to this bed, the solution was to source textile companies, finding a similar fabric to what had been approved, while new factories in North Carolina were being sourced to produce the bed. It took close to a year from the day we ordered it to the day we got the bed installed, but it was worth it. Now they have something that is a unique reflection of them… and a conversation piece.”
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Guarding the ʻĀina
Native Values Blend With Eco-friendly Innovation to Protect Hawaiʻi Island Homes
Christina Kawamoto-Butler is not your typical pest control operator. As she sits in her Kona office, reflecting on a career that spans over a decade, she reveals a milestone that is still sinking in. In 2025, she became the only woman in the state of Hawaiʻi to hold a pest control operator license. This was a natural progression in her career, but the realization that, in 2025, no other women were leading in the pest industry was both praiseworthy and eye-opening.
For Christina, the path to the top of the pest control industry was paved with dirt, sweat and a deep-seated connection to the land. Growing up as the descendant of multi-generational Kona Coffee farmers, the daughter of a Paniolo and a member of Future Farmers of America, agriculture has always been the "forefront" of her life. Before joining SMART Pest Prevention in 2014, Christina KawamotoButler worked at Brewer Environmental Industries (BEI), where she learned the science behind pest management. It is this background that informs her leadership style today as she oversees operations for the Big Island and Maui.
"If I’m gonna ask you to do something, then I better be able to get out there and do it with you. It really helped me see what my employees deal with every day," Christina says. She worked her own route side by side with her team, performing pest control services in the
ARTICLE BY MATIAS ARREDONDO PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLETCH PHOTOGRAPHY
intense heat of West Hawaiʻi. This hands-on experience led to immediate improvements for her staff, including the implementation of battery-powered sprayers to reduce physical burnout and the provision of battery fans to combat extreme heat. "Until you’re out there with a sprayer on your back and doing the work yourself, then you understand that this one job is too much for one person. You need to have multiple technicians on these jobs and make sure your team is taking care of themselves," she notes.
Christina’s presence in the field does more than just earn her crew's respect; it changes the dynamic for the customer. Entering a home to treat intimate spaces like closets and bathrooms can feel invasive, but Christina finds that female presence is key to removing awkwardness. "As a woman entering into somebody’s home, you already defused any kind of bar that someone might have," she explains. Her team strives to maintain the highest level of professionalism and to make people feel comfortable.
This level of care extends to the brand itself. Unlike larger corporate entities, where a customer might just be a number, Christina and her team pride themselves on "touchpoints." They know the names of the pets and remember when a client has had a life-changing event. "It’s nothing that we do to create an image. It is generally who we are," she says. This authenticity has built a foundation of trust so strong that many homeowners simply provide door codes and ask the team to let themselves in.
At the heart of SMART Pest Prevention is a commitment to the environment rooted in Christina's Native Hawaiian lineage. Her paternal side traces back to the Kumulipo, the Hawaiian creation chant and inception of man. This indigenous perspective shapes her business ethics. "I don’t want to do anything that affects the Hawaiʻi environment for the next seven generations," she says. "I strive to find the balance in my values of Aloha ʻĀina (love of the land) and the future of the business to be financially stable.
This philosophy manifests in the company’s "Green" approach. They utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a strategy that views spraying as a last resort. Instead, they focus on education and exclusion—sealing holes, managing food sources and trimming trees that act as "super freeways" for pests to access homes. When treatment is necessary, they opt for safer alternatives, such as XT2000 Orange oil. Derived from orange rinds, the oil is injected into wood to treat drywood termites, wicking through the grain like water through a paper towel.
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While traditional home fumigation requires residents to move out for a couple of days, SMART Pest Prevention offers an alternative. By using XT2000 Orange oil, homeowners avoid the hassle of bagging food or the risk of damage to foliage and photovoltaic panels that occurs during traditional tenting. This is just one of the services offered by SMART Pest Prevention.
Away from the business, Christina finds her balance on the lands of Parker Ranch. An avid hunter, she views the practice as a vital connection to the ecosystem. The skills she uses in the wild—tracking, reading signs and understanding habitats—are the same ones she applies to pest management. "It’s not just technical; it’s observational and respectful of the ecosystem as a whole," she says.
As a mother of three, Christina is keenly aware of the legacy she is leaving behind. She recently hired her first female technician and hopes to see more women enter the trade. For those considering the field, she points to the financial stability and the freedom it offers. "Once you have the license, you can work anywhere. It’s an underserved stable trade," she says.
For now, Christina is happy right where she is, "talking story" with her neighbors and protecting the island she loves. "Kona is growing and expanding, and there are a lot of new faces," she says. "It’s nice to get out there and meet everybody."
As she celebrates her 43rd birthday, the license and the recognition feel like a fitting capstone to 12 years of dedication. But more than the accolades, it is the quiet satisfaction of caring for the ʻāina that keeps her moving forward.
“It’s not just technical; it’s observational and respectful of the ecosystem as a whole.”
— Christina Kawamoto-Butler
in Every INTENTION BITE
A Journey Through Flavor and Tradition at NOIO’s Omakase Bar
ARTICLE AND
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY JULIA SILVA KURPPA
I’ve often fantasized about my dream date: a golden Kona sunset while waves caress the shore of Kahuwai Bay. As my husband leaned over the railing of the high-end Japanese concept restaurant, whales began to grace us with their dances. I asked my husband to pinch me, and to my surprise, it hurt. This experience was real indeed, and it would only get better.
Captivated by the sights, our senses attuned to the sound of knives being removed from their sheaths—plates and bowls gently being set out to form an exceptional presentation. As Chef Nuri finalized his preparations and clasped his hands behind his back, we understood it was time to settle in. We were invited into a serene initiation.
Our private seating began, and Chef Nuri offered us our first dish. We were introduced to the evening with an element of surprise. I began to understand that Chef Nuri is a storyteller who follows the primary aspects of narrative; the introduction set the tone and expectation for the rest of the evening. An unassuming bowl containing scallop tartare and truffle aioli, garnished with dried kelp and crushed fish bones made into salt, arrived. I immediately turned to my menu for help to read what I was about to experience.
“What we have right in front of us is not on the menu,” Chef Nuri said.
Unlike any other culinary service, I was not the one choosing what I was going to eat, which made this experience a joint adventure—exploring a thoughtfully curated menu designed just for us, just for that night. We didn’t have to worry about deciding what we wanted; we could fully surrender to the experience Chef Nuri has spent years honing and perfecting.
“I've pretty much been cooking for as long as I can remember,” Chef Nuri said. Growing up with a single mother whose time and energy were limited, he took on kitchen responsibilities. “I learned it (sushi making) by accident.”
After his first semester of culinary school, Nuri was disengaged and on the verge of quitting. One afternoon, he missed his bus home. As he stood in the cold, he caught glimpses through a classroom window next to the bus stop. A Japanese chef was demonstrating how he processed fish. Nuri instantly decided that he wanted to do just that. He waited for the chef to come outside so he could talk to him, purposefully missing his next bus.
The chef told Nuri he would not learn the art of sushi if he stayed in his current school. Downcast, Nuri made his way to a local sushi counter. There, he spoke with another chef.
"Will I be able to do your craft if I stay in this school?" Nuri asked.
The chef laughed and reminded him it was a French culinary school.
Months later, Nuri’s family moved to Maui after his mother's engagement to his stepfather. There, he worked in the industry and began to shadow chefs for free. He dedicated his time and passion to his craft, even spending nine months in Kyoto learning “old-school" traditions and the brutal, disciplined life of a traditional kitchen.
Each bite was a technical symphony, displaying elaborate flavor profiles created with intention. The rice was a blend of Hokkaido and Nagano grains, combined to create the ideal texture—one that smoothly dissolves in the mouth.
NOIO offers exclusive ingredients, anchoring luxury into Kona’s culinary scene. The restaurant buys an entire year's worth of soy
sauce from a tiny, exclusive brewery. Other highlighted products were Oʻahu farm-raised oysters and Kauai’s Hanapēpē salt, an ingredient that cannot be purchased but can only be acquired through trade.
My husband's jaw dropped to the floor as Chef Nuri sliced through an A5 Wagyu ribeye steak.
“Is that beetroot?” I guessed, eyeing the other component lying next to the Wagyu.
“Okinawa sweet potatoes and bamboo shoots!” Chef Nuri corrected me, swiftly continuing his description of what became my husband's favorite dish of the night. “Bafun uni—a higher grade of sea urchin from Hokkaido—on top of the steak. This uni is on the buttery side, and it will act as the butter for your steak. Everything is brushed with a sauce of a reduction of port wine, which we call Port Kabayaki. And lastly, Perigord truffles shaved on top.”
Our server, the knowledgeable Jeremiah, paired our Shokuji Omakase course with three different kinds of sake. He instructed us to begin drinking them in the order he placed them in front of us. I liked best the one farthest from me, the Iwa 5.
“A passion project from Dom Pérignon's previous cellar master,” Jeremiah said. “He went the sake route and wanted to marry both worlds between wine and sake, utilizing both yeast strains in a white Burgundy style.”
I intended to take a conservative approach to how much food I ate at each course. However, those intentions were gone after the first two courses. It was simply too delicious not to bask in the glory of each bite. Or as my husband said between bites: “Insane!”
Reserve a table at Kona’s most exclusive sushi restaurant at FourSeasons.com.
adolescents older than 15
Giving Back is Baked in
“ YOU GIVE BECAUSE YOU CAN, AND YOU GIVE FROM YOUR HEART. ”
with Kristen Kam, Owner of Sweet Kamfections and proud member of HCFCU.
—Kristen Kam
At Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, we're proud to support community builders like Kristen Kam. Kristen's entrepreneurial spirit and drive to bring people together inspire us, and our continued commitment to the people of Hawaii Island.
To read Kristen's full story, scan the QR code and click on “February 2026” Newsletter
Photo (L-R): Kristen Kam, Owner, Sweet Kamfections, with Barbara Kossow (mom); Chris Kam (husband); Sally Fukunaga (St. Michael’s Church Member), Kanoe Kam (daughter) Malassada Day fundraiser for St. Michael’s Church.
PROTECTING YOUR PARADISE
Tad Nottage's path to becoming one of Kona's most trusted insurance advisors wasn't exactly straightforward. Before entering the industry in 1990, he was an entrepreneur and inventor—he created the insulated fish bags you'll find on boats throughout Hawai‘i today. But it was a personal turning point in 1993 that truly shaped his approach to business. That year, Tad threw himself into building relationships and serving clients with a level of care that bigger agencies couldn't match.
When Hurricane Iniki forced First Insurance Company of Hawai‘i to downsize, Tad saw an opportunity. By 2000, he'd founded Aloha Insurance Services with just three employees. Today, his team of 20+ helps families and businesses across the Big Island. Protecting your home in paradise requires local knowledge that mainland agents simply don't have.
WHAT SURPRISES PEOPLE MOST ABOUT INSURING A HOME ON THE BIG ISLAND?
Location changes everything. Many families fall in love with a property, then discover it's in a lava zone. That beautiful dream home suddenly comes with higher costs and limited coverage options. I always tell people, talk to an insurance agent before you fall in love with a place, not after you've made an offer.
How One Big Island Insurance Veteran Helps
ARTICLE BY RYAN GARRETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDRA ROWE PHOTOGRAPHY
HOW CAN HOMEOWNERS AVOID OVERPAYING?
When your mortgage company arranges insurance, they often insure the full purchase price, which is much higher than the actual replacement cost. You're paying for coverage you'll never collect on.
WHAT DID THE LAHAINA FIRES TEACH US ABOUT PROTECTING OUR HOMES?
Insurance companies now assess wildfire risk differently. They look at proximity to fire hydrants and fire stations. A home in downtown Kona gets significantly better rates than one in a remote area. If you're on catchment water, companies want at least 10,000 gallons in your tank.
DO WE REALLY NEED HURRICANE COVERAGE ON THE BIG ISLAND?
After Iniki, most companies separated hurricane coverage from standard policies. Your regular homeowners policy covers wind up to 73 mph—anything beyond that needs separate hurricane insurance. Many cash buyers skip it, thinking the mountains will always push storms away. But scientists say it's not if, but when.
WHY WORK WITH ONE AGENT FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS?
You don't want your car with one agency, your homeowners with another and your hurricane coverage with another. When a claim happens, who do you call? With everything under one roof, you have one advocate who understands your complete picture and can spot coverage gaps.
WHAT'S YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON CUSTOMER SERVICE?
Answer the phone. Return emails. If I say I'll call, I call. Even if I don't have your answer yet. My team advocates for our clients, not insurance companies. When disaster strikes, you need someone who picks up.
A
MARCH 2026
FIRST FRIDAY EVERY MONTH
First Friday: Art After Dark
Holualoa Historical Village | 5:30 PM
We come together for a block party after dark on the first Friday of every month. Enjoy art galleries and boutiques, live music, gourmet “grab and go” food and a chance to mingle with fellow art and culture lovers in the heart of Kona coffee country. Holualoa gets together and celebrates after dark every month, rain or shine. HolualoaVillage.com.
MARCH 3RD
Big Island Running Company’s Group Run
Ali’i Drive | 5:00 PM
The weather is beautiful year-round in Kona. Come join our group runs along Ali’i Drive. Casual runs of varying distances and paces. Please bring your own water. BigIslandRunningCompany.com/ pages/calendar
MARCH 14TH
19th Annual Living & Design Home Expo
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort, Keauhou | 9:00 AM
This two-day event will be held in the Kaleiopapa Convention Center. On March 14th the schedule will be from 9 AM-5 PM and on the 15th from 9 AM-2 PM (subject to change). Free admission and parking. For more info, contact Naya at events@kona-kohala.com.
OMAKASE COUNTER AND SUSHI LOUNGE
EXPERIENCE OUR OMAKASE COUNTER AT NOIO
The intimate 12-seat Omakase counter invites you on a six-course journey featuring meticulously crafted creations by the Resort’s Culinary team, accompanied by wagashi, delicate Japanese confections prepared by the pastry chef. An experience you won’t want to miss!
NOIO is proud to be named: HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER’S 2025 ‘ILIMA AWARDS WINNER PUBLISHER’S AWARD
Seatings: 5:45 PM & 8:00 PM À la Carte Dining Also Available Reservations Required - Scan QR Code or Contact Resort at 808-325-8000
