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Kona Coast, HI September 2025

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Simply

Maggie Q S T Y LE + B E AUT Y

ISL AN D RO OTS , GLO BAL RU NWAYS CO NSCIOUSLY CU RATED FA SH IO N

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BORN HERE. FOR HERE.


LIFESTYLE LETTER

Ending the Summer in Style It’s September, and while the heat on our Kona coastline hasn’t begun to subside, the keiki are back in school, the work schedule is in full swing, and the hints of fall are in the air. I hope your summer was a good one! This month’s Style issue is set aside to celebrate the expression that makes each of us our own. Style is about more than fashion. It’s the way we bring intention, beauty and creativity into our everyday lives. It shows up in the quiet confidence of a woman running her passion project boutique while excelling in a completely different career. It’s in the way flavors come together in a family recipe, or the choice to wear something bold just because it makes us feel like ourselves. This issue is full of that kind of personal, lived-in style. Bethany Reid from CommunityEats shares a fresh summer recipe that’s both comforting and full of heart. Jada from The Shop opens the doors to her boutique and lets us glimpse the creative energy behind it. Courtney Scherer offers thoughtful tips on fashion and makeup that help women feel more confident in their own skin. On the cover, recent Kona resident Maggie Q reminds us that elegance and purpose can walk side by side. The stories in this issue are full of life, love, passion, and beauty, and we know you will enjoy reading them. At the core of it all is something deeper, the imprint of the image we all bear. When we bring beauty into the world, when we create and express, we are living out something absolutely core to our humanity. As you flip through these pages, I hope you find inspiration—not just for what to wear this fall, but for how to live with more intention and courage to bring your beautiful expression to the world. Sincerely, JOHNNY GILLESPIE, PUBLISHER @ KO N A C O A S T M A G A Z I N E

September 2025 PUBLISHER

Johnny Gillespie | johnny.gillespie@citylifestyle.com CO-PUBLISHER

Taylor Stutts | taylor.stutts@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

John-Mark Dyer | johnmark.dyer@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R

Matias Arredondo | matias.arredondo@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Amanda Troyer | amanda.troyer@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bethany Reid, Sara Stover, Matias Arredondo, Jennifer Birn C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Fletch Photography, Shayla Penera, CommunityEats

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt COO Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Kona Coast City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Kona Coast area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / KO N A C O A S T

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Kona Coast City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.


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inside the issue SE PT EMBER 2 0 2 5 | ST Y L E

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Featured

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22 30 34 8

Consciously Curated Fashion

Custom-branded hats, island-made jewelry, and distinctive apparel from sustainably-focused, socially-responsible brands are always in style

30 On the Cover

Departments

Hawai’i-born Maggie Q shares about her passion for animals and her career in Hollywood.

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Lifestyle Letter

10

Business Monthly

14

Fashion Forward STYLE + BEAUTY

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Must See STYLE + BEAUTY

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Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E

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Local Limelight ARTS + CULTURE

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Events

Island Roots, Global Runways

Courtney Scherer on modeling, skincare and the power of confidence

Tomatoes Meet Ricotta

Whipped Ricotta with slow roasted tomatoes, perfect for shared bites with good conversation!

Simply Maggie Q

Born in Honolulu, but the Kona Coast is now her Hawai’i home

Photography: Courtesy of Maggie Q


SEPTEMBER 2025

business monthly A ROUNDUP OF NEWS F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Eyewear Kona Eyewear Kona is a friendly eyeglass and sunglass store serving KailuaKona for over 30 years. We make eyeglasses in one hour and accept most insurances. Come and find the style that fits you best. We are here to help you. EyewearKona.com. Photography by @eyewearkona

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Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT CIT YLIFEST YLE .COM/ KO N ACOA S T

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY


ROOST Design Hale ROOST Design Hale is a furniture studio and interior design space in KailuaKona, Hawai‘i, created by designer Barbie Palomino. It’s not just a shop— it’s a place where great pieces and good design come together. Whether you’re working on a renovation or just need help finding the right sofa, Barbie works closely with clients to design homes that feel just right—personal, functional, and naturally beautiful. ROOSTHawaii.com. Photography by @roosthawaii

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Lava Light Galleries We are a fine art photo gallery on the Big Island of Hawai’i featuring the work of extreme adventure photographers Cj Kale, Don Hurzeler, Linda Hurzeler and Phil Waller. All of us on the Lava Light Galleries, Inc. team seek to help you find exactly the right images to inspire your happiness and to keep you smiling. Aloha. LavaLightGalleries.com. Photography by @cj_kale_hawaii

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ARTICLE BY SARA STOVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY FLETCH PHOTOGRAPHY

At The Shop by Jada, custom-branded hats, island-made jewelry, and distinctive “beach to bar” apparel from sustainably-focused, socially-responsible brands are always in style

Consciously Curated Fashion The subtle hum of contemporary jazz and a delicate floral fragrance greet visitors to The Shop by Jada, in the heart of Holualoa. A pale pink dress tousled by the upcountry breeze is tastefully displayed on a mannequin on the shop’s lanai. Within, custom-branded hats, handmade jewelry, and sundresses produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner reflect Jada Holt’s commitment to elevating brands that focus on consciously crafted pieces and sustainable fashion.

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FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AU T Y


Although the Tomikawa Store closed in 1956 after 50 years in business, the shop’s Douglas fir floors are reminiscent of a time when repurposing discarded materials to create apparel was a necessity. Jada would argue that it still is. “Slow fashion should be a priority, especially for those of us living on an island, where clothes we discard often end up in the landfill,” says Jada of the fashion movement that promotes ethical production and intentional purchasing of pieces valued for their longevity over fast fashion, which relies on synthetic materials, as well as excessive water usage and fossil fuels to mass produce cheap apparel that doesn’t last. “The Shop at Jada only carries brands I believe in that offer quality, staple pieces. You won’t find anything that I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing.” CONTINUED >

“Right now, I’m loving the brand Benoa Swim’s ready-to-wear collection, which is made from 100% recycled fabric, and AGOLDE for their denim,” says Jada, who has owned the eponymous shop for over a decade. It’s only fitting that her boutique sells one-of-a-kind jean jackets, as well as classic denim cut-offs. The shop’s coffee-plantation style building was once the Tomikawa Store, a general store owned by Nobujiro Hakoda, where local families would buy and barter for provisions. In addition to merchandise and fresh produce, the store sold tabis (Japanese ‘work shoes’) stitched together by Aunty Hakoda, typically of denim sewn to soles made from old rubber from discarded auto tires.

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“THE BEST PART OF RUNNING MY OWN BUSINESS IS THE FLEXIBILITY TO ALWAYS BE THERE FOR MY DAUGHTERS. YOU HAVE TO WORK HARD, BUT IF YOU PRIORITIZE YOUR OWN FAMILY AND HAPPINESS, EVERYTHING WILL FALL INTO PLACE.” — JADA HOLT

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Before the historic building was a hub of fashion reflecting Jada’s own style, which she describes as “anything I can dress up and dress down, and wear from the beach to the bar,” it was the Ginger & Koi Boutique, an upscale women's lifestyle boutique established by Maiko Rogers in 2004. “I worked there when I was a 16-year-old high school student at HPA. Years later, Maiko contacted me when she was ready to sell the business. I was already looking for a retail space, so I ended up buying it,” Jada reveals. “It was time to rebrand, so I changed the name to The Shop by Jada while building on Maiko’s commitment to carrying incredible brands that not everyone else had.” Until one year ago, Jada worked as a sales representative for a heavy-duty tractor company, running The Shop by Jada on the side and learning how to lead well from her own supervisors. “I learned how important it is to create a family-oriented culture and emphasize balancing family and business,” says Jada, whose staff includes her own family. “My twin daughters are 14 years old, and they help out during the summer and school breaks. And my Mom, Tara Van Mols, works at the shop. We also sell her ocean-inspired brand, Tara Hawaiʻi Jewelry, at the shop. She makes it all by hand.” Hardly one to follow trends, Jada herself creates bangles and rings for the store, ensuring a distinctive shopping experience. The most unique aspect of The Shop by Jada just might be its hat bar, where Jada turns up the heat by making custom hats,

including heat-pressed trucker hats and cowboy hats literally branded with whimsical phrases like “Sway with the Surf” and “Ride or Die” by heating stamps and pressing each letter onto the brim. “The custom hats are a big part of our business,” says Jada. “I specifically remember one woman from Northern California who came in for a custom hat. When she tried it on, her husband told her how beautiful she looked, and she teared up. I love that—making other women feel good!” It’s moving moments like these that keep Jada motivated during the slower months, which she says are inevitable for most people who own a small business. “There have been a lot of moments like that, when I realize it’s bigger than selling clothes. And a lot of customers have become my close friends after coming in to shop with me or my CONTINUED >

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mom,” Jada shares. “I want everyone to walk in and find versatility, and leave with a memory, even if they don’t buy anything.” As far as discovering The Shop by Jada in the first place, she attributes the boutique’s permanent presence at Holualoa’s First Friday events each month and in-store events like the Valentine’s Day-inspired “Galentine Sip & Shop” to the brand’s ability to connect with new customers. Opening a second location on Aliʻi Drive has also expanded the “beach to bar” brand’s reach.

“Ginger & Koi actually started in Kailua-Kona before moving up to Holualoa, so I knew the girls in town needed a location too. We sell more swimsuits down there, and more hats and denim in Holualoa,” says Jada. “Even though it’s growing, I’m staying true to my vision for The Shop by Jada: slow fashion, which means carrying ready-to-wear pieces that will be in your closet forever.”

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made with tiny faceted gemstones and goldfilled findings. Jada also hopes to empower other women who dream of turning their side hustle into a full-blown career. “If you find something that you really enjoy, it’s important to take a risk. Take a chance on it! Just don't fall into the trap of doing what others are doing. Stay true to the vision you have for your brand,” Jada advises. “For me, the best part of running my own business is the flexibility to always be there for my daughters. You have to work hard, but if you prioritize your own family and happiness, everything will fall into place.” Learn more at ShopJada.co.

Jada also stays true to her style, embracing the comfort of natural fibers, which are more breathable and ideal in West Hawaiʻi’s weather. “If you’re comfortable, you’re going to be confident,” she adds. In addition to the Kona town location, Jada is working on strengthening the shop’s online presence and envisions opening another shop on an outer island. It’s all part of her dream of empowering her customers to find their own style, too, from Free People intimates and not-so-basic swimwear by Acacia, to her mother’s colorful necklaces

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Island Roots, Global Runways Courtney Scherer on modeling, skincare and the power of confidence For Courtney Scherer, modeling wasn’t the dream, at least not at first. Growing up on the island of O‘ahu, she was more focused on fantasy novels than fashion, more Hermione Granger than haute couture. But fate had other plans, and it all started with a subway ride in Seoul. “I was visiting my family in South Korea the summer after freshman year of high school,” Scherer recalls. “I was scouted in the subway by SM Entertainment, one of the biggest agencies in the country. They wanted me to become a K-pop star.” At 15, fresh out of braces and finally wearing contacts, Scherer auditioned in front of agency executives, dancing to Britney Spears’ Toxic and singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow, popularized in Hawai‘i by Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole, also known as Brother IZ. The executives were sold. They offered her a contract on the spot, contingent upon her dropping out of high school and moving to South Korea full-time to join pop star bootcamp. “My mom said absolutely not,” Scherer says. “She told me, ‘I didn’t move to America so you could drop out of school and dance on

ARTICLE BY MATIAS ARREDONDO PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF COURTNEY SCHERER

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M UST SE E | STYL E + BEAU T Y

a stage with no guarantees.’ I was devastated at the time, but now I’m so grateful. K-pop artists have it rough—they don’t make much money, and they don’t have rights or protections.” Instead, her mother made a compromise. When they returned to Hawai‘i, she signed Courtney up with a local modeling agency. That decision marked the beginning of what would become a two-decade career that took her across the globe. From that unexpected start, Scherer embarked on a journey that led her to live and work in fashion hubs such as Los Angeles, New York, and even overseas in Japan and Bali. Eventually, love brought her home—or close to it. Today, she lives on the Big Island with her husband, embracing a slower pace while reflecting on the whirlwind world of modeling.


When asked about her favorite modeling memories, Courtney doesn’t mention glamorous fashion shows or high-profile campaigns first. Instead, she discusses the human connections—and the lessons they impart. “I think what I appreciate most is the opportunity to travel and meet people from all walks of life,” she says. “Modeling puts you in unpredictable situations constantly. That forced me to adapt, to grow, and ultimately, to build my confidence.” Scherer also learned early on that in the world of modeling, beauty alone doesn’t cut it. While she was living in Los Angeles and New York, she would walk into a room of 100 models, all applying for the same job. “You had to be more than a pretty face; you had to stand out,” she shares. “My way of making a good impression on the clients was to make them laugh. You only have about a couple of minutes, and I would come in super happy and make jokes. On the day of the shoot, they are looking for someone with a good attitude. There’s a lot of money and time going into production, so it needs to go smoothly. You can’t be a diva or rude to all the people there doing their jobs, from makeup artists to light assistants. My booking rate was quite high because the same clients would book me over and over again because of my attitude on set; I’d be professional but also fun.” CONTINUED >

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Photo by Shayla Penera

That mindset extended into her skincare and beauty philosophy as well, and now Scherer shares her insights with women looking to elevate their own routines so that they can glow from the inside out. If she could only give one skincare tip? Scherer doesn’t hesitate: “Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!” But that’s just the start. She’s a big believer in nourishing the skin from within—advice deeply rooted in her Korean heritage. “In Korean culture, we’re taught to eat and drink for our skin,” she says. “Bone broth, ox tail soup, collagen-rich foods—they’re all a big part of the beauty routine.” Hydration, both internal and external, is a recurring theme. She also credits working out and regular sweating as key to maintaining her clear and vibrant complexion. “I sauna at least three times a week and have recently implemented red light therapy,” she says, which makes a difference. Years of working with world-renowned makeup artists taught Courtney a golden rule: proper skin prep is non-negotiable. “Skin prep is everything. How you apply your skincare and what you use before applying makeup make all the difference. Cleanse, tone, serum, moisturize, sunscreen—then makeup. The most famous and professional makeup artists would always prep the skin first.”

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Another essential? Understanding your skin type. According to Courtney, whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, you need the right products. And always double cleanse. Oil-based cleanser first, then your regular one. For anti-aging, she swears by the smooth, skin-loving touch of mulberry silk—that means pillowcases, eye masks and even scrunchies. But that’s not all. Courtney also has her own sacred routines and products she loves. “I am obsessed with anything Shiseido. I’ve been using their products since high school. It’s what my Korean mom uses, and


“I pride myself on being positive with a great attitude with my clients.” — COURTNEY SCHERER

she looks incredible. I also Gua sha about twice a week and use the NuFace device,” she confides. And when she’s on the go? Scherer never leaves home without her setting spray to rehydrate her skin and signature lip combo. “Makeup Forever lip liner in Wherever Walnut and ELF’s Sun Boss Gloss in Pink-Me Girl.” Regarding Hawai‘i-made makeup lines, Courtney’s favorite brand with island roots is Kopari. “I've used their deodorant and lotions for years. It’s clean, it smells amazing and it works.” She also mentions Ua Body, “I’ve used their body mist. It smells divine.” Now living on Hawai‘i Island—a stark contrast to the bustling cities she once called home—Courtney embraces a balance of modern wellness and island tradition. She continues to model selectively but spends most of her time focused on her current endeavors, such as real estate. “I pride myself on being positive with a great attitude with my clients.” CONTINUED >

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“No makeup or skincare can shine through like the self-love and confidence you hold .” — COURTNEY SCHERER

For her, beauty isn’t found in a contour brush or a lotion bottle—it’s a reflection of something more profound. “Confidence is beauty,” she says. “No makeup or skincare can shine through like the self-love and confidence you hold.” It’s a message she hopes to pass on to women of all ages: that filters or trends don’t define their worth, but by how they show up for themselves and others. From the beaches of O‘ahu to the catwalks of New York, and now to the volcanic slopes

of the Big Island, Courtney Scherer’s story has a clear takeaway. “You are beautiful! And it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Having a beautiful personality is what matters.” Courtney plans to host a modeling workshop in 2026 for young girls and women who wish to learn more about the modeling industry, with a primary focus on developing self-confidence and self-love. Learn more about her journey on her Instagram account @cocosirens.

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TOM ATOE S M E E T R IC OT TA

Whipped Ricotta with slow roasted tomatoes, perfect for shared bites with good conversation!

It's so rare when are you actually able to sit down on the table and connect eye to eye with the people who are most important to you. These moments are few and far between. When I get them, I usually want to be eating something delicious at the same time! I recently spent a week with all eight of my siblings doing just that—and it felt like heaven on earth. We flew into a little English village from all around the world. We do this every third year, and there are 24 grandchildren now! Everyone took

turns cooking, and there were some exceptionally delicious food experiences that week. My sister-in-law (also called Beth), made a dish with whipped ricotta that was so good that it stopped me in my tracks. Since then, I’ve developed my own way of serving whipped ricotta with slow roasted tomatoes, lemon and basil. Slow roasting the tomatoes with a sprinkle of sugar makes them almost sticky, and then when you pair that with the cold whipped ricotta, it’s a match made for enjoying.

ARTICLE BY BETHANY REID | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COMMUNITYEATS

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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE


Ingredients:

• 1 tub of whole milk ricotta cheese • 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream • 1/2 teaspoons chili flakes • Sea salt to taste • 1 tablespoon honey

• Three handfuls baby tomatoes, all colors • 1 tablespoon raw sugar • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt • 3 tablespoon olive oil • Lemon zest • Basil

W H I P P E D R I C O T TA W I T H S L O W R O A S T E D T O M AT O E S

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 350°. On a parchment lined cookie sheet, toss your tomatoes with the salt, sugar and olive oil. Pop them in the oven for 20–30 minutes to slowly roast. You know your tomatoes are done when the skins are crinkled, and they are starting to shrivel. Meanwhile, get to work on the ricotta! Using a food processor, whip the ricotta for 2 to 3 minutes until the texture changes from grainy to quite smooth. Drizzle in the honey and heavy cream. Continue to whip until the ricotta becomes thick, glossy and smooth. Finish with the salt and chili flakes.

To serve, slather the ricotta on a little platter or plate. I like to use the back of a spoon to create little holes that will cash the tomato juices. Spoon the roasted tomato mixture on top of the ricotta. To finish, gently zest a lemon over the top and finish with torn basil leaves. Another drizzle of olive oil never hurts, either. Serve with crusty bread or crostini. Bethany Reid is a private chef and recipe creator here on the Big Island. Her company, CommunityEats, creates food experiences for gathering around! Follow along @communityeats CommunityEats.com.

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DISCOVER KONA CLIFFS CLIMBING GYM! OPEN TO ALL

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BORN IN HONOLULU, BUT THE KONA COAST IS NOW HER HAWAI’I HOME

Simply

Maggie Q ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MAGGIE Q

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Hawai’i-born Maggie Q has been captivating audiences for the better part of 20 years with action roles in high-profile films like Mission: Impossible III with Tom Cruise, Live Free or Die Hard opposite Bruce Willis and all three films in the Divergent franchise. She was the title character in the popular TV show Nikita and is currently starring in the title role of Renee Ballard in the Bosch spin-off Ballard, which released all 10 episodes of its first season early July on Amazon Prime Video. When she’s not working, Maggie’s on-screen killer instinct is quite tamer, and she can be found many summers, winters and holidays at the home she and her husband built in Kona, where the longtime animal activist first spent time when she joined WildAid here on a conservation mission. Kona Coast City Lifestyle caught up with Maggie to learn more about her new show, style, life in Hawai’i and more. CONTINUED >

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HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE BALLARD IN A SENTENCE FOR PEOPLE NOT YET FAMILIAR WITH IT? For those who don't know Bosch, you don't even need to; this show stands on its own. It’s a modern take on the police procedural. WILL THERE BE A SECOND SEASON? We won't know yet, but it’s looking good. We have the writers already working away on season two, so if we receive the green light, we're ready to jump in. YOU WERE BORN IN HONOLULU. DO YOU STILL HAVE FAMILY THERE? I do, on O’ahu. YOU WERE GOING TO ATTEND VETERINARY SCHOOL, BUT FIRST, YOU LEFT HAWAI’I TO MODEL—AND THEN YOU WENT TO HONG KONG, MET JACKIE CHAN, AND NEVER LOOKED BACK? Yeah, I lived in Tokyo, Taiwan and then ended up in Hong Kong, and that's where I stayed for about seven years and started my movie career. Then in 2005, I got Mission: Impossible III, and that was the film that brought me back to the States.

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DO YOU EVER WONDER WHAT YOUR LIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE IF YOU WERE A VET? The whole reason I wanted to be a vet and go to veterinary school was to help animals. Weirdly, with the path I took, I have and will continue to help more animals than I ever could have as a vet. YOU DO A LOT OF PHILANTHROPIC WORK. WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE CHARITIES? I've been involved with many over the years, and I think probably my top three would be WildAid, an endangered species protection organization, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which is an elephant orphanage in Kenya, and then I'm heavily involved and on the board of The Animal Rescue Mission, which helps homeless animals in Los Angeles. HOW MANY PETS DO YOU HAVE NOW? I have three dogs: a German Shepherd named Romeo, a Border Collie/German Shepherd mix named Nevaeh, which is heaven spelled backwards, and a Terrier named Don Julio. AFTER BEING AWAY SINCE YOU WERE 17, YOU NOW HAVE A HOME IN KONA. HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND HERE? We try to get here for the summers and then usually for Christmases and a little time in the winter to get away from the cold weather. WHEN YOU DECIDED TO GET A PLACE IN HAWAI’I, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE KONA? It was actually my husband who brought me back to Hawai’i. He spent a lot of time on the Big Island when he was younger, and it always held a special place for him, so when we got together, we decided that we were going to build a home here and always have a base here because of his love for it, and obviously, my background. I didn't know the Big Island very well, even though I grew up in O’ahu. I didn't travel to other islands apart from sports competitions and things like that; it was mainly Kaua’i or Maui. The only time I'd ever been to the Big Island was with the WildAid organization. I worked on protection for the giant mantas in some of the biggest consumer regions of the world, and I was there with NatGeo photographers and the organization CONTINUED >

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to photograph mantas underwater, because we were going to go to the CITES Convention in Bangkok, get them on the endangered species list, so we could get them completely protected. So, the only time I'd ever traveled to Kona was to be in the water with the mantas for conservation reasons. I stayed in Waikoloa Village, and went out with the charity on boats all day and night to see the mantas, and that was my only experience with Kona. It was a positive one, and so when I finally got to Kona with my husband, I really got to explore the island. I have to say, the Big Island is the biggest and least populated island, so I enjoy that. Coming to Kona from LA is a massive relief, because there are no crowds and there's no traffic. I have friends in Kona who complain

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about the traffic, but I’ve lived in New York City and LA, and I tell them ‘You don’t know traffic.’ Hawai’i is such a special place, it's ridiculous. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU’RE IN KONA? The restaurants and hotels are great, but I enjoy a lot of water sports, so we do a lot of surfing, kayaking, and other activities on the coast. That’s our morning routine. THIS IS THE SEPTEMBER STYLE ISSUE. HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? It varies, depending on where I am. I can be barefoot in Hawai’i for three months, or I can be dressed to the nines in Paris, and I'm comfortable in either.


YOU’VE BEEN OUTSPOKEN ON SUSTAINABLE FASHION. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU THINK PEOPLE CAN DO TO MAKE BETTER CHOICES WHEN THEY'RE SHOPPING? That’s it, just make better choices. With fast fashion, people always say they got it because it was cheap, but the reality is that it cost someone somewhere. It either cost the environment or it cost the people making it. I say the same thing with food. People who say they eat fast food because it’s cheap, if you don’t pay for good food upfront, you’re going to pay for it later at some point with health issues. With fashion, for me, I loathe fast fashion, and I stay far away from it. YOU TRAVEL A LOT, AND ARE ON LOCATION SHOOTING, WHAT STAPLES DO YOU ALWAYS TAKE WITH YOU? I like the perfect pair of jeans, the perfect white T-shirt, and the perfect black T-shirt; lately, I've been really into loafers. I either wear loafers or running shoes all the time. You get older and you want to be comfortable. FAVORITE WORKOUT? Pilates by a mile now. I practiced yoga for 20 years, and I still love it, but Pilates takes everything to the next level. Follow Maggie Q in her Instagram @MaggieQ.

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‘ŌLENA GALLERY OFFERS AN EXCLUSIVE SHOWCASE OF BIG ISLAND ARTISTS Paintings by

Valeriya Lapatina

Reception Friday, September 5, 3-6pm

At the intersec+on of Akoni Pule Highway & Hawi Road in Hawi 808-345-1779 • OlenaArtGallery@gmail.com • @olenagallery.4636 olenagallery.com

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Take The Beauty And Excitement Of Hawaii Home

Fine Art Photography on Metal & Acrylic www.lavalightgalleries.com | 808.756.0778 | 69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738


SEPTEMBER 2025

events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S SE PT E M BE R 5T H

Gupton Gallery's Meet the Artist: Joyful Enriquez Ali'i Sunset Plaza, 75-5799 Ali‘i Dr Suite B2, Kailua-Kona | 5:00 PM Located in Ali'i Sunset Plaza, Hawai'i's newest Fine Art Gallery features the works of artist Alex Gupton, 'The Art of Detail,' and many other renowned Hawai'i artists. Visit us to discover these pieces that you can take home. GuptonGallery.com. SE PT E M BE R 2 1 ST

Kokua Kailua Village Stroll Ali'i Drive | 1:00 PM Kokua Kailua, the popular monthly village stroll on Ali'i Drive, happens one Sunday each month from 1 to 6 PM. Kona’s Historic Kailua Village closes to vehicular traffic and becomes a festive, pedestrian-only outdoor marketplace, making for a fun, family-friendly day. Leashed dogs are welcome to stroll too. HistoricKailuaVillage.com. SE PT E M BE R 2 7 T H

National Public Lands Day Volcano National Park Free Entrance | 9:00 AM

AWA

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Join us for National Public Lands Day! Since 1994, this annual event has been the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. Last year, over 130 national parks hosted events with 7,600 volunteers donating an impressive 41,500 hours of service. On this day, the Volcano National Park entry fee will be waived.

Let’s go on an adventure! O

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The Big Island. Learn, Explore, and Go Play. COLETTE’S

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LET’S FRAME IT!!!! Join Us For A Full Day Of Exploring Hawaii’s Landscapes Get insider insights and personal attention as you explore the Big Island’s unique culture and hidden spots. Enjoy a full day of guided adventure in small groups, complete with a sit-down lunch and travel in our luxurious Mercedes Sprinter Vans. Experience the awe of the island’s iconic volcano up close. www.hawaiigeotours.com | (833) GEO-TOUR 436-8687

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If it’s worth framing….frame it to last. Quality materials for longevity.

CUSTOM FRAMING | CRATING | GREAT ART 808.329.1991 | ColettesCustomFraming.com 74-5590 Eho St, Kailua Kona, HI


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Kona Coast, HI September 2025 by City Lifestyle - Issuu