There are moments when Hawaii reminds us that we are all connected. Our islands may be separated by the ocean, but in times of need, the people of Hawaii come together with heart, generosity, and a deep sense of responsibility for one another. That is one of the things I love most about living and working here. Community is not just a word. It is something we practice.

If you’ve ever longed for the days when neighborhoods felt like real communities—where people knew one another, helped each other, and cared about the place they lived—then Puako will feel like coming home. This small oceanfront neighborhood on the Kohala Coast has always been special, but in a world where rules, regulations, and HOA mandates seem to govern every detail of daily life, Puako stands out as the last bastion of freedom between Kona and Kawaihae.

The holiday season is a special time to share aloha and make a real difference in the lives of others—especially for the over 600 homeless keiki on the Big Island. Each year, Project Hawaii’s Secret Santa program gives these children a Christmas to remember, and this year, you can be a part of it!