Above Kailua-Kona, Hōlualoa’s historic storefronts and community landmarks tell the story of an upland village shaped by farming, work and worship.

Its agricultural roots reach back to the Hawaiian Kingdom, when fertile slopes and steady rainfall supported cultivation.

Coffee arrived in Kona in 1828 and became closely tied to Hōlualoa, while sugar cane remained part of local life into the 1930s.

Finding a gift with a personal touch is part of the fun at the monthly artisan market in Kailua-Kona.

Local makers will bring art, crafts, gifts and food to Kona Commons on November 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the parking lot in front of Jeans Warehouse.

Shoppers can browse handmade finds at their own pace, whether they are looking for a holiday gift, a souvenir or something they did not know they wanted.

Along the Kailua-Kona shoreline, green sea turtles, or honu, often feed in shallow water close to swimmers and beachgoers.

Seeing one is a memorable experience, but giving it space is essential.

Once heavily harvested, honu have become more visible around Hawaiʻi after decades of protection and community care.

At Blue Sea Artisans Gallery in Kailua-Kona’s Keauhou Shopping Center, shopping offers a chance to connect with the people who make the art.

Local artists own and operate the gallery together, showing handmade jewelry, woodcraft, photography, ceramics and paintings.

Visitors can browse for a personal gift or simply see how different makers work with color, texture and materials.