Ke Ola “The Life” Magazine To Launch Maui Edition

Cover of first issue of the new Maui edition of Ke Ola Magazine. Courtesy photo.

By Sonia Isotov

Ke Ola Magazine, the Hawaii Island-based bi-monthly cultural and lifestyle magazine, is planning an official launch party for its new Maui edition on April 9 at the Story of Hawaii Museum.

The public is invited to celebrate the magazine’s debut at the museum located in the Ma`alaea Harbor Shops from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with light refreshments and music by Maui’s “Queen of Swing” Louise Lambert.

Aunty Pua Mahoe, whose story is told in Ke Ola’s April/May edition, will offer the magazine a Hawaiian blessing at 6 p.m. The celebration will continue with live Hawaiian music. All are invited to this free event.

The 8.5-inch by 11-inch full-color glossy publication also offers the first in an ongoing series on “Managing With Aloha” by author Rosa Say and excerpts from Jill Engledow’s book “Haleakala-A History of the Maui Mountain.” Other stories in the inaugural issue feature the Story of Hawai‘i Museum, artist Beth Marcil and musician Sam Ahia.

Ke Ola Magazine’s premier Maui County issue will be distributed throughout Maui, Lana`i and Moloka`i beginning the first week in April. The publication will features stories unique to Maui, Lanai and Molokai, where the Hawaii Island edition features stories unique to that island.

“Each story will be written exclusively for Ke Ola readers by writers who live in Maui County about people and things that are making a positive difference towards the arts, culture and sustainability of the three islands,” said Barbara Garcia, owner and publisher of Ke Ola Magazine since 2008.

“The June/July issue will feature stories about the founders and volunteers behind the Maui Film Festival, musician George Kahumoku, Lanai artist Mike Carroll, GrowSomeGood.org, an excerpt from Molokai author Mike Bond’s new book, entitled ‘Saving Paradise’ plus more,” she said.

“The number of stories are based on the support of businesses who advertise,” Garcia said. “Ke Ola is committed to never having more than 50% ads, which is what pays for the complimentary copies to be distributed, so as the number of advertisers grows, the number of stories will grow concurrently.”

She said the Hawaii Island edition tripled in size in three years based on that ratio.

The Big Island magazine grew so quickly that by 2012 it was named the 13th-fastest growing business in Hawai`i by the Pacific Business News.

The company plans to distribute 15,000 complimentary copies island-wide at more than 90 locations on the three islands throughout April and May, and by subscription worldwide.

“I’m certain Maui County’s edition will inspire readers the same way it has on Hawai`i Island, by immortalizing the stories that honor life on the three islands that make up Maui County,” added Garcia.