Name: Patricia Achay

Occupation and Employer: Physician Assistant at Dr. Monica Scheel Dermatology 

How long have you lived in Hawai‘i: I was born and raised in Kona, and after a decade away getting my education in Santa Barbara, CA, I returned home in 2014 to begin my medical career in the community where I grew up.

Favorite beach: Mauna Kea Beach (Kauna‘oa in Hawaiian). I love the perfect, powdery white sand, crystal-clear blue water, and the energy of the Kohala Coast. Mauna Kea is the quintessential Hawaiian beach and is a fantastic spot for beach walks. I spent a lot of time there as a kid snorkeling and playing in the shorebreak. The icing on the cake is the aloha spirit of the Beach Services staff and its proximity to Hau Tree restaurant, where you can grab a casual, awesome lunch and their world-famous Fredrico cocktail.

Favorite food: Ono. Ono is Hawaiian for wahoo (and ‘ono means delicious—a perfect coincidence). It's a mild-flavored, flaky white fish that can be cooked in numerous ways and never disappoints. My husband and eight-year-old son love to fish together on our boat, and, lucky for me, I get to enjoy the fruits of their labor when they bring home a beautiful ono. My personal favorite preparation is pesto-crusted ono, but my kiddos love it when I make them ono nuggets, which are always a crowd favorite.

Favorite activity: Surfing. Like many people who grow up in Hawai‘i, the ocean truly is our playground. Surfing is my favorite way to spend time in the water. It’s incredible in so many ways: it’s my steady connection with Mother Nature, a great form of exercise, and it resets me mentally. There is just nothing like catching an amazing wave in clear, warm water!

Favorite custom or tradition: Kissing on the cheek. In Hawai‘i, we say hello or goodbye with a kiss on the cheek. In a world where we are losing personal human connection in so many ways, I love that the custom of showing love and respect for someone with such a simple gesture remains strong.

Favorite hangout: “Pine Trees” (aka Kohanaiki Beach Park) is a gathering spot for so many families, especially those that surf. It is a great place to take your kids to learn to surf and play in the tidepools. I actually learned to surf at this spot when I was a kid. 

Favorite place to catch the sunset or sunrise: Makalawena Beach. This is truly one of the most magical places on the island. You need to either have four-wheel drive or be ready for a grueling hike through a lava field to access this spot with its white sandy beaches, brackish water ponds, and crystal-clear turquoise water. My family loves to go down to this beach to surf and stay until sunset. I have experienced many magical Kona sunsets from this spot; the crowd always clears out around sundown, and it is such a tranquil and serene place. 

Favorite place for happy hour: Tommy Bahama. They have an amazing Happy Hour Menu.  Hands down, my favorite happy hour splurge is the Frozen “Slushie” Mai Tai. They are dangerously tasty. 

Favorite splurge: Bikinis or bathing suits. You practically live in them in Hawai‘i. You can never have too many! Some of my favorite brands are Acacia, Mikoh, Coconut Ave, and Mai.

Favorite date place: Sushi Sam. They have the best sushi on the island. They offer traditional Japanese-style sushi but add a modern flair. Sam uses the freshest local and Japanese ingredients, including fish, to make his dishes. His restaurant is small, comfortable, and modernly decorated. My husband and I love to sit at the sushi bar so we can watch Chef Sam at work. My favorite dish to order is the Thinly Sliced Hamachi with truffle oil, ponzu, and serrano pepper—the sauce is mouthwatering and amazing.

Lucky you live Hawai‘i because … the weather is perfect year-round, the aloha spirit and Hawaiian culture of ‘ohana make it the perfect place to raise a family. 

If you were a visitor, you would want to know … Hawai‘i is such a diverse Island with so much to offer, which is why we call it the Big Island. There are so many different places to see and visit. I recommend venturing beyond your resort area and really exploring the island's diversity. From waterfalls to volcanoes, there is something for everyone.