Name: Alex Rose

Occupation: Wellness Coach

How long have you lived in Hawai‘i: Three years cumulatively 

Moved from: First from California, and most recently from Colorado

Favorite beach: Kīholo Bay. For years, my wife and I have made it our New Year’s tradition to walk along Kīholo Beach, from the southern side to the lagoon on the northern side. When we reach the sea turtle sanctuary at Wainānāliʻi Pond, we set our New Year’s resolutions together. It is a gorgeous, magical walk made even more magical by the graceful sea turtles greeting us on the other side. Just watch out for the kiawe thorns in your slippahs.

Favorite food: My favorite food on this island is Hale Iʻa Da Fish House, located inside Kawaihae Marketplace down at Kawaihae Harbor. It is the best poke on this island, in my humble opinion. I’m especially obsessed with their wasabi pistachio poke. Say yes to the optional unagi sauce with your order — trust me! My wife also really likes their grilled fish bento.

Favorite pastime/activity: I’m a golf nut (my wife likes to joke that we moved to Hawaiʻi because of the 365 days of golfing weather). My favorite range to practice on is the Mauna Lani Golf Course range. For $25, you get unlimited golf balls and access to their huge practice putting green. My favorite golf course to play on the island is the Volcano Golf Course. If you’re really lucky, sometimes you can get a round of golf there while the volcano is erupting. It’s an amazing experience—playing golf a half mile away from a lava fountain—and you can see/hear the eruption at various points along the course. A seriously magical round of golf!

Favorite drive: My favorite drive is the upper road to Hāwī. Something about driving through the beautiful highland landscape before descending into the more tropical Hāwī is enchanting. It’s not uncommon to run into some misty fog up on that road, and there are so many amazing turn-off spots to appreciate the scenic views of the island and nearby Maui.

Favorite hike: The hike up Puʻu Waʻawaʻa Forest Reserve is epic. It’s roughly eight miles with 2,000 feet of elevation, so it’s definitely a hike. You walk through the most beautiful ʻōhiʻa forest (if you’re lucky, they might be blooming), and then up and around the grasslands that surround the top of the puʻu (hill). You’ll encounter cattle on your journey, and usually there are not too many people. The summit offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the western side of the island.

Favorite Hawaiian band/album: “The Best of Kaʻau Crater Boys.” It’s a no-skipper kind of album. The Kaʻau Crater Boys have a great fun and laidback island style, and they really showcase the magic of the ʻukulele.

Favorite place to catch the sunset: The upper road to Hāwī is where I would go to take in the sunset. It’s my favorite drive on the island, and there are plenty of turn-off spots to park and enjoy the show.

Favorite place to splurge: Surf Camp in Waimea has some great shopping. It is my go-to spot for last-minute Christmas and birthday gifts. Do yourself a favor and order a black sesame latte while you shop.

Favorite date place: My wife and I enjoy celebrating anniversaries at Merriman’s in Waimea. It’s on the pricey side, but the service is always great, and the food is delicious. We usually end up surf-and-turfing — splitting a steak and their macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi. 

Lucky you live Hawai‘i because… this island has seriously magical healing power.

If you were a visitor, you would want to know… how to “shaka” properly. Don’t grip too tightly, make sure your fingers are pointed away from you and your palm is pointed down at the ground. Kind of like if you were giving someone knuckles, with your thumb and pinky sticking out.

Alex is a coach specializing in personal growth and relationships at his private practice based in Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island. Learn more about his work at alexrose.life.