Name: Gina Marinucci

Occupation & Employer: Director of Operations, Mauna Kea Club at Mauna Kea Resort

How long have you lived in Hawai‘i: Four years

Moved from: Miami, Florida

Favorite snorkel spot
Puakō is a quiet coastal community with calm, clear water ideal for snorkeling. The reefs are full of marine life — colorful fish, sea turtles, and the occasional manta ray. At low tide, I love exploring the tide pools for a closer look at the smaller creatures. The sunsets here make it a perfect place to unwind after a day in the water.

Favorite hangout
Uila Records is where I go when I want music, good company, and a sense of community. The communal seating makes it easy to strike up a conversation with another music lover, whether you’ve lived here for years or just arrived. Plus, the cocktails are great.

Favorite Hawaiian singer
Listening to Paula Fuga fills my heart and deepens my appreciation for Hawaiian music and culture. Seeing her live is more than a concert. It’s storytelling set to music, and it stays with you. Her collaborations with Jack Johnson, especially the heartfelt “Country Road,” remind me of home, far away in West Virginia.

Favorite place to dine
For sushi, nothing beats Sushi Hana. In my opinion, it’s the best on the island. The fish is exceptionally fresh, much of it flown in directly from Japan, and every plate shows real attention to detail. What makes it special is Etsuko herself; her restaurant feels like a true find tucked away in Waimea. Between the sushi, the comforting udon, and the intimate room, it’s the kind of place that keeps you coming back. One word of advice: reservations are essential, so book well ahead. Part of me hesitates to share this at all, because every new fan makes it harder for me to get a table. But some secrets are too good to keep.

Favorite place to take my guests
I can spend hours wandering the Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden. It’s a wonderful place to bring guests, and every visit turns up something new. Camera in hand, I follow the winding paths and photograph the tropical plants collected from Hawai‘i and around the world. It’s a great way to take in the islands’ biodiversity up close.

Favorite place to catch the sunset
My favorite place to catch a sunset is on the water. For something intimate, I call Tyson at Holoholo Kai. Their personalized service makes it perfect for a small group of six or fewer. When I’m hosting a larger group, Hawai‘i Nautical is my go-to; their sunset cruises along the Kohala Coast are a memorable way to end the day. Both depart from Kawaihae Harbor. 

My Favorite Drive
Hands down, the Hāmākua Coast from Waimea to Hilo. Start your Saturday at the farmers markets at Parker School and Pukalani Stables, then grab a flat white — extra shot, coconut milk — from Country Grounds before hitting the road. Stop at Waipi‘o Valley Artworks, take in the views from the Waipi‘o Valley Lookout, and wander the shops of Honoka‘a. Along the way, pick up coffee from Lean-To Farm Hawai‘i and a chocolate tasting at Honoka‘a Chocolate Company. Before Hilo, a stop at Tex Drive-In for a warm malasada is mandatory. Then finish the day at the Hilo Farmers Market, over lunch and an espresso martini at The Hidden Nene. Ocean views, waterfalls, rolling green hills, local flavors, and endless aloha. That’s my perfect Saturday drive on Hawai‘i Island.

Favorite lū‘au experience
My favorite lū‘au is the one at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The Lim family has led it for more than 40 years, and that’s what I love about it. The music and storytelling come from people who really know them. With Kauna‘oa Bay right there, it’s the one I send guests to.

Favorite tradition
One of my favorite Hawaiian traditions is the giving of lei to mark life’s milestones. Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, anniversary, or another meaningful occasion, presenting a lei is a way to honor someone and show love, respect, gratitude, and aloha. Each lei is made with care and carries its own meaning, which makes it far more than a gift; it’s an expression of connection and celebration. There’s also something special about continuing a tradition that’s been shared in Hawai‘i for generations.

If you were a visitor, you would want to know
A little Hawai‘i Island tip from a local: always be ready for several climates in one day. I never leave home without extra layers, a towel, plenty of water, and a change of shoes. The weather here can shift dramatically within a 30-minute drive, depending on which way you’re headed. And if you want something unforgettable, make the early-morning drive to the summit of Mauna Kea for sunrise. Watching the sun come up above the clouds is pure magic and well worth the wake-up call. Just bundle up as it gets cold at that elevation. That’s the beauty of this island: you can find sunshine, rainforest, beaches, and alpine air all in the same day.