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A Storyteller's Story: Kindy Sproat of North Kohala
Softcover Book

Available Mid July - Order Now! Growing up in a remote valley in North Kohala on the island of Hawai’i, Kindy Sproat describes his life’s journey in his own words with a deep passion for the place he calls home, its culture, people, and a love of music that leads him to an unexpected career as an internationally revered and award winning artist. The nearly 400 songs and stories he learns as a boy and young man are only some of the treasures he takes with him to share with the world from Japan, Okinawa, to a bunker in Vietnam under attack, the foot of the Statue of Liberty and on to receive the National Heritage Fellowship.

His own story provides a candid and deeply personal look at Hawai’i during the days of sugar plantations, through World War II and the changes these times brought to the Hawaiian way of life. Over 65 photos and the lyrics of 30 songs weave through this both extraordinary and beautifully simple storyteller’s story about a man with a heart even larger than his fame.

Visit the North Kohala Community Resource Center to pick up your copy OR order here now (shipping fee applies to all on-line purchases):

Kohala 'Aina
Hardcover Book

The first comprehensive history of the Big Island’s famed North Kohala district was published in November 2003 The 224-page coffee-table book, entitled Kohala ‘Aina, encompasses a 300-year history from before the reign of Kohala native King Kamehameha I through the close of the sugar plantations in the late 20th century to the current renaissance.

Besides chronicling the region’s long and varied history, the book makes the case that North Kohala was one of the most important and influential areas in the history of all of Hawaii. From Kamehameha’s birth and residence in the area, to the missionary movement and the innovations of the local sugar industry, North Kohala was pre-eminent.

The book was written by nationally known author Sophia V. Schweitzer, a resident of Hawi, underwritten by Kohala’s largest landowner, Surety Kohala Corp. (formerly Chalon Corp.), and published by Mutual Publishing of Honolulu.

In an unprecedented publishing move, proceeds from the sale of Kohala 'Aina will be donated to North Kohala Community Resource Center, a non-profit organization that supports and sponsors local community service projects and organizations.

Kohala ‘Aina was conceived by Yoshihiro Kamon, Surety Kohala’s leader, and commissioned by Michael S. Gomes, Surety Kohala executive and lifelong resident of North Kohala. Says Gomes, “The goal was not a textbook on the subject; instead, the desire was to create images and thoughts that would capture what life in Kohala has been like through its long and ever changing history”. The more than 150 historic photographs of North Kohala that illustrate the book, most of which have never been seen publicly, were supplied in large part by the Bishop Museum.

Musicians of Kohala
Music CD

This beautiful music compilation evokes the heart and soul of Kohala as interpreted by thirteen of Kohala’s finest musicians. A thoughtful gift for friends and family... and a generous gift to the North Kohala Community.

Proceeds benefit the North Kohala Community Resource Center, which sponsors many important community projects.

• Experience Kohala’s musical heritage
• Rare tracks that were previously out of print
• Limited collector’s edition of 1000 copies

Listen to a sample: