Twelve years ago, we embarked on our first beach getaway with our young family. The moment our feet touched the sand, we knew that one day, when the time was right, we would embrace island living. We dreamed of a place where we could gather as the years passed—a haven to celebrate holidays, milestones, and even navigate moments of grief together.

In 2013, I lost my maternal grandmother to Alzheimer's. In 2018, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. And in 2023, my mother was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. For over a decade, we’ve faced the heartbreaking challenge of dementia in the lives of the women we love. In the last two years, this journey has reminded us of life’s fragile nature and the preciousness of each day. This realization gave birth to our mantra: "Less wishing, more living."

Both of us lead busy corporate lives and have raised three wonderful young men. It dawned on us that now was the time to turn the dream we had on that beach over a decade ago into a reality. We even secured a domain name—capturing all the things we loved—knowing it would one day represent our island dream at the perfect time.

As for me, I’m a lover of words and books, a coffee enthusiast with a fondness for a well-crafted pint, and someone who finds solace in the sand, the surf, and the stunning sunrises and sunsets that paint the horizon.

Our wish for you is simple: take a step back from the rush of life, and make time for the people who matter most. Treat yourself to a refreshing shaved ice in downtown Kona. Boogie board with your children at the beach just across the street. Sip your morning coffee on the lanai with a good book in hand. Life can wait—sometimes we just need a little reminder.

We hope you enjoy Beach, Books, and Brew as much as we do.

Mahalo!

Darren and Val