May 10 - October 10 www.theshopsatmaunalani.com Inside: Exciting New 4-D Theater Shops Directory Aloha Big Island Visitor Guide 17
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Kohala Goldsmiths brings world-class gems to the Big Island s Gold Coast. The proverbial end of the rainbow has at last been found, and it is indeed as precious as one might expect. In the newly constructed, luxurious Shops at Mauna Lani, an exquisite treasure trove awaits discovery at Kohala Goldsmiths. This collection of fine, rare gems and custom-made jewelry, including the world s largest collection of gem-grade opals, is presented in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Each unique piece is handcrafted in a matchless setting of gold or platinum. For owner and master goldsmith Marc Gregg, the correct cutting of a gemstone is paramount. Most gems are cut for maximum yield of the rough stone, but Marc focuses on maximum beauty. Marc s self-taught style, coupled with his passion for fine and rare gems, especially black opal from Lightning Ridge, Australia, has earned him an international reputation, of which he is proud. Even though black opal is one of the hardest gems to cut, Marc notes, I enjoy the process because it allows me to showcase the stone s ultimate color pattern and fire. And since we seek out the finest gems in the world, our customers can see the difference that well-cut and rare gems make in fine jewelry. Kohala Goldsmiths - the store itself coupled with the amazing location - is the culmination of Marc s dedication and vision of 28 years. This is truly my dream store coming true, in paradise, Marc says with satisfaction. Marc s talents have been recognized by the Hawai`i Jewelers Association through numerous awards for design excellence. Yet he came upon his calling through a rather indirect route. While working as a gold miner in Alaska in the 70s, more for fun than for profit, Marc discovered his passion in life was making gold jewelry. In 1991 Marc moved to Hawai`i and founded Marc s Fine Jewelry on Kauai. In 1995 he moved to the Big Island and opened Kamuela Goldsmiths in Waimea. The business has since evolved into Kohala Goldsmiths, which is situated in the fabulous Shops at Mauna Lani. The gallery brings the best of the world s gemstones here to Hawai`i, and attracts a varied clientele of locals and visitors alike. Marc enjoys personally assisting customers in choosing the right piece of jewelry that will be cherished by future generations. His wealth of experience designing unique pieces allows him to craft specially designed, one-of-a-kind pieces in Gold or Platinum embellished with gem-grade Black Opals, Black Pearls, Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphires, Tanzanite, Tourmalines, Rubies and many other gems of all grades. Kohala Goldsmiths is located on the Kohala Coast at the Shops at Mauna Lani, 68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr., Ste. 400. The gallery is open 9 a.m. 9 p.m., 7 days a week. Call Marc at (808) 887-OPAL or visit www.kohalagoldsmiths.com. You can also email marc@kohalagoldsmiths.com
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How to find The Shops at Mauna Lani From Kona Take Route 19, Queen Kaahumanu Highway going North. Pass Honokohau Marina on left. Pass Kona International Airport on left. Pass Hualalai on left. Pass Waikoloa Resort on left. Pass turn-off to Waikoloa Village on right. Look for the Mauna Lani Dr. sign on the right. Get into left hand turn lane. See the palm trees at the entrance to the resort. Here s the Entrance. Follow Mauna Lani Drive to the Welcome Gate, check your speed to 25 mph. Keep going to Roundabout. See The Shops on other side of roundabout, go around ¾ and go right. Entrance to The Shops on right, park anywhere and enjoy. From Hilo Take Route 19 up the Hamakua Coast going North. Pass many small villages Pass Honoka a and Waipi o on right. Go through Waimea heading West Turn Right still following Route 19 after the KTA Store on right, toward Kawaihae. Almost to Kawaihae, turn left, still on Route 19, toward Kailua-Kona. Pass Hapuna Prince on right. See palm tress at entrance. Look for the Mauna Lani Dr. sign on the right. Get in right hand lane and turn into the Entrance. Now same as from Kona. 22 www.bigislandvisitorguideonline.com
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