Tiki Beach Episode 9: Pearl's beach house & shocking news

Kat, Mr. K and Ilima talk to Kawika

Don’t forget to hit the ❤️ so I know you’re reading! Mahalo!

The drive to Pearl's beach house took us along the winding coastal road, a journey I'd made just yesterday for what was supposed to be a simple tea party. Late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the pavement as Keone navigated the turns with practiced ease. How different everything looked now, though the same turquoise waves still crashed against black lava rocks and the same rainbow-colored bougainvillea still spilled over lichen-covered stone garden walls.

Ilima sat in the front passenger seat, her muumuu arranged elegantly. She'd been quiet for most of the drive, her fingers absently touching the orchids in her lei po'o or pleating the fabric of her gown as she gazed out the window. I could almost see the campaign speeches and community plans forming behind her thoughtful eyes.

Pearl's home came into view—a charming single-story plantation-style house perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. The plantings and acreage around it that were to become the Heritage Tea Garden looked rather ordinary now, but I had glimpsed what was intended for them.

Yesterday, the property had seemed welcoming and peaceful. Today, the shadows slanted long and hinted at secrets.