With more than two decades here in Hawai‘i, Maria Kawananakoa combines her passion for health, wellness, and the islands’ beauty with her expertise as a real estate agent and fitness enthusiast. When she’s not showing clients their future dream homes, you may catch her at Body Balance — the boutique cycling and Pilates studio she founded back in 1998 — taking a Reformer class or two. But while Kawananakoa works hard, she knows when to call it a day — ideally with good food, good wine and even better company.

I wake up at around sunrise on most days and like to start the morning with a strong cup of coffee. I then go on my computer to check my email and calendar so I can mentally plan my day.

Since I’m in real estate, my schedule is very flexible, so days are never the same. Sometimes, I’ll be busy with staging a home to get it ready for an open house while other days allow me to venture towards my different interests. I do pay attention to my health and wellbeing and make sure I have time to get a workout at some point.

After lunch, if I’m in town and near Ala Moana Center, I’ll stop by for a bit of retail therapy. I have to admit, it’s an activity I do enjoy and seeing what’s new in the world of retail is always fun. I recently had a fundraising event for the Hawai’i Head & Neck Cancer Research Center at Dolce&Gabbana a few months ago, and it was wonderful to get everyone together for a good cause.

In the afternoons or early mornings, I like to take walks around my neighborhood. It’s really peaceful during that time and I appreciate the quiet time outdoors.

When it comes to dinner, I do love having company over. There’s nothing better than catching up with your friends over a good meal. We’re all so busy these days and it’s important to make time for these kinds of moments.