Ohana is also gaining strength as a regional magazine, Mel said. Tourists in Vegas are beginning to buy the magazine for the Vegas information, making the magazine more mainstream too. But Mel still feels Hawaii should be 'Ohana's main focus. The magazine continues to be a vehicle to keep islanders, no matter where they are, in tune with what is going on in the islands, said Mel, who distributes about 7,000 copies to Hawaii, Vegas and parts of Southern California. Another 3,000 copies are mailed to subscribers worldwide, including 50 military islanders stationed in Europe.
Many subscribers learn about the magazine through word of mouth and the magazine's Web page.
It is frustrating at times, but it is also rewarding.