Mara sailed into Kealakekua Bay, Hawai`i in 1972. Shortly therafter, Mara became involved in Hawai`i real estate projects. The allure of the islands kept her coming back and investing in Hawai`i until she permanently relocated to the Big Island of Hawai`i in 1986. She purcahsed an organic coffee farm and raised her family. Mara's daughter Lanikai now attends boarding school on Maui.

Mara has been a licensed Realtor since 1980 and licensed in the State of Hawai`i since 1988. She received her GRI (Graduate of Realtor Institute) in the early 90s and continues to invest in real estate and Hawai`i.