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My Great-Great-Great Grandfather (Maternal).

ʻO Kahoʻolanakaholokai kona  wahine.
Kawaipapa, Hāna
Their keiki was Kamala (w.), who married Niheu (k.).
Their child was Rebecca Niheu, my Great-Grandmother.

The governing entity during this Kūpunaʻs time was the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Leading into 1897, his signature reveals itself on the Kūʻe Petitions.

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Ua hala 1915
My Great-Great-Great Grandmother (Maternal).

ʻO Uaua kona makuakane.
ʻO Kaehu kona makuahine.
Hāna, Maui
Lady in Waiting for Princess Ruth Keelikolani
Daughter Philomena Paʻakaula.

This Kūpuna Wahine aligned with the Hawaiian Kingdom and watched it become various governing bodies.  From Maui to Oʻahu there was a push in her lifetime to make a living/survive.  Relocation was a part of her story.

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1882 - 1952
My Great-Great Grandmother (Paternal).
Her Mother was Isabella Haleʻala Kaili.

Known for her musical compositions and hula.

My first hula learned from her composition was Puʻuwaʻawaʻa taught to me by my Aunty Gaye.

She knew Hawaiʻi during the Kingdom/Monarchy, Annexation, and Territory.  Through it all she continued to compose music in both ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and English.  And remained active in communal efforts in Hilo and Oʻahu. For example, she participated in the revival of Royal Societies and their contributing efforts.

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Julia Hope Kamakia Paaikamokulani O Kinau Beckley

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Julia Hope Kamakia Paaikamokulani O Kinau Beckley

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1840 - 1918
My Great-Great-Great Grandmother (Paternal).
ʻO Chun Afong kona kane.
They had A LOT OF KIDS (16)!

She lived in an era of Kingdom, but was exposed to a lot of political undertakings through her ʻOhanaʻs affiliation with both sides of the story.  She has taught me the patience and understanding between the two.  She has reminded me over and over again to let go of being shame.  It is what it is.

Julia rests in Nuʻuanu.

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mid to late 1700ʻs - early 1800ʻs
My Great (x6) Grandfather (Paternal).

Warrior from Kohala
Kālaiwaʻa Kahuna
His allegiance was to Paiea.

ʻO Makaloa kona Wahine.
ʻO Kahakuiakea kona Makuakane.
ʻO ʻAhia kona kaikamahine.

This Kūpuna lived in a time when the islands were ruled by numerous chiefs.  He saw it become a Kingdom under the reign of Kamehameha.  Huha fought in the Battle of Nuʻuanu, and following that oversaw the creation of the Peleleu fleet.

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1940ʻs - Present
My Grandfatherʻs Sister (Maternal).

Born to Rebecca Niheu.  This Aunty along with her siblings, including my maternal Grandfather, were all hānai to other ʻOhana.  This was a practice of my Great Grandmother.

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One of my FAVORITE people in this World, my Grandmother (Paternal).  She was born in San Francisco and grew up in Honolulu and Hilo, Hawaiʻi.  She resides in the same house that her Great-Grandmother lived in.

Retired Kumu and an avid World traveler.

Sheʻs KOLOHE and so much FUN!

She was born when Hawaiʻi was a Territory, and watched it become a "State."  She recalls the era when it was cool to be American.  Thanks to her Kūpuna, she learned how to operate between and balance the two.

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Alice Hatsuko Tamashiro aka Grandma Gigi

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Alice Hatsuko Tamashiro aka Grandma Gigi

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1910 - 1997
My Great Grandmother (Maternal).  She was born in Honouliuli, Oʻahu in the heat.  A second generation nisei and a true hustler!  From cannery work, to waitress on Alakea Street, to moonshine renegade, and to bottle-capping factory in San Francisco.  Eventually she came home and lived in Honolulu.  She was disowned for leaving her arranged marriage and got with my Hawaiian Papa.

1910 - The steamer Wilhelmina begins its run as a Matson Line passenger ship between Honolulu and the Pacific Coast.

For 49 years of her life, Hawaiʻi was a Territory.

Our ʻOhana has yet to truly connect with the Kepanī side because my Gma Gigi was disowned.  This was a time when the Kepanī were very exclusive to their own.  Marrying outside of their ethnic background at the time was frowned upon, but through her actions we have life.

She was so COOL!

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I feel connected to the places and moʻolelo in which my Kūpuna lived.  My life has shared with me connection to places through my ancestors long before I even knew they existed in these same locations. I would ask myself, "What am I doing here?"

I was born in Pālolo, Oʻahu in a family hale that has now welcomed its 7th generation. Then raised in Hāna, and our first hale was along-side the Kawaipapa River where my maternal ancestors originated. When I attended UH Hilo, my first apartment was right next to Homelani Cemetery where my paternal Great-Great Grandparents rest.  When I lived in Honolulu during my late 20ʻs, I often gravitated to Nuʻuanu and found myself playing in all the waterfalls up there.  And as I now reside on the slopes of Haleakalā, I see what my Great-Great Grandmother sang about in her compositions.  Itʻs like my roadmap followed that of my ancestors, and everything in hindsight I am so grateful!

What rings true for me culturally is that of my waʻa lineage. If I could, I would leave everything and just paddle. Thereʻs something about being in the waʻa for me that allows for discipline, teamwork, responsibility, vulnerability, and love.  The connection I have with my kane, Kaikaikaokalani, is through the waʻa.  I feel like weʻre coming full-circle as he now takes on his Kālaiwaʻa role at our Canoe Club.  Itʻs like Iʻm watching history all over again as we line our waʻa up to be upon the ocean.  Itʻs amazing!

The part of me that I am learning to heal through my line is that of war-like behavior. Weʻve found ourselves in battle through the course of time. After joining my Lua Hālau, I was able to recall movements that came to the body when asked. Yet, I didnʻt understand why I knew them. So, being a part of Lua has helped me to see light and dark and has helped me to recognize the rage that presents itself in me from time to time and remain disciplined.