# data[].attributes.body
Today I was able to go out into my plantation to take a few pictures. Here's the one I chose to post. Photography gives me the freedom to speak without having to be audible because a picture is worth a thousand words. I hope this can speak to someone.

# data[].attributes.body
The energy that flows from island to island.

# data[].attributes.body
A little bit of gardening

# data[].attributes.body
We are Oceania

Waters rise

Mud fills our homes built with our backs

We are the ocean

We are the Sea

Our love keeps us here

The plumeria fragrance welcomes us home

We are Oceania

We work many jobs

The water rises

We are displaced

We return home

We start again

We are Oceania

We jump from big rocks

We first lay Ti leaves on the ponds

We are prawns

We are Oceania

We work on the ships

We work in your hotels

We are the culture

We take care of the people

We honor the land

We are Oceania

You are my brother

You are my baby in the sea foam

I am a green turtle

We are Oceania

You adorn yourself in our pearls

You ask us about musubi

You ask so many questions

Is it far? Is it good? Is it worth it?

The waterfall is always worth it

We are Oceania

We are here still

We are the rocks

We are the workers

We are the people

We are Oceania.

Presented and written by

Chandler Tarbuck

# data[].attributes.body
My first creative outlet, journaling. (A bullet journal and a quality pen is a must, I highly recommend!)

Posted at 11:55pm. Because this is the only hour of the day where I have free time.

# data[].attributes.body
Painting the sunset inside the wave

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Detailed narwhal illustration / coloring

# data[].attributes.body
For this assignment, I took a video of the sunset from the west end of my island. I went for a drive and recorded the moment while just sitting and watching it. This is something I normally do to decompress, so I wanted to capture that in a simple and honest way.

# data[].attributes.headline
Oceania: free writing, Chandler Tarbuck 

# data[].attributes.subject
Oceania: free writing, Chandler Tarbuck 

# data[].attributes.body
Oceania the ocean within us and the ocean that surrounds us.  We are not separate and yet we are just a particle wanting to understand, to learn, to be it, eat from the vastness, cross through it, gaze into the sea from a small wooden strip or from a plane high above. Thousands of miles traveled on accident with strength and disease and curiosity to set forth to conquer. My father our fathers and grandfather all wishing to be as vast and powerful as the sea.  Taking photos on shoulders in uniforms or in grass adorned with feather and shells and jewels.  Women we are Oceania too, the makers, the creators, people not property wishing to be heard wishing to be called on sent away, sold, our children taken to reform or boarding schools. Reservations given to us on our own lands. Lands fed by sacred waters, fish harvested in the rainy days of winter. Prawns inside of ponds.  My dad on his boat with one dream.  Something that will always be circular.  The Marshallese people, Bikini atoll, the many days or terror and bombs that stole our creation and killed and made our soils poison.  I am there still inside of the horror wondering if the madness will end.  If our screams can ever be heard by the ears of the colonies.

# data[].attributes.body
https://youtu.be/V1bFr2SWP1I?si=CyB2--Ofbbe_BMGq

The first artist I chose to introduce is Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. He is commonly known as Bruddah IZ, and he was a Native Hawaiian ukulele player, musician, and singer. He was a musical artist, with his songs evoking deep feelings in each and every one of his listeners. His music draws me in specifically because his arguably most famous song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” was my parents wedding song. Whenever I listen to any of Bruddah IZ”s music, I always think about family, love, and loss, which makes the love just that much more important.

# data[].attributes.body
John Puhiatau Pule is someone I find interesting because of his work with poetry and art. He has been on Instagram for a little while and has a lot of posts that show off his art and snippets of his writings, and the style of it reminds me of the traditional art style. His work has been very impactful in his area, so much so that the Queensland Art Gallery describes him as 'one of the Pacific's most significant artists.' Here is a link to his Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/surrealist_likupoet/?hl=en

Brett Graham is an Maori artist from New Zealand that bases a lot of his art in the from of sculptures and large scale work. Much of the work that he does explores indigenous history, politics and philosophies, which I find intriguing since it helps to keep the native culture alive. Here is a link to his website that shows off much of the art he has made http://www.brettgraham.co.nz/

Fiona Pardington is a Maori descent photographer from New Zealand that uses her work to capture the natural themes of the people and of the body but also of Maori relics and showing the world the old history of what was. Her photography captures things in such a way that they feel is if they are seperated from the rest of the world, like a it was captured in time, mostly due to the style of dark backgrounds that make the image feel bigger. Here is a link to her instagram https://www.instagram.com/fionapardington/?hl=en

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you’re into with the people who get you.

# data[].attributes.body
Other than being an actor, Jason Momoa has presented work that reflects the representation of Hawai'i, cultural pride, and environmental activism. I have seen him advocate for indigenous rights such as the protest on Mauna Kea through his YouTube documentary. I also really enjoyed his recent role in the series "Chief of War," which emphasizes his commitment to telling authentic Hawaiian stories addressing contemporary issues. I respect him for that.

# data[].attributes.body
Terisa Siagatonu is a Sāmoan award-winning poet, teaching artist, mental health educator, and community leader born and rooted in the Bay Area. I have always followed the work of Terisa since high school, especially her poems. Her topics range from youth advocacy, educational attainment, Pacific Islander/Indigenous rights, climate change, gender-based violence, and so much more. Check out the link I've attached to the top to listen to her work.

# data[].attributes.body
Also known as Reggie, she is a Professor of the Arts, both contemporary and traditional. She is a fourth-generation siapo (bark cloth) maker. Through creating and sharing siapo, she hopes to open a portal into the world of siapo making to initiate a dialogue that invites reflection, connection, and transformation. She owns an art studio in American Samoa that practices the making of siapo and the practices of the past. Her mission is to continue to bring the Sāmoan culture to the Pacific and around the world. She serves the role of preserving indigenous art forms.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.solomonenos.com/meet-solomon

Solomon Enos is a contemporary Hawaiian artist known for his vibrant, intricate murals and paintings that draw on both his Hawaiian heritage and a range of global influences. His work often incorporates elements of mythology, nature, and community, creating a bridge between traditional Hawaiian culture and modern artistic expression. Enos is also an advocate for cultural awareness and environmental stewardship, which is reflected in his art.

When considering his life and work, several questions come to mind:

1. How has growing up in Hawaii shaped your artistic vision and the themes you explore in your work?

3. How do you incorporate environmental themes into your art, and what message do you hope to convey?

4. How do Hawaiian mythology and stories influence your artwork, and how do you see these elements resonating with a broader audience?

5. What role does community play in your artistic practice? Do you collaborate with local artists or involve community members in your projects?

What draws me to Solomon Enos and his work is the deep connection he has with both his cultural roots and contemporary issues. His ability to weave storytelling, environment, and identity into visually striking pieces creates a profound experience for viewers, inviting them to explore the narratives behind the colors and forms. The blend of tradition and innovation in his art resonates with many who seek to understand the complexities of cultural heritage in a modern context.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Solomon Enos is a Native Hawaiian artist, illustrator, and visionary, who has been making art for more than 30 years. His work deals with ancestry, culture, and the human relationship with the Earth, as seen through an indigenous lens.

# data[].attributes.body
https://sloanesloane.com/about/

Sloane Leong is an artist whose work captivates and provokes thought through its exploration of identity, culture, and the complexities of contemporary life. Leong utilizes a blend of graphic storytelling, illustrations, and vibrant colors to examine personal and collective experiences, often drawing from their own background and influences.

What makes Leong's work so engaging is the way they weave intricate narratives that challenge conventional perspectives. Each piece invites viewers to reflect on their own identities and experiences, prompting a deeper understanding of the cultural landscapes that shape us. The vibrant visuals are paired with profound themes, making the art not just visually appealing but also intellectually stimulating.

If I had the opportunity to engage with Sloane Leong, I might ask questions such as:

1. What personal experiences have most influenced your artistic journey?

2. How do you approach the intersection of culture and identity in your work?

3. What role do you believe art plays in social change and awareness?

4. Are there specific artists or movements that inspire you, and how do they manifest in your practice?

5. How do you hope your audience responds to your art, and what conversations do you wish to provoke?

These questions could lead to a fascinating discussion about the intentions behind their work and the broader implications of their work in today's world.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.lyzsoto.com/translation-x

I’d like to introduce you to Lyz Soto, whose government name is Elizabeth Soto, who has only published once in her book Eulogies, April 23, 2010. She is a wonderful Hawaiian poet who truly captures the essence of her culture through her work. Her poetry beautifully explores themes of identity, community, and the strong connection to both the land and sea that defines Hawaiian life. Soto’s pieces resonate with the breathtaking beauty of Hawaii while also exploring important topics such as environmentalism and social justice.

What I find so captivating about Elizabeth Soto’s poetry is her incredible ability to express deep emotions with vivid language and imagery. Her words not only celebrate the richness of Hawaiian and Pacific culture but also invite readers to reflect on their own identities and the spaces they occupy. There’s something about her work that feels both relatable and thought-provoking.

If I had the chance to chat with Elizabeth Soto, I’d love to ask her a few questions, like:

1. How has growing up in Hawaii shaped your voice as a poet and the themes you explore?

3. How do you find the right balance between celebrating culture and addressing social issues in your work?

4. Are there any poets or literary movements that inspire you, and how do they influence your writing?

5. What conversations or messages do you hope to spark through your poetry, and how do you see your role as a poet in your community?

I think these questions could open up a really interesting discussion about her journey as an artist and the significant impact of her work today. Through her poetry, Elizabeth invites us all to reflect on our stories and identities, making her voice an important one in the literary world.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
why are we here alone? scientists speculate that 100,000 years ago our species was one of many. neanderthalensis, luzonensis, denisova may have been here with us. we were not alone. so why are we alone now? francis galton might have argued we were the most fit to survive, but what if we were simp

# data[].attributes.body
Yuki Kihara really inspires me because her work explores identity, climate change, and Pacific history in a way that feels both personal and political. I like how she challenges colonial narratives while still celebrating Samoan culture and resilience. As someone studying oceans and human relationships with marine spaces, her work makes me think about how environmental change is not just scientific but also cultural and emotional.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuki_Kihara

Ruha Fifita inspires me through the way she reimagines traditional Tongan ngatu (tapa cloth) using contemporary techniques and large scale installations. Her art shows that tradition is not static but something that can evolve while still holding cultural meaning. I connect with this because ocean communities constantly adapt to environmental change, and her work reflects resilience, community knowledge, and intergenerational storytelling.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruha_Fifita

Aline Amaru inspires me because her textile work highlights Tahitian identity and the importance of cultural preservation through art. Her use of tifaifai patterns feels like storytelling through fabric, which reminds me of how ocean cultures pass knowledge through visual and embodied practices rather than written forms. This connects to my interest in marine conservation since protecting the ocean also means protecting the cultures and identities that are tied to it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aline_Amaru

# data[].attributes.headline
Relinda Kansou - Singer & Musical Artist 

# data[].attributes.subject
Relinda Kansou - Singer & Musical Artist 

# data[].attributes.body
Relinda Kansou is a Chuukese singer known for her gospel (Konun Namanam) and island-style music. She has released songs such as Tipis Pwata ka chok masaniei, and Upwe Mwareituk, and has collaborated with other regional artists to promote Chuukese music.

I admire Relinda because she has an angelic voice, and I have loved her music since my childhood. I have always wished to see her sing in person. Her songs reflect faith, culture, and positivity, and she inspires me to stay proud of my roots.

Below is a link to her christian song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riKm96s_Fw0

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Tipis Pwata Ka Chok Masani Ei? Feat.Relinda Kansou

# data[].attributes.body
https://youtu.be/eCkJnimKA1I?si=q4aKyS5_v3M4-jAN

The island reggae legend Fiji. His music and career were influenced by his family, upbringing, and culture—a singer, songwriter, and producer who had a great impact throughout the Pacific. Not only did his music bring people together, but he was also a mentor to the youth and other singers. He encourages Pacific Islanders to be proud of their identity and to embrace their heritage. He was an inspiration, and his legacy remains.

https://www.lissetteyamaseart.com/

Lisette Yamase, a self-taught artist from Chuuk and Pohnpei, uses her artwork to tell stories from the islands and to preserve cultures and values. As a self-taught artist, I find this very inspiring. I also appreciate that she emphasizes cultural awareness, preservation, and significance to empower our Micronesian communities. It’s a powerful way to dismantle stereotypes and gain a better understanding of who we are.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Who Was George Veikoso? Fiji Singer’s Life, Music, and Sudden Death (1950–2025)

# data[].attributes.body
Nicole Yamase is a Micronesian marine biologist, cultural advocate, and environmental leader from Chuuk and Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. She attended Xavier High School in Chuuk and later studied at Chaminade University of Honolulu, where she double majored in Biology and Environmental Studies. Yamase is recognized as the first person from Micronesia to earn a doctorate in marine biology (Wikipedia, n.d.). On March 11, 2021, she became the 20th person to descend to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench. She is also the first Pacific Islander, the third woman, and, at age 29, the second youngest person to visit Challenger Deep (Coconut TV, n.d.).

I admire Nicole Yamase because she represents strength, intelligence, and cultural pride. As a Pacific Islander, she has broken barriers in science and shown that people from small island nations can achieve extraordinary accomplishments. Her dedication to marine conservation and her commitment to representing Micronesia on a global stage inspire me to pursue my goals with confidence and perseverance.

Video link:
Below is a link to a video of her descent to the Challenger Deep:
https://www.tiktok.com/@user81203962435125/video/7598396611810790686

# data[].attributes.body
Duke Kahanamoku inspires me because he represents more than just surfing he represents Hawaiian identity on a global level. He was an Olympic swimmer, but he is also remembered as the person who helped spread surfing around the world. What stands out to me is how he carried aloha wherever he went. During a time when Hawaiians were facing political and cultural suppression, Duke was proudly representing his people on an international stage. I’m drawn to how he turned his relationship with the water into something that shaped global culture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLQRSn7GQ8o

# data[].attributes.body
Mau Piailug was a master navigator from Satawal, Micronesia, who revitalized traditional wayfinding by navigating by stars, swells, and natural signs for the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s canoe Hōkūleʻa. His work stands for ancestral knowledge, cultural resilience, and inter-island connection. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IF8jCLxyAA The link highlights how Indigenous ways of knowing can be reclaimed and shared, helping people to connect to the ocean in ways that go beyond our modern instruments or maps.

# data[].attributes.body
Lissette Yamase is a Micronesian artist from Chuuk and Pohnpei. She was born in Palau and spent most of her childhood in Saipan. She is a self-taught artist, and much of her work is created using charcoal. Her artwork has been deeply inspiring to me. It has encouraged me to reflect more thoughtfully on my culture and the stories she conveys through her art.

I truly admire how she uses art to tell untold stories, revealing histories and cultural narratives that are often overlooked, especially those of Micronesian people. I was fortunate to meet her here in Hawaiʻi, and I feel incredibly grateful that she created a mural at the school where I work. The mural means so much to me, as well as to our students and families from Micronesia. It fosters a strong sense of belonging and connection, while giving students hope, pride, and a feeling of ownership within the school community.

You can explore more of her work here:
https://www.lissetteyamaseart.com

# data[].attributes.body
Landon McNamara: Landon's songs land like a breeze off the reef, quiet but full of life. His spare arrangements feel rooted in island time: the hush of early mornings, the cadence of waves. I hear ukulele-like openness in the space between lines, church-harmony warmth, and a storyteller's eye for small details that map onto bigger questions of belonging and place. His music pulls me into the everyday of the Pacific world--sunny days, beachy vibes, salty hair, drives along the coast--and those scenes feel so natural.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26si0QdDoKw&list=RD26si0QdDoKw&start_radio=1

Leilani Wolfgramm: Leilani's voice and presence command attention. She blends soulful R&B/gospel textures with Pacific Island styles to explore faith, family, and resilience. I'm drawn to how she uses her immense vocal power and lyrical warmth to reclaim and celebrate Pacific womanhood across displaced spaces. Her catalog invites questions about performance, spirituality, and the politics of representation in Oceanic music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkq5pvHabsM&list=RDlkq5pvHabsM&start_radio=1

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Landon McNamara  "Deep Water" (Acoustic)

# data[].attributes.body
Anthony Watson is also a former student at UH Manoa. Watson is from Palau, Micronesia and shares the spirit of bringing more peace in harmony through his sculptures and visual works you can check out now at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. "The exhibition runs through Jan. 29, 2026, and features six artists of Micronesian heritage whose work reflects traditional beliefs and practices shaped by lived experiences in Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Fourth Branch (Re) Interviews: Artist & Entrepreneur, Anthony Watson

# data[].attributes.body
This band is one of my favorites to dance to or sing along with in the car. They have been around for about 25 years. They are known for their reggae vibes and multidecade instrumental sounds. They come from Hamilton, New Zealand and are now enjoyed globally for an uplifting message rooted in island culture. Their lyrics are relatable to people that work hard to make a living, enjoy plant medicine and like to enjoy an expansive sound that includes the trumpet and horns.

# data[].attributes.body
Lanakila is a visual artist perhaps most known for her Mural art. If you have not seen one of her murals you can also find some of her beautiful creations at Whole Foods Market on Maui. Her use of realistic nature projections and deep appreciation for the environment helps to reinforce the energy of our many diverse ecosystems here in Hawaii.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Lanakila Makua’s portfolio of artwork inspired by the environment and the Hawaiian culture on Maui. Artwork includes murals, fine art, body paint, faux, gold plating, bronze sculptures and furniture design.

# data[].attributes.body
Moemoana Schwenke, also known as Fuatino Moemoana Safa’ato’a Schwenke, is a Samoan cultural leader, performing artist, and youth advocate whose work reaches far beyond the typical pageant stage. She was crowned Miss Samoa in 2023 and later Miss Pacific Islands in 2024, following in the footsteps of her mother, who held similar titles decades before her. During her reign, Moemoana used the platform not just as a titleholder, but as a voice for culture, community, and meaningful service. She has consistently emphasized that pageantry — especially in the Pacific — should be about substance and community impact rather than just appearance. Her vision reshaped traditional expectations of what it means to represent Samoa and the wider Pacific region.

What draws me personally to Moemoana’s journey is not only her achievements, but the way she lives her values. As a former Pasefika titleholder in American Samoa, I’ve had the privilege of meeting her a few times through the pageantry world. Those moments weren’t just casual greetings — they were exchanges rooted in mutual respect for culture, service, and the role of young Pacific women in shaping their communities. Moemoana embodies a leadership grounded in humility, resilience, and deep cultural awareness. She consistently stresses that her goals are rooted in service to her people and in uplifting voices that are often unheard.

Moemoana’s work goes beyond stage appearances. She has run creative and performing arts initiatives — such as Ta Fesilafa’i classes — focused on empowering young people through cultural expression and leadership. She has also been involved in environmental advocacy and represented Pacific communities at major international events, including the COP28 Climate Change Conference and other regional cultural festivals. Balancing her roles as an artist, advocate, and student, she models how cultural production can be a tool for both community engagement and social change.

The link to her interview represents more than just a biography — it captures her heartfelt commitment to giving back to her community and honoring the love and support she has received. It makes me think about questions like: How do cultural platforms like pageants become mechanisms for advocacy and social impact? In what ways does her leadership influence Pacific youth, especially young women? And how does her work challenge stereotypes about Pacific women in leadership roles? Moemoana’s story inspires me because it shows that beauty, culture, and advocacy are not separate — they can work together to build stronger, more empowered Pacific communities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
MY WORLD WITH MISS PACIFIC ISLANDS MOEMOANA SCHWENKE

# data[].attributes.body
George Veikoso, popularly known as Fiji, is widely recognized as one of the most influential Pacific musicians of his generation. Born in Fiji and later establishing his career in Hawai‘i, he built a sound that blends reggae, R&B, jazz, and traditional island influences into something distinctly Pacific. His music does not simply imitate Jamaican reggae or American R&B — it reshapes those genres through an Oceanic lens. Over the years, he has released multiple albums, produced other artists, and earned major awards within the island music scene, helping to define what many people now call “Pacific reggae.” His success is not accidental; it reflects years of dedication, adaptability, and a clear sense of cultural grounding.

What makes Fiji especially compelling to me is how his life story reflects migration, transformation, and resilience — themes that are very familiar in the Pacific. Like many islanders, he left his homeland in search of opportunity, eventually finding a larger platform in Hawai‘i. But instead of assimilating in a way that erased his identity, he strengthened it. His lyrics often center on love, family, faith, hardship, and island pride — themes that resonate deeply across Oceania. Listening to his music feels like hearing the voice of the Pacific diaspora: people who may live far from their original island homes but still carry their culture in their language, values, and creativity. His songs create emotional bridges between Fiji, Hawai‘i, Samoa, Tonga, and other Pacific communities.

The biography link represents more than professional achievement; it represents cultural navigation. Fiji’s journey shows how Oceanic artists move through global music industries that were not originally designed for them, while still protecting their authenticity. In a world shaped by colonial histories and Western-dominated entertainment markets, maintaining a strong Pacific identity is itself an act of resistance. I am interested in how Fiji’s blending of reggae — a genre rooted in resistance and liberation — with Pacific themes creates a shared cultural language across Oceania. Does his music help shape a pan-Pacific identity that connects different island nations through rhythm and storytelling?

Studying Fiji would allow me to ask deeper questions about cultural production in the Pacific. How has his success influenced younger island artists who now believe international recognition is possible? In what ways does his music challenge stereotypes about Pacific people by presenting complexity, faith, vulnerability, and pride? And how does sound itself — rhythm, harmony, and lyrical style — carry cultural memory? Fiji’s work makes me think about music not just as entertainment, but as a living archive of migration, identity, and unity in the Pacific.

# data[].attributes.body
One Oceanic artist who inspires me deeply is my father, John “Duffy” Hudson, a tattoo artist, painter, and visual artist who owns and operates Tatau Manaia in American Samoa. He first began tattooing over 20 years ago in Hawai‘i, but his relationship with art started much earlier. Since elementary school, he was always known as the best artist in his class. In high school, graffiti became his creative outlet, and in college, although he was not a fine arts major, he intentionally used his electives to take drawing, painting, and indigenous art courses. He credits Reggie Meredith from the ASCC Art Department for expanding his understanding of art beyond just drawing and graffiti. Even though he later earned a BA in Business and Communication, art remained central to his identity.

His tattoo education was not traditional. He did not apprentice under a master at first; instead, he learned through trial and error. As a young artist in Halawa, Hawai‘i, his neighborhood friends encouraged him to build his first tattoo machine so he could tattoo taulimas and lettering on them. For years, tattooing was something he did on and off until he committed to it more seriously about a decade ago, when he received his first professional machine and equipment from his cousin, Jon Apisa.

Later, mentors like Akiu Sale (House of Ink, Hawai‘i) and Steve Looney (Pacific Soul Tattoo, Hawai‘i) guided him in the technical and professional aspects of tattooing—machine maintenance, sterility, proper equipment, and industry standards. His path reflects self-teaching, mentorship, and community-based knowledge sharing rather than a formal apprenticeship model.

Today, he specializes in Samoan-Polynesian tattoos and lettering, often incorporating genealogy, symbolism, and family narratives depending on the client’s wishes. He works mostly free-hand, blending technical precision with cultural meaning. He has participated in Tisa’s Tattoo Fest for many years and has won awards including Best Taulima, Best Tauvae, Best Shoulder/Sleeve, and Best Female categories. His work extends beyond tattooing into painting and commissioned artwork displayed in local restaurants and public buildings. As a licensed tattoo artist and studio owner, and as a member of the Motu O Salaia Artists Association, his career reflects both cultural continuity and modern professionalism.

What draws me to his work is how it represents cultural production as something lived and evolving. He uses modern tattoo machines, maintains an online presence through social media, and engages with off-island clients, yet his work remains grounded in Samoan visual language. His art makes me ask: How does indigenous art shift when practiced with modern tools? How does an artist balance authenticity with global influence? How does genealogy become visual identity on skin? Through his work, I see that Pacific art is not frozen in the past—it adapts, travels, and survives through artists who are willing to learn, experiment, and remain rooted at the same time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
2013 Tisa's Tattoo Fest. - Tatau Manaia (Duffy Hudson)

# data[].attributes.body
Eben Kalaʻau, Jr. was my beloved grandfather, who passed away this January. While he spent his career serving our community as a rescue fireman with the Honolulu Fire Department, he was also a talented sketch artist and graphic designer.

Born in 1939, my grandfather lived through the transition between traditional Hawaiʻi and the modern era. I believe art became his way of expressing the deep losses and changes he experienced early in life, losing his mother at 13, leaving his small fishing village in Kawaihae on Hawaiʻi Island at 14 to attend Kamehameha Schools on Oʻahu, and gradually losing the ability to speak his mother tongue.

He designed the patch for the Honolulu Fire Department, along with work for First Hawaiian Bank, Aloha Week Festivals, and many other projects I’m sure I’m forgetting in this moment.

My family is still in the thick of our grief journey, so the next time you pass a fire truck and see the HFD patch, please think of my Papa.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Honolulu Fire Department | One week ago today, the Honolulu Fire Department ʻohana lost a foundational figure with the passing of Eben Kalaʻau, Jr.—retired Fire... | Instagram

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
628 likes, 12 comments - honolulufiredepartment on January 15, 2026: "One week ago today, the Honolulu Fire Department ʻohana lost a foundational figure with the passing of Eben Kalaʻau, Jr.—retired...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
View this post on Instagram

# data[].attributes.body
Palani Vaughan was a celebrated Hawaiian musician, composer, and cultural advocate whose work centered on preserving Hawaiian history, language, and identity through music. One of the defining themes of his career was his admiration for King David Kalākaua, who championed Hawaiian cultural revival during a period of intense foreign political and economic pressure.

Uncle Palani's music served as entertainment, education and resistance. He retold stories of Hawaiian sovereignty, honoring Kalākaua’s efforts to restore hula, chant, and Hawaiian pride at a time when Western influence threatened to erase Native traditions. His work reflects how colonialism and militarism reshaped Hawaiʻi’s political and cultural landscape, while his performances model how artists use cultural production as a form of political expression and identity reclamation.

His music reminds listeners that Hawaiian patriotism is not only about politics, but about love for land, language, and people. When I listen to Uncle Palani's albums I am always reminded that music and art is one of the strongest forms of resistance.

# data[].attributes.body
Stan Walker openly embraces his Māori identity in mainstream music. He incorporates te reo Māori into his songs and uses his platform to speak about faith, Indigenous pride, and cultural strength. What draws me in is how he balances commercial success with cultural authenticity. I am interested in how Indigenous artists navigate global fame while remaining rooted in language, community, and identity.

# data[].attributes.body
Kuʻulei blends contemporary Hawaiian music with emotional storytelling that feels both intimate and culturally grounded. Her work reflects love, vulnerability, and the strength of Hawaiian identity in modern spaces. I am drawn to the softness and power in her voice, especially how she represents Hawaiian womanhood and cultural continuity. I want to explore how contemporary Hawaiian artists preserve culture while navigating gender expectations and modern audiences.

# data[].attributes.body
Sudden Rush uses hip hop as a form of political resistance and cultural education. Their music speaks directly about Hawaiian sovereignty, land struggles, militarism, and reclaiming Native identity beyond tourism narratives. What draws me in is their unapologetic voice and the way they use rap to challenge colonial power structures in Hawaiʻi. I am interested in how hip hop becomes a tool for decolonization and how their music reshapes Native Hawaiian masculinity and activism.

# data[].attributes.body
Jake Shimabukuro is best known for his varied, often extreme, and highly talented skill with the ukulele, showcasing to the world its versatility and that it isn't just for playing slow Don Ho type songs. I think the reason I like Jake a lot is because, as a youth, I met him in person when he was just starting his first musical group, formed by friends of his from Kaiser High School. Jake is a permanent member of Pure Heart, featuring Jon Yamasato, who is known for his smooth and casual acoustic style, and can also pick up a guitar and ukulele when needed. My brother was a member of their initial band, albeit for only a brief period of time. I think this is the reason I am so drawn towards their music, because of some familial tie once upon a time.

Nonetheless, it is difficult to ignore Jake Shimabukuro. Before Jake, it would be difficult to imagine the wide versatility and variety of music capable of being played with the ukulele. The world would have written off local Hawaii music as belonging to the genre of slack key, in the case of guitar, or slow strumming as Do Ho sang away the night to "Tiny Bubbles".

In a time when kanaka face an increasing existential crisis and loss of their culture, mostly due to dwindling numbers, gentrification, globalization, and increasing immigration to Hawaii, song remains one of the few ways Hawaiians can still spread their story. A Hawaiian song without an ukulele is akin to Kawaii entirely removed from Japanese modern K Pop culture.

Jake reimagines what the ukulele can do, and brings it to the forefront of a modern musical enterprise where slower slack key no longer competes. And, in so doing, Jake helps to keep Hawaiian at the forefront of musical creativity.

# data[].attributes.body
Justin Young is a younger (I consider 40's young!), local Hawaii born and raised artist that has achieved global notoriety fairly early in his musical career. His music connected with so many locals who lived abroad, especially his songs "One Foot On Sand" and "Leaving On a Jet Plane", the expressed the sense of longing to be back on the Islands (in Oceania!), and feeling homesick.

Leaving Hawaii for Los Angeles, Justin writes of his longing to return back to the islands, and one can feel the deep sense of connection the islands leave on people, no matter where they are in the world. Through Justin, one begins to understand the often emotional and spiritual impact that Oceania has on its inhabitants, something that isn't as strongly evident in other genres around the world. Much of Justin's songs center on a sense of belonging to the islands, and never leaving the islands regardless where you are in the world. This is perhaps best caught in a lyrics where he says "you can take the boy out of the islands, but cannot take the island out of the boy" in his song, Never Forget Where I'm From.

The reason I like Justin so much is, I think, because as someone who left Hawaii, I too desire a sense of community and connection that resembles the sort I had in Oceania. It is interesting how identity is so deeply rooted in where one is raised, and how much people will try to preserve or recover much of that lost identity throughout their lives. That probably explains why I shop at the Hawaiian General Store in Seattle so often! Like Justin, many of us leave Oceania, and in doing so, go through a crisis of identity loss. Through Justin's music, we are reminded that one can leave, but it doesn't mean leaving in your heart. Justin's music beckons us to bring Oceania with us, no matter where in the world we may be.

# data[].attributes.body
For me, Kealii Reichel represents a bridge between modern day and traditional Hawaiian music and dance. I grew up listening to Kealii's music, but couldn't appreciate the significance of his contributions to Hawaiian identity, cultural preservation, and Oceania braodly. Much of Kealii's music talks about the beauty of the environment, and how it and people interact in a harmonious manner. Certainly, the steadfast Hawaiian custom of aloha a'ina is alive throughout Kealii's music, as he tells of the rains, mountains, and the ensuing waters that flow throughout the land, leaving much to celebrate as the lands are made even more bountiful from this virtuous cycle. Without saying it, Kealii tells the story of the Ahupua'a system, vital to Hawaiian sustainability and custom, and even thought of a potential use case for modern land use in Hawaii today.

So popular is Kealii's music that he won numerous awards at the local, national and international levels. Additionally, Kealii was honored for the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian mele and story, paving the way for younger Hawaiians to root themselves in Hawaiian knowledge during a time Hawaiians face an existential crisis.

Perhaps on some level, I've always admired Kealii's music because of how peaceful and relaxing they are. They're often played at the Honolulu airport, in hotel lobbies, and even on Hawaiian Airlines during flight. But, as I got older, I realized the significance of his music. Singing entirely in Hawaiian, Kealii puts the Hawaiian language, and thus the Hawaiian people, onto the international arena. The world knows of Hawaiians, if by anyone, because of Kealii Reichel.

# data[].attributes.body
Hall is a program director of Indigenous Studies at the University of Victoria. She has several scholarly publications on racism, feminism, colonialism, etc. and how they impact islands throughout the Pacific. In a previous class I read her article “Navigating Our Own ‘Sea of Islands’ : Remapping a Theoretical Space for Hawaiian Women and Indigenous Feminism.” Her work really made me think about how we can all improve in uplifting and respecting others.

# data[].attributes.body
Treasure Hawaii is a jewelry brand run by a couple here in Oahu. They ethically collect shells off the coasts of Hawaii and use them to make jewelry pieces. Besides their beautiful jewelry, I love that they donate a portion of their profits to Hawaii-based organizations. I also love to snorkel for shells and make jewelry out of them. I only make pieces for my family or myself. So, I take a lot of inspiration from other shell jewelry artists and Treasure Hawaii’s work gives me a lot of inspiration. I love that we can incorporate items from nature into our creativity and style and show the love we have for it.

# data[].attributes.body
Kamakawiwo’ole was an iconic Hawaiian singer, songwriter, and musician. His cover of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” has become a staple of Hawaii tourism and music. I know choosing this song and artist may seem like a basic choice but the song always stirs up emotions in me. Anytime I’m walking around Hawaii or doing activities out here and hear this song, it makes me stop and think about how grateful I am to be experiencing this life. I start to think about how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place and how much I love and respect nature. I just get so overwhelmed with emotion every time I hear it and tend to tear up. Kamakawiwo’ole continues to inspire thousands of people everyday. I would love to ask him if he ever thought he would leave such a large impact on the world.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
OFFICIAL Somewhere over the Rainbow - Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole

# data[].attributes.body
Brook Kapūkuniahi Parker is an artist of his native Hawaii, raised in Kahalu'u,

O’ahu. Brook's family roots run deep in the islands being a direct

descendant of John Palmer Parker of Newton, Mass., and founder of the Parker

Ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii. John Parker's wife, Rachael

Keli'ikipikanekaolohaka Ohiaku was a great-granddaughter of Kamehameha the

Great and his wife Kanekapolei. The majority of Brook's art portrays the deep love and admiration he has for his

island ancestors. Brook was greatly influenced in the arts by his

father David, a gifted, self taught artist and painter, Hawaiian historian,

genealogist and writer. As Brook grew older his father's interest became his

interest and with no formal art school training, his father's large library of art

books, Hawaiian history books & books of other interest became his other

teachers. Brook is a well known local artist that contributed to the art work that hangs in Kamehameha Schools of Kapalama.

# data[].attributes.body
Dr. Kihleng is a Micronesian poet and teacher. Her early works and book, "My Urohs" were groundbreaking. I believe she inspired a generation of poets and writers from the region to pursue their passions and interests in literature.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Emelihter Kihleng completed her PhD in Va’aomanū Pasifika, Pacific Studies from Victoria University of Welling

# data[].attributes.body
Tumua Tuinei, known just as Tumua, is a comedian from Oahu, Hawai’i. He is known for his stand-up, sketches, and characters which he showcases actively on his social media accounts. He is also phenomenal at crowd-work! His material often talks about Pacific Islanders such as Hawaiians and Samoans. His comedy also comments on typical tropes or experiences that are known in Hawai’i. Tumua is very upbeat and has the ability to make fun of the frustrating or dark realities of Hawai’i which spins it in a more positive light. For example, he has made fun of the skyline on Oahu saying that he would change management over to EK Fernandez to make it a carnival ride instead. To me, he is currently one of the most influential voices of Hawai'i and his popularity only appears to be rising. According to his bio page on his website it says, “His social media sketches and stand-up bits are very well known in the Polynesian community throughout the world!” In that sense, he reaches and connects Pacific Islanders from across the globe which aligns with Hau’ofa’s concept of Oceania as a boundless regional identity.

Here is one of the opening acts from his "Warrior Tour": https://youtu.be/_VN4FwU5UHo?si=4PxcwnPXOxb4sM8Q

# data[].attributes.body
It is hard to talk about Pacific academia, or rather, Oceania academia, without mentioning Hau'ofa.

An important figure in Pacific literature and thought. His essay, "Our Sea of Islands" should be required reading in all Pacific Island universities. He changed the way I thought about learning by challenging perspectives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Epeli Hau‘ofa (1939–2009) was born in Papua New Guinea and educated in Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji, Australia, and Canada. He worked at the University of the South Pacific’s main campus in Suva, Fiji, where he was the founder and director of the Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture, established in 1997.

# data[].attributes.body
Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner is a Marshallese poet and climate change activist. I had the privilege of taking a few Pacific Islands Studies classes with Kathy. Her ability to convey her emotions through poetry is incredible. She tackles a wide range of issues with her poetry; from discrimination, to identity, climate change, and imperialism/colonialism.

She is also the founder of Jo-Jikum (your home). A non-profit organization that focuses on educating the people of the Marshall Islands about climate change.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Iakwe and welcome to my official artist page. My name is Kathy Jetn̄il-Kijiner. I am a writer and performer of Marshall Islander ancestry - jowi en̄ ao ke Ri-mae, im n̄a juon ledrik in Aur, Jaluit, Likiep, Ebon, im Namdrik. I was born in the Marshall Islands, raised in Hawai'i, and am currently based in Majuro, the capital city of the Marshall Islands.

My primary creative practice explores my culture's rich storytelling and how they intersect and dialogue with evolving issues threatening our islands and community. My focus has been climate change and the legacy of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands. I share these explorations through the mediums of poetry, performance, and media. This practice is also informed by the community organizing I spearhead through the Marshall Islands based nonprofit Jo-Jikum that I co-founded and direct, a nonprofit dedicated to Marshallese youth and environmentalism. In addition to continuing to write and run Jo-Jikum, I am currently serving as Climate Envoy for the Marshall Islands Ministry of Environment, and pursuing my PhD in Pacific Studies at Australia National University. At this time, I am not taking performance or speaking requests.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Iakwe and welcome to my official artist page. My name is Kathy Jetn̄il-Kijiner. I am a writer and performer of Marshall Islander ancestry - jowi en̄ ao ke Ri-mae, im n̄a juon ledrik in

# data[].attributes.body
After watching the film “A New Oceania”, I am fascinated with Albert Wendt and his career as a scholar, professor, writer, poet, and painter. He is very articulate and I think his fiction writing interests me the most. The amount of creativity and commentary he has made is astounding and the amount of work he has done to guide others makes him a leading figure in decolonization ideology for Pacific Islanders to this day. I am drawn to his fiction books which he explained are connected to autobiographical writing. That perspective intrigues me and it was fascinating to hear him say that his writing, while it may have fictional plot lines and characters, is developed from his experiences growing up so in that sense they are autobiographical. I think Albert Wendt is a strong example of how culture can be redefined and examined through art. A question that I would ask him would be what is one way we could improve the public education system for all students, but especially for those who are of indigenous descent in Hawai’i?

Here is a link of a brief overview of some of Wendt's accomplishments and most popular works over his career: https://youtu.be/VMZGUOF9-SU?si=3aNWIXWFOwoaUha9

# data[].attributes.body
Kalani Pe’a is a world-renowned Hawaiian singer and songwriter. Pe’a just received a Grammy in 2025 for “Best Regional Roots Music” for his album “Kuini”, his fourth Grammy in that category. His first grammy award was in 2017 for his album “E Walea”. In that same year, Pe’a won a Na Hoku award for “Best Contemporary Album” making him the first artist to receive a Na Hoku award and Grammy in the same year. Kalani Pe’a is a trailblazer, leader, and preserver of Hawaiian culture. Among being a touring musical artist, he was also an educator at Kamehameha Schools Kona and Maui. As a non-speaker of ‘Olelo Hawaii, his music inspires me to learn and translate his lyrics in his songs to go beyond appreciation of the beautiful sounds of his voice and songs. Listening to his music, I like how he incorporates traditional aspects of Hawaiian culture such as hula and oli in his music and music videos while at the same time creating something new through his lyrics, chords, and vocal runs. Three questions I would like to ask him are what are your biggest current concerns for the state of Hawai’i, what are your biggest inspirations when creating music/what do you hope to inspire in your listeners through your music, and what advice do you have to empower students, especially those that are Pacific Islander, at the intermediate school that I work with?

Check him out here: https://youtu.be/Ge64MRNW-DI?si=KDhWqBNaRHRtgx8E

# data[].attributes.body
I picked the artist Kalani Pe’a, who is a Hawaiian songwriter artist, this is one of the first few artists I was introduced to in high school by my half Samoan/ half Hawaiian friends. What drew me to this artist was always hearing my friend play the melody in her ukulele, which drew me to listen to the songs with lyrics, since the melody always sounded soothing and welcoming to me. I remember when I heard the lyrics of the song, it wasn’t how I expected the song to sound like. I was more starstruck by the song, I didn’t know what the song was saying but the language itself sounded so beautiful and memorizing→ the song is He Wehi Aloha. I will say this song always made me appreciate the instrument of the ukelele more, especially since my friend would be constantly playing it in school,i always had a free concert.

# data[].attributes.body
The next artist I picked, Kuana Torres Kahele, was more of a fond memory. I have three nephews ranging from 5, 3, and 2 years old. And we were watching a disney short film “Lava” not only was this one of the cutest short films i’ve seen, but since we're mexican we were watching the film in spanish since we want to encourage our culture to our nephews. And the first time i heard the song cover Kuana made was indeed in spanish and i was more drawn to it since i’ve never experience a mash up of two different cultures merging in this way.The song is both beautiful in english and spanish, but the deeper connection i felt hearing it in my native language was something special.

# data[].attributes.body
The last Artist i picked is a more popular artist recognized by everyone, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. I will admit I didn’t know much about him, until I came across a video of over the rainbow and the memorial service his village dedicated in his honor. The video is something I will never forget because you could see how loved and appreciated he was in his community. Through the video, I felt the closeness the Hawaiian culture shares with the value of family. The emotions that video carried made me listen to more of his music. I wanted to discover more on how he was so beloved in his community, and listening to his music you could feel how Israel felt proud and connected of his roots.

# data[].attributes.body
Solomon Enos is an artist whos work I first saw at the MACC and instantly fell in love with. I dont know much about him, but his work I saw at the MACC was in the genres of Pasifika Sci-Fi and Futurism. He made sketches and drawings of futuristic workers and technology that were centered around images and figures in Oceania. The people had roles like “the technician” “the constructor” “the explorer” and my favorite was the storyteller role. I remember it was a person in a futuristic chair with multiple appendages that were recording stories into books and other forms of record. He created a sustainable technological world in his sketches. I have always been drawn to sketches with little details like this show was and especially the idea of intersecting modern and traditional ideas and images. I will link his instagram above because I think it shows more work than his website.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.

# data[].attributes.body
ʻAukaikamoananui Joy is an artist who I get to watch closely. He works with stones, shells, fibers, bones, teeth, and hair. He creates carvings and images that call to Hawaiian moʻolelo and practices, in a way focusing on play and use. He has made salt stones, lū heʻe (traditional style octopus lures), kiʻi pūnohu (depictions on red urchin spines), hau cordage, and many more other traditional style crafts. One thing hes loves is his maʻa or sling that he brings with him everywhere along with a bag of little stones.  He describes his kiʻi pūnohu as “figurines or action figures” and most of them are a form of self portrait. He uses a heavy metal pen-like needle to create his intricate carvings, never making a scratch where it shouldn't be. He is my fiance and so I get to witness his process. He has a certain focus about him and attention to detail that consumes him and it becomes near impossible for him to put down the task unless it is complete. He likes to work on things to completion and gets into a flow state where nothing can break his attention. I have seen him grind stones with other stones in the sunny yard for hours without stopping for water or using the bathroom. It is inspiring to see dedication like that and his process reminds us of older ways in which a person would make their tools and see the task out to the end no matter what. Most of what he makes ends up traded, gifted, or used as offerings so the enjoyment/use of the item can be spread. I think this part of his process is also a call to older ways of community.

# data[].attributes.body
Ryan Higa is a YouTuber from Hilo that everyone was watching when I was in school. He made parodies of popular songs, movies, consumer products, other YouTube videos, celebrities, as well as writing, acting out, and filming his own stories with his friends. His humor made kids in Hawaii feel like their humor had a place and had context in pop culture. His existence and popularity also made us kids feel like we could be successful as entertainers and we could make people laugh. When he made videos with his friends and posted them to YouTube, it felt like he made them for kids in Hawaii. Things like the actors, settings, props, and the way they talked made it us feel like we ourselves made these videos; like we were watching ourselves play on camera. I remember going home from school and hopping on the family computer with my brother and kids in the neighborhood to watch ryan higas videos on repeat. At the boys and girls club we would watch his videos in the computer lab on headphones. I remember watching on kids old iPod touches in middle school. His channel nigahiga had one of the largest followings on YouTube at the time. I think doing a research project on him would be really fun and focused on modern Polynesian culture arriving in early social media

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Photo from his website at https://www.poetik685.com

# data[].attributes.body
My wife not only introduced me to my love of printmaking but she was the one to finally crack the code for hip-hop music. I never really listened to much until I met her other than mainstream singles here and there. I just never really saw the artistry in it until she played some stuff I never heard before. What was really interesting for me was moving to the islands and listening to local style music for the first time. Spotify, in my opinion, does a great job of helping me find music inspired by my tastes and somehow I found Poetik on a playlist a few years back. I really enjoy his beats and cadence on each track. He has a familiar sound but different all the same, if that makes sense. I also like that the majority of the lyrics are focused on social justice topics.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Photo from his website at https://arlieasiu.com

# data[].attributes.body
Arlie Avery-Asiu is an ukulele player, instructor, recording artist, and bandmate from Wailuku on Maui. Having always enjoyed playing ukulele Arlie could be found jamming with his 80’s cover band playing guitar even when working a corporate job at the time. He would find himself leaving the M-F office job to teach ukulele all over the island and the world by teaching lessons online. He has recorded 4 albums, been nominated and won awards for his work, and continues to play locally just about every day. Since starting to teach printmaking at the ocean center I have gotten to know more about this amazing man and his contributions to the local music scene. You may not have heard of him but you should certainly check his albums out on Spotify. He’s great.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Photo from her website at https://www.bethcooperart.com

# data[].attributes.body
Beth Cooper is an amazing local artist that inspires me all the time. Not only does she have amazing artistic skills but her background is a history of resilience, strength, and perseverance. She was born and raised in Kailua on Oahu and found a love for art very early on. While she dabbles in just about every art form I’ve come to know her relief block prints on a very personal level. The way she was able to carve out a style in linoleum that’s truly all her own is something every artist hopes to achieve. Her fantastical and weirdly proportioned figures are eye-catching and interesting. Watching her work over the last several years has been one of my very favorite experiences in printmaking

# data[].attributes.body
Manuheali'i Inc. is a native Hawaiian family fashion brand whose mission has always been to Modernize aloha wear. The family has been creating specialized apparel since 1985. They continue to provide original designs and styles that blend tradition and inspiration. Each pattern is inspired by Hawai'i stories and cultural practices that the family believes should be preserved.

"When I come up with ideas for each collection, I think of things that are important to us. Let's celebrate this design with intention, celebrating our culture and family. Those are important to me," she says. "What do we need to see more respect for? What do we need to bring light to?

From a small craft fair operation, Danene Manuheali'i Lunn, her husband Pono, and her family have grown Manuheali'i to be one of Hawaii's leading small businesses. Mrs. Lunn has received numerous awards and accolades, and Manuheali'i has been a people's choice favorite with Hawaii's Best and Best of the Best. She says she has learned to be confident but has repeatedly encountered ethnic and gender stereotyping.

In an interview with Bank of Hawaii, Lunn said, "People made assumptions because of the way I look as Hawaiian-Chinese, especially back then," she says. "During our home purchase, they listed me on the application as 'housewife with a cottage industry,'" she says. "That was a hard pill to swallow! I had built up my self-esteem in my business, and to see someone pass me off as a housewife rather than a business owner ... well, it was a good lesson."

Her background has also been a source of personal inspiration, as she comes from a long line of creative Chinese women. Danene says, "You make something from nothing, or you make something new from something else. That's just how I grew up."

One of Danene's motivations was the lack of Hawaiian-inspired clothing that the younger generation, including herself at 20, would wear. She wanted to wear something that would speak to her culture and lifestyle, but a mu'umu'u was not it.

Through various interviews, she shares that it has been a lot of hard work, but she made do with her limited time. She was doing what needed to be done to feed her children, often lacking sleep, especially while in college. Danene says she stands proud as the owner and boss, always knowing women can do anything a man can, if not better. She has learned to express herself firmly and gracefully and encourages Wemon "to show others that your hope is stronger than other people's ability to put you down."

# data[].attributes.body
I recently heard of Makani and was impressed by the culturally based addiction recovery curriculum he successfully developed. He is not teaching people to build traditional hale or lo`i. Instead, he uses traditional healing knowledge from his grandmother, balanced with contemporary thought. He says his main Kuleana, a responsibility gifted to him by his Kupuna… is to preserve, perpetuate, and practice traditional, Native health, wellness, and healing.

I love how he shares about culture and relates it to everyone. Hoping to see more people push the limits a little more and more.

# data[].attributes.body
Clark Little is an award winning photographer who moved to Oahu when he was just two years old. He is an experienced surfer and only began photography in 2007. He is now world renowned for his ocean photograph. To me, he represents Oceania in that hes true love and reverence for the ocean and like many others is here due to family migration. You can take a look at some of his work here: https://clarklittlephotography.com/collections/limited-edition

# data[].attributes.body
Keola Beamer is a singer-songwriter who plays slack key guitar. He comes from a Hawaiian family rich in musical talent. His website notes that he is an award winning author and is now the Board Chair of Aloha Kuamo'o Āina a nonprofit that works to preserve and protect places of cultural significance in Kona. I just had the pleasure of learning about him through this course. His music is enchanting! I'm very happy to have found this artist.

Check him out here: https://kbeamer.com/

Song- Honolulu City Lights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vSVAVHoOwo

# data[].attributes.body
Shar Tui'asoa is also known as PunkyAloha describes herself as a Pasifika/Tongan Illustrator & Author who was Born and Raised in Hawai’i. To me, her art represents the people of Oceania depicting themselves rather than being the subject of outside interpretation. She has so many beautiful works, I would love to ask her how long she has been doing art and if she has any favorites of her own work. Check out her work here: https://www.instagram.com/punkyaloha/

# data[].attributes.body
Kimie (Miner) is a Native Hawaiian singer and Grammy-nominated producer. She created the Haku Collective which is a full-servicec talent management, booking, and music group of Hawaii’s emerging artists and musicians. She is a beautiful and empowering Hawai’i wahine with great music to uplift anyone, not just kanaka.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
It's guests and thoughts like these that keep me listening.

# data[].attributes.body
Keep It Aloha Podcast, formly known as Hawaiiverse Podcast, is a well known medium for native hawaiians to talk and connect with what it means to be Native Hawaiian or to live in Hawaii. I like it mainly because of Kamaka, the creator and hosts, and his ability to connect small native-Hawaiian owned businesses with the states and more well-known artists with his app, Hawaiiverse, which anyone can downland and explore goods and products from Hawaiian entrepreneurs. He’s interviewed people like Bretman Rock, professional surfer, Kelis Kaleopa’a, and kuku Kiliona Palauni.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
 Keep it Aloha Podcast on Instagram: "Consider the impact of 1000 or more “one guys” before choosing to move to Hawai’i 🤔

Check out the full episode available now on ALL streaming platforms! 

#keepitalohapodcast #Hawaiipodcast #podcastersofinstagram #hawaii #kilionapalauni #polynesian #hawaiian #movingtohawaii"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
5,355 likes, 462 comments - keepitalohapod on December 24, 2023: "Consider the impact of 1000 or more “one guys” before choosing to move to Hawai’i 🤔

Che..."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Keep it Aloha Podcast (@keepitalohapod)

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Haunani-Kay Trask interview that I happened upon on social media that changed my life.

# data[].attributes.body
One of the most well-known and important figures in Hawaiian activism in the 21st century. She was the first person that really spoke about Hawaiian in a way that resonated with me. I found some Hawaiian activists to be too kind and gentle. She was the first person I heard that said—no, this is wrong. Colonizers and the states have mutilated our natives lands and chewed up our language and spit it out for commercialization. She was a professor at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa where she founded and directed the Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies.

# data[].attributes.body
Nainoa Thompson is a renowned Native Hawaiian navigator and voyager. He is best known for his expertise in traditional Polynesian wayfinding techniques, including celestial navigation and reading ocean currents, which he uses to navigate voyaging canoes without modern instruments. Thompson played a key role in reviving traditional wayfinding practices and has been instrumental in the revitalization of voyaging and exploration in the Pacific Islands.

What draws me to Nainoa is how he can engage his audience through storytelling. He is a very soft-spoken speaker that has the ability to captivate his audience. To me that is skill that no many can master.

# data[].attributes.body
Kaumakaiwa Kanakaole is a Hawaiian singer, hula dancer, and cultural practitioner known for her powerful performances that blend traditional Hawaiian chants, hula, and contemporary music styles. She comes from a renowned Hawaiian cultural lineage, as her grandmother, Edith Kanakaʻole, was a revered hula teacher and cultural expert. Kaumakaiwa continues to actively promote Hawaiian culture through her artistry and performances.

I am drawn to how Kaumakaiwa intertwines traditional and contemporary styles of dance and song. She is able create a space of acceptance thru dance and song. She is firmly rooted in her cultural practices and traditions and confidant in who she is as a person and Native Hawaiian.

# data[].attributes.body
Solomon Enos is a contemporary Native Hawaiian artist known for his vibrant and thought-provoking works that often explore themes of cultural identity, environmental sustainability, and the relationship between past, present, and future. He works across various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and installation art. Enos is recognized for his unique style that blends traditional Hawaiian motifs with modern artistic techniques, offering new perspectives on Hawaiian history and culture. His art often serves as a commentary on contemporary issues facing Native Hawaiians and indigenous communities worldwide.

I am drawn to how he sees the world through the traditional and contemporary art lens. His art acknowledhes our ancestry and identity, our relationship with the planet.

# data[].attributes.body
I was drawn in by the artwork of Yuki Kihara who is an interdisciplinary artist of Japanese and Samoan origin. Her artwork was displayed at the Museum of Art in New York in 2008. This was the first time a New Zealander and Pacific Islander had a solo show at this famous museum. I am drawn to her art because of what it stands for. Some of her photos show her in the nude to show how colonial images of Polynesian people were viewed as sexual objects and her work challenges cultural stereotypes of sexuality and gender all over the world. Yuki Kihara is an artist who uses photography to create themes of Pacific culture and gender identity. She uses colonial pictures from the 19th and 20th century taken in the studios of European photographers.

I am in awe of her and would ask her how she was inspired to become an artist?

# data[].attributes.body
Maoli is one of Polynesia’s top recording artists. They have performed in New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Guam and Saipan Territories.  I like Maoli because their songs have become a blend of country mixed with Reggae music. I lived in Texas for a while and like country music because it tells a story better than any other music genre. Maoli has developed a different sound by combining country, R&B, Soul, acoustic, rock and roll and Reggae. Maoli draws me in because of this and how different their music is. I wonder how they got inspired or learned how to create such a unique blend of music. Glen Awong who founded Maoli won a battle of the bands competition on Maui in 2005 and then took off from there becoming a top recording artist of Polynesia. Maoli means native, indigenous, genuine, true or real. I am inspired by Maoli and was fortunate enough to see them in concert here on Oahu.

# data[].attributes.body
Su’a Suluape Paulo II was a master tattooist who was from Samoa. He was born into the family of tattooists, Tufuga ta tatau in Samoa. Tatau is a word from Samoan mythology and the word tatau is a legend about two sisters, Tilafaiga and Taerna who brought the tools and knowledge of tattooing to Samoa. The Samoan male tattoo is the pe’a and the female is the malu. Tufuga ta tatau is the master of traditional tattooing and uses traditional tools. Su’a Suluape Paulo II was very inspiring in sharing his knowledge of the tools and techniques. He went to Hawaii and also worked with Maori to share this knowledge and to revive the art of tattooing as it was disrupted by Christianity and they looked down upon it as savagery. This artist inspired me to think deeply about the knowledge and meaning behind this art of tatau and how many generations have been practicing it for a long time. I would ask the artist what inspired him to make it come alive again and spread and share it with others.

# data[].attributes.body
Queen Liliʻuokalani: Our Queen Liliʻuokalani inspires me to think deeply about our Hawaiian Islands. Learning about her life, upbringing, and choices has impacted my thought process. I sometimes wonder, if she choose this or that action, where would we be today? I read the book Hawai’i’s Story by Hawai’i Queen a few years ago. Reading from her journal and seeing her perspective was eye-opening. She was there at the right time to make the tough decisions for the Hawaiian people. Her upbringing, her succession as Queen, her becoming imprisoned, and how she was as a relative, a daughter-in-law, and a wife taught me to think about how my actions can affect others. I would ask what words of wisdom you would like us to hold dear to us and consistently pass them down to future generations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Liliuokalani, original name Lydia Kamakaeha, also called Lydia Liliuokalani Paki or Liliu Kamakaeha, (born September 2, 1838, Honolulu, Hawaii [U.S.]-died November 11, 1917, Honolulu), first and only reigning Hawaiian queen and the last Hawaiian sovereign to govern the islands, which were annexed by the United States in 1898.

Lydia Kamakaeha was of a high-ranking family. Her mother, Keohokalole, was an adviser of King Kamehameha III. Reared in the missionary tradition deemed appropriate for Hawaiian princesses, she received a thoroughly modern education, which was augmented by a tour of the Western world. After a time as a member of the court of Kamehameha IV, she was married in September 1862 to John Owen Dominis, son of a Boston sea captain and himself an official in the Hawaiian government. In 1874 her brother David Kalakaua was chosen king, and in 1877, on the death of a second brother, W.P. Leleiohoku, who was heir apparent, she was named heir presumptive. She was known from that time by her royal name, Liliuokalani.

Over the next 14 years she established herself firmly in that role. She served as regent during King Kalakaua's world tour in 1881, and she was active in organizing schools for Hawaiian youth. During a world tour in 1887 she was received by U.S. Pres. Grover Cleveland and by Britain's Queen Victoria. On the death of King Kalakaua in January 1891, Liliuokalani ascended the throne, becoming the first woman ever to occupy it.

Liliuokalani Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Liliuokalani regretted the loss of power the monarchy had suffered under Kalakaua and tried to restore something of the traditional autocracy to the Hawaiian throne. She had earlier made her position clear by opposing the renewed Reciprocity Treaty of 1887, signed by Kalakaua, granting privileged commercial concessions to the United States and ceding to them the port of Pearl Harbor. This attitude forever alienated her from Hawaii's haole-foreign businessmen-who, after her accession, tried to abrogate her authority.

Led by Sanford Dole, the Missionary Party asked for her abdication in January 1893 and, declaring the queen deposed, announced the establishment of a provisional government pending annexation by the United States. To avoid bloodshed, Liliuokalani surrendered, but she appealed to President Cleveland to reinstate her. Cleveland ordered the queen restored and rejected the treaty of annexation sent to Congress by his predecessor, Pres. Benjamin Harrison. In his message to Congress withdrawing the treaty from consideration, Cleveland stated that,

but for the lawless occupation of Honolulu under false pretexts by the United States forces, and but for Minister Stevens' recognition of the Provisional Government when the United States forces were its sole support and constituted its only military strength, the queen and her government would never have yielded to the Provisional Government.

Dole, however, defied the order, claiming that Cleveland did not have the authority to interfere. In 1895 an insurrection in the queen's name, led by royalist Robert Wilcox, was suppressed by Dole's group, and Liliuokalani was kept under house arrest on charges of treason. On January 24, 1895, to win pardons for her supporters who had been jailed following the revolt, she agreed to sign a formal abdication.

As head of the 'Onipa'a (meaning "immovable," "steadfast," "firm," "resolute") movement, whose motto was "Hawaii for the Hawaiians," Liliuokalani fought bitterly against annexation of the islands by the United States. Annexation nonetheless occurred in July 1898. In that year she published Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen and composed "Aloha Oe," a song ever afterward beloved in the islands. Thereafter she withdrew from public life, enjoying a government pension and the homage of islanders and visitors alike.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Liliuokalani | Biography, Overthrow, & Significance

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Liliuokalani, first and only reigning Hawaiian queen and the last Hawaiian sovereign to govern the islands, which were annexed by the United States in 1898. Deposed by the Missionary Party (led by Sanford Dole) and initially restored by U.S. President Grover Cleveland, she fought bitterly against annexation.

# data[].attributes.body
Aunty Margaret Machado: Aunty Margaret, bless her beautiful heart and spirit for opening up Lomilomi to anyone who wants to learn. My mother attended her classes in the 80s, and I learned Aunty Margaret’s Lomilomi beliefs and techniques through my mom. Aunty stressed that we should start with a prayer, that healing comes from God up above- we are only vessels of His work- and to massage from your heart. She is an inspiration because she massages with love and explains and practices Hoʻoponopono, which is a practice of reconciliation. When our spirit is unforgiving or harboring things, we should work on releasing it and forgive, as unforgiveness affects our health and ailments could form. She taught us about the techniques and continue to do what is right and good. Aunty Margaret was a strong, straightforward, and full of love woman, truly an inspiration. The question I would ask is- what was your pivotal moment in your life?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Aunty Margaret Machado is known as one of the first Hawaiians who started to teach outside of their 'ohana (family). She is the Kupuna (elder) of the Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage (Lomilomi Aunty Margaret Style).

Aunty Margaret's grandfather, John Ko'o from the Island of Hawaii, recognized already very early that Aunty was blessed with a special gift. He passed down his knowledge and gave her the powerful name Kalehuamakanoelu'ulu'uonapali Aha'ula Keali'i by ho'omanamana initiation and chanting blowing the sacred Ha into her mouth and on top of her po'o/head.

Aunty Margaret knew the importance of being given this name and the blessings that went with it and dedicated her whole life to do healing work and to perpetuate Hawaiian Lomilomi, this ancient Hawaiian healing art.
The Haumāna (students) came from all over the world and were taught, no matter what color or religion in the beachhouse "Ohana style" at Keei Beach, South Kona.
Your hands reveal your heart. If your hands are gentle and loving, your patient will feel the sincerity of your heart and the Lords healing will flow through you both. Remember Lomilomi is a praying work.
Aunty Margaret Machado
(21.8.1916 - 28.12.2009)
Aloha, The Breath Of God Is In Our Presence.
Pule Ho'owehe - Prayer to open the way

"empty your heart, before the sun goes down." Don't take the hewa (your) troubles into the night or the next day. Let go and give them to the Divine.

---Kupuna Auntie Margaret Kalehuamakanoelu'ulu'uonapali Aha'ula Keali'I Machado

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ke aloha nô! Aloha indeed! Aunty Margaret Machado is known as one of the first Hawaiians who started to teach outside of their 'ohana (family). She is the Kupuna (elder) of the Hawaiian Lomilomi...

# data[].attributes.body
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, also known as Braddah IZ, is one of the artists that inspire me. His music, words, and passion for the people are felt through his songs. In high school, I went to a Makaha Sons concert at the Waikiki shell, and he played “Hawaii ‘78.” Whoah, this is one of those embedded moments in my life. It was like everyone’s hearts synced, and the place was filled with raw emotion. Even now, writing this takes me back to that moment and brings me to tears. In his music, he expressed how most of the native Hawaiians were experiencing and feeling. He got it out there and brought understanding, unity, and love through his words. Although he left us too soon, I am thankful to have visited him at the state capitol and when they scattered his ashes out to sea at Makua Valley. Seeing the outpour of people was amazing; he touched so many lives- not just in Hawaii but worldwide. Through his music, he taught me that we can do something positive for our people and be vocal. I would ask what was your defining moment and what did you learn from it?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole (May 20, 1959 - June 26, 1997), also called Braddah IZ or just simply IZ, was a Native Hawaiian musician and singer. He achieved commercial success and popularity outside of Hawaii with his 1993 studio album, Facing Future. His medley of " Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" were released on his albums and Facing Future, and was subsequently featured in various media. The song has had 358 weeks on top of the World Digital Songs chart, making it the longest-leading number-one hit on any of the song charts. Kamakawiwoʻole is regarded as one of the greatest musicians from Hawaii and is the most successful musician from the state.

Along with his ukulele playing and incorporation of other genres, such as jazz and reggae, Kamakawiwoʻole remains influential on Hawaiian music. He was named "The Voice of Hawai'i" by NPR in 2010.

Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole was born at Kuakini Medical Center on May 20, 1959, in Honolulu to Henry "Hank" Kaleialoha Naniwa Kamakawiwoʻole Jr. and Evangeline "Angie" Leinani Kamakawiwoʻole, who worked at a popular Waikiki nightclub. His mother was the manager while his father was a bouncer; his father was also driver of a sanitation truck at the U.S. Navy shipyard at Pearl Harbor. The notable Hawaiian musician Moe Keale was Kamakawiwoʻole's uncle and a major musical influence. Kamakawiwoʻole was raised in the community of Kaimuki, where his parents had met and married.

Kamakawiwoʻole began playing music with his older brother, Henry Kaleialoha Naniwa Kamakawiwoʻole III ("Skippy"), and cousin Allen Thornton at the age of 11 after being exposed to the music of Hawaiian entertainers of the time such as Peter Moon, Palani Vaughan, Keola Beamer and Don Ho, who frequented the establishment where Kamakawiwoʻole's parents worked. Hawaiian musician Del Beazley spoke of the first time he heard Kamakawiwoʻole perform, when, while playing for a graduation party, the whole room fell silent on hearing him sing. Kamakawiwoʻole remained in Hawaii as his brother Skippy entered the Army in 1971 and his cousin Allen moved to the mainland in 1976.

In his early teens, Kamakawiwoʻole studied at Upward Bound (UB) of the University of Hawaii at Hilo and his family moved to Mākaha. There, Kamakawiwoʻole met Louis Kauakahi, Sam Gray, and Jerome Koko. Together with Skippy, they formed the Makaha Sons of Niʻihau. A part of the Hawaiian Renaissance, the band's blend of contemporary and traditional styles gained in popularity as they toured Hawaii and the mainland United States, releasing fifteen successful albums. Kamakawiwoʻole's aim was to make music that stayed true to the typical sound of traditional Hawaiian music. His cousin Bill Keale is also a musician.

The Makaha Sons of Niʻihau recorded No Kristo in 1976 and released several more albums, including Hoʻoluana, Kahea O Keale, Keala, Makaha Sons of Niʻihau and Mahalo Ke Akua.

The group became Hawaii's most popular contemporary traditional group with breakout albums 1984's Puana Hou Me Ke Aloha and its follow-up, 1986's Hoʻola. Kamakawiwoʻole's last recorded album with the group was 1991's Hoʻoluana. It remains the group's top-selling CD.[citation needed ] In 1982, Skippy died at age 28 of a heart attack. Later that year, Kamakawiwoʻole married his childhood sweetheart Marlene. They had a daughter named Ceslie-Ann "Wehi" Kamakawiwoʻole (born c.  1983).

In 1990, Kamakawiwoʻole released his first solo album , which won awards for Contemporary Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year from the Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts (HARA). Facing Future was released in 1993 by The Mountain Apple Company. It featured a version of his most popular song, the medley " Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" (listed as "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World"), along with "Hawaiʻi '78", "White Sandy Beach", "Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man", and "Kaulana Kawaihae". The decision to include a cover of " Somewhere Over the Rainbow" was said to be a last-minute one by Kamakawiwoʻole's producer Jon de Mello and Kamakawiwoʻole. Facing Future debuted at No.25 on Billboard magazine's Top Pop Catalogue chart. On October 26, 2005, Facing Future became Hawaiʻi's first certified platinum album, selling more than a million CDs in the United States, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. On July 21, 2006, BBC Radio 1 announced that "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World (True Dreams)" would be released as a single in America.

In 1994, Kamakawiwoʻole was voted favorite entertainer of the year by the Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Arts (HARA). (1995) featured the political title song "ʻE Ala ʻE" and " Kaleohano", and (1996) featured "In This Life" and "Starting All Over Again".

In 1997, Kamakawiwoʻole was again honored by HARA at the Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards for Male Vocalist of the Year, Favorite Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year, and Island Contemporary Album of the Year. He watched the awards ceremony from a hospital room.

The posthumously released album Alone in Iz World (2001) debuted at No.1 on Billboard's World Chart and No.135 on Billboard's Top200, No.13 on the Top Independent Albums Chart, and No.15 on the Top Internet Album Sales charts.

Kamakawiwoʻole's album Facing Future is the best-selling album by a Hawaiian artist in history.

Kamakawiwoʻole was known for promoting Hawaiian rights and Hawaiian independence, both through his lyrics, which often stated the case for independence directly and through his own actions. For example, the lyric in his song "Hawaiʻi '78": "The life of this land is the life of the people/and that to care for the land (malama ʻāina) is to care for the Hawaiian culture", is a statement that many consider summarizing his Hawaiian ideals. The state motto of Hawaiʻi is a recurring line in the song and encompasses the meaning of his message: "Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono" (proclaimed by King Kamehameha III when Hawaiʻi regained sovereignty in 1843. It can be roughly translated as: "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness").

Kamakawiwoʻole used his music to promote awareness of his belief that a second-class status had been pushed onto fellow natives by the tourism industry.

In the 1990s, Kamakawiwoʻole became a born-again Christian. In 1996, he was baptized at the Word of Life Christian Center in Honolulu and spoke publicly about his beliefs at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Kamakawiwoʻole also recorded the song "Ke Alo O Iesu" ( Hawaiian: The Presence of Jesus).

Kamakawiwoʻole struggled with obesity throughout his life, at one point weighing 757 pounds (343 kg) while standing 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall. He endured several hospitalizations because of his weight. With chronic medical problems including respiratory and cardiac issues, Kamakawiwoʻole died at the age of 38 in the Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu at 12:18 a.m. on June 26, 1997, from respiratory failure.

On July 10, 1997, the Hawaiian flag flew at half-staff for Kamakawiwoʻole's funeral. His koa wood casket lay at the state capitol building in Honolulu, making him the third person (and the only non-government official) to be so honored. Approximately 10,000 people attended his funeral. Thousands of fans gathered as his ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean at Mākua Beach on July 12, 1997. According to witnesses, many people commemorated him by honking their car and truck horns on all Hawaiian highways that day. Scenes from the funeral and scattering of Kamakawiwoʻole's ashes were featured in official music videos of "Over the Rainbow", released posthumously by Mountain Apple Company. As of August 2023, the two official video uploads of the song, as featured on YouTube by Mountain Apple Company Inc, have collectively received over 1.467 billion views.

On September 20, 2003, hundreds paid tribute to Kamakawiwoʻole as a bronze bust of him was unveiled at the Waianae Neighborhood Community Center on Oʻahu. His widow, Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole, and sculptor Jan-Michelle Sawyer were present for the dedication ceremony.

On December 6, 2010, NPR named Kamakawiwoʻole as "The Voice of Hawaii" in its 50 great voices series.

On March 24, 2011, Kamakawiwoʻole was honored with the German national music award Echo. The music managers Wolfgang Boss and Jon de Mello accepted the trophy in his stead.

A 2014 Pixar short film, , features two volcanoes as the main characters. Kamakawiwoʻole's cover of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and his style of music were James Ford Murphy's partial inspiration for the short film.

On May 20, 2020, Google Doodle published a page in celebration of Kamakawiwoʻole's 61st birthday. It featured information about his life, musical career, and impact on Hawaii. Included was a two-minute cartoon video with Kamakawiwoʻole's cover of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" playing as the background and imagery of Hawaii. The section of the page explaining the inspiration of the Doodle says that "The Doodle is full of places in Hawaiʻi that had special significance for Israel: the sunrise at Diamond Head, Mākaha Beach, the Palehua vista, the flowing lava and volcanic landscape of the Big Island, the black sand beach at Kalapana and the Waiʻanae coast."

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World"

Kamakawiwoʻole's recording of " Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" gained notice in 1999 when an excerpt was used in the TV commercials for eToys.com (later part of Toys "R" Us). The full song was featured in the movies , Meet Joe Black, Finding Forrester, Son of the Mask, 50 First Dates, , Letters to Santa and . It was also featured in TV series , Between The Lions, , , , South Pacific, , Storm Chasers, the UK original version of Life on Mars, and in Modern Family, among others.

In 1988, a friend of Kamakawiwoʻole called a Honolulu recording studio owned by Milan Bertosa at 3:00 am with a request that Kamakawiwoʻole be allowed to come in to make a recording. Bertosa was about to shut down, but told the friend that Kamakawiwoʻole could come if he was able to make it within 15 minutes. In a 2011 interview, Bertosa recalled, "In walks the largest human being I had seen in my life. Israel was probably like 500 pounds. And the first thing at hand is to find something for him to sit on." A security guard gave Kamakawiwoʻole a large steel chair. "Then I put up some microphones, do a quick sound check, roll tape, and the first thing he does is 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow.' He played and sang, one take, and it was over." Five years later, Bertosa was working as an engineer at Mountain Apple Company when Iz was making a solo album there. Bertosa remembered the old demo tape and introduced it to de Mello, who remarked: "Israel was really sparkly, really alive." The original 1988 acoustic version of the song was released with the 1993 Facing Future album.

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" reached No.12 on Billboard's Hot Digital Tracks chart the week of January 31, 2004 (for the survey week ending January 18, 2004). It had passed two million paid downloads in the US by September 27, 2009, and then sold three million in the U.S. as of October 2, 2011. And, as of October 2014, the song has sold more than 4.2 million digital copies. The song is the longest-leading number-one hit on any of the Billboard song charts, having spent 358 weeks on top of the World Digital Songs chart.

On July 8, 2007, Kamakawiwoʻole debuted at No.44 on the Billboard Top200 Album Chart with "Wonderful World", selling 17,000 units.

In April 2007, "Over the Rainbow" entered the UK charts at No.68, and eventually climbed to No.46, spending ten weeks in the Top100 over a two-year period.

In October 2010, following its use in a trailer for the TV channel VOX and on a TV advertisement - for Axe deodorant (which is itself a revival of the advertisement originally aired in 2004) - it hit No.1 on the German singles chart, was the number-one seller single of 2010 and was eventually certified 2× Platinum in 2011.

As of November 1, 2010, "Over the Rainbow" peaked at No.6 on the OE3 Austria charts, which largely reflects airplay on Austria's government-operated Top40 radio network. It also peaked at No.1 in France and Switzerland in late December 2010.

On October 24, 2016, The Healer premiered at the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis, which featured "Over the Rainbow".

On December 21, 2020, the official music video for "Over the Rainbow" reached a billion views on YouTube.

In the Comedy Central comedy series Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens, the titular character and her father share an affinity for Kamakawiwoʻole.

Radio host George Noory uses "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" as bumper music on the overnight talk radio show Coast to Coast AM.

In 2021, the song was inducted into the National Recording Registry as part of the heritage in American recorded sound.

Studio albums

Compilation albums

IZ in Concert: The Man and His Music (1998)

Alone in IZ World (2001)

Wonderful World (2007)

Somewhere Over the Rainbow: The Best of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (2011)

1. ^ "18 Of The Greatest And Most Famous Musicians From Hawaii". February 6, 2022.

2. ^ West, Macey (April 11, 2023). "20 Famous Musicians From Hawaii - Singersroom.com".

3. ^ Holub, Rona L. (2008). Kamakawiwo'ole, Israel Ka'ano'i (1959-1997), singer, musician, and activist for Hawaiian rights and sovereignty. doi:10.1093/anb/9780198606697.article.1803801. ISBN 978-0-19-860669-7. Archived from the original on January 23, 2022.

4. ^

5. ^ Guerin, Ada (June 6, 2006). "Chasing Rainbows". The Hollywood Reporter - International Edition. Los Angeles, CA, USA: Prometheus Global Media. 394 (32): M419. ISSN 0018-3660. (subscription required)

6. ^ "Brudda Iz's Facing Future goes platinum, a first for Hawaii". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. October 6, 2005.

7. ^ Carroll, Rick. Iz: Voice of the People. Honolulu, Hawai'i: Bess, 2006. Print.

8. ^ Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. "Hawai'i '78." Facing Future. Mountain Apple Company, 1993. MP3.

9. ^ Tranquada, Jim (2012). The Ukulele: a History. University of Hawaii Press. p. 166. ISBN 978-0-8248-3544-6.

10. ^

11. ^ Carroll, Rick (2006). Iz: Voice of the People. Bess Press. pp. 130-131. ISBN 978-1-57306-257-2.

12. ^

13. ^

14. ^

15. ^ Grant, Kim; Bendure, Glenda; Clark, Michael; Friary, Ned; Gorry, Conner; Yamamoto, Luci (2005). Lonely Planet Hawaii (7th ed.). Lonely Planet Publications. p. 97. ISBN 978-1-74059-871-2.

16. ^ Week Ending Oct. 2, 2011. Songs: Gone But Not Forgotten

17. ^ "World Digital Song Sales". Billboard. August 27, 2022.

18. ^ Artist Chart History - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, Billboard

19. ^

20. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole; 'Over the Rainbow')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie.

21. ^ "Somewhere Over the Rainbow' by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole Reaches 1 Billion YouTube Views". Billboard.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole (May 20, 1959 - June 26, 1997), also called Braddah IZ or just simply IZ, was a Native Hawaiian musician and singer. He achieved commercial success and popularity outside of Hawaii with his 1993 studio album, Facing Future .

# data[].attributes.body
The Lani Singers is a West Papuan refugee musical group whose work delves into the issues of West Papua. The group uses their music as a form of resistance and to preserve their culture and language. Their songs often address indigenous rights and the ongoing struggle for independence in West Papua.

I am drawn to the Lani Singers' work because of their ability to use their music to raise awareness about the troubles of West Papuans and advocate for their rights on the international stage. I probably would not have known about the crisis in West Papua and Indonesia without their music. While performing, I can sense their emotions through their voices, lyrics, and facial expressions. A question I would ask the group is, "Has music always been your outlet? If not music, what other ways would you do to get your point across?"

Best,

Christian P

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Lani Singers Perfoming Live  in MusicPort Festival 2012 Part 1

# data[].attributes.body
Another person I am interested in researching is Queen Liliuokalani. She was the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii until the Americans illegally overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. Despite all the challenges she faced (such as imprisonment), the Queen continued to advocate for Hawaiian sovereignty and the preservation of her culture. Her compositions of Hawaiian music and poems, including "Aloha Oe," reflect themes of love, loss, and resilience but also serve as powerful expressions of Hawaiian identity and the resistance to colonial assimilation. My question to Queen Liliuokalani would be, "What are your thoughts on the University of Hawaii system in their mission to preserve the Hawaiian culture?"

Best,

Christian P

# data[].attributes.headline
Mana Kāne IZ transcends realms. His music is sacred softness taking us to loving worlds and community nurturance. Everyone loves him. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Mana Kāne IZ transcends realms. His music is sacred softness taking us to loving worlds and community nurturance. Everyone loves him. 

# data[].attributes.body
The past few years I have been massaging to Hawaiian music and it has been uplifting and magical. My guests now request my Hawaiian playlist. Also love and need to mention: Mailani, Kimie, Amy Hanaialiʻi, Makana, My neice Hiwa and her all girls group. John Cruz, Kealiʻi reichel, Kuana Torres Kahele, Liko Martin, Waipuna, Willie K, Weldon Kekauoha, and many others.

Mālama Mele

Paula

aka Helekunihi

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole's Iconic Performance at 1996 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

# data[].attributes.headline
I really enjoy listening to this remake. All of the artists did an amazing job with this. My two year also enjoys listening to this song. It has such powerful lyrics that makes you think deep. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I really enjoy listening to this remake. All of the artists did an amazing job with this. My two year also enjoys listening to this song. It has such powerful lyrics that makes you think deep. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
"Hawaiʻi ʻ78" | Song Across Hawaiʻi | Playing for Change Collaboration

# data[].attributes.headline
I selected keali'i reichel and his song  E O Mai. This is such an amazing poetic song. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I selected keali'i reichel and his song  E O Mai. This is such an amazing poetic song. 

# data[].attributes.body
Aloha, ES392 classmates!

One of the people I wanted to introduce you to is Mau Piailug. Mau is from Micronesia and has honed the art and knowledge of traditional wayfinding. He moved to Hawaii to share his sailing expertise with other Pacific Islanders (even if he was belittled for it in his hometown) - which is why wayfinding has been preserved in the face of globalization and environmental change. Mau's story is inspiring because it highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge systems (in Oceania) in understanding and interacting with the natural world. He explains that indigenous people in Oceania are all connected by voyaging and the ocean. The question I would ask Mau would be, "Do you think the school systems are helping with the preservation of Oceania cultures and traditions? If not, do you believe there should be more hands-on activities/days outside instead of a classroom?"

Best,

Christian P

# data[].attributes.headline
Hawaii movement and the legacy of the Next Generation

# data[].attributes.subject
Hawaii movement and the legacy of the Next Generation

# data[].attributes.body
As Once again the State or better known as the Kingdom of Hawaii gather around to celebrate its 180th year of Hawaii Sovereignty day. this day shows as the rise and pride of the Hawaiian culture and the strength and unity the people of the islands in reforming and restoring the heritage from the erasure and shaming of Hawaiian culture had faced during the occupation and illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. this article also highlights the importance of why this day is important and the ideals it needs to carry on. The reason why this is celebrated was because the overthrow had nearly destroyed the entire Hawaiian culture and the destruction of their language and traditions which is why its needs to be passed so their heritage will never be forgotten.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hundreds gathered at Thomas Square on Sunday to celebrate La Hoihoi Ea - Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day - with the official holiday taking place on Monday.

This year marks the 180th anniversary of La Hoihoi Ea, which dates back to 1843.

The holiday marks King Kamehameha III finally regaining control of the Hawaiian Kingdom after the British illegally took control of the islands for five months.

Hawaiian activists have been celebrating the holiday since the 1980s.

Many of them, including Waimanalo resident Robert Silva, came out on Sunday to showcase their love and support for the Hawaiian Kingdom.

"I really feel that if the next generation comes out to these, they just learned the facts, they learned the truth, they learned what happened. Because once a generation doesn't learn it--it gets lost," Silva said.

The event at Thomas Square included hula performances, lei making and several local vendor booths.

To further celebrate the holiday, the Bishop Museum will be hosting a La Hoihoi Ea celebration on Monday rom 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will feature live music and vendors.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hundreds gather to mark the 180th anniversary of Sovereignty Restoration Day

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The event at Thomas Square included hula performances, lei making and several local vendor booths.

# data[].attributes.body
I chose Lynn from iHula Hawai'i on Youtube as my third artist. She is a dancer, choreographer, and kumu hula in Hawai'i. I love her Youtube channel, and I particularly love that she is using the internet as a platform to share and teach her art. Art is meant to be shared. Traditional art, such as traditional dancing, requires teaching and learning in order to continue in future generations. I appreciate that Lynn has created a Youtube channel to teach about the culture and art about which she is obviously very passionate.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
"how to hula" "hula dance" "hula videos" "hula dancers hawaii" "how to hula dance" "hula tutorial" "learn hula" "ihula hawaii" “hula on youtube” hula” dance ...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Aloha! It's Lynn with iHula Hawaii. Mahalo (thank you) for checking out my channel. As a dancer, choreographer and teacher (kumu hula), I am committed to teaching and sharing the art of hula with as many individuals as I can. No experience is ever necessary - just a willingness to learn.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
I AM NOT AMERICAN - KAWIKA ASPILI FT: KAʻIKENA SCANLAN

# data[].attributes.body
This is one of the first reggae songs (arguably reggae/hiphop) outside of IZ that really spoke to me and my feelings of anger and resentment for never being able to grow up in, or even see, the islands I come from. Especially after learning more about extended military occupation, not colonialism, being the primary political problem and system of oppression in Hawai’i.
Kawika Aspili is actually an alumnus of the University of Hawai’i. He does not have many albums released, only four singles, but they all provide a valid commentary on situations for Hawai’ian people. I am hoping to reach out to him as an alumnus to gain more information about his work and music.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
I AM NOT AMERICAN - KAWIKA ASPILI FT: KAʻIKENA SCANLAN

# data[].attributes.headline
Keonoe Nunes: Traditional Hawaiian Tattoos

# data[].attributes.subject
Keonoe Nunes: Traditional Hawaiian Tattoos

# data[].attributes.body
I believe tattoo is an expression of identity through art. I personally have several tattoos in the Hawai’ian style (but not the tapping technique) from a man who grew up in Hawai’i, and that has been a way for me to connect with my roots when I am so far from Hawai’i.
Keone Nunes has been featured in several magazines and documentaries his traditional tattoo artwork, in addition to being one of few people left in the world who use the tapping technique. The tapping technique allows a much more intimate and spiritual experience when receiving a tattoo, and I think it’s important to recognize the contributions to art and culture that tattoos have made.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Keone Nunues is a traditional Hawaiian tatau practitioner based in Nanakuli. With over twenty years of experience, he began tattooing using the traditional Polynesian "tapping" method, using his own handmade moli (tattoo tool) and pa'u (ink).

Nunes learns about his subjects before he settles on a unique design that represents who they are. He believes that a tattoo is more than just skin-deep. There are no books filled with tattoo designs in Nunes' tattoo room, just as there is no tattoo studio where he does his work. He has no website, no contract to have his own reality TV tattoo show. He knows 175 various motifs in the Hawaiian tattooing tradition, which are mostly based in the genealogy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Keone Nunues is a traditional Hawaiian tatau practitioner based in Nanakuli. With over twenty years of experience, he began tattooing using the traditional Polynesian "tapping" method, using his own handmade moli (tattoo tool) and pa'u (ink). Nunes learns about his subjects before he settles on a unique design that

# data[].attributes.body
This woman is as talented as she is beautiful, as she is caring and kind. Her name is Kelly Patrick her artist tag is KMFP "Kelly MF Patrick" ;) - Did I mention she is kind of a bad ass and has a wild sense of humor. Her art definitely reflects this fun and "in your face" style. Bright colors, woman with bikinis and big boobs, rainbow palms ext. She is a rare bird who followed her arrow from falling deeply in love with the ocean, teaching herself to surf from a young age in Virginia Beach then into art school and finally to Oahu where she's been giving back to the island with her unique and "feel-good" artistry in which she primarily pulls the magic from the raw beauty of island's nature for her inspiration. Kelly does something she loves everyday whether its surfing, painting, flipping furniture or sitting on a beach talking with me about life's highs and lows with me, usually offering me wisdom and encouragement all in between us hollering out and wrangling in our kids running a much wherever we are. But like I said its her authenticity that sets her apart so just because her art is bright and jovial-she knows life ain't always rainbows and mermaids. So, she never shies away from delving into life's darker parts, she'll go to the depths of it with me and sheds some light and brightness whenever possible. How invaluable.
Kelly is also skilled in upcycling furniture, which I think is so admirable to be able to take something that some may seem as junk, save its life and turn it into treasure through creativity and love, really.
So although maybe it shouldn't be so rare to see- she exemplifies creating a life based on things that she loves and makes people in her life a priority- this is why her spirit shines so bright which translates into her art, its palpable...More people (*cough* me) need to take a page from her book because we could all learn from her dedication to her steadfast authenticity that led her to lead a life of making life work for her, around her passions. Oppose to many who are day in and day out working just to live, just to make it by. Forget being happy, forget inspiring others, they just get in line and become miserable. Not her, never. That rebellion a;sp comes through in her work too, but not in the controversial way rather a message that says it is ok to find a different way, and that life should be a long and strange but mostly happy trip. Thats what I get when I look at her paintings, anyways. She is also paid for work with large murals. You may see her work around town at Betty's Burgers, San Lorenzo Bikini shops, Waikiki Aquarium and those who are blessed enough to own a home in Hawaii and commission her for one of her one-of-a-kind masterpieces to become a part of their home. She has two daughters who I know she will inspire to always follow their own arrows too and keep spreading her bright beautiful light all over this island through her spirit and artistry. I am so proud to call this talented, brilliant woman my best friend.

PS- If anyone needs a surfboard, or mural or van or pretty much anything painted, you just let me know and I'll get you in contact with the one and only Kelly Mother Fuckin' Patrick :)

# data[].attributes.body
Pania Newton is a young Maori lawyer activist that is on a historic track to becoming one of the great leaders and kiʻa fenua of her generation in Aotearoa NZ. In 2016 Pania a recent Law School graduate set aside her personal dreams and ambitions to take on a personal cause that would impact her Ohana and future descendants of ancient Ihumātao stone fields. With the support of six cousins she stepped forward to lead a three year protest to preserve the ancient Maori fenua located in South Auckland New Zealand. Paniaʻs most important role through a group she co-founded as spokesperson for SOUL (Save our unique landscape). They protested against the development of 400 homes on the ancient Maori lands of known as Ihumātao. As a result of their effort to oppose, protest and negotiate, in December 2020 the Government purchased the ancient historic lands of Ihumātao from the developer Fletcher Pacific. Pania continues to reside at Ihumatāo with her daughter and keenly monitors discussions and plans to preserve the cultural heritage lands of Ihumatāo.                            In 2019 Pania was named as the University of Auckland 40 under 40 recognition of outstanding leaders. In 2021 she was a semi finalist for youth category for New Zealander of the Year. In 2022 Pania was chosen as part of Atlantic fellows for Social Equity program with the University of Auckland and University of Melbourne. Pania said "she would use the program to explore what was learnt from the Ihumātao campaign".

# data[].attributes.body
"Mama" as she was called was a genuine treasure like the pupu (shells) of Ni'ihau. She was born in 1936 on Puʻuwai Niʻihau, with 1 brother and 2 sisters and later became the matriarch of her Kanahele ‘Ohana. When she was younger she would travel back across the channel home to Ni'ihau. In recent years she lived with her Ohana in Kekaha Kaua'i. Mama was also a Kahu of Waimea Hawaiian Church. She would say "I am a servant of ke Akua (the Lord)". Her Ohana and those in community would say "Mama lived her Faith and Love for the Lord". She was a multiple Na Hoku Hanohano award winner for her beautiful composition himeni for ke Akua that perpetuated her culture, home and language in ʻOlelo Hawai'i. Her Ohana estimates that she composed about 200 Mele (songs). She later retired from teaching at Ke Kula Niʻihau Charter school. The Hawaiian community and world will always regard her in the highest honor as a Master lei maker of Pupu Ni'ihau shell leis. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great Tutu. Mama expressed her Aloha to anyone she met and was often called upon to help others and pray for the sick and those in need. She would share her talents and skills with anyone that was interested to sit and learn. Mama treated everyone the same, with kindness and Aloha. She would remind her Ohana when they shared concerns about people taking advantage of her. She would say "itʻs okay I know but I will Bless them anyway". She lived the Hawaiian saying "Aloha kekahi i kekahi" love one another. Mama has past into the heavenly and now with her Kupuna. Today her Ohana carry on her legacy in Church and the intricate skills of making genuine pupu shell leis that are from Niʻihau. In 2012 Mama was Honored for Excellence in Hawaiian Culture and Language, prolific composers of himeni by the Kauaʻi Museum as a Living Treasure.

# data[].attributes.body
According to the Marshall Islands Journal, Jorelik Tibon was a sportsman, musician, member of Nitijela, government secretary, and ship pilot. What I love about him is that he lived simply, led by doing, and the songs he composed and performed had deep meanings, telling of social issues mixed with old sayings/stories, and only accompanied by guitars.

# data[].attributes.body
Kathy is a young Marshallese poet, performer, and educator who has started an NGO in the Marshall Islands that gathers youths, educate them on current issues, and mentors them to share through various art forms. What draws me the most to Kathy's work is her passion and courage to articulate various issues that are very familiar to me. She is an inspiration.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Iakwe and welcome to my official artist page. My name is Kathy Jetn̄il-Kijiner. I am a writer and performer of Marshall Islander ancestry - jowi en̄ ao ke Ri-mae, im n̄a juon ledrik in Aur, Jaluit, Likiep, Ebon, im Namdrik. I was born in the Marshall Islands, raised in Hawai'i, and am currently based in Majuro, the capital city of the Marshall Islands.

My primary creative practice explores my culture's rich storytelling and how they intersect and dialogue with evolving issues threatening our islands and community. My focus has been climate change and the legacy of nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands. I share these explorations through the mediums of poetry, performance, and media. This practice is also informed by the community organizing I spearhead through the Marshall Islands based nonprofit Jo-Jikum that I co-founded and direct, a nonprofit dedicated to Marshallese youth and environmentalism. In addition to continuing to write and run Jo-Jikum, I am currently serving as Climate Envoy for the Marshall Islands Ministry of Environment, and pursuing my PhD in Pacific Studies at Australia National University. At this time, I am not taking performance or speaking requests.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Iakwe and welcome to my official artist page. My name is Kathy Jetn̄il-Kijiner. I am a writer and performer of Marshall Islander ancestry - jowi en̄ ao ke Ri-mae, im n̄a juon ledrik in

# data[].attributes.body
Robert T. Kiyosaki is an American entrepreneur, author, and businessman. He was born on April, 8 1947, in Hilo, Hawaii. He is most noted for his famous book called "Rich Dad, Poor Dad." (Awesome!!) He writes about economics, and explains that throughout our lives, we are never really formally taught about money.  There is a reason for that. He gets me thinking because he brings focus to a huge issue in our society, that is very hush, hush. He is very outspoken at times and wears very cool blue framed glasses. He is very outspoken about "Bit Coin" dominance in the future, protecting your financial assets by investing in gold and silver. He predicts a massive market crash. Regardless of what is to come, his honesty is great, and he brings out a point, on something Iʻve heard no one ever say out loud.

# data[].attributes.body
George Jarrett Helm Jr. was born on March 23, 1950 and was raised with 6 other siblings in Kalamaʻula Molokaʻi. His parents were George and Melanie Helm.

He graduated from St. Louis High School in 1968

As an activist in the Aloha Aina movement, he worked with Hui Alaloa to develop and maintain Native Hawaiian access rights, as well as Protect Kahoʻolawe Ohana to stop the bombing of Kahoʻolawe

He was a Native Hawaiian activist, falsetto vocalist, and musician. He was a wonderful singer, and brought focus to the anti-war sentiment in Hawaiʻi.

He was the president of Protect Kahoʻolawe Ohana, an organization whose mission is to protect, restore, and revitalize the island of Kahoʻolawe.

George Helm spoke with the Hawaii State Legislature and Congress to end the target bombing of Kahoʻolawe and return Kahoʻolawe back to the Hawaiian people.

He disappeared with his cousin Kimo Mitchell on March 7, 1977

# data[].attributes.body
Herb Kāne was a Hawaiian expressionist artist, who helped to inspire Hawaiians, and the world. His famous paintings depict Hawaiian life, mythology, history, and most notably his interpretations of Pēle. He was of Hawaiian descent, and contributed largely to the re-emergence of Hawaiian pride and culture in the 1970’s, during the “Hawaiian Renaissance.” Beyond his beautiful paintings, Herb Kāne was one of the 3 founders of the Polynesian Voyaging society. He was one of the main designers, and funders, of the Hokule’a. His dream,and idea was to build a canoe, based on ancient design (Hawaiian double-hull.) With this, he hoped to inspire a cultural resurgence, of a lifestyle and way of life that was so nearly, almost forgotten. Wayfinding

# data[].attributes.body
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole is one of my favorite musicians. I see he's already been mentioned so I'll just share what draws me to his art. I can't remember the first time I heard his voice on Majuro's V7AB radio, singing " Somewhere Over the Rainbow," but I do remember visiting Hawai'i for the first time in the summer of 1994 and finally putting a name to the voice. When I was deployed to Bosnia in 1996 and 1997, one of the few CDs I carried with me on convoys was his Facing Future album. Listening to the Hawai'ian songs (even though I didn't know what they were about) made me less homesick.

# data[].attributes.body
This artist, I found by accident when searching for Anuhea. I decided to google more about her and found out that she came from Kailua-Kona and attended the Kamehameha Schools.

She started her passion for music at an early age (14 y/o) and even taught herself to play a guitar.

Kimié also runs her own company called Haku Collective, a music and talent production group that focuses on the creative output of emerging Hawaiian artists

# data[].attributes.body
Anuhea was an artist that blew up when I was in Highschool (I'm 23 now). Her song was very catchy and melodic. I remember when I heard her in the radio and I looked it up and was surprised that she was Hawaiian. At that age, I thought seeing Hawaiian singers be on the radio was rare.  It was also cool to see someone that is younger and of Hawaiian decent getting popular in music.

After more digging, I found out that she was born in Maui and was a self made artist.

She seemed to had put in effort and hard work to get where she is now.

# data[].attributes.body
The cool thing about IZ is that him and his song is very well known not just throughout Hawaii but the United States as well. I recall when I was younger, we were taught to sing and play "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" at school.  After some quick searches, I learned that he is also a sovereignty activist.
I believe that him and his song is one of the catalyst that inspired to learn more about Hawaii and Hawaiian culture. It got me inspired to learn and explore more.
I feel like IZ is a staple for students in the State of Hawaii as part of the learning. I'm glad to have experience it.

-Euoan Raquel

# data[].attributes.body
Leahi was the first musical group I followed as a child. In the early 90's I would buy every song recorded and was fortunate to have them perform at my Pa'u unit's fundraiser. As the years passed I befriended Loke's daughter through the music industry and have been best friends for over 10 years. Shar Cariilo also a music star from the islands has picked up where her mother and father left off. Leahi's music got me through many sad times with the loss of my father and their art from art covers to hula keep me rooted to the culture of Hawaii. Now performers for their church on Kaua'i I would like to ask the difference in getting the crowed excited.

# data[].attributes.body
Another former Maui resident as Keali'i Reichel Eli Mac has brought joy and excitement for all of the world through her music. Eli Mac and I have been friends before her first start in music on American Idol representing Hawaii. We still stay in touch and I join her tours when downtime magically happens. Eli Mac and her music gets me excited about all the connection we have throughout the ocean and Asia. My question I have yet to ask her is how does she feel her time in the music industry allows her time to start a family of her own. Check out he next major concert with all of Hawaii's top performers on the 9th island "Las Vegas" May 6th & 7th. Ill be joining the tour so say hi if you are there. https://dlvec.com/event/holo-holo/