The Hawaiiverse Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kamaka Dias
Kamaka Dias hosts a new podcast talking stories with local Hawai'i figures such as business owners, leaders, athletes, and influencers about their lives, supporting local, and everything going on within Hawai'i's universe. Join us as we take the filter off and shed a new light on our guests as we learn more about some of the most influential locals in our community.
Check out Hawaiiverse.com for Hawai'i's largest online platform of local products and businesses.
Seven Suns are a collective of seven bandmates from all over the world. Their first full length album ‘Many Feathers’ was released in November of 2024 and recently they went on to win 6 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards including Reggae Album, Single of the Year, Music video of the Year, and Group of the Year. Their band members include Justin Kawika Young (vocals, guitar), Shawn Kekoa Pimental (drums), Jason Tupuola-Aiono (vocals, percussion), Phil Crown (vocals, keyboards), Ethan Capone (keyboards), Paul Kaliko-hou Nelson (bass, guitar), and Pi’i Miguel (vocals, guitar).In this episode we talk about their individual careers, how they came together as a band, their dynamics together, how they make it work, answer live audience questions, followed by a live musical performance from the band.Find Seven Suns here: https://www.instagram.com/sevensunstheband/
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AJ Rafael is an accomplished Filipino-American singer-songwriter from California. He has amassed over 1 million subscribers on YouTube and 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify. His debut album Red Roses has reached the iTunes and Billboard charts, and he has collaborated with artists such as Tori Kelly, Jeremy Passion, Kina Grannis, and past podcast guest Roman from Kolohe Kai. This popular YouTuber is known for his pop-rock music and DIY approach to music promotion and was named a Filipino American Game Changer by the City of Los Angeles in 2018 for his contribution to the music industry as a proud Asian American independent artist. As an actor, he has stage credits in productions such as “Burn all Night,”, “Mamma Mia!”, “Greese”, and “Spring Awakening”. You can catch him on the Sweet or Savory podcast with his wife Alyssa and both of them in person at Blue Note Hawai’i in December during their “Our little Christmas Tour”.
In this episode we talk about growing up in California, how he got into music, starting to upload videos to YouTube, his YouTube and music career, his love for Hawai’i, his wife Alyssa, their upcoming Blue Note show in Waikiki, and so much more.
Find AJ here: https://www.instagram.com/ajrafael/
Buy tickets to see him live at the Blue Note here: https://www.bluenotejazz.com/hawaii/tm-event/aj-rafael-alyssa-our-little-christmas-tour/
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Sydni Kobayashi is a mother and entrepreneur from the island of O'ahu. She is the sister of Hannah Kobayashi, the girl from Hawai'i who voluntarily disappeared last year and was found in Mexico. In this episode we talk about growing up in Hawai’i with Hannah, the events leading up to Hannah’s disappearance, finding out Hannah was missing, her dad passing away, finding Hannah, moving forward after the traumatic weeks, being put in the spotlight, future goals, and so much more.
Find Sydni here:https://www.instagram.com/4forty4hawaii/
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Kaniela Ing is a community leader from the island of Maui. He came on the Hawaiiverse Podcast over 2 years ago and now he is back to talk story once again. Check out episode 64 on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to learn more about him.
In this episode we talk about what he’s been up to since his last podcast, Charlie Kirk’s death, everything politics, the Kamehameha Schools admissions issues, raising his sons, meeting his wife, his hope for Hawai’i, and so much more.
Find Kaniela here: https://www.instagram.com/kanielaing/
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Amy Hill is a legendary actress and comedian from South Dakota. She has over 180 television and film credits and has been a part of our favorite shows and movies over the past three decades. You might know her for her hilarious role as Grandma Kim on All-American Girl, Sue in 50 First Dates, Mrs. Ho-Kym in Next Friday, Mrs. Kwan in Cat in the Hat, or the unforgettable voice of Mrs. Hasagawa in Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. More recently, she starred as "Kumu" on the hit reboot of Magnum P.I., and “Tūtū” in the live-action Lilo & Stitch. Today you can find her playing a different Tūtū on Prime Video’s Ballard alongside local girl Maggie Q.
In this episode we talk about her upbringing on the continent, her family, getting into acting, her most famous roles, stories with other actors, moving to Hawai’i, playing beloved Hawaiian characters, and so much more.
Find Amy here:https://www.instagram.com/amyhillactor/
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Princess Mae and Tony Gaisoa are entrepreneurs from the Phillipines and American Samoa. Princess is a digital creator, influencer and sister of internet sensation and past podcast guest Bretman Rock. Tony is the owner and founder of USO Muscle Detailing and the commissioner of our fantasy football league that all of us are in. Together they are proud parents of 5 kids and one of the the best people to follow on social media.In this episode we talk about growing up in Hawai’i and American Samoa, raising their kids, how they met, their careers, their love for each other, future goals, and so much more.Find Princess here: https://www.instagram.com/realprincessmae/
Find Tony here: https://www.instagram.com/tonygaisoa/
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Keldin Calairo-Nakagawa and Lewa Davis-Medija are two singer/songwriters from the island of Moloka’i. They are the founders of the popular band High Watah which is a seven-piece reggae ensemble who is taking Hawai’i and the world by storm. With millions of streams and radio plays all over the world, they continue to share their music and captivate audiences. Their debut album, Watah Boys Vol.1, came out earlier this year and further showcases their unique sound, cementing their reputation as innovators within the island reggae genre.
In this episode we talk about their lives on Moloka’i, small town living, starting their band High Watah, pursuing music full time, life on O’ahu, upcoming projects, and so much more.Find High Watah here: https://www.instagram.com/highwatah/Find Keldin here: https://www.instagram.com/keldin.calairo/Find Lewa here: https://www.instagram.com/imlevz/
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Lanai Tabura is an Emmy Award-winning jack of all trades from the island of Lānaʻi. Heʻs a DJ, comedian, chef, TV and podcast host, actor, and entrepreneur. He is the winner of Food networkʻs Great Food Truck race season 4, was a co-host with Anthony Bourdainʻs NO Reservations and currently hosts Cooking Hawaiian Style which is a tv show that airs in 7 countries. He came on the Hawaiiverse Podcast in July 2022 and check out episode 33 on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to learn more about his life story.
In this episode we talk about what he’s been up to since his first episode, his travel tours, social media keyboard warriors, the life-changing PEMF machines, his life on Lānaʻi, staying positive, and so much more.
Find Lanai here: https://www.instagram.com/lanai/
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We interrupt this weekly podcast to bring you some important Keep it Aloha updates with Kamaka. We will be back to our regular scheduled program next week. Enjoy!
In this episode we talk about the new Keep it Aloha book, the upcoming Made in Hawai’i Festival, podcast updates, live podcast at the Blue Note, future plans, some Hawai’i facts and so much more.Find Kamaka here: https://www.instagram.com/kamakadias8/
Buy the Keep it Aloha book here: https://amzn.to/4mggcLx
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Brandon Maka'awa'awa is a Native-Hawaiian sovereign leader from the island of O’ahu. He is the Vice-President, Deputy Head of State, and Executive Advisor at the Nation of Hawai’i, the oldest Hawaiian independence organization in Hawai’i. He is a long-time resident of the Waimanalo Hawaiian homestead community called Pu’uhonua O Waimanalo where he also helps to manage the community’s broadband network. This passionate advocate for Hawaiian National Sovereignty helps to assist Dennis “Bumpy” Kanahele, the Head of State of the Nation of Hawai’i, with its day to day operations. In this episode we talk about being raised in Waimānalo, finding his path in life, Hawaiian sovereignty, ʻāina work days, the Metaverse, working together with people you may not agree with, and so much more.Find Brandon here: https://www.instagram.com/hawaiiannational/
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Luciane Buchanan is a Tongan actress from New Zealand. She started acting as a young teen in Aotearoa landing roles in some local series, the Netflix series ‘The New Legends of Monkey’, ‘Sweet Tooth’, and Apple TV+’s ‘Mr. Corman’. In 2020, Luciane was a recipient of the Script to Screen 'Fresh Shorts' program for her first short screenplay 'Lea Tupu'anga/ Mother Tongue'. The University of Auckland celebrated her in 2023 on the '40 under 40' list of alumni. 2022 was a breakout year internationally when she was casted in Netflix’s ‘The Night Agent’, playing the lead role of Rose, which went on to break records as Netflix’s most watched series of 2023 and spending 12 weeks in the top 10. In 2023 she became one of IMDB’s Top Stars and now in 2025 she is set to play the lead role of Queen Ka’ahumanu in the Apple TV+ series ‘Chief of War’.
In this episode we talk about growing up in New Zealand, getting into acting, her big roles in Night Agent and Chief of War, Polynesian culture, language, playing Queen Ka’ahumanu, and so much more.
Find Luciane here: https://www.instagram.com/lucianebuchanan/
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This is basically Keep it Aloha's version of the Protect Our Parks episodes on Joe Rogan's podcast.
In this episode we get to know Josh Namba of Maoli, Ricky Kuntemeyer of Mean Training, Jordan Tano of Dakine Media and High Watah, we talk about male friendships, comparisons, life philosophies, and so much more.
Find Josh here: https://www.instagram.com/joshnamba/Find Ricky here: https://www.instagram.com/rickyjuk/Find Jordan here: https://www.instagram.com/tanomon_/
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JR De Guzman is a musician and comedian from the Philippines and California. He began performing comedy as a music teacher in a classroom before taking his talents to bigger stages. He has entertained all over the world, having performed for Stand-Up Tokyo and Tokyo Comedy bar in Japan, the Jokers Ball in Indonesia, the Badaboom Comedy series in Amsterdam and countless other international shows. He was the winner of Stand-up NBC in 2016 and was named as a prestigious “New Face” at Just for laughs 2017, one of Variety’s Ten Comics to Watch in 2022, and one of Billboard’s Top 10 Musical Comics in 2025. His quarter hour special on the Comedy Lineup iso streaming on Netflix, and his debut hour special “I’m your Son Papa” is now available on YouTube.
In this episode we talk about his childhood in California, his love for basketball, how he got into music and comedy, his Filipino heritage, starting his social media, Hawai’i, and so much more.
Find JR here: https://www.instagram.com/jrdguz/
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Irie Love is an R&B Reggae singer and songwriter from the island of O’ahu. She first came on the scene as one of the finalists on the “Brown Bags to Stardom” competition in 1999. She then booked a tour as a back-up singer for the artist Pink and continued as a back-up singer for the next three years for artists like Dave Hollister and Chaka Khan. This island girl then took her talents to Kingston, Jamaica to pursue a solo career in reggae music meeting the reggae group Morgan Heritage, then signing with their production company. She has traveled the world and worked with legendary artists like the one and only Fiji. Her singles ʻIt Is Wut It Isʻ featuring Fiji and ʻMy Loveʻ, have both charted at No. 1 on the Hawaiian Reggae Charts. Her single ʻIt Is Wut It Isʻ featuring 'Fiji' was also featured on Hawaiian Airlines inflight entertainment. In this episode we talk about her multi-cultural family, sports, her music career, living away from Hawai’i, taking a break from music, her new life path, her upcoming album, and so much more. Enjoy!Filmed at: https://www.shangrilahawaii.org/ ( @hi_shangrila )Find Irie here: https://www.instagram.com/thisisirielove/
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Kyle Quilausing is a motivational speaker and former Hawai’i’s most wanted from the Big island of Hawai’i. At the age of 5 he was introduced to golf and quickly fell in love with the sport dedicating every waking moment to perfecting his craft and becoming a six-time state golf champion, winning 16 titles, coming 4th in the world, and playing against Tiger Woods at 10 years old. Things took a turn when he got addicted to crystal meth and became Hawai’i’s most wanted fugitive. After spending 10 years in a maximum-security prison he turned his life around and founded Stay Humble Pray, becoming a successful businessman and national motivational speaker. He’s spoken at over 200 schools and continues to educate the youth on the life-changing power of their choices.
In this episode we talk about living right next to the golf course, his love for golf, playing against Tiger Woods, getting addicted to crystal meth, spending 10 years in jail, finding God, life after jail, motivational speaking, living in Utah, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kyle here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayhumblepray/
Hire him: http://topyouthspeakers.com/speakers-topics/kyle-quilausing
Buy his merch: http://shop.stayhumbleprayhawaii.com
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Hayley Cheyney Kāne is a former miss Hawai’i from the island of O’ahu. In 2013 she was crowned Miss Hawaiʻi’s outstanding Teen, then in 2024 she was crowned Miss Hawai’i becoming the first openly gay Miss Hawai'i in history as well as making her only the second person to ever capture both the Teen and Miss titles of the Miss Hawai'i America system. This Native-Hawaiian is also a trained hula dancer and singer, and a preventative medicine advocate working as a prevention care coordinator teaching diabetes prevention at the Waimānalo Health Center.
In this episode we talk about her childhood, learning hula, coming out to her family, winning Miss Hawai’i, being openly gay, preventative medicine, her fiancé, future goals, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Hayley here: https://www.instagram.com/hayleycheyneykane/
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Oliver Widger is a former tire company manager turned sailor from Oregon. Last year he quit his corporate job of 11 years, liquidated his 401(k) and bought a sailboat with the intention to sail 2,400 miles all the way to Hawai’i. After 25 days at sea he arrived in Hawai’i on May 25th all while going viral and documenting his whole journey on social media.
In this episode we talk about his upbringing, barely graduating high school, working his corporate job for 11 years, the moments leading up to him quitting and deciding to sail around the world, his journey to Hawai’i, what’s next, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Oliver here: https://www.instagram.com/sailing_with_phoenix/
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We welcome back singer/songwriter Roman De Peralta to the podcast to talk about his newest album called What Aloha Means. Check out episode 123 to see Roman's first episode and learn more about his life story. In this episode we talk about his new album, catch up with each other on life, talk about the state of aloha in our community, go over some of his favorite songs off his album, shed some tears, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Roman here: https://www.instagram.com/kolohekaimusic/
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Randy Kosaki and Kimi Werner are a long lost brother and sister duo from the island of O’ahu and Maui. Kimi is a past podcast guest, a National spearfishing champion, an award-winning environmentalist, amazing chef, mother, wife, and sister. You can learn more about her if you check out episode 3 recorded almost 3 and a half years ago. Randy Kosaki is a recently retired research ecologist. He was NOAA’s Deputy Superintendent of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and was also formerly the Research Coordinator for the Monument. This father and husband, has an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Hawaiʻi. His background is in behavioral ecology of coral reef fishes, and has broad interests in taxonomy and biogeography of Pacific coral reef fishes. In his free time he enjoys photographing fishes, catching fishes, cooking fishes, and reading about fishes.
In this episode we talk about meeting each other for the first time as adults, Randy’s adoption story, how they reconnected, their relationship as siblings, their uncanny similarities, their professional careers, love for the ocean and each other, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Randy here: https://www.instagram.com/randykosaki/
Find Kimi here: https://www.instagram.com/kimi_swimmy/
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Kale Afong is a self-taught chef from the island of Oʻahu. He is the executive chef and owner of Kaleʻs Hale, Hawaiʻiʻs newest dining hotspot featuring an all-you-can-eat Japanese Yakiniku experience with a Hawaiian twist. This father and husband also started Hawai’i’s first “Ocean to Table” experience, offering guests the opportunity to dive or fish, then learn to prepare their catch in a beach-picnic setting. His business Hawai’i’s Only sells locally carved cutlery, including his signature knives and the first-ever designed “Poke Cooler”. He is an entrepreneur, winner of episode 2 of Hawai’i News Now’s Kitchen Scraps, and an unofficial comedian.
In this episode we talk about barely graduating high school, having his daughter at a young age, why he got into spearfishing, his multiple jobs throughout the years, how he became a chef, Kale’s Hale, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kale here: https://www.instagram.com/hawaiisonly/
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Kimo Leong is an influential Native-Hawaiian from the island of Oʻahu. He is the CEO and founder of Kanaka Solutions which is the number one security for surf events. He is also a father, husband, and Makaha beach boy. In this episode we talk about growing up in Kalihi, experiencing other cultures at a young age, leaving Hawai’i for college, starting his business Kanaka Solutions, working with surfers and celebrities, his love for his family, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Kimo here: https://www.instagram.com/kanaka_solutions/
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Sienna Agudong is an actress from the island of Kaua’i. She landed her first role at age 7 in Willy Wonka at the Hawaii Children’s Theatre and then made her television debut at the age of 8 with a recurring role as Lulu Parker in Killer Women. This local talent earned several young Artist Awards and Young Entertainer Award nominations since 2015 and a win for Best Guest Starring Young Actress – 12 and Under in 2017. She has appeared on Disney, Nickelodeon, Netflix, and even portrayed a young Mia Torretto in F9. Most recently she appeared in Sidelined: The QB and Me available now for free on Tubi. In this episode we talk about growing up on Kaua’i, getting into acting, leaving Hawai’i to pursue an acting career, her acting roles, her hit movie that reached number one on Tubi, going to school, her future goals, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Siena here: https://www.instagram.com/sienaagudong/
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Dillon Gabriel is an NFL quarterback from the island of O’ahu. At the high school level, he broke Tua Tagovailoa’s High School State record for career passing yards and then went on to play college football and started for UCF, Oklahoma and most recently Oregon finishing up his last season in 2024 with 63 career games played which is the most games played by a college quarterback in Division 1 football history. He is only the eighth college QB to surpass 15,000 passing yards, and the fourth to surpass 16,000, having amassed 18,722 throughout his college career, the second most in Division 1 football history, behind only Case Keenum. Among a long list of accolades, this island boy finished his college career as the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, QB of the Year, First-team All-Big Ten, and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Two days after this episode was recorded he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the 94th pick in the 3rd round of the NFL draft.
In this episode we talk about growing up in Mililani, getting into football, his high school and college football careers, the NFL draft, his family, his love for Hawai’i, giving back to the community, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Dillon here: https://www.instagram.com/dillongabriel/
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Iam Tongi is a musician from the island of O’ahu. He came bursting on the scene in 2023 winning season 21 of American Idol becoming the first person from Hawai’i, the first Pacific Islander, and the first non-country genre singer in three years, to win. Since his time on American Idol, Iam has accumulated over 3 million followers collectively on social media, 70+ million streams on all platforms, has sold out shows in LA, NY, DC and Hawai’i, and most recently just released his new song “Sunshine” which is a song basking in positivity and feel-good warmth pairing a swaying backbeat with smooth vocals and sandy saxophone, the 20-year-old phenom sets a scene of inner beauty to match his Hawaiian home.
In this episode we talk about growing up in Kahuku, getting into music, moving away to Washington, his relationship with his dad, his journey on American Idol, his weight loss journey, his current projects, and so much more. Enjoy!
Filmed at: https://www.shangrilahawaii.org/
Find Iam here: https://www.instagram.com/wtongi/
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Kanoelehua Robinson is Kamaka's little sister from the Big Island of Hawai'i. She's a model and flight attendant for Hawaiian airlines and also the silver child of the family behind the golden child, Kamaka.
In this episode they talk about their family history, their relationship as siblings, who the family favorite is, being from Hilo, their funniest life moments, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kanoe here: https://www.instagram.com/kanoelehua/
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Kawehi is a Hawaiian Airlines flight attendant from the island of O’ahu. She is also the Hawaiian Host Chocolate ambassador and you can see her on the cover of most of the Hawaiian Host products. Kawehi is an ambassador of aloha and is also a hula dancer, wife, and mama of 4 + a puppy.
In this episode we talk about how she ended up on the cover of the Hawaiian Host boxes, how she became a flight attendant, her favorite things about her jobs, her family, lei making, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kawehi here: https://www.instagram.com/ladywehi/
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Brian Keaulana is a legendary waterman from the island of O’ahu. He is a well-known Hawaiian surfer, lifeguard, and stunt coordinator who has provided invaluable support in dozens of major motion pictures. This husband and father is credited with developing new approaches to water safety in big surf and invented the equipment to support it, was the first to use the jet ski in water rescue operations, and invented the rescue sled that the ski tows. He has collected more than 1000 trophies over the years and participated in more than 30 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Surf contests on O’ahu’s North Shore. In 2006 he won the ISA tandem surfing world championship and is among the very small group of people that has won both the Quicksilver Eddie Aikau Waterman of the year award and the Duke Kahanamoku Waterman Hall of Fame.
In this episode we talk about growing up in Makaha, the legacy of his father, getting into ocean safety, his modeling and acting career, the film industry here in Hawai’i, what it means to be a waterman, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Brian here: https://www.instagram.com/briankeaulana/
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Paul Izak is an organic farmer and musician from the island of O’ahu. He is a yoga practitioner and surfer who is raising his family in the back roads of Waimanalo. His music has reached millions around the world who are also committed to a simple, clean and healthy land-based lifestyle. From 2005-2013 he was the lead singer/harmonica/percussion player for a local Reggae band called Pressure Drop, winners of the 2010 Mai Tai Rumble. This father of 2 has 6 full length albums out and his love for music grows just like his garden. With his partner, he created Yogarden, a regenerative organic farm offering volunteer days every Thursday.
We had some unfortunate audio issues in this episode, but we hope it's still listenable...sorry for the inconvenience
In this episode we talk about growing up with his family’s deli business, getting into music, traveling solo, his music career, ‘āina work, yoga, fatherhood, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Paul here: https://www.instagram.com/paulizakmusic/
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Gene Villiatora is an entrepreneur and chef from the island of O’ahu. He is owner of ‘Ai Pono Cafe, which is a Hawai’i street food restaurant in Costa Mesa, California and Las Vegas, Nevada. He has been in the culinary arts since the age of 18 when he started as a dishwasher 25 years ago at the California Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Since then he has found his true calling in the industry and has held high profile positions such as being the personal chef for Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta, the previous owners of the UFC and all Station Casino Brands in Vegas. In 2008 he was a contestant on the fifth season of the reality television competition Top Chef. Currently he is on a mission to reintroduce Hawai’i street food to the community.In this episode we talk about growing up in Hawai’i, moving to Las Vegas, getting into the culinary arts, opening ‘Ai Pono Cafe, his unique style of marketing, social media drama, future goals, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Gene here: https://www.instagram.com/aiponocafe/-
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Jasmine Trias is an International Platinum-selling Recording Artist from the island of O’ahu. She first rose to fame as a top 3 finalist on season 3 of the hit TV show ‘American Idol’. With her signature trademark Hawaiian plumeria in her hair, she stole the hearts of the nation and beyond going on to become an International Superstar with Universal Records, and was named “R&B Artist of the year” at the Philippine Music Awards. She also is the first ever Las Vegas Headliner from American Idol, and continues to perform live on tour to sell-out audiences around the world. Not only does she have her own day on May 13th in Hawai’i, but she has also worked with some of the most recognizable brands in the world, such as Coca Cola, Ford, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and McDonald’s.
In this episode we talk about singing from an early age, auditioning for American Idol at 16 years old, her American Idol journey, living in the Philippines, moving to Vegas and meeting her husband, her future plans, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Jasmine here: https://www.instagram.com/jasminetrias/
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Sterling Higa is an entrepreneur and change-maker from the island of O’ahu. He is a former teacher and writer who has taught creative writing and performing arts in numerous high schools. At 19 years old he became the youngest slam poetry state champion ever and has traveled the country representing Hawai’i at Thirteen poetry festivals. This Harvard graduate also is a co-founder and served as executive director of Housing Hawai’i’s future, a nonprofit movement creating opportunities for Hawai’i’s next generation by ending the workforce housing shortage. In 2025, he resigned from his position and is ready for his next adventure as an entrepreneur.
In this episode we talk about life as a townie, going from a bad student to a Harvard graduate, falling in love with poetry, debate team, housing Hawai’i’s future, his leap of faith meeting his wife, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Sterling here: https://www.instagram.com/sterlinghiga/
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Krystilez is an emcee and on-air radio personality from the island of O’ahu. This radio veteran has been hosting live events for over 2 decades from concerts with over 1000 people in the audience or a room of 20 kupuna. He is currently the host of a morning radio show called the HI Guys on HI93 and is the reigning #1 night show host on 102.7 Da Bomb for over 15 years. He is also a founding member of the “Angry Locals” and is the co-host of the Aloha hour podcast as well.
In this episode we talk about growing up in Nanakuli, his ethic identity, falling in love with rap, his journey into music, radio, The Angry Locals, podcasting, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Krystilez here: https://www.instagram.com/krystilez/Buy our merch on: Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/
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Kamakakēhau Fernandez is a talented musician from the island of Maui. He is a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning singer, Hawaiian language perpetuator and has been featured in the Hawaiian Language version of The Disney Animation Film “Moana”, in which he plays the role of Tamatoa The shiny crab. He has performed on numerous stages within the state of Hawai’i as well as stages in the continental United States and Japan. He embodies the phrase “Hawaiian at heart” and is truly an inspirational figure to all of us. He first joined us 3 years ago on episode 4 of the Hawaiiverse Podcast and now he's back today.
In this episode we talk about being adopted by a family on Maui, going to Hawaiian immersion school, understanding his cultural identity, getting into music, his other passions, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kamaka here: https://www.instagram.com/kkf_musicn_more/
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Michael Alisa is an actor and model from the island of O’ahu. He is a former collegiate football player for BYU where he was nominated for two national awards before back to back seasons with injuries. During his time at BYU he served in the Puerto Rico San Juan West Mission for the LDS Church. Currently he is a fitness model and trainer who is dipping his toes into the acting world.
In this episode we talk about growing up in Hawai’i and Utah, finding validation in the Samoan community, his athletic career, life after football, mental health, finding confidence, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Michael here: https://www.instagram.com/michael.t.alisa/Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/
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Moses Goods is an actor and storyteller from the island of Maui. He is one of Hawai’i’s most prominent theatre artists and has traveled both nationally and internationally performing his original work with a wide range of audiences. His body of work ranges from full length plays to theatrical storytelling pieces most of which are rooted in Native Hawaiian culture. His one-man show DUKE, has received widespread critical acclaim and was originally produced by Honolulu Theatre for Youth. In this episode we talk about his childhood on Maui, falling in love with theatre, choosing to stay and create his own path in Hawai’i, his 30+ career in the arts, Hawaiian language and Black History month, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Moses here: https://www.instagram.com/__.actormosesgoods.__/
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Lyssa Chapman Evensen is an entrepreneur and former television personality living on the island of O'ahu. This former bail bondswoman and bounty hunter is known for her role on A&E TV’s Dog the Bounty Hunter, in which she, along with her father Duane “Dog” Chapman and various friends and family members, track down and capture wanted fugitives. In 2013 this mother of two released her autobiography, Walking on Eggshells: Discovering Strength and Courage Amid Chaos. In this episode we talk about her crazy childhood, moving back to Hawai’i and filming Dog The Bounty Hunter, writing her book, her life post television show, life updates and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Lyssa here: https://www.instagram.com/mslyssac/
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Etienne Aurelius is an award-winning feature film director from the island of Kaua’i. You can learn more about his life on episode 159 on the Keep it Aloha Podcast.
In this episode we talk about his Ali’i Atlas event, the reception from his first episode, the truth behind the Lāhainā wildfires, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Etienne here: https://www.instagram.com/i.am.aurelius/
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Pashyn Santos is an actor, comedian and writer from the island of O’ahu. She is a versatile artist and a standout figure in the entertainment world here in Hawai’i. She started out performing hilarious six-second skits about local life on the app Vine, and continued on her social media journey doing famous sketches like the “Pidgin Siri” series, earning her nearly 1 million followers collectively throughout her social media profiles. She has also appeared as a contestant on the Netflix reality show Squid Games: The Challenge, which was shot in London.
In this episode we talk about moving all over growing up, getting into social media, coming out of the closet, her passion for writing, books, her experience on Squid Game: The Challenge, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Pashyn here: https://www.instagram.com/pashyn/
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Etienne Aurelius is an award-winning feature film director from the island of Kaua’i. Not only is he a producer, cinematographer, writer, and creative director, but he is also the founder/CEO of The ECOH which is a top-tier archival indigenous film studio specializing in theatrical narrative feature films, short films, TV and streaming episodic shows, scripted reality, documentaries and so much more. He is a internationally recognized filmmaker worked with Jason Momoa’s production company On The Roam as the director of Film Content. During this time he created 70 commercials, short films, documentaries, and spotlight narrative profiles with his award-winning documentary, We Are Mauna Kea, featured on CNN and Jason Momoa’s Oscar spotlight featured in Vogue Magazine. He was also the head of visual marketing in which he was independently contracted by warner brothers for Aquaman, legendary picture’s Dune, & the launch of Apple TV +. In 2021 he became the first person in history to complete two Narrative feature films in two years attaching academy award winning and nominated producers and securing the largest distribution deal ever for a native Hawaiian filmmaker. His two films Lucy and KAPO won multiple awards and was nominated numerous times at the biggest indigenous film festivals in the world.
In this episode we talk about moving around growing up, life in Kaua’i, how he got into filmmaking, drug addiction, going to jail, making his award-winning films, his love for Hawaiian culture, upcoming projects, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Etienne here: https://www.instagram.com/i.am.aurelius/
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Kekoa Kekumano is a waterman and actor from the island of O’ahu. He is best known for his scene stealing performance in the TV series White Lotus as Kai, his role on Hawaii Five-O as Nahele and for playing young Jason Momoa in the smash hit Aquaman. He is a former City and county of Honolulu Lifeguard and now plays the character Laka, a lifeguard, on the hit series Rescue: HI-Surf on FOX, which he recently won the Rising Star Award for his on-screen performance at the Critics Choice 3rd annual Celebration of AAPI Cinema and Television. When he isn’t acting, he runs his own canoe touring company called Kapua Wa’a experience that offers tours along the Waikiki coastline. In this episode we talk about his life growing up in Hawai’i, his love for his hometown and family, how he got into acting, working on Aquaman with Jason Momoa, his current role in Rescue: HI surf, mental health, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Kekoa here: https://www.instagram.com/kekoascottkekumano/
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Aloha everybody! Happy 2025! Mahalo for the amazing support in 2024, we truly appreciate each and every one of you. We will have a brand new episode coming out next week, but for now we just wanted to leave you with a recap of 2024 and some quick updates for 2025. It's going to be another amazing year and we are excited to be on this journey with you allRemember to always keep it aloha 🤙🏽
Mahalo to our new sponsors Kōlea Hop Water, Kualoa Ranch, and Hawai'i Theatre!
Use code KIA25 to get 25% off of our merch from 01/02/25 until 01/09/25
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Rob DeMello is an award-winning sportscaster from the island of O’ahu. He is the current sports director at KHON2 news and is the creator, executive producer, and host of “Cover 2: Hawai’i High School Football Weekly.” Rob is a father and husband who hosts the Hawaii Football Final Podcast during the UH Football season and has traveled far and wide to cover Hawai’i’s biggest sports stories. He also hosts the pregame, halftime, and postgame shows for University of Hawaii Football telecasts on Spectrum Sports Hawaii. To top it all off, he has won National Sports Media Association Hawaii Sportscaster of the year 4 times.
In this episode we talk about his dream of covering sports in Hawai’i, growing up in Kailua before the influx of outsiders, joining the news, his love for work and family, his and Kamaka’s Saints fandom, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Rob here: https://www.instagram.com/robdemello/
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Isaac Scharsch is a social media personality from the island of O’ahu. He is the man known all over Hawai’i social media as The Hungry Hungry Hawaiian. This one-man online news source has been keeping us up to date on the good, the bad and the ugly of every day life here in Hawai’i. He is also a father and snorkel guide in Waikiki and has a passion for community.
In this episode we talk about dropping out of high school to work as a Waikiki beach boy, starting the Hungry Hungry Hawaiian, reporting local news, his ups and downs of life, social media, fatherhood, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Isaac here: https://www.instagram.com/hhhnewz/
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We welcome back cultural practitioner Elijah Kalā McShane to the podcast for a special episode filmed at Kualoa Ranch.Check out episode 66 of the Hawaiiverse Podcast to see Elijah's first episode and learn more about his life story. In this episode we talk about life since his last podcast with us, the state of social media and politics, being pono, we answers social media questions, we try out his Pure Mana products and so much more. Enjoy!
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Keep it Aloha Kalikimaka! We welcome back Kimié Miner to the podcast for a special Christmas themed episode 🎄
Check out episode 69 of the Hawaiiverse Podcast to see Kimié's first episode and learn more about her life story.
In this episode we talk about Christmas in Hawai’i, catch up on life since her last podcast episode, what makes Hawai’i special, Haku Collective, our love for Texaco in Hawai’i, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kimié here: https://www.instagram.com/playkimie/
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Leomana Turalde is a scientist and master hula dancer from the Big Island of Hawai’i. He is a father and cultural practitioner who joined the Marine Corps Infantry in 2005 and served multiple combat tours with the Marine Force Reconnaissance Teams. 6 years later he left the military and started dancing for Chinky Mahoe and since then has become a prominent dancer and composer. This adrenaline junkie loves traveling, extreme sports, jiujitsu, fighting, poetry, philosophy, sky diving, cliff jumping, professional photographer and to top it all off he is also a big coffee lover. In this episode we talk about growing up poor, going to Hawaiian immersion school, joining the Marines, leaving the Marine Corps to come back home, becoming a scientist, opening his hālau, Hawaiian culture and so much more. Enjoy!Find Leomana here: https://www.instagram.com/leomana.t/
Order your coffee here: https://www.honolulucoffee.com/
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Kūhaʻo Zane is a designer and entrepreneur from the Big Island of Hawai’i. He is the Creative Director of Sig Zane and SZKaiao and also serves as the president of the Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation, a nonprofit that employs his family’s generational cultural insight through curriculum development, site restoration, consulting and publishing. He is a father and sixth generation hula dancer who has performed at over 26 consecutive Merrie Monarchs. He has collaborated with brands and companies such as Hurley, Nike, the Oregon ducks, Slowtide, Aloha Collection and Toyota Hawai’i.
In this episode we talk about living up to his family’s legacy, learning graphic design, hula, entrepreneurship, aloha shirts, indigenous culture and perspectives, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kūhaʻo here: https://www.instagram.com/kuhao/
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Brickwood Galuteria is a former radio personality and current politician from the island of O’ahu. He is a long time radio host, musician, and actor that has been in the spotlight for many decades. He previously served as a state chairman of the Democratic Party of Hawai’i from 2004-2006 and in 2022 was elected to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees as an At-Large member where he currently serves today. He performed music with Marlene Sai at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel for three years and later formed a group of his own winning a coveted Nā Hōkū Hanohano award in 1985 for Male Vocalist of the year and Most Promising Artist. Today you can find him on TV as he is the host and executive producer of Kupuna Power which is a platform that seeks to educate and empower hawai’i’s elderly. In this episode we talk about growing up as a townie, his time at Kamehameha School, his love for his family, his music career, his transition into politics, his passion for Kūpuna, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Brickwood here: https://www.instagram.com/brickwoodgaluteria/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:
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Kimo Kahoano is an entertainer from the island of O’ahu. He started his career as a fire knife dancer/singer in the popular Al Harrington Show and has been a staple in Hawai’i entertainment for half a century. His legacy has continued as an emcee, radio personality, and co-host of the televised Hawai’i Stars competition. As an actor, Kimo has appeared in many television shows including Hawai’i 5-0, Magnum P.I. Barnaby Jones, The Jeffersons, Blue Crush, and Doogie Kamealoha. His impressive career spans over 47 years and is known as “The Voice” of the Merry Monarch Hula Festival for more than four decades. Kimo is also the man behind the hit song It's Aloha Friday.
In this episode we talk about his love for art, getting into entertainment, how he ended up hosting the Merrie Monarch and Hawai’i Stars, the story behind hit song Aloha Friday, his new podcast and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kimo here: https://www.instagram.com/kimokahoanoofficial/
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Mike Kai is a pastor and entrepreneur from the Big island of Hawai’i. He is the senior pastor of Inspire Church and the founder of The Inspire Network, The Inspire Collective, and Send Hope International. This husband and father of 3 is also an author, coach, revivalist, patriot, family man, public speaker, and host of the P4P leader podcast. As an author he has written 3 books called That Doesn’t Happen, The Pound for Pound Principle and Plateaus. He has traveled to speak at conferences and to congregations all over the world and conducts pastor’s and leader’s round tables both nationally and internationally, with a passion to equip and empower others.
In this episode we talk about growing up on the Big Island, jumping from job to job, becoming a young father, giving his life to Jesus, how he became a pastor, the history of Christianity in Hawai’i, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find pastor Mike here:https://www.youtube.com/c/mikekai
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Pure Heart is a legendary band from the island of O’ahu and Moloka’i. Jon Yamasato is a guitarist and vocalist turned real estate agent with years of experience in the music industry and real estate putting together 150 real estate transactions and sales in excess of over $200 million. He is also the creator of HI sessions which showcases musical artist in Hawai’i and also hosts his own podcast with the same name.Jake Shimabukuro is a world-renowned ukulele musician and past podcast guest. He is considered to be the Jimi Hendrix of the ‘ukulele and has a tons of tons of accolades that is as impressive as his skills on the 'ukulele. Check out episode 39 to learn more about him. Lopaka Colón is a very talented percussionist who has been a key component in the success of several local bands such as C&K, the Barefoot Natives, Makana Trio, The Waitiki 7, and Don Tiki. He has also collaborated with Michael McDonald and Mick Fleetwood.. Together, these three burst onto the Island music scene in their early 20’s as a group called Pure Heart. They are rated in the top-50 Musical Groups of All-Time in Hawai’i and was one of Hawai’i’s youngest musical groups ever to take the local music scene by storm in such a short period. This trio has won five Na Hoku Hanohano awards including “Album of the Year.”
In this episode we talk about how they all came to find and fall in love with music, their inspirations, how they formed Pure Heart, their individual talents, future goals, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Jon here: https://www.instagram.com/jonyamasato/Find Jake here: https://www.instagram.com/jakeshimabukuro/Find Lopaka here: https://www.instagram.com/hunagruv/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Johnny Suite (Elijah Lagafuaina) is an island reggae singer-songwriter from the island of O’ahu. His debut EP Keep it Movin, was nominated for a 2020 island music award and continues to get heavy radio play in Hawai’i. He is known for his hit single Thank You, which has over 3 millions streams on Spotify. In 2019, Johnny was nominated as Breakout Artist of the Year at the 2nd annual music awards and has toured with Grammy-Nominated Maoli and 4x Island Music Award-Winner, Fia. He is a former collegiate football player and now is taking over stages across the world with his musical talents.
In this episode we talk about his rough childhood, moving away to pursue football, giving up his football dream and deciding to go all in on music, meeting his wife and finding God, his future goals, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Johnny here: https://www.instagram.com/johnny.suite/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu is a passionate kumu hula from the island of O’ahu. He is a Hawaiian instrument designer and iconic chanter that teaches the essence of Hawaiian history and customs through choreography of hula and mele. He founded the Academy of Hawaiian Arts in 2003, and his fresh approach to hula has made the group’s name famous in the Hawaiian arts and dance community. This innovator of hula is the visionary behind the theatrical production, Kingdom Denied, and a new form of audience-judged hula competition, Ka Hula Hou, among other original works. His works have been featured in the Walt Disney Movie Lilo and Stitch, the PBS documentary American Aloha: Hula Beyond Hawai’i, and on several original CDs. In this episode we talk about how he first got into hula, leaving to California and teaching hula there, the Merrie Monarch hula competition, being Hawaiian not in Hawai'i, the story of his famous Lilo and songs, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kumu Mark here: https://academyofhawaiianarts.org/portfolio/mark-kealii-hoomalu/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Zasha Smith is an investor and real estate mogul from the island of Maui. She is a licensed Civil Engineer who worked for 10 years at a private firm, but now is a full-time real estate investor who built her $5 million Dollar residential portfolio of single family, multi family, and short-term rentals in Hawai’i while also making a profit over $1 million fixing and flipping 21 projects across the US in the last 3 years while raising over $7 million in funds from private investors. Her mission is to help other families achieve independence through real estate investing. You can find her educating people on social media where she has over 120,000 followers or at her Hui Mastermind Classes educating local families on how to buy real estate with her business partner and past podcast guest Fuzzy Jardine.
In this episode we talk about her struggles of growing up, leaving Hawai’i to go to school, having a daughter at 19, graduating from college and becoming an engineer, how she got into real estate, her current projects and so much more. Enjoy! Find Zasha here: https://www.instagram.com/investwithzasha/Join their group here: https://huimastermind.com/goalsblueprint
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Tumua Tuinei is a stand-up comedian and entertainer from the island of O’ahu. He is brand new father, a former collegiate athlete, a social media personality, and a podcaster who hosts his own show called The Stand Up Life. His hilarious sketches and stand-up bits are well known all over the Polynesian community and throughout the world with over 600 thousand+ followers throughout social media. As a stand-up comic, he has been selling out clubs, theaters, and even arenas all across the nation and in December of 2021 he sold out the Blaisdell Concert Hall three times within hours and did it again the next year selling out the Blaisdell Arena. He is currently on his 2024 National tour called “The Warrior Tour” and is back in Hawai’i to sell out the Blaisdell Arena one more time.In this episode we talk about growing up playing football, getting into comedy, following his passion, his upcoming shows, being a father, his love for Disneyland and so much more. Enjoy! Find Tumua here: https://www.instagram.com/tumua_/Get tickets to his upcoming shows here: https://www.tumuacomedy.com/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Anthony Silva and James Roache are two comedians and entertainers from the island of O’ahu. They are two halves of the famous duo called Da Braddahs and are Hawaii’s longest running comedy show poking fun at the many cultures, languages, and traditions that make Hawai’i so unique. They have released CD and DVDs Volume 1-16 of their television show Da Braddah and Friends” featured on OC16.
In this episode we talk about getting into entertainment, the inception of Da Braddahs, accountability, mental health, their longevity in comedy, how laughter can be healing, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Da Braddahs here:https://www.instagram.com/dabraddahs/
Find Da Braddahs here:https://www.instagram.com/dabraddahs/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Justin Kawika Young is a musician from the island of O’ahu. He is a self-proclaimed voracious non-fiction book collector and aspiring reader that has accumulated eleven number-one hits on Hawai’i radio and has toured with Brett Young and Colbie Caillat eventually forming a band with Caillat and their two friends called Gone West. This band has accumulated over 40 million Spotify streams and now this 90’s R&B aficionado and UNO champ has formed a new band called the Seven suns. His original music can also be heard on the soundtracks of Point Break, Wild horses and the Walking dead tv series. In this episode we talk about being a Chicago Bears fan, how he got into music, leaving Hawai’i and playing music with big artists, starting over after a breakup and covid, his documentary, his new band Seven Suns, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Justin here: https://www.instagram.com/justinkawikayoung/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Erik Shoji is a professional volleyball player and 3x Olympian from the island of O’ahu. This local product attended Stanford University, where he became the first four-time AVCA team All-American. He finished at Stanford as the record-holder for career digs, with 1,402 total digs. He became a member of the United States senior national team in 2013. He has represented Team USA at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where the team won a bronze medal, the 2020 Summer Olympics and the 2024 Summer Olympics, where he earned his second bronze medal. At the club level, Shoji has played for professional clubs in Germany, Poland, Austria, Italy, Russia. He played for Polish club ZAKSA since 2021, with whom he has won four Polish League trophies and two CEV Champions League titles. He is one of the greatest liberos to ever wear a team USA volleyball jersey and I am so stoked to talk stories with him today. In this episode we talk about growing up playing sports, getting into volleyball, living abroad, what it takes to be an Olympian, his Olympic experience, future goals, and so much more. Enjoy! Find Erik here: https://www.instagram.com/erikshoji/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Dr. Keanu Sai is back by popular demand for a continuation of his first episode last month. Dr. Sai is a Ph.D. in Political Science specializing in International Relations and law from the island of O’ahu. He is a founding member of the Hawaiian Society of Law & Politics. He also served as lead agent for the Hawaiian Kingdom in arbitration proceedings before the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague, Netherlands, from November 1999-February 2001. He is also the head of the Royal Commission of Inquiry and is a senior lecturer of political science and Hawaiian studies at windward community college and affiliate faculty member at university of Hawaii college of education graduate program as well as the chairman of Hawaiian council of regency.In this episode we talk about joining the military, learning about his genealogy, Hawaiian sovereignty, independence, the illegal occupation of Hawai’i, and so much more. Enjoy! Find Dr. Sai's website and other resources here:
Blog:
https://hawaiiankingdom.org/blog/Letter:https://hawaiiankingdom.org/pdf/Hawaiian_Royal_Commission_of_Inquiry_(2020).pdf
Book review:
https://hawaiiankingdom.org/pdf/Book_Review_RCI_book_(Budziszewska).pdf
Other videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF6CaLAMh98https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-VIA_3GD2A
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
JT Ojerio is a self-taught artist from the the island of O’ahu. Before we started seeing her signature hibiscus flower everywhere she was a former wrestler and even got a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. Jt is the owner of Studio Hale and discovered her love for art in 2017 when she created Aloha de Mele which is dedicated to the memory of her best friend, Mele who was a Tricolour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who loved chasing lizards hanging in his kiddie pool, and his ears blowing in the wind.
In this episode we talk about growing up playing sports, our health struggles, what led her to become an artist, creating Aloha De Mele, the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find JT here: https://www.instagram.com/alohademele/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Tia Carrere is an accomplished actress from the island of O’ahu. She has appeared in numerous blockbusters like “Wayne’s World 1 & 2” with Mike Myers and Dana Carvey, “True Lies” opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger and also voiced the character of Nani in Disney’s classic animated film and tv series “Lilo & Stitch”. As for television shows, she has had roles on TV programs such as “General Hospital”, Nip/Tuck, Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Relic Hunter”. She is also a two-time Grammy award-winning musical artist.
In this episode we talk about how she was discovered, her big break, her most popular movies, her connection to Hawai’i, her love for singing, and so much more. Enjoy!
- Unfortunately the first half of Tia's visual feed was accidentally deleted. The second half of the podcast is fine starting at 53 minutes. We apologize for the mistake, but we hope you are still able to enjoy this episode regardless!
Find Tia here: https://www.instagram.com/tiacarrere/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Robert Cazimero is an Award-Winning and Grammy-Nominated musician from the island of O’ahu. This revered and beloved kumu hula, singer, songwriter, and entertainer has performed throughout Hawai’i, the continental US, and internationally. Together with his brother Roland they were known as the Brothers Cazimero and have been honored with more than 25 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards and in 2006 they were inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of fame. After becoming a Kumu hula (master teacher of Hawaiian dance) from Ma'iki in 1972 he established Hālau Nā Kamalei O Līlīlehua, an award-winning school of Native Hawaiian dance for men in 1975. The hālau has performed around the world, from the stage of Carnegie Hall in New York to stages in Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle. In this episode we talk about getting into music and hula, his time with Sunday Mānoa, the start of the Hawaiian renaissance, The Brothers Cazimero, being a kumu hula, life lessons, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Robert Cazimero here: https://www.instagram.com/robert_cazimero/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Dr. Keanu Sai is a Ph.D. in Political Science specializing in International Relations and law from the island of O’ahu. He is a founding member of the Hawaiian Society of Law & Politics. He also served as lead agent for the Hawaiian Kingdom in arbitration proceedings before the Permanent Court of Arbitration at the Hague, Netherlands, from November 1999-February 2001. He is also the head of the Royal Commission of Inquiry and is a senior lecturer of political science and Hawaiian studies at windward community college and affiliate faculty member at university of Hawaii college of education graduate program as well as the chairman of Hawaiian council of regency.
In this episode we talk about joining the military, learning about his genealogy, Hawaiian sovereignty, independence, the illegal occupation of Hawai’i, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Dr. Sai's website here: hhttps://hawaiiankingdom.org/blog/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Mike Coots is a world-famous ocean photographer from the island of Kaua’i. He is a surfer, diver, shark advocate and amputee who has has won a silver medal at the 2016 ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship. He has also published a book called Sharks:Portrait adding author to his resume.
In this episode we talk about growing up on Kaua’i, losing his leg to a tiger shark, life with a prosthetic, falling in love with photography and sharks, shark conservation, politics, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Mike here: https://www.instagram.com/mikecoots/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Lindsay Watson is an actress from the island of Maui. She has starred in Netflix’s Finding ‘Ohana and the award-winning film The Wind & The Reckoning, a film spoken primarily in Hawaiian and subtitled in English, which makes it one of the first Hawaiian language films with an international distribution. The film has won multiple awards at the festivals across the nation including best film at the Boston film festival and best made in Hawai’i Feature at the Hawai’i International Film Festival. In this episode we talk about how she got into acting, leaving Hawai’i to pursue an acting career, the ups and downs of the industry, her big break, learning Hawaiian for Wind and The Reckoning, her future goals, and so much more. Enjoy! Find Lindsay here: https://www.instagram.com/lindsayyywatson/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Kelly Hu is an actress from the island of O’ahu. She is a former fashion model and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Teen USA in 1985 becoming the pageant’s third titleholder in history and its first Asian American winner. She then won Miss Hawai’i USA in 1993 becoming the first former Miss Teen USA to win a Miss USA state title. As an actress she starred in numerous films including The Scorpion King, Cradle 2 The Grave, X2, Finding ‘Ohana, and TV shows like The Vampire Diaries, the CW series Arrow, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Disney Channel’s animated series Phineas and Ferb, and currently BMF on Starz. Kelly also co-hosts a podcast called Shoes Off Inside, a show that rattles cages and dismantles tired old stereotypes about race, age, sex and culture.
In this episode we talk about knowing what she wanted from an early age, leaving Hawai’i to pursue acting, her career, representing Hawai’i, life updates, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kelly here: https://www.instagram.com/kellyhu/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Star Dahl-Thurston is an aspiring film and television producer from the island of O’ahu. She is the former Miss Chinatown 2022 and Miss Hawai’i 2023. She is also the founder of Kahua Kollective which is a nonprofit with the mission to invest in female leaders in order to unlock authenticity, build self-esteem, and empower engagement within their communities
In this episode we talk about being raised by a single mother, finding her strength, losing her mother to cancer, winning Miss Hawai’i, life, her future goals and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Star here: https://www.instagram.com/stardahlthurston/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Shane Veincent is a member of a legendary hip-hop band from the Big Island of Hawai'i. This tattoo artist is the co-founder of the first Hawaiian rap group called Sudden Rush. From 1994 to 2018 they released four albums evolving from emulating the popular gangsta rap of the 1990s to perpetuating the importance of Hawaiian culture and commenting on local political issues.They have collaborated with some of the biggest names in Hawai’i such as Fiji, John Cruz, Keli’i Reichel, Willie K, Amy Hanaiali’i Gilliam, Jon Osorio, and many more. Kwai-Chang Publico is a lifelong entrepreneur from the Big siland of Hawai’i. He is the manager of Sudden Rush and the founder of So Juicy Hawai'i. He is also the first ever World Juicing Champion. In this episode we talk about growing up together on the Big Island, forming Sudden Rush, the loss of their bandmate Ke'ala, life stories, how Kwai-Chang became the first ever world juicing champ, Hawaiian sovereignty, their futures and so much more. Enjoy! Find Shane here: https://www.instagram.com/suddenrushnation/
Find Kwai-Chang here: https://www.instagram.com/sojuicyhawaii/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Kamaka Pili is a Native-Hawaiian storyteller from the island of O’ahu. He is a weather anchor and reporter for KHON2 news as well as the host of Aloha Authentic, a show celebrating Hawaiian culture through conversations with local artisans, cultural practitioners, kūpuna, and community members with the goal of learning more about Hawaiʻi, our native culture, and our unique lifestyle.
In this episode we talk about growing up in Kailua, his connection to Hawaiian culture, getting into the news, his show Aloha Authentic, his journey of self, and so much more. Enjoy! Find Kamaka here: https://www.instagram.com/kamakapili/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Frank De Lima is an award-winning comic who has been entertaining local residents and tourists alike for over 45 years with his zany parodies, outrageous sense of humor and spontaneous creativity. His current catalog consists of three videos and 13 comedy albums, 11 of which have won him the coveted Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award.
Andy Bumatai is an actor, stand-up comedian, host and producer. He has recorded a number of comedy albums with his first winning a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awardnfor most promising artist and later 3 more for best comedy performance. He has many many accolades from decades of work under his belt, but currently he is the host of the Daily Pidgin Podcast, a show that talks about the Hawaiian Pidgin language and Hawaiʻi local customs.
Augie Tulba (Augie T.) is a comedian, actor and radio personality with over 30 years of experience. He was named one of the US’s top undiscovered comedians in 2019. He is recognized as and one of Hawai’i’s top 100 influential Filipinos and was named comedian of the year as the “Funniest Comic” in Hawai’i back in 2012. He was awarded the best comedy show by Honolulu Magazine and has won 2 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award. He is the only local comedian to sell out the Blaisdell arena.
In this episode we talk about their journeys into comedy, how they met each other, memories from years of working in comedy, the state of comedy today, future plans and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Frank here: https://www.frankdelima.com/Find Andy here: https://www.instagram.com/andybumatai/Find Augie here: https://www.instagram.com/augiet/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Stephanie Lum is an Emmy Award-Winning news anchor from the island of O’ahu. Not only is she the Hawaii News Now evening news anchor, but she is also a marathoner, triathlete, singer, and foodie. She does it all. Stephanie also hosts her podcast called Muthaship with her two best friends talking about parenthood, friendship, and lessons they’ve learned while growing as working moms in Hawai’i. In this episode we talk about growing up being curious, how she got into journalism, her journey to the news, running marathons and being a triathlete, juggling all the things in her life, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Stephanie here: https://www.instagram.com/stephanielumhnn/
Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Osna Ronquilio is a popular DJ from the island of O’ahu. He is also an artist, producer, rapper, emcee, and videographer. As an American battle rapper, he has over 21 battles and nearly 1 million views and is part of the island born rap group called Angry Locals which consists of Krystillez, BigMox, Mic3, and of course our guest. They released their debut album “Aloha From Hawai’i” and a follow up EP “Shaka to the Neck” which he produced, mixed and recorded. This father has been killing the game for over a decade in Hawai'i. In this episode we talk about raising himself from a young age, getting into all his hobbies, how he got into battle rapping and DJ’ing, his priorities these days, keeping it aloha, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Osna here: https://www.instagram.com/osnizzle/Buy our merch on:Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/Support us on:Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapodListen to us on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2
Emma Koa is a Native-Hawaiian femalepreneur from the island of O’ahu. She is the founder, owner, and operator of Moon Kine Tingz which is a business that creates products that appropriately captures the Hawaiian lifestyle, enhances awareness, and sparks joy for ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi to get more people talking about/in ʻōlelo, to mālama our community and ʻāina as they mālama us. This mother and cultural practitioner strives to keep her culture and language alive by being the best steward of this place and cultural resources. In this episode we talk about growing up being kūʻē, her purpose in life, Hawaiian culture, holding people accountable, social media issues, having respectful discourse, answer controversial questions and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Emma here: https://www.instagram.com/moonkinetingz/
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Drew Honda is an entrepreneur from the island of O’ahu. He is the CEO and founder of Sweet Enemy clothing. We welcome him back to the podcast after 100 episodes to see what he has been up to. In this episode we talk about what he’s been up to since the last time he was on the podcast, the entrepreneur life, Sweet Enemy Clothing, traveling, his newfound love for pickleball, and so much more. Enjoy! Find Drew here: https://www.instagram.com/drewhonda/
Find Sweet Enemy Clothing here: https://www.instagram.com/sweetenemyclothing/
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Camile Velasco A.K.A. Eli-Mac is a proud Filipino musician from the island of Maui. She is a singer-songwriter who launched her career at the age of 18 when she landed a spot on American Idol as a top 10 finalist on season 3. From there she went on to record a version of Bob Marley’s Guava Jelly produced by his son Stephen Marley, at Tuff Gong studios in Jamaica. The track earned her the Hawai'i music awards single of the year. Since then, this Roots girl has been touring relentlessly across the US and beyond and have shared the stage with iconic artists like Gwen Stefani, Sublime, Lauryn Hill, Shaggy, Stephen Marley, Iration, SOJA, Collie Buddz, J Boog and Common Kings, just to name a few. In this episode we talk about her journey on American Idol, her long road to success, never giving up, how she found her sound, cannabis, music, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Eli-Mac here: https://www.instagram.com/eli_mac/
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Roman De Peralta is a musician from the island of O’ahu. He is a singer, songwriter, and frontman of the ultra popular group Kolohe Kai which is a local Hawaiian reggae band. In 2009 they broke out on the music scene with an array of original songs like “Ehu Girl”, “Cool Down”, and “First True Love” which today have over 100 millions streams. Their popularity has been undeniable as they have been one of Hawaii’s #1 most streamed reggae artist of the past decade with over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify. In this episode we talk about his musical inspiration, the start of Kolohe Kai, his mission abroad, mental health, how he met his wife, future goals, and so much more. Enjoy! Find Roman here: https://www.instagram.com/kolohekaimusic/
Check out his new single here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j48Zh0JlESo
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Evan Nagao is a yo-yo prodigy turned musician from the island of O’ahu. He is the 2018 world yo-yo champion and 5 time national yo-yo champion. At the age of 3 he was already proficient in 2A yo-yoing and was invited to various tv shows like Jay Leno and Ellen Degeneres. After a few yoy-o hiatuses he decided to pursue a music career under the artist name Evan from Heaven. He debuted his single “Waves” in June 2019 and used his second single “The Last Stand” as the music for his routine for the 2019 world yoyo contest. In June 2020 he released his third single “Me Entiendes” and in November 2020 he released his debut album titled LOVE which included 10 songs. In this episode we talk about starting yo-yo at an early age, discovering his purpose in life, winning the world yo-yo championship, spirituality, pursuing a new career in music and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Evan here: https://www.instagram.com/evannagao/
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Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama are two house experts from the island of O’ahu. Tristyn is a design expert who is also a licensed mental health counselor by trade and was the CEO of the nonprofit Kokua Support Services, where she continues to serve on its board of directors. She hosts HGTV’s new show, Renovation Aloha with her husband Kamohai. Kamohai is a full-time real estate developer and part time landscape photographer. In their show, he identifies and acquires rundown properties with potential on the island of O’ahu and Tristyn oversees the home renovations and designs. Together they search for the perfect families to move into their new home. They also have a podcast called Deals and Aloha and a YouTube channel where they highlight other investors and business owners, and educate others on how to invest in real estate. In this episode we talk about being the trailblazers in their families, getting into real estate while being in debt, their new show on HGTV, their love story, creating generational wealth, and so much more. Enjoy! Find Kamohai & Tristyn here: https://www.instagram.com/kamohaiandtristyn/
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Water. Earth. Fire. Air. Long ago, these four braddahs lived apart on different islands. Then, everything changed when they came to O'ahu! Only the Keep it Aloha podcast, master of aloha, could bring them together...2 years passed and Kamaka and Jordan discovered the rest of team Avatar, an airbender named Sam Potter and an earthbender named Nainoa Langer. And although their accolades are great, they have a lot to learn before they are ready to inspire anyone. But we believe their aloha can save the world. Team avatar joins the Keep it Aloha podcast catch up and talk about the projects everyone has been working on in their lives, the Avatar the Last Airbender TV show, Sam and Nainoa’s new film and side projects, play Avatar trivia, Moke Gabs, and so much more. Enjoy! Find Sam here: https://www.instagram.com/captainpotter/
Find Nai here: https://www.instagram.com/nainoalanger/
Find Kamaka here: https://www.instagram.com/kamakadias8/
Megan Godinez is a waterwoman from the island of O’ahu. She is a professional longboard surfer, fisherwoman, boxer, coach and so much more. She is a Ford ambassador and is one of the most multi-faceted people you’ll ever meet. She is an OG slippah slappah and your favorite professional aunty. In this episode we talk about trying out everything as a kid, choosing to pursue surfing, her surf hiatus while working retail, coaching, Hawai’i life, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Megan here: https://www.instagram.com/aunty_megzzz/
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Alohi Gilman is a professional football player from the island of O’ahu. He was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 186th pick in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft. After playing almost exclusively on special teams as a rookie, he contributed on defense the next two seasons as a third safety. He was then named the starting free safety for the 2023 season, starting 14 games while recording 73 tackles, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. In this episode we talk about growing up in La’ie, how he chose to pursue football, his journey to the NFL, accelerated growth periods in life, the mindset of being limitless, and so much more. Enjoy! Find Alohi here: https://www.instagram.com/alohi_g/?hl=en
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Kekoa Carvalho is a motivational speaker from the island of O’ahu. He is a youth and substance abuse advocate, a sober mentor and the current Mr. Hawai’i. Back in December, he walked over 30 miles in a day to spread awareness for drug abuse and today, he is going around the state speaking to schools and sign waving in his community to raise awareness for all types of social issues. This father of 5 is showing people that it is possible to turn your life around at any age and become a positive member of society. In this episode we talk about his troubled childhood, getting arrested, turning his life around, sharing his story with the youth, his Mr. Hawaii reign, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kekoa here: https://www.instagram.com/kekoa_pure_aloha/
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Marcella Rezentes is a local celebrity from the island of O’ahu. She first went viral in an interview with past podcast guest McKenna Maduli. She most recently appeared as a special surprise guest in our first ever live podcast show at the Blue Note and now she is blessing our studio with her presence and is making her podcast debut on Keep it Aloha. In this episode we talk about growing up in Waiʻanae, her struggles in life, the famous interview with McKenna Maduli, future goals, and a fun game called Moke Gabs. Enjoy!
Find Marcella here: https://www.instagram.com/we_go_haawd/
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Imua Garza is a Grammy award-nominated producer from the island of O’ahu. This husband and father of three is also a vocalist, musician, recording engineer and composer. His first official professional music release was around the age of 11. He then went on to record and perform with the ukulele group Opihi Pickers. In 2020 he was nominated for his first grammy award for a record titled “Hawaiian Lullaby” released by Haku Records. He has grown his skills in experiences to become an expert musical arranger and singer who has appeared on hundreds of songs and has worked with many musical artists including past podcast guests and grammy winner Kalani Pe’a, Jake Shimabukuro, Kimie, The Green, Maoli, Jack Johnson, Katchafire, and many others. This talented Braddah also created Zeo Music with his wife, a production company and record label based in Honolulu, HI. In this episode we talk about falling in love with music at an early age, the history of the Opihi Pickers, finding his faith and relationship with God, starting Zeo Music, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Imua here: https://www.instagram.com/imuagarza/
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McKenna Maduli s a Native-Hawaiian Emmy-Award winning wahine from the island of O’ahu. This kalihi girl has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry working for MTV, NBC’s Access Hollywood, Billboard live, and interviewing some of the biggest celebrities in the biz. She came home in 2016 to work as a weekend weather anchor for KHON and now is the host of her very own talk show, “Talk Story” which debuted in 2019 to rave reviews as the only one-hour Hawaiian variety show in the state. Within 4 weeks it became the number one primetime show in Hawaiʻi, receiving two Emmy nominations in its first season and winning a 2020 regional Emmy Award. She is joined by special guest Marcella Rezentes of Wai'anae and Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning singer Keilana Mokulehua on the world renowned Blue Note Hawaii stage for our first ever live audience podcast! In this episode we talk about McKenna’s childhood and start of her career, we catch up with Marcella and Keilana, play some fun games, get some audience interactions, and so much more. Enjoy! Find McKenna here: https://www.instagram.com/mckennamaduli/Find Marcella here: https://www.instagram.com/we_go_haawd/Find Keilana here: https://www.instagram.com/keilanamusic/Donate to Maui here: https://www.helpmauirise.org/Filmed at: https://www.instagram.com/bluenotehawaii/
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Brahkruz is a content creator from the island of O’ahu. His bio reads: Sometime between the abolishment of the kapu system and when Josh Green became governor, Brahkruz was born. He spent most of his life in Kane’ohe. One day he made fun of the City & County and told a bunch of haoles at Sandys Beach to GEDOWT. Today he spends his days waiting on the Hawaiian Homes list, doing bad jokes at open mics, and making shirts that may or may not have any meaning at all. His hope is to show others that if some dummeh from the 4-4 can chase dreams then so can you. Unless your dream is Hawai'i becoming independent again... dat one is kinda nuts. In this episode we talk about his life in the 4-4, how he got into making skits on social media, today’s political climate, online trolls, trying to make real change in Hawai’i, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Brahkruz here: https://www.instagram.com/brahkruz/
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Kealoha Mahone is a man who does it all from the big island of Hawai’i. He is a former United States Marine Corps veteran who served 5 tours in Iraq, a hip hop artist known as K-love, a former master inspector, and a content creator as well. His instagram Kealohascounter has gained a lot of recognition over the past year with his creative content of cooking while dancing to good music. In this episode we talk about growing up in Hawai’i but not looking Hawaiian, joining the military, his music career and living away, his many life lessons, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kealoha here: https://www.instagram.com/kealohascounter/
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Tavana McMoore is a multi-instrumentalist from the island of O’ahu. He is a one-man band who uses electronic drum triggers to lay down a variety of grooves with his feet to accompany himself on guitar, banjo, lap steel, or ukulele, while singing soulful, island-inspired rock and blues. His album, Aloha Spirit” was a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award nominee for best contemporary album of the year in 2018. He has been the supporting act for Alabama Shakes, Shakey Graves, Xavier Rudd, Jenny Lewis, Julian Marley, and Kaleo to name a few. In 2009, Eddie Vedder invited him to sing Hawaii 78 with him at the Hawaii theatre. In this episode we talk about finding his love for guitar and music, moving away, coming into his own as an adult, not making excuses, Hawaiian culture, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Tavana here: https://www.instagram.com/tavanaofficial/
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Kelis Kaleopa'a is a Native-Hawaiian professional surfer from the island of O’ahu. She is one of Hawaiʻi’s top worldwide surfing competitors, and has been perfecting her craft on the beaches of Waikiki since she was born. In 2022 she became the women’s champion of the Vans US Open of Surfing in the longboarding division. In 2023 she won the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic and today is she currently the #2 ranked female longboard surfer in the world. In this episode we talk about growing up in Waikiki, falling in love with surfing, goals outside of surfing, the Hawaiian language, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kelis here: https://www.instagram.com/keliskaleopaa/
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Shar Tui'asoa is a Polynesian freelance illustrator from the island of O’ahu. Her illustrations are modern, fun and elegant, and painted with the lush colors of the island. She started Punky Aloha Studio in the summer of 2018 which houses various branches of illustration work, ranging from murals, freelance and client work, product sales, fine art, and licensing. She has worked as a freelance illustrator with the multiple editorial clients on O’ahu including Honolulu Magazine, Hawai’i Magazine, and Hawai’i business Magazine. She has also created artwork for big companies like Apple, Facebook, Disney, Pixar, AT&T, and Sephora. Shar has also published the first of two picture books as an author and illustrator for Harper kids, an imprint of Harper Collins. In this episode we talk about growing up and finding her love for art and creativity, cultural representation, life lessons, big accomplishments, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Shar here: https://www.instagram.com/punkyaloha/
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Russell Satele is a Samoan actor and content creator from the island of O’ahu. He is known for his work on Hawaiʻi 5-0, Magnum P.I., White Lotus, Doogie Kameaaloha, and Taika Waititi’s new movie Next Goal Wins. You may also remember him from his comedy group Lethal Giggles where he was one of the original Hawai’i content creator’s on Vine. Russell has been making a name for himself in the local community and has been seen in commercials with brands such as McDonalds, First Hawaiian bank, Zippys, and Hawaiʻi Self Storage. In this episode we talk about coming out of his shell as a child, pursing a football career, getting into content creating and acting, the struggles of the entertainment world, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Russell here: https://www.instagram.com/russellsatele/
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Kolaiah "Fuzzy" Jardine is a real estate developer and investor from the island of O’ahu. This former pro-surfer turned real estate extraordinaire has over 20 years of experience in real estate investing, business, and development. As a content creator he is now sharing his wisdom with our community to build awareness around many facets or real estate. Today, he is mentoring kama’āina on how to strategically buy back our land, create affordable housing for our people, and inspire a generation to follow. In this episode we talk about his rough childhood growing up, battling addiction, going to prison, turning his life around, getting into real estate, creating generational wealth, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Fuzzy here: https://www.instagram.com/hifuzz/
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Our host Kamaka sits down with Chat GPT to ask burning questions we have here in Hawai'i. How do you think Chat GPT did? Let us know!
We got the first episode of 2024 coming this Thursday so enjoy this until then!
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Aloha everybody! Happy New Year! Mahalo for the amazing support in 2023, we truly appreciate each and every one of you. We have a new episode coming next week, but for today we just wanted to leave you with some quick updates going into 2024. Wishing you all the best year yet! Remember to always keep it aloha 🤙🏽
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Aaron Kai is a professional muralist/artist from the Big Island of Hawai’i. This husband and father of two has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Adidas, Taco Bell and so much more. His art can be seen on giant murals, clothing, jewelry, album covers, surfboards and anywhere you can think of. In this episode we talk about growing up in Hilo, how he got into art, living in the Bay area, giving back to Hawai’i, end of the year reflections and 2024 goals, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Aaron here here: https://www.instagram.com/aaronkkai/
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Kiliona Palauni is a Tongan, Hawaiian and Māori educator from Idaho. Although he grew up on the continent, he has deep roots in Polynesia and was taught at an early age the art of Polynesian dance, herbal medicine, and pacific folklore. He has a bachelor’s of arts in Pacific island studies from University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and also completed a master’s degree in indigenous education from Arizona State University. He also has his teaching certificate in secondary education from Johns Hopkins university. Kiliona has released two albums and one EP and has completed multiple tours across the United States. Currently he teaches high school Polynesian music, history, and culture here in Hawai’i. In this episode we talk about being raised in the diaspora, connecting to his Polynesian roots, finding our identity, finding his way to Hawai’i, decolonizing our minds, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Kiliona here: https://www.instagram.com/kilionapalauni/
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Justin Chon is a Korean-American actor, writer and director from California. He came on to the scene with his breakout performance in “Twilight” and has since etched his name in Hollywood with a diverse array of roles that showcase not only his acting skills, but also his commitment to telling stories that resonate with authenticity. He has directed three films, with his directional debut “Gook” winning multiple awards. He has become a trailblazer for the next generation of artists aspiring to make a difference in the world of cinema. In this episode we talk about growing up as a minority in California, how he started acting, moving to Hawai'i and making it home, filmmaking, culture, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Justin here: https://www.instagram.com/justinchon/
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Keke Lindgard is a professional model from the island of Oʻahu. She has done campaigns for Gucci, Ralph Lauren, D&G, Trussardi, and DKNY. Keke was first signed with Wilhelmina Models at age 15 and has since gone on to walk for some of the biggest brands in the world including Prada, Louis Vuiton, Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Wang, Dolce & Gabana, Valentino, Armani and Dior. In 2016 she walked in the world famous Victoria's Secret Fashion show. Outside of modeling she is an ocean enthusiast and is currently in school studying dietetics. In this episode we talk about growing up in Ka’a’awa, leaving home at 15-years-old to pursue modeling, her modeling career, what makes Hawai’i so special, dietetics, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Keke here: https://www.instagram.com/kekelindgard/
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Matty Wong is a professional fisherman from the island of O’ahu. He is the first person from Hawai’i to ever fish on the Elite Series and qualify for the Bassmaster Classic. Matty is the 2021 B.A.S.S. National Champion, a former actor and musician, and was also one of the original content creators in Hawai’i going back to the Vine days. Outside of bass fishing, some of his hobbies include surfing, spearfishing and playing the saxophone. In this episode we talk about finding a love for the ocean, living in L.A., leaving your comfort zone, getting into bass fishing, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Matty here: https://www.instagram.com/matty_wong/
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Raiatea Helm is a Native-Hawaiian musical talent from the island of Moloka’i. She skyrocketed to fame at just 18-years-old with her debut album, "Far away heaven” in 2002. Her pure, resonant voice mastered the art of leo ki’eki’e (Hawaiian falsetto), earning her two Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, including Female Vocalist of the Year. Her second release earned her 4 more Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards in 2006 when she also became the first Hawaii solo female vocalist grammy nominee. Raiatea’s musical journey was celebrated in the top 10 of the 25 greatest Hawaiian albums of the new century…and she received a second grammy nomination in 2008. In 2017 she clinched her 8th Nā Hōkū Hanohano award being named Female Vocalist of the Year. She is Hawai’i’s premier female vocalist, preserving the tradition of Hawaiian falsetto from the early to mid-20th century. In this episode we talk about growing up in Moloka'i, her legendary family, her music career, going back to school, Hawaiian ancestors, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Raiatea here: https://www.instagram.com/raiateamusic//
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Host Kamaka Dias sits down with producer/videographer Jordan Tano for our special 100th episode! In this episode we talk about Kamaka’s major life updates, reflect on 99 previous episodes, the big lessons from podcasting, life in general, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kamaka here: https://www.instagram.com/kamakadias8/
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Angela Lee Pucci is a former MMA world champion from Vancouver, Canada. Raised in Mililani, Hawai’i, she is the youngest person to ever win a world title in MMA when she won the inaugural ONE Atomwieght World Championship at 19 years old and 9 months. During her reign she went undefeated at Atomweight successfully defending her belt five times before vacating the title when she retired from the sport in September 2023. She holds the record for longest-championship reign in ONE history at more than 7 years. Talent runs in her family because her younger brother Christian Lee is also an MMA world champion. They became the first sister-brother pair of mixed martial arts world champions. Since she has ended her fight in MMA, she is now turning her focus on her mental health nonprofit called Fight Story where their mission is to inspire, heal, and unite the world through the stories of fighters from all walks of life. In this episode we talk about how she started MMA, mental health, overcoming hard times, her non-profit, growing up in Hawai’i, Fight Story and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Angela here: https://www.instagram.com/angelaleemma/
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The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) is a family-centered cultural tourist attraction and living museum located in La'ie, on the north shore of O'ahu, Hawai'i.
Our first guest is President Puatata Alfred Grace who is a New Zealand Māori from Tūrangi, Aotearoa. He is a BYUH alum who advanced through the ranks working his way up to be the first ever Chief Operating Officer in 2008 and 5 years later was promoted to the number one position: President and Chief Executive Officer of PCC.
Our second guest is Delsa Atoa Moe who is a former PCC student-worker and BYUH graduate from Samoa with over 40 years of employment utilizing her multifaceted talents here until she worked her way all the way up to become the Vice President of Cultural presentations.
Ou third guest is Telesia Tonga who is the Senior Cultural Ambassador and MC Coordinator at PCC. She is also the mother of the talented Tonga sisters, everyoneʻs favorite aunty, and she is the first person on our podcast who is actually related to Iam Tongi.
Our last guest is Kap Teʻo-Tafiti who is everyoneʻs favorite cultural practitioner and man of many talents. He is the Senior Cultural Ambassador for the Samoa village who has been here for over 30 years. Although he is one of 28 siblings, he stands out from the crowd with his amazing skills with the fire-knife, tree climbing, and effortless humor.
In this episode we talk about the history of the Polynesian cultural Center, how everyone ended up at PCC, their own individual Polynesian cultures and stories, Aloha, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find PCC here: https://www.instagram.com/polynesianculturalctr/
Find Sia here: https://www.instagram.com/telesiatonga/Find Kap here: https://www.instagram.com/kapcultureandart/
Filmed at https://polynesia.com/
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Jamie Kilstein is a Native-Hawaiian comedian from New Jersey. He is an author, podcaster, jiujitsu practitioner, and stand-up comedian. Most recently he started the Back Row Podcast and talks openly about many of his failures on his path to become a better human. You may have seen him do Standup on Conan O’Brien, get yelled at on the Joe Rogan Experience, be preachy on MSNBC, be redeemed on Joe Rogan’s podcast, be a little less preachy on Fox, and get yelled at for being on Fox. He has also been featured on Dr. Drew, Fox news, and much more. In this episode we talk about reconnecting to Jamie’s Hawaiian bloodline, his rough childhood, getting into jujitsu, comedy, mental health, religion and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Jamie here: https://www.instagram.com/thejamiekilstein/
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Henry Kapono is a legendary Native-Hawaiian musician from the island of O’ahu. This thrilling performer has it all. He is a vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, composer, and audience favorite. He has won multiple honors and awards such as the Nā Hōkū Hanohano 2021 Favorite Entertainer of the Year and was also nominated for a Grammy. Most recently he celebrated 50 years of his era defining music from his group C&K. In this episode we talk about growing up playing sports, getting stuck abroad trying to play music, how his legendary career in music got started, sharing positivity in this world and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Henry here: https://www.instagram.com/henrykapono/
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Maluhia Kinimaka is a Native-Hawaiian professional surfer from the island of Kaua’i. This Roxy girl is not just a force of nature on some of the worldʻs most iconic waves, but is also a valedictorian, Stanford graduate, structural engineer and architect, an environmental activist, model and most recently starred in Surf Girls Hawaiʻi, which is a documentary series on Prime Video featuring five of the best young native-Hawaiian surfers who are inspiring a new generation of women to jump into the ocean. In this episode we talk about growing up in the waters of Kaua’i, giving up surfing to pursue an education at Stanford university, the hit series on Prime Video “Surf Girls Hawai’i”, the Hawaiian culture, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Maluhia here: https://www.instagram.com/maluhiakinimaka/
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Kolby Moser and Nainoa Langer are two Hawai'i filmmakers from the Big Island of Hawai’i and Moloka’i. Kolby is a commercial and documentary filmmaker, podcast host of Uncut Podcast Hawaii, and the founder of ARIA studios. She is also a wifey and momma to Hayley, Kaci and Ollie. Nainoa Langer is a Moloka’i boy who found his way around the world as a filmmaker, music producer, storyteller and traveler. His distinctive style of storytelling has brought him to work with some of the biggest brands, artists, tourism boards, and networks around the world. He also has released music under his won recording artist project name ‘Nai’. Together they combined their amazing talents to direct and produce a documentary called Hometown Legends about five legendary Hawai’i Island kūpuna who share their mo’olelo of life back in the day and how they see it changing in this modern age. In this episode we talk about growing up in small towns on the neighbor islands, how their career in film got started, Gas or Pass, their documentary Hometown Legends which will be in the Hawai’i International Film Festival, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kolby here: https://www.instagram.com/kolbymoser/
Fina Nainoa here: https://www.instagram.com/nainoalanger/
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Award-winning singer-songwriter and 2022 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards Female Vocalist of The Year Paula Fuga joins us once again to talk story with Kamaka. They catch up on life, answer questions live on Instagram, and talk about having an abundant mindset. Enjoy!
Find Paula here: https://www.instagram.com/pfunklove/
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Welcome to your favorite Hawai'i podcast hosted by Kamaka Dias talking stories with influential figures in Hawai'i and beyond about their lives and our culture. Join us as we get to know our guests a little deeper and talk about what keeping it aloha truly means.
We have new episodes every Thursday and new social media clips every single day! Mahalo for listening :)
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Keao NeSmith is a Native-Hawaiian linguist from the island of Kaua’i. He holds a PhD in applied linguistics and is an educator and translator who has taught at various universities in Hawai’i, Tahiti and New Zealand. His work on “Neo Hawaiian” as a separate variety of Hawaiian has informed debate in Hawaiian language studies, as well as broader issues in language revitalization. He has translated a number of books into Hawaiian, including The Hobbit, The Little Prince, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and the Harry Potter series. He most recently finished a Hawaiian translation of The Chronicles of Narnia. In this episode we talk about learning Hawaiian from native speakers, the Hawaiian we speak today, the goal of our language, linguistics, translating popular novels into Hawaiian, and so much more. Enjoy!
Learn more about Keao here:
https://www.waikato.ac.nz/study/success-stories/keao-nesmith
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Kuana Torres Kahele is a Native-Hawaiian award-winning musician from the Big Island of Hawai’i. He is a vocalist, songwriter, record producer, hula dancer and educator most known for his original acoustic compositions in the Hawaiian language. In 1995 he co-founded Nā Palapalai, a legendary Hawaiian music group that has released numerous albums which have charted in the top five of the Billboard top world album charts. Nā Palapalai also won many Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards including Group of the year. In 2011 he released his first solo album which reached No. 2 on the top world albums chart and won him 5 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, including Male vocalist of the year. In 2014 he voiced the lead character in the animated short film by Pixar called Lava. Kuana also regularly teaches cultural workshops around the world and runs the Kuana School of Hawaiian Music and Culture, teaching 200+ students in Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Osaka. In this episode we talk about growing up in Hilo with his grandmother, starting his music career, lei making, learning from legendary Hula teacher Johnny Lum Ho, Hawaiian folklore, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kuana at: https://www.instagram.com/kahelemele/
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Markian Benhamou is a content creator from all over the world. This popular influencer found success on YouTube and Facebook where he uses his platform, and smile to create positive, happy and healthy spaces around us. He founded Smile Squad with the mission to make the world better, one smile at a time. His hard work and dedication to his craft has garnered him millions of followers and over billions of views throughout his social media channels. Most recently he traveled around the US for a year living with 10 different families learning what it is to be American. He is now retired from social media and ready to spill the tea with us. In this episode we talk about being a third culture kid, living all over the world, his journey of self-discovery, quitting social media, his video series staying with families all across the United States, his impressions of Hawai’i, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Markian at https://www.youtube.com/@markianb
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Jack Soren is a wave-surfing, graffiti spraying, mural-painting Native-Hawaiian artist from the island of O’ahu. He has produced several solo exhibitions as well as contributed works to numerous groups and collective shows. Having developed an extremely applicable style, his work has been commissioned for major branding and marketing campaigns by organizations like Vans Triple Crown and companies like Hawaiian Airlines. This prolific mural artist also produced massive work for clients like the International Market Place in Waikiki and Bloomingdales. In this episode we talk about growing up in La'ie, his religion and faith, his art, family, staying true to yourself, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Jack at https://www.instagram.com/jacksoren/
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Zion Thompson, Ikaika Antone, and Jordan Espinoza are 3 of the 5 current band members from the popular Reggae band called The Green. Zion, the guitarist, and Ikaika, the keyboardist, are former band members of a group called stir crazy. Jordan is the band’s drummer who joined the team in 2011. Together with their two other band members Caleb Keolanui and our past podcast guest Brad Watanabe they make the super team of music called The Green. With four distinct voices, the ability of four separate songwriting talents, and musicianship of “pop-burnish roots reggae style” that they cooked up, The Green quickly became a popular local band on the island and beyond. Countless miles of touring, six studio albums, iTunes best Reggae album of 2010, 3 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards in 2014 for Group of The Year, Reggae Album of The Year and Entertainer of The Year have led them to become recognized as one of the industry’s best. In this episode we talk about about their individual journeys in music, how the formed the band, their brotherhood and love for each other, the tour life, important band updates, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find The Green at https://www.instagram.com/thegreen808/
Find Zion at: https://www.instagram.com/supahtroopah/
Find Ikaika at: https://www.instagram.com/kaiksbear/
Find Jordan at: https://www.instagram.com/bredrenjordan/
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Just a quick update for your loyal podcast supporters. This video was intended to be seen on social media, but I am sharing it here for the people who listen on Apple Podcast and Spotify.
Quick summary for those who don’t want to watch the whole/listen video:
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No new podcast episode or clips this week, all the focus will be on Maui 🫶🏽💖
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Let us know how we can help the community. Keep tagging us!
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Working on more ways to fundraise for Maui. Stay tuned for updates.
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Mahalo to everyone helping out with the tragedy. You guys are amazing and so inspiring.
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It was a tough decision to not post an episode this week because we have commitments to our sponsors Texaco Hawai'i and Shaka Tea, but I hope they will understand 🙏🏽
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Give each other grace and take care of yourselves so you can continue to care for others.
So much aloha for the people of Hawai’i and beyond. ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia. No task is too big if it’s done together 🤗
Keep it Aloha,
Kamaka 🤙🏽
Kini Zamora is an all-star fashion designer from the island of O’ahu. He is a Native-Hawaiian third generation seamstress who represented Hawai’i on the 13th season of Project Runway finishing as the 2nd runner-up and then soon after was selected to compete on the 5th season of Project Runway All Stars, finishing 2nd place. Balancing his cultural soul and flare in high fashion, his work has garnered him a dedicated following which has led him to dress notable celebrities and influencers. His designs have been featured in publications such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. In addition to his fashion endeavors, he is actively involved in his local community supporting charitable causes and mentoring aspiring designers all while staying true to his commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion practices. In this episode we talk about growing up with all his cousins, how he started sewing, his journey on Project Runway, fashion, making Hawai'i proud, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find Kini at https://www.instagram.com/designerkini/
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Eddie Flores Jr. and daughter Elisia Flores are entrepreneurs from the island of Oʻahu. Eddie is a husband and father of two who had success in the real estate industry before co-founding the popular L&L restaurant which now has over 220 restaurants across the country and in Japan. Elisia, who took over as the CEO and Vice Chair, is a business leader and proud graduate of USC. This mother of one worked for General Electric for more than eight years serving within the company’s finance management program and was eventually promoted to a senior finance manager position where she oversaw a portfolio of assets with annual revenue in excess of $750 million dollars. Together they are continuing the legacy of the plate lunch and are not stopping anytime soon. In this episode we talk about starting one of the most successful franchises from Hawai'i, the connection people have with food, National Spam Musubi Day, family ties, and so much more. Enjoy!
Find L&L Hawaiian BBQ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/llhawaiianbbq/
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Kalehua Krug is a Hawaiian language and culture advocate from the island of Oʻahu. Not only is this father of three an articulate educator with is P.H.D., he is also a traditional tattoo artist as well as a lyricist and musician who wrote Amy Hanaiali’i’s song Pa Aheahe, which was nominated for “Song of the Year” at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards. Currently he is the principal of a Hawaiian Charter School called Ka Waihona O Ka Na’auao. In this episode we talk about all things Hawaiʻi including his early interest in the Hawaiian language and culture, anthropomorphism, traditional tattooing, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Oliver Steele is a singer-songwriter from Tennessee. He is most known for competing in season 21 of American Idol where he finished in the top 8th. Oliver brings soulful and powerful vocals with a hint of soft-spoken honesty and raw emotion to every performance. He captivated the hearts of not only America, but the people of Hawai’i as well, with his display of Aloha towards Hawai’i’s own American Idol winner Iam Tongi. In this episode we talk about growing up with his Filipino grandma, his journey into music, his time on American Idol, his friendship with Iam Tongi, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Moana Jones Wong is a professional surfer from the island of Oʻahu. In 2022 she became the first-ever winner of the first full women’s event on the World Surf League Championship tour where she made surfing history by winning the Billabong Pro Pipeline beating out five-time world champion Carissa Moore. She is also the first graduate of the University of Hawai’i West Oʻahu Bachelor of Applied Science-Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing Program. In this episode we talk about growing up on the North Shore of Oʻahu, becoming the queen of pipeline, figuring out her career, her Hawaiian background, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Taimane Gardner is an ukulele virtuoso from the island of Oʻahu. She is a singer, songwriter and theater producer who has established herself as one of the leading ukulele players in the world, known for her fierce and inventive style of play transcending traditional views of the instrument as a restricted device. In 2019 and most recently in 2023 she won the coveted Nā Hōkū Hanohano award for Favorite Entertainer of The Year. With over 50 million views and 400,000 social media followers on her social media channels, this diamond lights up the room every time she performs. She has performed worldwide and is taking the ukulele to new levels while blazing her own path! In this episode we talk about her busy childhood, how she found herself as an artist, playing the ukulele and performing, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Sam Potter is an Emmy Award-Winning executive producer, host and director from the island of Kaua’i. He is a local boy who embodies Hawai’i's Aloha spirit. This surfer, diver, and world traveler perfected his craft in front and behind the camera and has earned himself over a quarter million followers throughout his social media channels. Most recently he was nominated and won 5 Emmy awards for his episode Corral Gardeners which is a part of his series “Back to the Wild '' available now on YouTube. In this episode we talk about growing up on the island of Kaua'i, how he got into filmmaking and social media, his lessons from traveling, winning 5 Emmy awards, being a respectful guest, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Steve Sue is a social venturer and jack-of-all trades from California. He is most known for innovation and entrepreneurship programs including Lemonade Alley, Project Lemon Tree and bizgym.com. He started out as a home builder founding bedrock development, INC. and also serves as the chairman of Bizgenics, a Hawaii-based 501(C)(3) specializing in creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship programs. Most recently he is working on a documentary called Shaka, A story of Aloha about the origin and meaning of the Shaka Gesture and Shaka Pledge, a free “live aloha” sticker campaign. Lastly, he is the head of ID8 studios which is a digital media soundstage operated for the state of Hawai’i. His career includes over 25 years as a story expert, conceptualist, startup guy and venturer in entertainment, hospitality, food service, retail, product and software. In this episode we talk about Project Shaka, the meaning and history of the Shaka, his social ventures, moving to Hawai'i and giving back to the community, his psychedelic trip, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Daniel Anthony is a passionate food sovereignty leader from the island of Oʻahu. He is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and the driving force behind the movement to bring kalo, also known as taro, back to our classrooms, kitchens and local economies. This father of seven has become a prominent figure in the local farming community and co-founded Mana Ai, a company that produces, distributes and promotes fresh artisan poi and paʻi ‘ai made from the kalo plant. He also spearheaded the statewide movement to successfully pass legislation legalizing the public sale of hand-pounded poi, which is produced in the traditional Hawaiian manner using a wooden board and stone. He is also a Hawaiian language advocate, kalo farmer, poi pounder, and activist. In this episode we talk about growing up angry in Waiʻanae, the science of kalo and poi making, allodial titles and land rights, his vision for Hawaiʻi, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Lauren Teruya is the former Miss Hawaiʻi 2022 from the island of Oʻahu. She is also ateacher, journalist, news reporter, freelance writer and performer. With her Miss Hawai’i win last year, she and her sister became the first sisters to win the Miss Hawai’i competition. During her reign she traveled all over spreading her message of Arts for All, a program that brings the arts into the classroom to help kinesthetic learners succeed in school. Most recently she gave up her crown and will be starting a new job working for the local news station. In this episode we talk about her time as Miss Hawai'i, how she got into the performing arts, her mission for Arts for All, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Kulani Watson is a Native-Hawaiian and Māori content creator from the island of O’ahu. He is a comedy writer and actor with over 62 thousand followers on Instagram and 54 thousand followers on TikTok. After going on his LDS mission during his time in college he found his passion in writing and filming comedic sketches for social media. He is one of my favorite accounts to follow and has been bringing the laughs to social media and real life for many years. In this episode we talk about how he grew up in Kalihi as a pale-skinned Hawaiian, his LDS mission in Chicago, his content creating journey, his future goals of getting his movie picked up, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Kelly Boy Delima is a Native-Hawaiian, Portuguese singer, songwriter, and ukulele superstar from the island of O’ahu. This husband and father of three is most known for being the founder and lead singer of the legendary band Kapena, which he formed with two Tongan brothers. He is a multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner and has over 20 CDS. Today you can see him onstage with his wife who is a wonderful soprano vocalist and hula dancer and their kids who make up the powerhouse core of today’s version of Kapena. They are sometimes accompanied by their grandkids who play music and dance hula as well. He has been bringing that feel good island music to us for over 30 years, revolutionizing the island music sound. In this episode we talk about how he fell in love with the ukulele, how he started Kapena, accepting his haole look, his highs and lows in life, and so much more. Enjoy!
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The Chu sisters are former Miss Hawaiʻi USA sisters and entrepreneurs. The older sister Julie is a former Miss Hawai’i Teen USA and Miss Hawai’i USA. During her reign she wrote and illustrated her first children’s book, Curly the Doxin and has traveled around the world promoting her book which was written to teach the importance of self-love for children. She also dedicates her time serving as a board member for Special Olympics Hawai’i and Women Speak out Hawai’i where she is a spokesperson for raising awareness of special needs and teen dating violence. After working for the department of education for 8 years she transitioned into real estate. The younger sister is our former Hawaiiverse Podcast guest and still the first and only person to ever win both Miss Hawai'i and Miss Hawaiʻi USA. Allie is a high school valedictorian, singer, actress, hula dancer, and beauty queen. Check out episode 22 to learn more about her. Together they run Oysters Hawai’i, which is a one of a kind experience of oyster shucking for any occasion. In this episode we talk about their childhood, getting into pageantry, Julie writing her book, Allie having the idea to start Oysters Hawai'i, and much more...all while watching their hilarious banter between on another. Enjoy!
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Joe Jitsukawa is an Asian-American YouTuber and entrepreneur from California. He is a writer, director, actor, comedian, public speaker, investor and is the co-founder of Just Kidding Films and Just Kidding News which are YouTube channels that take on social, contemporary and cultural issues with a comedic edge. His Just Kidding channels as well as his personal accounts have garnered millions of followers on social media, but aside from his social media successes, this Hawai’i resident is also the co-owner of Junbi Waikiki which is the #1 matcha spot in Waikiki. In this episode we talk about his troubled childhood, getting into college and discovering YouTube, Asian-American YouTube, moving to Hawai'i, his entrepreneurship journey, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Our guest today is a Native-Hawaiian professional MMA fighter from the island of O’ahu. She is the inaugural and former Bellator Women’s Flyweight World Champion. Currently she is the 2nd ranked women’s flyweight fighter in Bellator and the 5th overall pound-for-pound fighter in the women’s rankings. This wrestling state champion received her Bachelor’s Degree in Cultural Anthropology and her Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a focus on indigenous issues from San Diego State University. She is also the founder of Nā Wahine Toa, a foundation that focuses on teaching self-defense, self-love, self-preservation and the protection of sacred sites including our bodies, our divine feminine entities and our ʻāina (land). Through fundraising, donations and her win bonuses from fights, Ilima-Lei has been able to award a total of 22 scholarships to young girls around the world including natives of Mexico, Jamaica, Canada, Panama, Hawai’i and Turtle Island. In this episode we talk about going to Punahou, how she got into MMA and became a World Champion, her foundation Nā Wahine Toa, her future goals, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Jared Kushi is a Japanese local boy from the Big Island of Hawai’i. He is the CEO and co-founder of Hawaiiverse, the largest online local coupon directory which was voted as the HVCA’s 2022 People’s choice of startup paradise. He is also the CEO of Koosh Media, an agency that helps local businesses scale using targeted online ads and an automation capture system used by global high growth companies. This entrepreneur also co-founded and served as the Chief Operating Officer at LifeDNA, a genetic based health and wellness company. He also served as a Program director at Blue Startups and Operations Manager at Hawaii Angels. There he was a key factor in vetting over 2000 companies and investing in over 60, which gave him an inside look at the Startup landscape. He has been featured in articles by multiple publications such as HI Luxury Magazine and Hawai'i Business Magazine and was a finalist as Tech Entrepreneur of the Year in Hawai'i. Oh and he also has 4 degrees in Entrepreneurship, Management, Finance, and International Business. In this episode we talk about growing up in Hilo, how he got into business, Hawaiiverse, how we met, starting the Hawaiiverse podcast and why we changed it to Keep it Aloha, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Ed Sugimoto is a 2nd-generation Japanese-American from the island of O’ahu. He is the owner and founder of VH07V, also known as Aloha Revolution which is a rotating collection of shirts, caps and sweaters for men and women. The VH07V logo which spells Aloha upside down, when worn is a subtle reminder to keep aloha in our hearts. Before starting his entrepreneurial journey, he worked at Spectrum as assistant online editor, online editor and wireless manager for 23 years. In 2011 at the Rice Fest, he set the Guinness World for the largest Spam Musubi at 286 pounds and broke his own record the following year at 628 pounds. He hold the world record for largest Loco Moco. In this episode we talk about starting Aloha Revolution, setting two Guinness World Records, being Asian in Hawai'i, supporting local, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Daniela Stolfi-Tow is a Sinti Gypsy digital marketing manager grown on the island of O’ahu. She is a published photographer, videographer and writer and has over 14 years in the music industry as an executive assistant to legendary rock promoter Barry Fey, as well as production assistant for several national artists such as Prince, Metallica and KISS. Dani currently manages a network of 18 various niche social media channels, websites and groups totaling over 5 million followers worldwide and over 500 million video views. This does not include her personal YouTube channel with over 100,000 subscribers that is dedicated to animal rescue. She is most known for being the creator of 808 viral, creating diverse creative viral content and making people laugh. In this episode we talk about her career in the music industry, how she created 808viral, meeting her husband playing Star Wars, a little Gypsy history, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Kimié Miner is a Native-Hawaiian, Portuguese Grammy Nominated, producer, singer-songwriter, and recording artist from the Big Island of Hawai’i. She has written and co-produced five award-winning albums including the Grammy Nominated album, “Hawaiian Lullaby,” and most recently produced “Children of the Sea - Na kama Kai” a full length album from her free community mentorship program called MeleCraft BootCamp, dedicated to supporting young artists and honoring the Hawaiian culture and language. In 2018, she won the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award for Female Vocalist of the year, song of the year for her song “Bamboo,” and female Artist of the year at the Island Music Awards. This mother of three is also the president and CEO of Haku Collective, which is a full-service, multimedia talent production, and management group founded in Honolulu, Hawai’i. In this episode we talk about her journey in music and how moving to Jamaica gave her confidence, our identities as a mixed Hawaiian, becoming a mother, choosing passion over fear, and so much more!
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Kalani Pe'a is a three-time Native-Hawaiian Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter from the Big Island of Hawai’i. His debut album “E Walea” won him his first grammy award in 2017 for Best Regional Roots Music album and a Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award for best Hawaiian contemporary Album, making Hawaiian history as the only album to ever win both a Grammy and a Nā Hōkū. He sings everything from classical, musical, ballads, R&B, soul to traditional and original Hawaiian music displaying wide-ranging talents as a songwriter and music composer. This Kanaka is also a fluent Hawaiian language speaker and has illustrated and published five Hawaiian language children stories. In this episode we talk about growing up in a Hawaiian immersion school, the Hawaiian language, how he started in music, coming out to his family, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Alexis Akiona is a Native-Hawaiian designer from the Big Island of Hawai’i. She is a local fashion entrepreneur who launched her business, Lexbreezy Hawai'i, during the Merrie Monarch in 2016 and has since climbed her way to the top with her creative designs that blend classic island style with a modern, sophisticated aesthetic. This second generation Alohawear designer is also a wife and mother of two. Most recently she gifted the Honolulu Community College $50,000 which will be provided over the course of five years to create 20 scholarships each year to fashion and cosmetology students, with preference given to Native Hawaiian students. In this episode we talk about growing up in Hilo, her time with Farmers Market Hawai'i, how she started Lexbreezy Hawai'i, what Alohawear looks like today, and answers a special Patreon fan question live in the studio. Enjoy!
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Elijah Kālā McShane is a kahu from the island of O’ahu. This father of one is a direct descendant of chiefly lineages. He is the co-founder of Awakened Aloha which is an organization that focuses on inspiring a world where aloha is the heartbeat of humanity. His work bridges ancient wisdom and ancestral connection to modern wellness through mauli ola (healing arts) lā’au lapa’au (natural plant based medicine), aloha education, and community development. He runs a popular Instagram account where he educates people about Hawai'i and all the aloha we have here. He also was a former teen bodybuilding world champion. In this episode we talk about his deep roots, overcoming a speech impediment, how he gained his Hawaiian knowledge, aloha, bodybuilding, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Puamakamae DeSoto is a 9x National Surf Champion from the island of O’ahu. Daughter of Longboarding World Champion Duane DeSoto, Pua is the first athlete in history to win both the explorer women’s shortboard and longboard titles at the NSSA Nationals in Huntington. In 2018 and just recently again in 2023, she was named the Buffalo Keaulana Waterwoman of the year after competing numerous events known as the waterman olympics. She was the youngest honoree ever to compete against an open men’s division in eight of the events and was acknowledged by the Hawai'i’s state legislature. In this episode we talk about going to high school as a professional surfer, her future goals, what makes her proud to be Hawaiian, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Kaniela Ing is a Native-Hawaiian politician and community organizer from the island of Maui. He was a former member of the Hawai’i House of Representatives from the 11th district representing South Maui from 2012 until 2018. Kaniela currently serves as the national director of the Green Network where he leads national campaigns to combat climate change. He also serves on various coalitions including Our Hawai’i, the Climate Power advisory board, and the Hawai'i Community Bail Fund board of directors. In 2014 he introduced a bill that was signed into law to provide a same-day voter registration. In this episode we talk about being the first graduating class of Kamehameha on Maui, political and Hawaiian history, kūʻe, protesting, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Dillon Pakele is an up-and-coming Native-Hawaiian, Samoan musician from the island of Oʻahu. He is the son of the late and great Kaulana Pakele, lead singer of Manaʻo Company, and specializes in island reggae music with an influence of R&B and gospel. You can hear this singer, songwriter and guitaristʻs hit singles ʻForgive Meʻ featuring Fiji, ʻNothing Nowʻ and Heaven in the Skyʻ on the radio and Spotify. In this episode we talk about carrying on his fatherʻs legacy, how he got into music, local culture, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Kahanuola Solatorio is a Hawaiian language teacher from the island of Oʻahu. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in both Hawaiian Language and Hawaiian Studies and a Masterʻs degree in Elementary Education from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He is also a member of the Hawaiian musical group, Keauhou. They have released three albums and they have a total of 17 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards. This kumu began his @ehoopilimai social media journey in 2020 for Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language month), posting videos to his story teaching ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi to his mom, “student cousin Cappy”, and his page took off with followers from around the world. Since then, he has built a community of learners across the Hawaiian islands and around the world who participates in his free weekly classes hosted on Zoom and continues to collaborate with our businesses and organizations to platform Hawaiian Language in all places possible. In this episode we talk about his journey learning and teaching Hawaiian language, we play a new Hawaiian game, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Kamu Grugier-Hill is a Native-Hawaiian professional football player for the Arizona Cardinals from the island of Oʻahu. This soon-to-be 8-year veteran in the NFL played college ball for Eastern Illinois where he earned first-team all OVC honors. In 2016 he was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 6th round before going on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. Kamu is one of only a handful of Hawaiʻi-born players to ever win the Super Bowl during his time with the Eagles when they defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 52. Before getting traded to the Cardinals in 2022, on December 5th, 2021, in a game against the Indianapolis Colts, he set the Houston Texanʻs franchise record for tackles in a single game, with 19 tackles. In this episode we talk about his childhood moving back and forth between islands, how he got into football, his journey to the Super Bowl, life outside of the game, and so much more. Enjoy the episode!
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Olena Heu is an award winning journalist from the island of Kauaʻi. She is an accomplished and sought-after television personality, entrepreneur and journalist with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Speech Communication from Hawaii Pacific University. As an award-winning reporter and news anchor, she received recognition for her journalistic excellence as a recipient of the distinguished Edward R. Murrow award, numerous Society of Professional Journalist awards and recent work has garnered a Telly and an Emmy nomination. In 2004, the Kauai native held the title of Miss Hawaiʻi representing The Aloha State at the prestigious Miss America pageant in Atlantic City. Currently she is the founder of a successful marketing and communications firm with clients across the globe. In this episode we talk about the different Miss Hawaiʻi competitions, misconceptions people might have about her, and of course Hawaiian culture. Enjoy the episode!
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Big wave surfer Mark Healey is back on the Hawaiiverse Podcast fresh off of a 3rd place performance in the historic 34th Annual Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational to talk story with Kamaka. No script, uncut, and unfiltered...so things might get weird. Enjoy!
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Henk Rogers is a Dutch video game designer based on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. This father of four is an international gaming phenomena, entrepreneur and innovator who revolutionized the gaming industry by creating Japanʻs first Role-Playing Game and later bringing the legendary game of Tetris to the world. He is also the founder of Blue Planet Foundation based out of Honolulu Hawaiʻi, which has led efforts to pass the nationʻs first 100% renewable energy mandate, requiring the State of Hawaiʻi to commit to switching to 100% renewable sources of electricity by 2045. He also founded the International MoonBase Alliance with leaders in space exploration across private-public and academic sectors and was voted Hawaiʻi Magazineʻs 2015 CEO of the year. In this episode we talk about how he created his first video game, how he secured the rights to Tetris, his love for the planet and Hawaiʻi, his philosophy on life and so much more.
Kaliʻa Leimakani Kekela Wasson is a young entrepreneur from the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. She is the designer and CEO of Leimakani Swimwear, which is an all-inclusive brand that embodies every woman. This strong and motivated wahine has been featured in Sports Illustrated Swim and is also a professional dancer for the Miami Marlins baseball team. Most recently she founded the Hawaiʻi Swim Show which is Hawaiʻiʻs first ever resort and swim showcase. In this episode we talk about her humble upbringing as the oldest of 7 children, how she started her businesses, life outside of Hawaiʻi, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Ka'ikena Scanlan is a Native-Hawaiian, Samoan musician from the island of Oʻahu. He is a father of two, and is a Hawaiian language perpetuator and lover of the ʻāina (land). Kaʻikena is the lead singer of his band Kaʻikena Scanlan and These Guys, a group that adds a cultural twist on lyricism that aims to revolutionize the face of a genre they call “Hawaiian Reggae". This kumu turned musician has had many hit songs such as Utu Bang Bang, Smoke All Day and He Kanaka. When heʻs not performing you can find him on his farm or drinking a cold one from Ola Brew. In this episode we talk about his meteoric rise to local stardom, his motivation for his music, the Hawaiian language and culture, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Hawaiiverse host Kamaka Dias sits down with Hawaiiverse Podcast videographer/producer Jordan Tano in this special last episode of 2022. In this episode they go over some past conversations from old podcasts guests and talk about some hot takes like what does it mean to be Hawaiian and if blood even matters. Mahalo for all the support in 2022. See you in 2023. Enjoy the episode :)
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Emily Jaime is a womanpreneur from the island of O’ahu. She is the owner and designer of the socially conscious and ethically-made clothing brand Yireh. After traveling the world, this wife and mother of two, has made it her mission to give back to others while growing a successful business. She is also an avid surfer and world traveler who is leveling up her business each and every year. In this episode we talk about her world travels, how she started her business, mental health, and so much more. Enjoy!
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David Nikzad is a venture capitalist based in Honolulu Hawai’i. He is the co-founder and CEO of Emotional Intelligence Ventures, which is a psychedelic wellness company. He began his career in the Washington DC techno club scene and later brought his business acumen to angel investing. Over the past two decades he has supported ventures spanning nightlife, tech, real estate, and wellness industries. David is a father of two and is also the executive chairman of his holding company, Orthogonal Thinker, which is a socially conscious wellness platform. In this episode we talk about how he started his career, what brought him to Hawaiʻi his love for this place, psychedelics, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Kahi Pacarro is an environmentalist from the island of O’ahu. He is the founder of Sustainable Coastlines Hawai’i, the Director of Parley for the Ocean and the founder of the Tribenni, a website that allows you to raise money by volunteering in your community. This surfer and world traveler is also a husband and father of two and is the commissioner on the Clean Water and Natural Land Commission for the City and County of Honolulu. In this episode we talk about his unique career path, his love for the environment and how he started Sustainable Coastlines Hawaiʻi, growing up in Hawaiʻi as a local without Hawaiian blood, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Duane DeSoto is a legendary waterman from the island of O’ahu. He is the 2010 ASP professional longboard world champion and founder of Nā Kama Kai, a non-profit organization that educates Hawai’i’s children about how to enjoy the ocean safely while becoming stewards for this rich cultural resource that surrounds the islands which we call home. Duane, who is also a loving husband and father of 8 and grandfather of 1, was inducted into the Hawaiʻi Waterman Hall of fame in 2015. Most recently he played the iconic Duke Kahanamoku in the new Waterman movie which is out now. In this episode we talk about growing up in Makaha on the windward side of Oʻahu, his love for surfing, his family, his role as Duke in the new movie, Hawaiian culture, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Connor Tumbaga is a young hustler from the island of O’ahu. He is a new-generation entrepreneur who turned his love of cool sneakers into a money-making business venture, selling high-end rare sneakers to celebrities such as Da Baby, Justin Bieber, Drake, Ariana Grande, Post Malone, the Migos, and so many more. He has scaled this into a multimillion-dollar business and is now getting into music promotion and other business ventures. He is a local success story and inspiration to young, up and coming entrepreneurs. In this episode we talk about how he got into selling sneakers, his next business ventures, his connections to celebrities and Hawai'i, and so much more. Enjoy!
Recorded at https://www.summitmediacorp.com/honolulu.
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Kamaka Dias is a Hilo boy from the Big Island of Hawai'i. He is a proud Kula Kaiapuni (Hawaiian Immersion) student, a 2016 UH Mānoa graduate, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer of Madagascar, and that crazy guy who paid off $53,757 worth of student debt in 11 months. This local who loves Locals slippahs is also the host of Hawaiiverse and the Hawaiiverse Podcast. In this episode we talk about his childhood and love for sports, his adventures traveling abroad, his time in Peace Corps Madagascar, and so much more. Hosted by special guest host Kanoelehua Robinson.
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Ray Cooper III is a Native-Hawaiian professional mixed martial artist from the island of O’ahu. He is a two-time welterweight champion who currently competes in the welterweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). He is also a husband and father of 5 and was a three-time state champion wrestler and two-time O’ahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) champion. This Hawai’i native is the only fighter on the PFL roster to win back-to-back championships and make it to the finals every year since PFL started in 2018 up to 2022. He has the fastest knockout in PFL history at 18 seconds and is the 18th ranked Welterweight in the world according to Fight Matrix. In this episode we talk about growing up getting into fights, his simple lifestyle and training methods, his PFL career, his goal of moving to the UFC, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Alexander "Dane" Farnham is an actor who was born in Vermont and grew up in Kailua Kona, Hawai’i. He is a filmmaker, director, writer, producer, comedian and YouTuber. He is most notable for making comedy sketches, parodies, music videos, and impersonating famous people and characters such as Captain Jack Sparrow, Ace Ventura, and the Grinch. He is one of my favorite YouTubers and social media personalities of all-time. He is the one dollah kama’aina with one of the best pidgin accents out there. In this episode we talk about growing up in Kona, YouTube, getting into acting and filmmaking, his future plans, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Brad "BW" Watanabe is a very talented musician from the Island of O’ahu. He is a singer, songwriter, music teacher, mentor and advocate for the Hawaiian language. This performer has been making music his whole life and has been playing the ukulele and piano since he was just a kid. In 2009 he joined his friends to form an all-star band of local musicians called The Green. He can be found on stage with The Green, Paula Fuga, Kimié, and many others well-known musicians playing bass, keyboards and singing harmonies. In this episode we talk about how he got into the music scene, his musical career, learning Hawaiian as an adult, the importance of the Hawaiian language, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Haelee Tallett is a jewelry designer from the island of Oʻahu. She is the owner and designer of Oceans Creations, a handcrafted jewelry brand specializing in trendy and unique designs that empower women to be their best selves in every way–from career to personal growth. This impressive young entrepreneur and black belt in Tae Kwon Do is making big moves and already has two store locations on Oʻahu, one at the Ka Makana Aliʻi Shopping Center and a brand new location at the Ala Moana Shopping Center. In this episode we talk about the pressure to pursue a career in your field of study after graduating college, running a business, positivity, self-care, staying true to yourself, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Mark Healey is a professional waterman from the island of O’ahu. He is a big-wave surfer, award-winning spear-fisherman, free diver, and shark-expert. He earned his first surf sponsorship at age 13, went pro at age 17, and has since won many big-wave events like Todos Santos and in 2008 won the Spearfishing World Cup. This husband and father of one is also a conservationist, sky diver, bow hunter, yoga practitioner, photographer, filmmaker, and part-time Hollywood stuntman. He has devoted his life to the sea and is one of the world’s most prominent watermen. Mark is a man who does it all and most recently won the O'Neill Wave of The Winter in 2020-2021. In this episode we talk about big-wave surfing, being a good learner, lessons you learn in life and from nature, the Hawai'i dynamic, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Xeana Kamalani Dung is a Native-Hawaiian, Puerto Rican professional softball player from the Island of O’ahu. She is Hawai’i’s first ever professional softball pitcher and a gold medalist playing for the Puerto Rican National softball team. Kama was a former college standout winning multiple accolades such as all-conference honors while also holding records in multiple categories at UC Berkeley where she pitched the first perfect game in Cal’s history since 2010. She is also a model, actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist. In this episode we talk about how she got into softball, leaning into uncomfortableness, what it takes to become a professional athlete, being a trailblazer, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Daniel Aipa is a Native-Hawaiian, Korean, Chinese strength and conditioning coach from the island of Oʻahu. He is a writer and a former college head strength and conditioning coach where he programmed and coached 21 collegiate sports. He is also an author, husband and father of three. He is the founder of The Kū project which has amassed over 100,000 followers on Instagram. As a coach and consultant, he teaches people what it means to build a Kū body and live a Kū life. He is the Kūlest guy in town! In this episode we talk about his struggles growing up, the Kū Project, fitness and nutrition, what is means to be Hawaiian in these modern times, and so much more. Enjoy!
Recorded at https://www.summitmediacorp.com/honolulu.
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Anuheake’alaokalokelani Jenkins is an accomplished Native Hawaiian, contemporary singer/songwriter with an easygoing island style from the island of Maui. She made her debut in 2009 and just a year later won two prestigious Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards for most promising artist and contemporary album of the year. This mother of one has performed, toured, and shared stages with artists such as Bruno Mars, SOJA, Kimié, Tenelle, Fiji, Jack Johnson, Cas Haley, Ziggy Marley, and our past podcast guest Jake Shimabukuro. She is one of the top musical artists from Hawai’i of all-time! In this episode we talk about her rise as a musician, the impact of the pandemic on her life, life struggles, identity as a Hawaiian, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Leon Kaulahao Siu is a Native-Hawaiian, Chinese musician, vocalist, recording artist, composer, poet, author, and producer from the Big Island of Hawai’i. He is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Hawaiian Kingdom and serves as a strategist and spokesman for the reinstatement of the Hawaiian Kingdom. In 2016 he was nominated for the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. He is the only Hawaiian composer whose work was recorded by the prestigious London Symphony Orchestra. He has composed soundtrack music for several award-winning documentary films, including the 1977 National Geographic documentary, The Voyage of the Hōkūleʻa. You may remember him and his partner Malia singing songs focusing on promoting Hawaiian culture while you were growing up. In this episode we talk about the history of Hawai'i, the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, sovereignty, his music career, the problems we face in Hawai'i, and so much more. Enjoy!
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Jake Shimabukuro is an award-winning Japanese-American Ukulele virtuoso from the island of Oʻahu. He has been playing the ukulele since he was 4 years old and has proven time and time again that there isnʻt any style of music that he canʻt play and he is not limited by four strings. His music combines elements of Jazz, Blues, Funk, Rock, Bluegrass, Classical, Folk, and Flamenco. This musician has gone from local phenom to YouTube sensation, from playing in tiny clubs to headlining the worldʻs most prestigious concert venues like the Hollywood bowl, Lincoln Center, and the Sydney opera house. Jake is also a husband and father of two sons and has performed on the biggest TV shows and in front of people like Queen Elizabeth. He has released a string of award-winning, chart topping albums and most recently he was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as a member for the national council of the arts. He is a living ukulele legend and has been called the Jimi Hendrix of the Ukulele. In this episode we talk about the history of the ukulele, how he honed his skill, his passion for what he does, and so much more. Plus, a special ukulele performance live on the podcast! Enjoy!
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Bretman Rock is a Filipino-American social media and internet sensation born in the Philippines, but raised on the island of Oʻahu. This charismatic Leo is known for his makeup tutorials and humorous views on life, but is proving now that he is more than a beauty influencer showcasing his diverse skillset each and every day. He is the star of his very own reality TV show on MTV called MTV's Following: Bretman Rock, and in October 2021 was the first openly gay man to appear on the cover of Playboy. He has received multiple awards and honors for his work on social media including a peopleʻs choice award for “Beauty Influencer” and an award for “Breakthrough Social Star” at the 2021 MTV movie and TV awards. With over 18 million followers on Instagram, it's safe to say that Bretman is one of the biggest social media stars in the world. In this episode we talk about how he ended up in Hawai'i, growing up and going to school on the west side of O'ahu, how he got famous, his TV show, how he stays grounded, some life advice, and so much more. Enjoy!
John Michael Van Hohenstein, better known as Johnny The Ripper, is a professional longboard surfer born in the Philipines, but raised in Hawaiʻi. After picking up a surfboard at an early age he quickly honed his skills and is becoming one of the best longboarders in the world with his timeless style, nimble cross stepping his toes to the nose, riding backwards, and all while having the time of his life. This Waikiki grom has accumulated many sponsors already such as Moku Surf Shop, Banán, Paia Fish Market, and F-45 Kahala. Heʻs won multiple longboard competitions at such a young age and is only getting started. With over 45,000 followers on Instagram, insane photos and videos, he's definitely a profile you should follow. In this episode we talk about moving to O'ahu with his dad and brother and growing up homeless in Waikiki, how he got into surfing, having respect for the locals as an outsider, some tips for surfing, and some much more. Enjoy!
Patti Ponimoi is a Filipino, Irish sales and communication veteran born in Okinawa, Japan and raised on the island of Oʻahu. She is the Market President and GM for Summit Media Honolulu, an American broadcasting company which features local radio stations such as KRATER 96.3 (KRTR), HAWAIIAN 105 (KINE), KCCN FM 100, POWER 104.3, etc. This boss lady has a career spanning more than 20 years, previously holding positions at Hawaiʻi News Now, iHeartMedia and Hawaiian Airlines. She is a wife and mother to four kids and is a proud lung cancer survivor. In this episode we talk about growing up around Hawaiian culture as a Non-Native-Hawaiian, how she started her career, her battle with cancer, the future of radio, and so much more. Enjoy!
Keith Amemiya is a community and business leader from the island of Oʻahu. He is the executive director of the Central Pacific Bank Foundation, former vice president of Island Holdings Inc. and previously was the head of the Hawaiʻi High School Athletic Association for 12 years. He helped transform youth sports in Hawaiʻi, and when state budget cuts threatened to end junior varsity athletics, he led the “save our sports” campaign raising over $1.5 million in three months and keeping youth sports alive in Hawaiʻi. He is also a husband of 26 years and father to one son. In 2020 he ran as a first time candidate in the Honolulu Mayor Election and just fell short to current Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. Today he is now running as a Democrat for Lieutenant Governor of Hawaiʻi and hopes to bring some good positive change to the islands. In this episode we talk about how he was adopted by his best friendʻs family in high school, his time at the Hawaiʻi High School Athletic Association, affordable housing in Hawaiʻi and term limits, what he plans to do as Lt. Governor, and so much more. Enjoy!
Tammy Moniz is a well-known surf instructor and mother of five prolific surfers from the island of O’ahu. She is also a photographer, business owner, lover of music, and wife to former professional surfer Tony Moniz. She runs two surf schools in Honolulu called Faith Surf School and Moniz Family Surf. This mother has been an inspiration and role model to so many people for years and she is everyoneʻs favorite aunty and mom. In this episode we talk about her family, her faith, the tragic house fire, being a mother, life hacks, and so much more. Enjoy!
Lanai Tabura is a Native-Hawaiian Filipino, Italian, Chinese Emmy award-winning Jack of all trades from the island of Lanaʻi. He has done it all. Heʻs a DJ, comedian, cook, TV and podcast host, actor, entrepreneur and father of two girls. He is the winner of Food networkʻs Great Food Truck race season 4, was a co-host with Anthony Bourdainʻs NO Reservations and currently hosts Cooking Hawaiian Style which is in itʻs 16th season, a TV show that airs in 7 countries on the lifestyle network, Direct TV and Time Warner Cable. He has produced and co-hosted I-94 video jams, four seasons of Jan Ken Po and has been touring the the united states doing stand-up comedy openings for people like Henry Kapono, Andy Bumatai, Augie T., Wayne Brady, and Damon Wayons. Heʻs also a 25 year radio veteran and co-created the island 98.5 radio station and is also on air in Tokyo and Fukuoka Japan. In this episode we talk about life growing up on Lanaʻi, how he started his many careers, his experience on the Great Food Truck Race, his passion for doing only what he loves, and so much more. Enjoy!
Justyn Ah Chong is an award-winning Native-Hawaiian filmmaker from the island of O’ahu. He has worked as a director, cinematographer and editor at ʻŌiwi TV, and was a 2020 NIA Tero 4th World Media Lab fellow. His film “Down on the Sidewalk in Waikiki” premiered at the Maoriland film festival in New Zealand winning the Peopleʻs Choice Award for best short drama and has been screened at festivals all around the world from Toronto to Los Angeles. Most recently he helped produce the film “Hawaiian Soul” about the late great George Helm and continues to share culturally-inspired, place-based stories through his production company Olonā Media. In this episode we talk about filmmaking, what it means to be Hawaiian in these modern times, being connected to culture, and much more. Enjoy!
Kiana Cayabyab is a Native-Hawaiian reporter from the island of Kaua’i. She is a model, actress, professional hula dancer, digital news reporter and host for the Star Advertiser. She is also an honor graduate of Loyola Marymount University and was a former Miss Honolulu. She has a passion for storytelling, public speaking and interviewing. Kiana is a go-getter, and with her charismatic personality, she plans to go very far in life. In this episode we talk about boarding school, living away from Hawaiʻi, coming back home to pursue her passion, her connection to culture, and so much more. Enjoy!
Ezekiel Lau is a Native-Hawaiian professional surfer from the island of O’ahu. Zeke started surfing when he was just a kid and has become a household name in the surfing world. He is a MEO Vissla Pro Ericeira champion and the winner of two Vans World Cups of surfing at Sunset beach. He is also the the winner of ABC’s Ultimate Surfer and is a brand ambassador for companies like Quiksilver, Rockstar, Electric, Dakine and many more. If you can’t find him in the water you can find him vlogging about his life on his YouTube channel or hanging out with his wife and family. In this episode we talk about growing up in the dorms at Kamehameha, not being able to grow out his hair until he was 15, his surf career, Hawaiian culture, and so much more. Enjoy!
Chad Owens is a Native-Hawaiian former professional football player from the island of O'ahu. This local legend was a college football standout when he played for the University of Hawai'i Warriors and ended his career in the top 10 for receiving yards and touchdowns and till this day is Hawai'i's all-time career yardage leader. In 2012, he was named the Most Outstanding Player in the Canadian Football League and is a 2x Grey Cup champion and also holds the record for most all-purpose yards in a regular season. He is also an actor, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and currently is the host of Star Advertiser's CO2 RUNDWN, a web sports talk show based in Honolulu. Adding to his many accolades, Chad is also a loving husband and father of three. In this episode we talk about his love for his family, his legendary football career, not holding onto the past and always trying to level up, his motivation for running for OHA, and so much more. Enjoy!
Welcome to the Hawaiiverse podcast hosted by Kamaka Dias; a podcast that supports local by...
McKenna Maduli is a Native-Hawaiian Emmy award-winning wahine from the island of O'ahu. This local girl has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry working for MTV, NBC's Access Hollywood, Billboard Live, and interviewing some of the biggest celebrities in the business such as George Clooney, Oprah, and Snoop Dogg. She is also the host of her very own talk show called "Talk Story with McKenna Maduli" which debuted in 2019 to rave reviews as the only one-hour Hawaiian variety show in the state. Within four weeks it became the number one primetime show in Hawai'i, receiving two Emmy nominations and winning the 2020 regional Emmy Award. In this episode we talk about growing up in Hawai'i, how she left Hawai'i as soon as she turned 18, her first red carpet interview, coming back home, the struggles we face in Hawai'i, and so much more. Enjoy!
Micah Banks is a local on-air radio personality and music producer from the island of O'ahu. He is a hustler who worked his way from the bottom to the top and has over 15 years of experience working on the radio. As a music producer, his singles "Screenshots" and "Want To" has over 1.5 million streams worldwide. In this episode we talk about how we first met, his journey into music, being pro-Hawai'i, if people still listen to the radio, his favorite part of his job, and so much more. Enjoy!
BJ Penn is a Native-Hawaiian MMA legend from the Big Island of Hawai'i. He is a father, businessman, author, and former UFC champion. He is one of only 7 UFC fighters to ever win titles in multiple weight classes and is the first non-Brazilian to win the
Drew Honda is a Kamehameha graduate from the island of O'ahu. He is the CEO and founder of Sweet Enemy Clothing. This entrepreneur is a hustler that is making a name for himself in the streetwear scene. Drew has collaborated with multiple brands, local a
Mark "Gooch" Noguchi is a nationally recognized chef from the island of O'ahu. He has been featured on many news stations, TV shows, and even starred in his very own YouTube series presented by Toyota Hawai'i. Gooch is also an entrepreneur, teacher, hul
Brenton Awa is a Native-Hawaiian journalist from the island of O'ahu. He's a father of three, a high school wrestling state champion, and a former news anchor for KITV4. Since leaving the news station he has been taking a grassroots approach in the co
Allison Chu is a Hapa model, actress, singer, hula dancer and beauty queen. She was the valedictorian of her high school and became the only person to win both Miss Hawai'i and Miss Hawai'i USA. Hopena Pokipala is a Native-Hawaiian waterman who was born
Rose Wong is a Filipino, Chinese award-winning entrepreneur from the island of O'ahu. She became the youngest store owner in Waikiki at the age of 21 opening up Kolohe, a handmade jewelry "experience-based" boutique. Among her many accomplishments such a
Keilana Mokulehua is an award winning Hawaiian, Filipino R&B/Soul musician from the Island of O'ahu. She is quickly gaining fame and worldwide recognition with her silky smooth vocals and was recently named “Most promising artist" and R&B Album
John Ursua is a Native-Hawaiian professional football player for the Seattle Seahawks. He was born and raised in Kailua, Kona on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, but moved to Utah during his sophomore year of high school. After graduating high school In Utah,
Andria Tupola is a Native-Hawaiian, Samoan, politician from the island of O'ahu. She is a member of the Honolulu City Council, a music teacher, a wife, and a mother to two children. Prior to graduating from BYU-Provo, she attended Kamehameha High School
Kenneth Appelbaum, better known as Keneke the Great, is an internet star from the island of O'ahu. He is a Filipino, Italian entertainer, dancer, comedian, actor, and as some of you might know, a great storyteller. With over 36,000 followers on Instagra
Maluhia States is a Hawaiian Language teacher from the island of O'ahu. This Native-Hawaiian was born in Nevada (the 9th island) and moved all over the place, back and forth between Hawai'i, until his family decided to stay here for good. He is a father
Paula Fuga is an amazing Native-Hawaiian singer-songwriter from the island of Oʻahu. This generational talent is known for her originality in song composition and her soulful vocals. She is a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winner and has sung with legends suc
Yancy Medeiros is a Native-Hawaiian, Filipino professional MMA fighter from the island of O'ahu. He has fought in the UFC and Strikeforce and has earned two fight of the night bonuses, three performance of the night bonuses, and his epic fight with Alex
Kekoa Cazimero is a native-Hawaiian professional surfer and entrepreneur from Waimanalo on the island of Oʻahu. He is a 5-time state champion, valedictorian of his high school, and founder of his own brand called Ambassadors with Aloha. This is a spec
Carlos Tangaro, better known as Nito, is a fighter in more senses than one. Nito is from Waiʻanae on the island of Oʻahu and has a truly incredible story going from living in a shack to owning his very own business. He is a Filipino-Puerto Rican former
Kailee Freitas is a successful entrepreneur from the island of O'ahu. She is a business owner, wife, mother of two, graduate of Kamehameha High School, and former teacher. This mompreneur is a dedicated Hawaiian that is looking to better our community f
Ku'ulei Perreira-Keawekane is a kanaka maoli from Hawai'i Island. She's a Native-Hawaiian speaker, musician, activist, entrepreneur, Hawaiian culture perpetuator, and is an absolute well of knowledge. She goes by mauli.ola on Instagram and always share
Guy Hagi is a jovial weatherman from the island of O'ahu. He is a famous news personality, avid surfer, triathlete, and host of Pacific Pulse and Cheap Eats. This husband and father of two became the most memeable man in Hawai'i back in 2014 and his hur
Jeff Hubbard is a professional bodyboarder from the island of Kaua'i. He is a 3-time IBA world champion, 5-time IBA Pipeline champion, 11-time world United States National title-holder and is one of the few bodyboarders to ever land an aerial 720. This
Kalei Mau is a Native-Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino professional volleyball player from the island of O'ahu. This local girl is an absolute star on and off the court as she is also a very talented singer-songwriter, fitness expert, social media influencer,
Keoni Payton, also known as Painkillers, is a talented artist, surfer, Hawaiian activist, and owner of the very popular Farmers Market Hawai'i clothing brand. After a troubled childhood and eventually getting incarcerated for selling drugs, he turned
Kamalani Pico is a small-town girl from the island of Moloka'i. She is a signed actress, model, fashion designer and business owner of her own clothing company called SSAVVY. She is also the first Native-Hawaiian ring girl for Bellator MMA, an American
Kamakakēhau Fernandez is an African-American Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning singer who was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, but adopted by a family on Maui, Hawaiʻi when he was just six weeks old. He is a graduate of the Hawaiian Language Immersion Pro
Kimi Werner is a United States National Spearfishing Champion, a certified culinary chef, an award-winning artist and a sought after motivational speaker. She is able to dive up to 150 ft. underwater and can hold her breath for almost five minutes. Crazy
Augusto E. Tulba, better known as Augie T., is a professional comedian, actor and radio personality from Hawai'i. He grew up in the Kamehameha IV Housing Project (known to Hawaiʻi residents as "Kam IV Housing"), in Kalihi Valley, a working-class area in
Popular bikini company Issa de' Mar's owners and designers Marissa Eveland and Melissa Jasniy are best friends who surf and live on the North Shore of O'ahu. They began hand sewing each suit and eventually turned the downstairs of their beach bungalow