The Hawaiiverse Podcast

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/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/@keepitalohapod

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/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/@keepitalohapod

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/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/@keepitalohapod

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/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/@keepitalohapod

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/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/@keepitalohapod

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/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/@keepitalohapod

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/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/@keepitalohapod

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/-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/@keepitalohapod

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/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/@keepitalohapod

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/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/@keepitalohapod

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/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/@keepitalohapod

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/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/@keepitalohapod

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/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/@keepitalohapod

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.__/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/@keepitalohapod

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/ Buy our merch on: Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/ Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod

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/ Buy our merch on: Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/ Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod

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/ Buy our merch on: Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/ Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod

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/ Buy our merch on: Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/ Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod

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/ Buy our merch on: Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/ Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod

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

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/ Buy our merch on: Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/ Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod

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/ Buy our merch on: Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/ Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod

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! Buy our merch on: Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/ Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod

Keep it Aloha Kalikimaka! We welcome back Kimié Miner to the podcast for a special Christmas themed episode

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/ Buy our merch on: Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/ Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod

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/ Buy our merch on: Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/ Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod

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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2

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/ Buy our merch on: Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/ Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2

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.instagram.com/mikekai/ Buy our merch on: Official website: https://keepitaloha.com/ Support us on: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen 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 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675 Spotify: 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675 Spotify: 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675 Spotify: 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675 Spotify: 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675 Spotify: 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675 Spotify: 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675 Spotify: 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675 Spotify: 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675 Spotify: 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/kamakadias Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod Listen to us on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-it-aloha/id1592266675 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3S4albn4TaWiwqcLVSnHNb?si=88d056857a5b41f2