Waipi’o represents my link to my life’s work– the preservation of Hawaiian ‘Awa. In the early 1980’s my life long friend (who owned a home in the Valley) and I would visit the old Hawaiian community member. Harrison Kanekoa. He shared stories of the historic ‘awa patches in the valley and invited us to get a few nodes. This is largely why we have so many rare Hawaiian ‘awa cultivars available today. I started a 501(c)3 and the rest is history.

As a seasoned traveler, primary care provider, and yoga instructor, I can say that Waipi’o Valley has an undeniable energetic vibration that is healing to the cellular level like no other place I’ve experienced before. Meditating, swimming, running, stretching, and playing on Waipi’o’s black sandy beach with my dog renews my spirit. This energetic reset allows me to emerge restored and helps me to give to and hold space for others in my professional and personal life as well as my community. I believe we can find a middle way in which we can preserve this special aina.

I have been going there since birth. It is my favorite place on the island and holds many special memories. I learned to swim there; my recently deceased grandpa would always take us. The waves were scary, but they taught me how to be in the water, and it was extremely freeing. I also do hula, and being able to chant to the valley, to the land, into the silence is a greatly treasured experience. I wish that one day my children can have these same experiences.