Waipio Valley is important to me because it’s part of my childhood and it’s also a part of my keiki’s childhood as well. I spent all my life down in Waipio. From the back of Waipio in my godmother’s lo’i, picking ho’io with uncle Roy and aunty Donna, to doing horseback with my cousin Onz, camping on the beach with family and friends, the list goes on and on.

So why is Waipio important you ask?
It’s a way of doing things it’s a lifestyle it’s a place of peace that serves a greater purpose that some will never understand and that’s why we are where we are now.

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.

Waipi’o is a sacred place. I like to surf and bodyboard, play in the river, build sand castles and skim board on the sand.