Ho'omau Hawaii

We had a moment to chat with Ho’omau Ambassador Who spends his free time at his local markets as a vendor and a supporter of his community. 💙🤝🏼

🌊- How does it make you feel when someone supports your local business ?

“When someone supports my work and takes it home, it is nothing short of an amazing and inspiring feeling! My favorite interactions are when my clients compare and contrast each photo in particular detail, discuss or think about where it is going to go in their home, talk to me about what was going through my mind or where I was when I took the image, and how the scene all came together to create that perfect photo.”

“While visiting the Hawaiian Islands, most of your money will be going to a big corporation like resorts, chain restaurants, and those delicious and relaxing poolside beverages, which is a fun lifestyle, but all your hard-earned money is going to these huge Fortune 500 companies

Supporting local artists, businesses, and restaurants keep your money spent in Hawaii.”

🌊- what are some ways people can support the local community while they are here ?

“I encourage every visitor to do their research before visiting: stay at a local bed and breakfast, book activities ran by locals, eat at restaurants with local chefs and owners, and buy art and keepsakes from local artists, you really don’t know how much your conversation could make their day, week, or even years to come.”

We truly believe your support to our local community goes a long way and is always appreciated 💙

Pledge to support local by clicking the link in our bio! 🥳

You'll never know what can happen in the ocean! Like what Ambassador spoke about in our last post, it is important to respect the ocean and learn about ocean safety 🛟 Hawai'i is know for its beautiful beaches AND its big wave scene. We want you to enjoy them while being safe 🤙🏽 Happy Hump Day!

"Aloha everyone! My name is Nick Gruen and I live up on the north shore of Oahu. I grew up lifeguarding and doing ocean safety in San Diego & even though it’s very different over on mainland, there a still a couple important things I’d like to share that pertain to ocean safety and keeping everyone visiting the islands of Hawai'i safe. Here are a few things I’d like to share:

🌊 When in doubt, don’t go out!! Notice how I said when? It happens to us all and it’s important we gage both our ability and the ocean’s conditions.

🌊 Lifeguards know best so please listen to their advice and warnings. Please also read and obey any of the signs you see posted up on the beach!

🌊 Respect the land, marine life and leave no trace. Please leave these beautiful beaches prettier then you’ve found it.

🌊 Lastly I’d like to note that you can’t be stronger than the ocean but you sure can and should be smarter!

There are over 2000 rescues here in Hawai'i each year. Let's please not add to this list at the best of our abilities.

Swim smart! 🤿" - Ambassador 💙

New year, new notes to self 😎📝 Happy New Year!! Let's continue to Ho'omau Hawai'i 💙

Merry Christmas from our Ho’omau family to yours! 💙🎄🤙🏽

The holidays are coming up 😍🎄 Let's remember to enjoy the islands with an open heart and mind and be open to learning about Hawaiian customs and culture. Mahalo! Happy Holidays 💙

Meet ! 🥰

🏝️ What's your story?⁠
"Welina!! I am a Mākaha native who has spent most of her time in the community. My earliest and happiest memories came from Jr. Lifeguard on my home beach of Mākaha during middle high school. I also spent lots of time in community clubs for volleyball and sports. Today, I serve in the islands and around the nation as a marketing specialist helping to raise awareness for different causes but one of my favorites is Ka Hale Hoaka, where I help to bring 'Ōlelo Hawai'i back into the community using the education Iʻve gained over the years. My dream is to bring the true essence of “Aloha” back into Hawaiʻi."⁠⁠

🏝️ Why do you love Hawai'i?⁠
I have learned to love Hawaiʻi through not only the community but aloha 'āina and the very depths of Hawaiian culture. Hawaiʻi is beautiful but more than that it has a story and itʻs our jobs to help others learn that story in its truest essence whether it’s a person, the cracks in the land, or the way the water moves."⁠
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🏝️ How do you resonate with Ho'omau Hawai'i?⁠
"Hoʻomau resonates with me in many ways! It gets me so excited. Itʻs so important that people learn the story of Hawaiʻi and why it’s important to be mindful when they visit. Now more than ever people need to be educated! I believe by bringing like-minded individuals together we can make a difference across the state and see productive change and set a positive example for our communities around the islands."⁠
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Mahalo for all your work for our island home 💙 ⁠We appreciate you!⁠
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Read more ambassador stories here: https://hoomauhawaii.org/ambassadors/

Mālama ‘āina, it is our responsibility to take care of the land 🏝️🙏🏽 Take the pledge, 💙 https://hoomauhawaii.org/

Say aloha to ! 💙✨⁠
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🏝️ Why do you love Hawai'i?⁠
"I love Hawaii because of its tropical climate, clear water, and insane waves. I guess that’s the main reasons why everyone likes Hawaii, but there is also the divine experience of living here. Once you connect with the people here, there is a mutual respect and understanding of the land and sea, whether that’s from a friend catching fresh Ahi and giving you a two-pound slab the next day, or hiking to a waterfall and looking at what different kinds of plants are invasive and cause destruction to other nature surrounding it. Life is all about finding those root causes of our earth and people and bringing a positive impact to the next person (or plant)."⁠
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🏝️ How do you resonate with Ho'omau Hawai'i?⁠
"I moved out here in high school when I was 16 with open arms and an open mind to learn and be educated about Hawaiian culture and respecting the land. I still have a lot to learn as I am just 22 now, but simple things such as spreading the values of using mineral based sunscreens to my friends and family from the mainland, or not touching our reefs and marine wildlife during their visit. There is an endless list of things I can explain, but the end goal is to educate our visitors with a positive mindset and preach that these cultural values are not guidelines for visiting the islands, but personal habits that can be implemented to improve all humanity."⁠
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Mahalo for being a part of Ho'omau and for keeping an open mind to learn while educating what you learn about to others 💙 ⁠We appreciate you!⁠
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Read more about Jake's story here: https://hoomauhawaii.org/ambassadors/

As you may all have heard, Mauna Loa, the world's biggest active volcano, started erupting after 38 years. 🌋 Luckily, the eruption is less likely to cause serious damage on the island but according to an update from the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency today, the lava flow from the Mauna Loa is gradually moving closer to the Daniel K. Inouye Highway.

While it is a gorgeous view to see, please remember to:
✨ Be safe and follow warning signs
✨ Respect Pele, pick up after yourselves, and treat others with aloha

Beautiful photos taken by ambassador

Our take on a Thanksgiving photo dump! :)

Especially thankful for our island home. Our island's beauty, sunsets, hikes, food, marine life, aloha spirit, and thankful for our Ho'omau community, 921 of you here on Instagram, and our amazing team and family 💙 We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃✨

What are you thankful for? 🧡

Say aloha to Alyssa! 🥰🤿
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🏝️ Why do you love Hawai'i?⁠
"I love Hawai'i because it has provided me with so many lessons I would not have learned anywhere else. The culture, the natural environment, the ocean, the people, all have a special place in my heart. Always and forever."

🏝️ How do you resonate with Ho'omau Hawai'i?⁠
"The efforts and ideas of Ho'omau Hawai'i resonate with me deeply because for such a long time I thought to myself how I would love the opportunity to be able to help educate others on how to respectfully enjoy our home. Hawai’i is a very special place, it's not just a vacation destination, an IG backdrop, or an influencer hub. It is a place full of wonder, a home to not only us human residents but also the animals and plants that reside alongside us. Education is the key to change. The efforts of Ho'omau Hawai’i will be a step to create positive change in the minds and bodies of those who encounter it."⁠
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Mahalo Alyssa for your deep passion and love for our island home 💙 We appreciate you!
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Read more on our ambassador page here: https://hoomauhawaii.org/ambassadors/ 😍

Say aloha to Michael! 🌊💙
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🏝️ Why do you love Hawai'i?⁠
"Hawai’i has a special place in my heart because I was born and raised here. It’s taught how to become more selfless and most importantly how to gain and give respect."

🏝️ How do you resonate with Ho'omau Hawai'i?⁠
"Ho’omau Hawai’i has been the missing part to Hawai’i's major problem on island awareness. If we can promote safe protocol on a daily basis we can help preserve this beautiful place that we call home for future generations to come."⁠
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Mahalo for being a part of Ho'omau and representing us on Maui ☺️ ⁠We appreciate you!⁠
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Read more on our ambassador page here: https://hoomauhawaii.org/ambassadors/

"Growing up in such a place surrounded by nature and wonder has taught me a lot. It has grown a deep passion in my heart for conservation. I was always fascinated with wildlife. To grow up in such a place where you get to experience such a unique variety or marine life and native species has opened my eyes and my heart to my why. Why it is so important. It puts the passion behind your actions and words. Coming to realize as I grew up that the coral isn’t as bright and colorful…full of life anymore… or that the amount of fish I see now days.. isn’t what It used to be… has brought to my attention a need for change.

Everything is connected.. we are not above nature or separate from it… we are apart of it. We as apart of this beautiful planet have a responsibility to be better and do better. To protect and conserve. This planet gives life to each and every one of us and in return we take care of it. The ocean owes us nothing..so when you do get the chance to grace the presence of a beautiful animal… it’s a blessing, a true gift. Hawaii is a place like no other. To come together for a cause that embraces how to sustain and improve out beautiful home is a purpose that resonates true meaning. A true sense of peace." 💙🌈 - Alyssa Rodrigues

Happy Arbor Day Hawai'i! 💚🌳 Trees have done so much for us. Let's continue to protect and preserve our island home's trees ✨ | 📸: Kammeran Keola

Say aloha to Tara! 💙✨
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🏝️ Why do you love Hawai'i?⁠
"I love Hawai’i because it is home. It is the mother that nourishes us physically and spiritually. It is the birth place of the aloha spirit that inspires us to take care of each other family or not."

🏝️ How do you resonate with Ho'omau Hawai'i?⁠
"The initiative to protect Hawai’i is something that feels so necessary. In a place seeing quick and massive expansion it is so important that we do not become uprooted. We must do our best to not only preserve the land but the history of these islands. We cannot forget how we came to be and everyone who sets foot here should know how dearly we hold this place."⁠
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Mahalo for being a part of Ho'omau and for reminding us that we need to preserve both the land and the history of Hawai'i 💙 ⁠We appreciate you!⁠
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Read more on our ambassador page here: https://hoomauhawaii.org/ambassadors/

It's almost Arbor Day Hawai'i! 🥹🎉 There are so many reasons to celebrate our island home's trees.

1. They give us shade
2. They cool & clean our air
3. They help fight climate change
4. They increase neighborhood walkability
5. They reduce stormwater runoff & protect our reef
6. They help us lower our AC usage & bills
7. They even help us feel less fatigue!

Here are some events you can go to to celebrate our trees and maybe even pick up a tree home to plant in your backyard 💚🌳

Make these 5 important promises to Hawai'i 🌈✨ Take the pledge and share the pledge!

We need to remember to take care of our island and educate others on how we can do that while enjoying the beauty it offers. 🏝️💞

Take the pledge here: https://hoomauhawaii.org/ 💙

“I love to hike and get outdoors as much as I possibly can. One of the best ways to care for the land and respect Hawaii when you’re hiking is to simply stay on the path that’s already designated. Thinking that you can create a shortcut by cutting through and making your own path can really hurt specific plant and animal species, and even yourself and I think people take that too lightly. Stay safe and keep our ecosystems safe by staying on the trail. Whenever I can, I also will pick up trash when I see it! It’s good to have some kind of bag on you where you can put the trash in to throw away later.

My favorite thing about hiking is the VIEWS of course! I love to put my phone away and just take in the sights, the sunshine, and fresh air— I think we all need a little more of that 💛 Even though sometimes it can be huge challenge, the reward is always worth it at the end (:" - Ambassador Tehlor Takahata 😍🤙🏽

Say aloha to ! 💙✨
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🏝️ Why do you love Hawai'i?⁠
"I love Hawai'i because it’s such a beautiful place. Growing up here I learned about the importance of conserving the environment and appreciating all that it provides us. I also love Hawai'i because I am native Hawaiian, this place is my home, my culture, my roots!"

🏝️ How do you resonate with Ho'omau Hawai'i?⁠
"Ho’omau Hawai'i resonated with me because I believe it is important to educate those who are visiting Hawai'i about being more mindful of their actions. What we say and do not only impacts ourselves but as well as the people and environment around us. It’s vital to teach visitors sustainable habits to help keep our islands thriving."⁠
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Mahalo for spreading the importance of conserving our environment, Kyla 💙 ⁠We appreciate you!⁠
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Read more on our ambassador page here: https://hoomauhawaii.org/ambassadors/

Dream Team 😎 Can't wait for our Ho'omau Ambassador Meet-Up tomorrow! See you all soon 💙 Check out their stories on the link below:
https://hoomauhawaii.org/ambassadors/

Say aloha to ! 🥰
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🏝️ What is your STORY? ⁠
"Hi guys! My name is Tehlor (pronounced Taylor xD) and I'm a local girl from Kaneohe! I attended college at NAU in AZ and now I’m a full time entrepreneur and wedding photographer! Some of my values are surrounding myself with people who raise me up to constantly be better, spending time with my other half Keej and our pup Boba, taking care of each other and our Earth (of course!), and serving my God above all else through the way I live my life. I believe every single person matters and can make a huge impact in this world, whatever your story may be – we each are so important!" ⁠
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🏝️ How do you resonate with Ho'omau Hawai'i?⁠
"I'm so grateful to be part of a movement like Ho'omau Hawai'i with the vision of making a huge impact not just on Hawai'i, but in the lives of so many people. Any way that I can be a part of positive change and live a life of significance by reaching out to others and changing people's lives, I'm here for! My good friend, Kammeran Keola, thought of me to be a part of this amazing movement and I want to share the same thing with as many others as possible. We have such a beautiful home that we need to take care of it, or it might not be here in the future. Thanks to Ho'omau for bringing us all together to create this massive change!"⁠
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Mahalo for being a part of the team and sharing our values and mission with others 💙 ⁠We appreciate you!
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Read more at: https://hoomauhawaii.org/ambassadors/

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is the biggest botanical garden on O’ahu that includes a lake and walking trails 👣🌺 The garden was established in 1982, and designed and built by the US Army Corps of Engineers for flood protection. Special emphasis is also placed on conserving plants native to Hawai’i and Polynesia.

When visiting places in Hawai’i, especially like this garden, let’s make sure to protect and respect indigenous people's work and culture. Let’s always Ho’omau Hawai’i and 💙

Nothing beats sunsets by the beaches in Hawai'i 🧡

Say aloha to ! 😎⁠
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🏝️ What is your STORY? ⁠
"Aloha! My name is Nick Gruen, I’m a commercial photographer and drone operator based out of the lovely North Shore of Oahu. I’ve grown up around the ocean and feel like I have a close relationship with her. I was in ocean safety for 6 years, I love diving, surfing and capturing life in and out of the water. A few years ago, I was shooting the surf at the infamous Pipeline break, when I took a major blow getting sucked over the falls and hitting a reef. I broke my back & 7 vertebrae that day. I think it’s important to know that we will never be able to be stronger than the ocean and her might but that we can be educated in ways to prevent injury or even worse from happening. I believe ocean and water knowledge/safety is a must for anyone visiting our island home… If it could happen to me with my whole life experience in the water, it could happen to anyone." ⁠
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🏝️ How do you resonate with Ho'omau Hawai'i?⁠
"I love the idea of Ho'omau Hawai'i because to be honest.. we are outnumbered and we need to educate and help those visiting our home. Like I've mentioned before, the ocean is no place to be taken lightly. I’ve participated in hundreds of ocean rescues and have seen people get very hurt and worse."⁠
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Mahalo for sharing your story, Nick, and for wanting to keep everyone safe in the waters of Hawai'i 💙

Read more on the link on our bio!

"Swimming with the dolphins is a feeling that words cannot describe. Being in unison with these amazing animals make you feel such a connection with them.

Whenever we go diving, it’s a complete blessing to have them come across our path and it’s important to remember not to chase them or swim aggressively. The proper gear is also necessary because you don’t want to tire out and be stuck many yards away from shore. Dive safe and share the aloha 💙" - Nolan Omura 🤙🏽

“Swimming with the dolphins is a feeling that words cannot describe. Being in unison with these amazing animals make you feel such a connection with them. Whenever we go diving, it’s a complete blessing to have them come across our path and it’s important to remember not to chase them or swim aggressively. The proper gear is also necessary because you don’t want to tire out and be stuck many yards away from shore. Dive safe and share the aloha 💙” - 🤙🏽

Say aloha to ! 😊
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🏝️ What is your STORY? ⁠
"Aloha! My name is Matthew Leong. I battled a lot with self-worth in the past and photography has helped me regain my confidence within myself. It has given me a sense of freedom and self expression. It brings me joy and allows me to help others achieve their dreams. I’m grateful for where this journey has taken me!" ⁠
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🏝️ How do you resonate with Ho'omau Hawai'i?⁠
"I believe that we can make a positive impact here and help to continue to promote and educate others about our home and how we can protect it. If we want to see productive change and set an example in our community, it should start with us! "⁠
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Mahalo Tommy for your craft in Hawai'i and for wanting to make a positive impact on our island home! 🌺

Read more at https://hoomauhawaii.org/ambassadors/ 🤩💙

"Try meeting or leaving people with Aloha, you'll be surprised by their reaction. I believe it and it is my creed." - Duke Kahanamoku (8/24/1890 - 1/22/1968) 💙

Wise words by Duke that we should live by ☺️✨ Happy Birthday, Duke! 🎉 Thank you for reminding us to always spread aloha 🌺🤙🏽

Say aloha to ! 😎⁠
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🏝️ What is your STORY? ⁠
"Originally from the Chicago area, I’ve been a Hawaii resident since 2013. Ever since first getting on a surfboard at Baby Queens in Waikiki in the early 2000s, I’ve been determined to spend the rest of my days giving back to, enjoying, and capturing the beauty of the islands and its amazing people. This love drew me to work with AccesSurf, a charitable organization that helps connect those with physical and/or cognitive disabilities to the ocean..." ⁠
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🏝️ How do you resonate with Ho'omau Hawai'i?⁠
"I am someone who moved to Hawai’i from the mainland and had to learn all of the ways we need to respect, protect, and love these islands, and I think it is important to spread knowledge on how to continue to respect, protect, and love Hawai’i and its culture."⁠
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Mahalo Tommy for all the work you do in and for Hawai'i! 🌺

Say aloha to ! 🥳
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🏝️ What is your STORY? ⁠
"I’m Tyler! I was raised in the Pacific Northwest and moved to Hawai’i over a decade ago. I’m a surfer, diver, hiker, and almost always have a camera in my hand. I admit, I moved here without any real purpose. I thought I had experienced the entire west coast and decided to head off into the middle of the ocean. I grew up in and around the water and wanted to be in a warmer ocean. Soon I discovered that Hawaii is not what the movies and media make it out to be. Yes, it’s a paradise, it’s beautiful, awe inspiring even. But there’s infinitely more to it than that. It’s a culturally diverse, hyper sensitive ecosystem, and it needs everybody, visitors and locals alike, to do their part in protecting it." ⁠
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🏝️ How do you resonate with Ho'omau Hawai'i?⁠
"I resonate with Ho'omau Hawai’i because it seeks to perpetuate Hawaiian culture while educating those who visit about the sensitivity of a remote archipelago's land and sea environments. I’ve learned so much from my time here and experienced such invaluable personal growth that I believe it is important for us to pass on our knowledge and experiences to everyone, from the local youth to the guests in hotels. Hawai’i may be a small dot in the ocean, but it can play a big part on the international stage examining the effects of climate change, combatting plastic pollution, and developing a healthy relationship with tourism."⁠
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Mahalo, Tyler, for wanting to spread awareness on what we all can do to preserve the beautiful land of Hawai'i and for capturing the beauty of our island home! 🌺

Say aloha to ! 😎⁠
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🏝️ What is your STORY? ⁠
"Born and raised in Hawai‘i, I’ve always wanted to capture and share the beauty of Hawai’i with those who are unable to witness the things we do, which led me to becoming a photographer/videographer. Not everyone is able to see and do the things we experience, therefore, they are able to live vicariously through our photos and videos." ⁠
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🏝️ How do you resonate with Ho'omau Hawai'i?⁠
"Over the years, Hawai‘i has had more and more visitors. I’ve noticed that there has been an increase of rubbish left behind. From Ho’omau Hawai’i’s pledge, imagine the possibilities if those who came left the beaches better than when they arrived. I think it’s very important to spread awareness on what both us locals and visitors can do to preserve the beauty of Hawai’i."⁠
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Mahalo, Nolan, for wanting to spread awareness on what we all can do to preserve the beautiful land of Hawai'i! 🌺

557 of you on Instagram.. Mahalo nui loa from the bottom of our hearts! 💙🤙🏽 Let's keep spreading the word and protect where we play 🌈🏖️ | 📸:

Hawai'i is famous for its big waves 🌊 Don't underestimate them! Make sure you're aware of how strong the waves are in the places you plan on doing any water activities. Enjoy the waves and have fun but always be with a friend, stay safe, and respect the ocean 💙🌈

What you see here is Siva afi (fire knife dancing), which is a tradition rooted in Samoan culture that incorporates the Samoan weapon, nifo oti, or war knife 🔥

The fire knife dance dates back to the ancient Polynesian demonstration of ailao, which was a Samoan warrior's display of strength using a war club and was typically performed at ceremonial processions. Until the introduction of metal, the war club was originally carved with serrated edges and jagged "teeth," features that distinguished this unique weapon.

The performance of dancing and twirling the knife and doing other acrobatic stunts takes many months or even years to master!

Beautiful, clear beaches everywhere! 💙 Always make sure to keep our beaches clean and protect where we play 🌊✨ | 📸: Kammeran Keola

Repost from 💙 | What better way for visitors to immerse themselves in the Hawaii life than participating in malama (give back) Hawaii experiences?⁠⁠
offers a Malama Hawaii Program, where visitors have the opportunity to volunteer with organizations that give back to the land, ocean, wildlife, forest, and the community. The program doesn't only allows visitors to experience Hawaii on a deeper and connected level, but also supports the well-being of the island!⁠⁠
Learn more about the program here: https://www.gohawaii.com/malama⁠⁠⁠

Happy Aloha Friday! 🌺 Enjoy the beaches this weekend, responsibly 😉