Talented Polynesian artist, illustrator and designer, Shar Tuiʻasoa is the creative force behind the hugely popular Punky Aloha Studio. Following graduation from Kailua High School (Go Surfriders!), Shar pursued a degree in fine art in California before returning home to Hawaiʻi. Best known for her beautiful images of Polynesian women, Shar’s graphic illustrations are bold, colorful and always exciting.
Mahalo ke Akua! After a long career teaching writing (which I really loved), I am thrilled beyond words that my debut picture book, KAHOʻOLAWE, has been officially announced at Publisherʻs Weekly!
We are delighted to feature the accomplished Native Hawaiian artist and historian, Brook Kapūkuniahi Parker. He has illustrated several children’s books for ʻAha Pūnana Leo Hawaiian Emersion Schools and created numerous stunning commission pieces for clients throughout Hawai’i. His passion is to Brooke-Parkercreate breathtaking art that brings life to our ancestors, and he does so through his extensive knowledge of Native Hawaiian history and culture.
Hawaiʻi-based author Vera Arita has spent her life helping special-needs children to succeed. Her childrenʻs books focus on Hawaiʻi themes and encourage children to delight in the world around them.
Hauoli Makahiki Hou, everyone! I love the start of a shiny new year. We also celebrate Chinese New Year around here. Kung Hee Fat Choy! What better way to start a new year but with talented Native Hawaiian and Hawaiʻi based writers and creators! Meet the wonderful Dru Santiago, Hawaiʻi based illustrator and the 2021 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Narrative Art award.
As 2022 ends, I look back with aloha and gratitude to the many people who have made such a difference in my writing life.
Our ongoing series with Native Hawaiian and local Hawaiʻi writers continues this week with Caren Loebel-Fried, the talented, award-winning author/illustrator from Volcano, Hawaiʻi. Her beautiful block-printing focuses on conservation and the natural world.
Protests about the building of huge astronomical telescopes at the summit Mauna Kea have been going on for decades. They’ve only recently been brought into focus because of the planned Thirty Meter Telescope. As descendants of the earliest Polynesian voyagers, the kanaka ʻoiwi have always understood the importance of astronomy. But for a people who have long suffered the loss of their country and autonomy, desecration of their sacred mountain and the natural environment must end. As seen through the lens of Kai Markell,
Come along with Joe and Mara as they hunt for the night marchers in March On, the hilariously spooky video by my friend, the writer and storyteller Courtney Takabayashi. Be sure to watch through the credits for the lovable eccentric, Uncle Kimo. Courtneyʻs video is a past winner of the Halloween Video Contest sponsored by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Hawaii News Now.
Our ongoing series on Native Hawaiian and local Hawaiʻi writers continues this week with Adam Keawe, the talented Native Hawaiian writer and blogger. If you’re a regular reader of Ka Wai Ola O OHA, then you’ve no doubt read Adam’s wonderfully interesting, well-researched articles about the history and culture of our people.
