In true Inspired By Aloha (IBA) fashion, the crew gathers to reflect on a year filled with manaʻo, music, and meaningful connections. Joined by special guest, Camden the IBA Tech Guru, they look back with gratitude on the incredible guests who joined them in 2025 such as Keala Thompson, The Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society, Prime Hina, and Haunani Miyasato, each bringing their own ʻike, moʻolelo, and aloha to the table.

Things get even more fun when the crew opens a special makana from Kaulana Mahina, leading to plenty of surprises and heartfelt moments. This episode is full of giggles, storytelling, pidgin ponderings, childhood concert memories, and Pocho power! It's a perfect reminder of why gathering to talk story with friends is the best way to brighten your day!

As the IBA ʻohana enters a new year in 2026, the saying "Hiki Nō" or "Can!" rings true for the group. From our IBA family to yours...may 2026 be your year of doing, experiencing, and living a life of aloha to the fullest! Hiki nō!

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: [email protected]

"...it wasn't till I actually started taking Hawaiian language classes that I learned a lot. And you know with language comes culture right. They're intertwined. You can't separate one from the other. So that's when I really learned my culture too." 

~ Haunani Miyasato, Educator and Founder of Kaulana Mahina

The Inspired by Aloha crew welcomes Hawaiʻi island educator, entrepreneur, and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi advocate Haunani Miyasato, the visionary behind Kaulana Mahina, a cultural learning platform rooted in ʻike kūpuna, lived practices, and a deep commitment to giving our keiki the tools to kilo (observe) and connect with the ʻāina.

What begins as a talk story about learning ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi to support her immersion-school children unfolds into a moving journey of persistence, identity, and purpose. Haunani shares how a rigorous college course on the mahina (moon) cracked her world open, revealing how lunar cycles shape fishing, planting, harvesting, and even our own energy. Using what she learned, she transformed her knowledge into a Hawaiian moon calendar, created entirely in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi to preserve the cultural meaning and mana embedded in the language.

The crew explore how aloha is perpetuated through intentional, high-quality work, such as research grounded in Hawaiian scholarship to collaboration with cultural practitioners and correcting inaccuracies in resources such as ahupuaʻa maps. Haunani also shares the practice of kilo, explaining how careful observation can support sustainability, mindfulness, and deeper connection to place. 

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt called back to language, culture, or ʻike and wondered if it’s “too late” to begin. Haunani reminds us that you don’t have to be an expert to start. You just have to take the time to learn and find a way to pass it on.

Mahalo nui to Haunani Miyasato for bringing the moon, the maps, the moʻolelo, and the mana to Inspired by Aloha. Your efforts keep Hawaiian culture alive for the lāhui and our future generations!

Follow Kaulana Mahina: @kaulana.mahina on Instagram and visit kaulanamahina.com.

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: [email protected]

The Inspired by Aloha crew gather to reflect on their heartfelt conversations with three remarkable cultural practitioners: Aunty Kuʻuipo Kumukahi, Jeninne Heleloa, and muralist John “Prime” Hina. What starts as a casual catch-up evolves into a rich exploration of art as kuleana, connection to culture, and the transformative power of being given the space to grow.

Fresh from time spent with the Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society at their headquarters in Maunalua and a morning immersed in John Prime’s artistic world, the hosts unpack the magic of meeting people who live their craft with intention. They celebrate the aunties’ dedication to authentic mele, Prime’s journey from tagger to cultural community educator, and the many ways each uses their gifts to uplift the lāhui and inspire the next generation.

From moonlit mural sessions to memories of learning mele as keiki, this episode honors those who “plant seeds for trees whose shade they’ll never enjoy,” choosing to perpetuate Hawaiian culture with love, integrity, and aloha.

Whether you’re an artist, teacher, cultural practitioner, or someone still discovering your gift, this Talk Story gently reminds us that there is always time, always space, and always purpose in the journey of becoming.

Mahalo nui to Auntie Kuʻuipo, Jeninne, and Prime for inspiring us all to find and share our gifts with the world.

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: [email protected]

“We’re not just painting walls. We’re locking in the DNA, the mana, and the stories of the community.”  ~ John "Prime" Hina

Get ready for "Prime Time!" In this powerful, laughter-filled, chicken-skin conversation, Amy, Erin, and Shareen sit with renowned graffiti artist, philosopher, farmer, and storyteller John “Prime” Hina, founder of 808 Urban and Dear Love Story.

From tagging his first bedroom wall in the 1980s to building one of Hawaiʻi’s most influential community art movements, Prime shares the unexpected path that transformed an outlaw art form into a vessel for culture, healing, and connection. He takes us deep into 808 Urban’s signature mural process (manalima, pilialoha, moʻokāpala, and moʻolelo) and explains how every handprint, every drop of water, and every story woven into a wall carries the DNA of its people.

Prime reflects on fatherhood, the moment his keiki “discovered” tagging, and the decision that reignited his artistic purpose. He opens his heart about legacy, lōkahi, microbes, Hawaiian knowledge, Korean Natural Farming, and his newest body of work with Dear Love Story, including his innovative, culturally grounded “lei” art series, community-driven coloring books, and a commitment to documenting stories for future generations.

“People see a pretty mural. The community sees generations of moʻolelo in color.” 

This episode reminds us that art is more than a picture, it’s a living process, a sacred space, and a bridge between ancestors and keiki. And as always, Prime brings the humor, the truth, and the deep wisdom only a master storyteller can deliver.

Witness Prime's incredible impact in our world at https://www.808urban.org/ and https://dearlovestory.com

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: [email protected]

🎶 Recorded live from the Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society in Maunalua, Oʻahu.

“My mother was putting the Hawaiian words into my mouth through mele, because my father wouldn’t speak Hawaiian to me…but at least I would have the words in my mouth through mele.”       ~ Aunty Kuʻuipo Kumukahi

In this very special Inspired by Aloha episode, the crew takes their first road trip to Maunalua (aka Hawaiʻi Kai) to sit down with two remarkable women: Aunty Kuʻuipo Kumukahi and Jeninne Heleloa, co-founders of the Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society (HMPS). Together, they share powerful stories of ʻohana, mele, and resilience. From kolohe childhood memories and musical roots to the founding of HMPS during COVID, their mission continues to be the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture through song. Filled with laughter, emotion, and deep cultural insights, this episode reminds us that Aloha is more than a word. It is a soothing melody that washes over the soul and deeply connects us in ways we never thought possible. It is a way of life, passed down, protected, and meant to be shared with future generations.

This episode is all heart, humor, and the living Aloha. Whether you're kanaka ʻōiwi, kamaʻāina, or just beginning your journey to understand Hawaiʻi, this conversation will both uplift and ground you. 

As a special bonus, Aunty Kuʻuipo graces us with her beautiful, mesmerizing leo, a voice that invites you to close your eyes, listen deeply, and feel your heart overflow with gratitude.  We hope you enjoy this gift of mele from the Hawaiian Music Perpetuation Society!

🎶👉🏽Check them out today at https://www.hmpshawaii.com/

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: [email protected]

"Your story will help lots of people too. YOUR Story will help people realize that they're not alone, that they have someone. There's so many people that hold safe spaces for you to come and talk to them and have help." ~ Shareen Poynter

Get ready for an episode packed with inspirational stories and plenty of "aha!" moments where Amy, Erin, and Shareen reflect on their conversations with two incredible guests who are turning passion into purpose in wildly different, but equally amazing, ways! First, they reflect on the good work of visionary founders of Kilohana Farms and Big Island Meadery, Vanessa Houle and Devin Magallanes (Season 1, EP 13), who are not only crafting delicious honey products and mead, but also using their platform to educate communities about the vital role bees play in our agricultural ecosystems, and what we risk if we don’t protect them.

Then, the conversation continues around the impactful contributions of Keala Thompson (Season 2, EP 1), creator of an international business dedicated to guiding individuals toward personal growth, mental well-being, and discovering their deeper purpose in life. His dedication to his own self-healing in order to help others do the same is truly a model of behavior to be celebrated.

From sustainable farming to mental health empowerment, this episode is a heartfelt exploration about personal stories of passion and grace from everyday people who do extraordinary acts of aloha! 

May you find the moments to celebrate and the courage to share YOUR STORY, because within you lies the power to inspire, uplift, and help others thrive!

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: [email protected]

Welcome to Season 2 of Inspired by Aloha, a podcast dedicated to spotlighting extraordinary individuals who use their special gifts to bring more aloha into our world. 

In this episode, we are honored to feature Keala Thompson, a local boy turned international speaker and relationship specialist, who is on a mission to guide people towards their own healing while living their most empowered lives.

Keala's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, he learned the value of community, connection, and faith. He credits his family for teaching him the grounding value and meaning of Aloha. 

"I learned a lot from my dad. The Aloha he showed was more like an unconditional type of love. It was unconditional in the sense that you don't have to do anything to earn my love. I love you as you are, without having to earn my love or earn my respect. I love you because of the love, the aloha I already have inside of my heart, that I want to give to you. Not all love has the power to heal. I think conditional type of love doesn't have the power to heal...the unselfish, unconditional type of love has the power to heal. That's what I've seen."  ~ Keala Thompson

Through hard work and dedication, Keala has become a positive role model for men, women, and families around the globe. His passion for building stronger relationships, healing brokenness, and empowering others has made him a sought-after speaker and advisor. 

Join us as we dive deep into Keala’s story, uncover the wisdom he’s gained along the way, and explore the powerful ways we can all heal, grow, and build lasting connections. Learn more about Keala Thompson at KT Advising!

Get ready to be inspired!

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: [email protected]

Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! Happy New Year!

As we welcome in 2025, the Inspired by Aloha family is happily getting ready to launch Season 2. If you were with us last season, mahalo nui for your continued support! If you are new to our podcast, welcome to our ʻohana! We hope to bring a smile to your face and some pep in your step as we send you a big hug over the airwaves. May 2025 be the best year yet for us all!

Me ke aloha pumehana,
Amy, Erin, and Shareen
(and Camden, our tech guy!)

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: [email protected]

The Inspired by Aloha crew wishes you and your ʻohana a happy and healthy holiday season! In this episode, Amy, Erin, and Shareen reminisce about their favorite family holiday traditions in Hawaiʻi. Laugh, relax, and feel the festive vibes as we share heartwarming stories, cherished memories, and lots of holiday cheer. And because no celebration is complete without kanikapila, we’ll even attempt to serenade our listeners and share our joy!

As we close out 2024 and the first year of our podcast, we would like to sincerely MAHALO all of our guests, supporters, listeners, and followers for being a part of this magical journey. You all helped to make this dream come true and we are so grateful to be...Inspired by Aloha!

Mālama pono and see you in 2025 for Season 2! 🤗🤗🤗

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: [email protected]

Bees are life! 🐝

In this episode, the Inspired by Aloha crew talks story with the “dynamic duo” of Vanessa Houle and Devin Magallanes, co-owners of Kilohana Honey and Big Island Meadery in Keaʻau, Hawai’i.  Join us as we explore how this local, family-owned farm produces raw, pure honey and artisanal honey mead with a deep respect and aloha for the ʻāina and the bees. From their careful and nurturing efforts to ensure the bees thrive, to the innovative, sustainable techniques used in their production process, Vanessa and Devin are dedicated to excellence at every step. 

“As beekeepers, we've kind of learned over the years what our bees need. We've watched those seasonal shifts, the fluctuation in their health and when to step in, to help either create more colonies or ensure that we sustain our current colonies. It's just a symbiotic feeling of giving more than you take.” ~ Vanessa Houle

We will also learn about the time, patience, and craftsmanship that goes into each jar of honey and bottle of mead, and how the farm's commitment to quality and sustainability shines through.  Inspired by Aloha celebrates the thoughtful achievements of Vanessa and Devin and their Kilohana Honey and Big Island Meadery businesses. This small, local business is making huge, positive impacts in our islandʻs environment and communities. Check out their story and contributions at https://bigislandmeadery.com/. 

Connect with your Inspired by Aloha (IBA) crew! We look forward to hearing from you!
Instagram: @inspiredbyaloha808
Email: [email protected]