Join us on Passport Profiles as travel hosts Franco & Shannon sit down with Emily Harper of Hawaii Flower Lei to explore the deep roots of Hawaiian culture — from Niʻihau (“the Forbidden Island”) to shell lei craftsmanship and the living language of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
In this episode you’ll discover:
The Sinclair/Robinson family legacy and how Emily continues that connectionHow authentic Hawaiian leis are made — beyond the “tourist garland” — and the meaningful stories they carrySurprising truth vs myth about Niʻihau: language, access, and life on the islandTips for respectful, culturally rooted travel in HawaiʻiWays travelers can honor tradition, support land stewardship (mālama ʻāina), and experience deeper cultural exchangeWhether you’re planning Hawaiʻi-bound travels or simply fascinated by island heritage, this episode is your gateway to aloha in action.