Home Is Here: How Passion Becomes Purpose With a Ranger, Stargazing and Palaka

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

Sometimes, finding your calling in life follows a journey down a long, winding path. Other times, you realize you have known it all along. You just took a few detours.

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

After decades in the military and learning about cultures around the world, Keoni Kai Hikiawawe‘ula Kaholo‘a‘ā realized it was time reconnect with the culture that once surrounded him at home. As an interpretative ranger at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Kaholo‘a‘ā helps park visitors see and feel beyond what is visible and connect with their surroundings, from the spiritual elements to the birds and plants and volcanic activity. It’s a powerful experience for guide and visitors.

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

Nick Bradley has his two feet firmly planted on the ground, but he has had his eyes on the stars and sky most of his life. He has turned his curiosity into a passion and a mission to share his knowledge and inspire curiosity amongst anyone wanting to learn through Stargazers of Hawai‘i.

“The average person never looks through a telescope, much less thorough a large telescope. And so, we have these families. The kids are amazed. The parents are even more amazed. They become kids, as well, and … it’s just amazing,” shares Bradley.

When it comes to finding the things that connect us, we can often look closer to Earth and home. A glimpse into your closet may lead to an historic journey that elicits fond memories of family and traditions.

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

“Everybody has a story about palaka. Even if you just talk to friends, neighbors, everybody has a palaka story,” says Andy Reilly, with UH Mānoa’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program. “I think it’s because it’s so embedded in local culture here.”

Palaka is rooted in the plantation era, but its appeal expanded across rural communities and bloomed into a fashion favorite across generations, remaining popular to this day. For many, the fashion flashback comes with a flood of memories. During tough economic times, families used what they had to meet basic needs, like clothing.

Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

Rice bag clothing became a work of art from the heart for Karon Serain-Darnall and her family. People hoped her mom would fashion a dress for them, but with no luck because the fashion, in this case, was a priceless labor of love.

The thread linking these three individual stories is connection—to our home, to our universe, to our history. Don’t miss a brand-new Home Is Here on PBS Hawai‘i on Wednesday, Feb. 25.

Home Is Here
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m.
Broadcast and streaming on pbshawaii.org and YouTube

SEE ALSO: Home Is Here With Local Artists Kalany Omengkar and Tassho Pearce

Every month, HONOLULU publishes a blog written by the folks at PBS Hawai‘i, the only locally owned, statewide television station in Hawai‘i that receives support mainly through donations. Visit pbshawaii.org to learn more about exceptional, locally produced shows and the most prominent provider of educational and national programming. Explore music and the arts, discover in-depth documentaries and learn what makes Hawai‘i so special. Follow PBS Hawai‘i on all platforms: @pbshawaii