A Connection Awakened: Finding Our Konikoni Fire

Konikoni - adj. ". . . feeling deeply"

Hawai’i Nei - “This Hawai’i” or “Beloved Hawai’i”

Wehewehe.org

If you’ve been following our journey and reading our captions or blogs, you may have noticed we often use the phrase Hawai‘i Nei. To us, it’s more than just a name—it’s a reflection of our deep love for this island, our home, and the only place we’ve ever truly felt that we belong.

Although we were not born in Hawai‘i, my son and I share common ancestry with Pacific Islanders. Many Hawaiians might use the term Kanaka Maoli, yet our ‘ohana prefers to say simply Maoli. My wife and I also share Native American ancestry, so calling ourselves Kanaka Maoli would tell only part of our story. Likewise, identifying solely as Native American wouldn’t completely capture who we are. The word Maoli — meaning “indigenous” or “authentic” — embraces the fullness of our heritage and the heart behind our work in Hawai‘i photography.

Sadly, much of our Native American language and tradition has been lost. The people of Hawai‘i, however, recognized early the importance of protecting their heritage before it could disappear. Their deep relationship with the ‘āina mirrors that of Native American cultures that still remain. Maoli Kanaka understand the threat of cultural extinction—to become nalowale (vanished).

Capturing the soul of Hawai'i Nei - Our Home, Our Pu'uwai, Our Mo'olelo

That understanding is why our family chose to hānai (embrace) the Hawaiian culture as our own. We come from a lineage of both extinct and endangered peoples, and Hawai‘i offered us a chance to reconnect with what is sacred and ancestral.

We moved to Hawai‘i driven by a powerful sense of hiraeth—a longing for a home we had never seen but somehow felt calling to us. It was a voice deep in our na‘au (heart and soul) urging us home. On January 31, 2022, we arrived on Hawai‘i Island and began immersing ourselves in the language, customs, and community.

My wife and son began learning hula from Kumu Charmaine, while my son and I started building a wa‘apa (canoe) together. The culture awakened something ancient inside us—a konikoni, a burning zeal as alive and powerful as magma beneath our feet. When Mauna Loa erupted later that year, it felt as though the island itself acknowledged our arrival, deepening our connection to the ‘āina and its mana.

Shaping our roots, one plank at a time — building our family wa‘apa and our future together.

Naturally, Hawai‘i Nei began to influence every aspect of our lives—including our work. I’d always been the man behind the camera back in Texas. When my son discovered photography, it came naturally to him, but here in Hawai‘i, that gift took root and blossomed. The island inspired a new vision—indigenous storytelling through the lens. My honi and I had promised to support Kaimana in whatever dream he pursued after graduation. So when he decided to start a photography business, we were all in.

We did our homework—researched the market, secured the URL HawaiiIslandPhotography.com, and built our website with the right foundations for Big Island photography and Hawai‘i family photography. Before long, the work began to come in.

As we grew, we noticed something important. Many photographers on the island cater primarily to visitors, but only a few — like Kahiki Photography and Pomaikai Photography — truly focus on the local community and Hawaiian culture photography. That realization changed everything.

While we’re grateful to serve travelers who wish to capture their memories here, our heart lies with the local people. As local photographers in Hawai‘i, our purpose is to preserve and celebrate the beauty of Hawai‘i Nei—its people, its stories, its land.

As we continue to grow, we’ll be transitioning toward our trade name: Hawai‘i Nei Photos. Still, the story of Lulua‘ina will always remain the very heart and soul of who we are—rooted in aloha, culture, and connection.

Dear Reader,

Mahalo nui loa for allowing us to share our story. Our journey is one of gratitude, connection, and aloha — and we’re honored to capture the beauty of this beloved Hawai‘i Nei alongside you.

If you’d like to collaborate or have your story captured through our lens, reach out. Together, let’s preserve the spirit of Hawai‘i Nei—one photograph, one story at a time.

Reach Out