Lei as Therapy: A Personal Journey Rooted in Kaua‘i
Born and raised on the island of Kaua‘i, I was surrounded by beauty — not just in the landscape, but in the traditions and people who shaped me. My godmother was a master lei maker, an award-winning artisan whose hands could turn foraged greens and blooms into breathtaking works of art. From the age of four, I sat beside her, watching, learning, absorbing. Lei wili style felt instinctual, like muscle memory passed down through generations. I don’t even remember learning it — I just knew it.
Today, making lei isn’t my business. It’s not something I sell, and I don’t host workshops. It’s my therapy. A sacred practice that grounds me. I can finish a lei haku or lei po‘o in about 20 minutes, but it’s never about how fast I can finish — it’s about how it makes me feel.
Lei making brings me into the moment. Surrounded by flowers, leaves, fruit, and textures from nature — I feel joy, peace, and presence. The act of creating something beautiful with my hands and heart is deeply healing. And when you wear a lei, you feel it: special, seen, and loved. You’re adorned in the gifts of the ʻāina — there’s something spiritual about that.
A few years ago, I began sharing more about fruits, flowers, and leis online. Since then, lei making has become more popular — something of a trend. While I love seeing the interest grow, I want to be clear that for me, this isn’t about aesthetics or content. This is my connection to something older than me. It’s cultural, personal, and emotional. It’s my catharsis, my outlet, and my joy.
Sometimes, when I’m making a lei, I’m not even thinking — I’m just doing. Flowing. Feeling. And it brings me deep happiness.
I’m sharing this part of my story because I believe a lei — especially one that is foraged, thoughtfully crafted, and given — is truly priceless. It carries mana, intention, and aloha. And if I can share what I know, inspire someone to find joy in creating, or help you feel the beauty of lei in your own life, then that’s enough for me.
I’m still learning, just like you. And I always will be. That’s part of the beauty too.

"You're deeply rooted in Hawai‘i, not just physically but emotionally and culturally. You show a strong sense of kuleana (responsibility) to uplift local makers, culture, and community voices. Whether it's showcasing artisans, celebrating small businesses, or honoring your guests on your podcast, you approach each piece with care, authenticity, and pride.
You're also a creative professional who values quality and storytelling. You seem to have a sharp editorial eye, a good sense of branding, and you’re tuned in to what resonates with your audience. You strike a balance between being personable and polished — your tone is warm and relatable, but still refined and intentional.
You’re collaborative but decisive — open to new ideas, but you know what you like and what works. You probably get things done quickly and trust your instincts, but you're also self-aware and strategic about how you present yourself and your work.
Most of all, you seem like someone who genuinely cares — about people, place, and purpose. That comes through in every caption, promo, and profile you share."

Wow, I would say this is pretty spot on. I do feel passionately about all these points. 

 Why You Should Consider Maui Resort Rentals Over a Hotel. 
If you're planning a getaway to Maui and debating between a hotel room or a resort condo, let me make your decision easy: Maui Resort Rentals is absolutely worth it.

I recently had the chance to stay in one of their three-bedroom penthouse suites overlooking Kāʻanapali Beach, and it was nothing short of incredible. Imagine waking up each morning to sweeping views of the Pacific, watching the sun dip into the ocean from your private lanai, and having enough space to truly stretch out and relax. That’s exactly what you get.

Spacious Luxury That Feels Like Home (But Better)

This wasn’t your average vacation rental. We're talking luxury finishes, high-end appliances, modern interiors, and thoughtful touches everywhere—from plush bedding to a gourmet kitchen. There was a large living room where we could all unwind together, three spacious bedrooms for privacy, and multiple bathrooms (a total game-changer when traveling with a group or family).

The kitchen was a huge bonus—especially for quick breakfasts before the beach or sunset pupus with a view. And if you’re traveling with kids, being able to do laundry mid-trip is an underrated lifesaver. And you can't let me forget about the insanely gorgeous lanai. Plus they also have things like BBQ's a spa and several pools with jacuzzis. 

Location, Location, Location

Set right on Kāʻanapali Beach, this location couldn’t be better. You’re steps away from great snorkeling (hello, Honu and colorful reef fish!), surf spots, beach walks, and even shopping and dining at Whalers Village. We barely had to get in the car the whole trip.
More Value Than a Hotel Room - Here's the part that surprised me: the cost wasn’t that much more than a single hotel room nearby. For just a few hundred dollars more per night, we had a full condo that could comfortably host six people--with all the resort-style amenities. That includes pools, cabanas, fitness centers, and dining. It truly combines the best of both worlds: the spaciousness of a vacation rental and the convenience of a resort.
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Final Thoughts: If you're heading to Maui and want to elevate your stay without breaking the bank, Maui Resort Rentals is the move. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, having that extra space, comfort, and access to one of the island’s best beaches makes all the difference.
Trust me—you’ll never want to go back to a standard hotel room again.

Visit: https://www.mauiresortrentals.com/

A Familiar Face, A Fresh Experience: Chef Lance Kosaka at Basalt Restaurant
There’s something special about reconnecting with people who’ve shared a chapter of your journey — especially when it involves incredible food.

I recently visited Basalt Restaurant at Duke’s Lane in Waikīkī, and it wasn’t just the dishes that left a lasting impression — it was the chef behind them. Lance Kosaka, a name that might ring a bell for longtime Hawai‘i food lovers, is now leading the culinary charge at Basalt. We go way back — to the days of working together at the legendary Alan Wong’s, where I was an expo and waitress, and he was already proving himself as a talented chef with vision and heart.

Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that Chef Lance hasn’t missed a beat. He’s brought a thoughtful, modern flair to Basalt’s menu, and every bite feels like a nod to his deep roots in Hawai‘i’s food scene — refined, local, and full of intention.
Highlights from the Menu

• Lemon Pepper Shrimp – A bright, bold starter with the perfect balance of zest and heat. Crispy, juicy, and completely addictive.
• Salmon Ochazuke – Comforting and elegant, this dish was a standout. The tea broth was delicate yet flavorful, and the salmon was cooked to perfection.
• Ribeye Steak – Juicy, tender, and beautifully seasoned. You can tell it was made with care, not just for flavor but for texture and presentation too.
• Gnocchi – Light and pillowy, paired with a rich sauce that brought everything together. This was an unexpected favorite!
• Coconut Chocolate Mousse Tart – I’m still thinking about this dessert. Silky, not too sweet, with a tropical twist that felt right at home.

What impressed me most wasn’t just the quality of the dishes, but the feeling behind them. Chef Lance brings a quiet confidence and genuine hospitality to his cooking. The experience at Basalt felt like both a return to roots and a fresh new adventure.
If you haven’t been to Basalt lately, this is your sign to go. Whether you’re a longtime foodie or just looking for a place with soul and serious flavor, you’ll be in good hands.

Mahalo, Chef Lance — it’s inspiring to see you shine, and even more amazing to taste the magic.
Visit: https://www.basaltwaikiki.com/​

A Luxe Summer Escape for Kamaʻāina: Spa & Pool Access at The Ritz-Carlton Waikīkī
If you’ve been craving rest, renewal, and a little indulgence—this summer is your chance to experience luxury like never before, right here on Oʻahu.
For the first time ever, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach is offering an exclusive kamaʻāina spa and pool experience for non-hotel guests. This rare opportunity allows locals to enjoy the resort’s world-class amenities without needing to book an overnight stay.
A Spa Day Designed for Pure RelaxationHere’s how it works:
Book two 80-minute massages at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, and you and a guest will receive so much more than just a treatment—you’ll be treated to an entire day of wellness and luxury.
I recently had the deep tissue massage, and I can honestly say it was one of the best I’ve ever experienced. The therapist was incredibly intuitive and skilled, focusing on all the areas that needed attention without even having to ask. The spa staff welcomed me with such warmth and care—it felt personal from the moment I walked in.
Every detail is thoughtful—from the calming scents and plush robes, to the quiet elegance of the relaxation room, where you can unwind post-treatment with tea, sweet and savory treats, and a glass of bubbly if you like. It’s a truly indulgent experience, down to the last sip and sigh.
Access to the Infinity Pool? Yes, Please.This package also gives you access to the adults-only ocean view infinity pool—a peaceful, serene space with sweeping views of Waikīkī and the Pacific beyond. Normally reserved for hotel guests, this is a rare chance to dip into one of the most luxurious pools on the island and enjoy it all day long.
Kamaʻāina-Only PerksAs part of this summer offer, you’ll also receive:

• 15% off additional spa treatments
• 15% off a private poolside cabana, complete with local snacks and refreshments
• 15% off poolside dining, perfect for savoring a leisurely lunch in the sunshine

Whether you go solo, bring a best friend, or treat a loved one, this experience is about slowing down, being pampered, and enjoying the highest level of hospitality Hawai‘i has to offer.
Book Your ExperienceThis kamaʻāina spa and pool promotion is available now through July 31, 2025, and space is limited. Don’t wait—plan your day of wellness now at ritzcarlton.com/waikiki.

Sometimes the best escape is just a few miles away—especially when it comes with deep relaxation, exceptional service, and oceanfront views.
Treat yourself. You deserve it.

Several years ago I traveled to Paris for a week. That was the one and only time I've been to Europe. Of course I have had my fair share of miles spent roaming Asia, so Europe has been a blank spot for sometime now.
A friend mentioned that she and her sister and her sister's friends were all going on a Med Cruise and it featured all the places on our bucket list. So we opted to join the group and head over for the trip too. 

Using miles we were able to book our airfare from Honolulu to Venice for just over $500. Then we opted to spend a few days in Italy to see the sights, eat and explore. Unfortunately, when we arrived we were also hit by a severe rain and wind storm that featured hurricane force winds. But it was okay we still enjoyed every moment. 
I wanted to stay at a place that was 4-5 stars and right on the Grand Canal. After a reference list from a friend I began to gauge the types of hotels I had to peruse. Honestly a lot of them were sold out or only had suites available. Mind you, this is just on the cusp of the off season and the tail end of the summer peak season, as we arrived on 10/01. 

I found a lovely hotel called the Palazzo Barocci, which is located on the main island in Venice near the Bridge Rialto and Saint Mark's Square. While it is centrally located it is off the beaten path from some of the busy spots and the hustle and bustle. It was lovely. It would take about 10-15 minutes to walk to noteworthy spots or catch a water taxi. But it was well worth it. Looking at the room rates right now it was about $700 a night, but it was comfortable, safe, quiet and elegant. I booked the hotel a day early because we were to arrive at 9am and I didn't want to wait for our room to be ready at 3pm. I explained this to the guest services twice via email and upon check out they tried to charge us a "no show fee" for not arriving on the first day. But it wasn't that we didn't arrive, we wanted to pay for the first night so we could check in the next morning. They kind of argued with us about how they held the room for us and then realized we are paying for it and shouldn't be charging us a fee. So be sure to check your bill when you check out. 

Anyhow, it is kind of surprising how many people smoke in Europe. All the bistros, restaurants and etc have outdoor dining with ashtrays and folks smoking. Just a heads up if you want to sit outside and enjoy you will also be hit with constant cigarette smoke. The food in Italy is amazing. The baked items, the pizza, the pasta, the risotto, the gelato, so fresh, so delicious and perfectly cooked. We stumbled upon pizzaria's who served thin crust, rectangle, circle, pizzas, pasta on a plate, pasta in a cup, it really is abundant and the lots of options. The Italians are lare risers and not everyone is open in the morning and for some the kitchen doesn't open until the afternoon. It seems they only wake up and have coffee. We mainly thought, if it looked good, let's eat it. The gelato lived up to the hype and after trying multiple places we settled on Suso being the best we had. The staple dish of Venice is the Cicchetti, which is a crostini with something on top like protein, vegetables and etc. We tried some from a place that was famous for it and it was fair. The bread was not crisp if anything it was kind of stale and the toppings were just ok. We weren't exactly sure what we were eating but it wasn't that flavorful. Others around us ordered all the cicchettis and maybe our expectations were just too high. 

Despite the cold, wet and windy weather we were still able to venture out and do all the things. It was such a charming city with so much to see, do and try. I think the highlight for me really was seeing Venice, the canals and the water. It is impressive that this city can function for so many years on the water with no cars and just the canals. It's really aw inspiring to view in person. 

For several decades now I have believed in the power of positive thinking. Call it manifest destiny, or call it mind over matter or even call it creating your reality. 
From the moment you wake up you must think to yourself that you are going to have a great day. Believe in the power of your thoughts and your manifestations and it will set the tone of you day. I've noticed that even if something weird happens like you get cut off while driving or you encounter a bit of bad news... it is best to shrug it off and continue to harness the power of your positive thoughts. 
You create your reality and you also create your destiny. 

I don't have a mantra right now, when I used to do hot yoga I did... I used to lay on the floor and at the end of my practice I would fill my body with love and feel it migrating from my feet to my head. I used to tell myself, love love love - fill myself with love. 

Lets come up with a mantra to use daily - how about this:
I am grateful
I am happy
I am successful
I am powerful

The day is beautiful
The day is bountiful
The day is full of life
Love, love, love and appreciation. 
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Gosh time sure has flown by. I remember when I used to update this blog weekly and now I feel like I am lucky if I even get to it once a year. 
I am going to summarize what has been happening from mid 2023 to current (summer 2024). 

Let's start with moving on... 

You may recall in the many phases and chapters of my life I have moved on to bigger and better things... working in radio, working in food & beverage, working in the news industry. I have always felt that if something doesn't serve you anymore, or you are not appreciated, or enjoying the experience, then it is time to move on. 

For the past few years I have been working entirely free of charge for a volunteer "job." Initially I had been a part of this organization maybe once or twice a year helping here and there, but became fully immersed and activated a few years ago when I discovered that this entity was in desperate and dire need of help and assistance. It began with public relations, communications and social media assistance, then it progressed into a more official and in depth role. When I say I was working for this volunteer "job" - I mean I was spending more than 80% of time time leveraging connections, harnessing/managing sponsorships, handling communications, fostering relationships, coordinating, scheduling and bringing in other good people to assist and volunteer too. 

Honestly, after all that, all of the sudden I was villainized and then ostracized. There was no communication, no effort to try to have a conversation and no professionalism from anyone. If I was not being appreciated for all this hard work then what is the point of staying around. If I was not given a chance to speak my truth, then what is the point of wasting my time. If your heart is in something 100% and it is not acknowledged, or appreciated, then what is this really about? What is comes down to is control and major systemic flaws within a broken system lead by inexperienced, uneducated and unprofessional dullards. Surprised? No. Good riddance, yes! Like others who came before me, I resigned and it was the best decision I could've made. 

Once I moved on and blocked this experience from my life, things became paradise again. I literally got my heaven and happiness back! Thank you for the lies, thank you for incompetently not communicating with me and thank you for allowing me to move on to pure bliss and unbridled joy every single day!


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Now onto the good stuff. 

Once you get rid of the dead weight it opens your heart up to better things. 

I am maxed out in capacity for work with so many happy clients. I completed an online course with Harvard Business School Online. I am back to emceeing prestigious corporate and meaningful events, I was flown (all expenses paid) to Maui to cover the Kaanapali region and highlight the Lahaina recovery efforts, I was hosted in Dallas, to a weekend of celebrations and showcases by Southwest Airlines, I've connected with family on the mainland and established stronger relationships, I went to New Zealand for TV show filming, I entered 3 local pickleball tournaments (placing 2nd, 4th and 2nd as a finalist). Currently, I am still freelance writing, doing voice over work and full throttle in the Made in Hawai‘i Festival thick of it right now. Coming up, we are headed to Europe, the Mediterranean, got more TV shows on the horizon and I am still filming and editing my passion project Da Best Hawai‘i show and podcast. 

Life is GOOD!

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Honestly, Daniel, Rico and Roxy are living the good life and living our best lives right now completely happy and purely enlightened by the love and positivity that shines from within and around us. I am able to shine my light for others and mainly for myself knowing that I am truly enjoying each and everyday. Clients are keeping me busy with enriching events and projects, friends are always my staple and grounding and Daniel is always my rock, my advocate and my heart. 

I will try to give more updates on a regular basis. =) 
"Do more of what you love, with who you love!"

Oh my goodness... it has been a long while.

As far as actual work goes, everything is great. I am not doing as much voicework as I had been the past few years, which is my choice as i felt my voice was overexposed. I haven't been writing as much as before. I think there is just so much competition. But I have written a few pieces here and there for various magazine. I did completely drop the ball on Da Best Hawaii. For 5 years I never missed a new episode every Wednesday but recently I have stopped filming and recording the podcast because I have been too busy. Hawaiian Airlines stopped showing the shows on the planes and Hawaiian TelCom stopped their sponsorship so I think I just let it go for a bit. But I am ready to get it going again.

Last weekend we celebrated Daniel's birthday and it was a busy one. Lots of fun, eating and enjoying friends. Roxy was a trooper and came with us to Kualoa Park and to Daniel's parents house afterward. We still baby her quite a it cause it is so challenging taking a blind 70lb dog to a public places. She's a really good girl tho and enjoys going with us and meeting new people. Her left leg is still popping quite a bit. She seems ok but I know after a while it may take its toll on her. I try to massage it often and we try to prohibit her from running. But she is going to do what she wants to do and she seems very happy right now. 

I've traveled to Japan twice for work recently and don't have too many plans to go abroad. For the most part I just stay home and on Oahu now. But I do still have my list of bucket-list items. I want to travel to Tahiti, Italy and Greece so badly. I will probably go to Miss America this year also, that looks like it will be in January 2024. 

Everyone is happy and healthy. Things are really wonderful and are going great. 

​On the verge of celebrating their 30th anniversary, The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is starting to rollout the reveal of its nearly $100-million rejuvenation.

I had the honor of staying at this hotel more than a decade ago and was overjoyed to see the beautiful transformation of an already impeccable resort. 

The improvements were dreamt up during the covid lockdowns and brought to life to showcase the natural Hawaiian beauty, culture and elevate the guest experience. Included in the renovation, guests will see a beautiful new tropical arrival experience which is open air, utilizes robust Hawaiian wood and floral details, fire pits, inviting bar and lounge along with live local entertainment. 

One of the highlights of the property is The Ritz Club Lounge which showcases a dedicated concierge, 5 food presentations, specialty bar, wine, drink options, breakfast, snacks, lunch, bites and hand-crafted desserts. The Club experience also provides a 24-hour grab and go snack bar, garment pressing daily, business center services and access to the Anuenue Room which hosts the daily meals and a stellar view of both the ocean in the distance and the nearby golf course. 

As a waterbaby and avid beach-goer my favorite notable improvements includes the three-tiered pool, cabanas, access to the beach, volleyball and basketball courts. The 10,000 sq ft pool starts with a tranquil adults only infinity style pool at the top and is followed by two large pools below complete with waterfalls and lava rock design. There's lots of room for sunbathing, resting, relaxing and swimming. The associates on property are very friendly, welcoming and boast lots of aloha. 

One wing of the hotel guest rooms has been renovated, while the other on the opposite end is nearing completion at the end of 2022. Guest room suites are spacious, add subtle hints of the ocean and Hawaii accents, they are fully stocked and equipped with a full kitchen, bathroom and shower and accessible living room with pull out sofa bed if needed. 

There's something special about Kapalua as it is away from the hustle of Kaanapali and the zooming tourists of Lahaina. It is breezy, relaxing, a place to find solace, tranquility and serenity. 

Be sure to ask for specialty kamaaina rates, get The Club access and enjoy.