Our Bloggers
Amanda has a passion for writing about inspirational or cause-driven fashion, art and entertainment. She’s a former newspaper columnist and teaches Fashion Writing and Fashion Show Production at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is the Public Information Officer for the Department of Human Services.
drummer • sunrise jogger • primal health coach in training • dedicated to a simple, healthy, and meaningful lifestyle.
Follow me on Twitter & Instagram @beckmillan
What kind of life do you want to live? What would bring you happiness and fulfillment? Those are the kinds of questions I try to help people answer. Years ago, I discovered my purpose is to be a positive influence in the lives of others, hence helping others is my definition of success.
I’ve helped people for my whole career, but mostly with numbers. For the longest time, my world revolved around quantifiable data: college chemistry major; then jobs in insurance, real estate, and financial planning.
Numbers are predictable. Life is not. I didn't expect this: In 2017 at a life planning seminar by the Kinder Institute, my outlook changed. The seminar suggested there is direct connection between our financial reality and the lives we want to live. The key is developing a “torch statement” and the five days were focused on how to develop that vision of the future that lights you up.
Funny, how a small shift in perspective can trigger a big life change. My passion is now centered around helping create that positive vision for others. I put on monthly, free workshops to share what I have learned. As a supplement to that, I’m excited to blog about any other spiritual practices I’ve come across.
I believe we all vibrate our energy into the universe, and in doing so, we create our world. Think positive, because your thoughts become your words become your actions.
Inside each of us is a story of the life we would love to live. Find it. Make it your torch statement. Feel how it lights you up once you uncover it. I am grateful if I can be even a small part of helping you get there, and thank you for letting me live my own passion through you.
Brandon Lee
Christie Tomasa
Local momma trying to keep everything in the house alive (the baby, the dog, the plants, and the baby daddy). Follow along for her adventures on all #mommykinethings!
Daryl Fujiwara
Deb Aoki
Peace of mind
By Diane Ako
I like to reflect on life. Sometimes it’s philosophically. Sometimes it’s humorously.
For all its beauty, life is far too difficult a journey to take alone. You need the support and connection with others to help carry you along the way.
Writing brings me that connection– within and without. It clarifies my thoughts and feelings. It helps me reach out to others for advice, wisdom, or feedback.
Your thoughts become your actions. Your actions become you.
A wise yogi- Patanjali- said, “Speak what is true. Speak what is pleasant.” Let’s speak of things pleasant to one another and seek some peace of mind along the way.
ABOUT
Diane Ako joined Hawaii: In Real Life in October 2016. She likes being part of a community of local bloggers – people who like writing and sharing, like she does.
Ako is an anchor/ reporter at Island News (KITV4 – ABC) in Honolulu. She previously anchored and reported at KHON2 (FOX) and KHNL (NBC), and at stations in California, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania.
She freelance writes for NMG Network's magazines.
In between news jobs, in 2017, she launched and ran her own p.r. company, Diane Ako PR. From 2010-2014, she headed the public relations department at Halekulani Corporation, which oversees luxury resort Halekulani and boutique hotel Waikiki Parc.
She’s been blogging since 2009 – before Hawaii: IRL, she wrote for The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, the state’s largest daily newspaper, where her stories garnered a dozen journalism awards and an Emmy nomination.
Ako has a BA in Communications from Menlo College and an MA in Political Science from University of Hawaii at Manoa.
She volunteers as a board member of the Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation, a Shinto shrine maiden at Daijingyu Temple, a citizen-scientist studying shrimp, and a yoga teacher at a senior center.
Ed Morita has spent over a 15 years working at some of the country's premiere resorts and restaurants, including the Halekulani Hotel, The Greenbrier Resort & Spa in West Virginia, Bay Harbor Yacht Club in Michigan along with Longhi’s Restaurant, Highway Inn Kaka‘ako, and currently at the Modern Honolulu.
Kaainoa Fernandez
Kaimana Pine
Keeper of scary stories. Lover of Asian skincare. Human to two cats. Sometimes I put makeup on, too.
Lance Agena is a street photographer based in Honolulu. Follow him on Instagram at @Lance_Agena.
A digital marketing professional, a tech lover, a photo & video enthusiast, a sports fan, a coffee lover, noodle slurper, news junkie a recovering potato chip addict, and of course a dad (not in any particular order).
Melissa has been blogging regularly since 2007 and has more than 25 years’ experience in marketing and public relations. She is currently an independent marketing consultant, specializing in social media. Follow her @Melissa808 on Instagram and Twitter.
Just a local boy with a mischievous mind. NOTE: Opinions here are my personal thoughts and do not reflect that of any of other organization.
We are a group of 3rd grade student bloggers. All our blog posts are written by students. We love food and having a good time! Lead by our fearless teacher, join us on our adventures through learning and fun.
I am a filmmaker, photographer, and social media manager currently living in Honolulu, Hawaii. My interests range from technology to photography. I am also interested in causes.
Special Olympics Hawaii is part of a global inclusion movement that uses sports, health, education, and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Since being founded in 1968, Special Olympics Hawaii has grown to serve more than 4,500 athletes and Unified partners on every island within the state of Hawaii. There is never a fee to any athlete or family to participate in Special Olympics programs.
Will Chen