Jade Kawanui

Aloha, I'm Jade Kawanui! Picture this: sunrise breaking over Haleakalā crater while the iron-rich mud squishes like chocolate cake beneath my hiking boots, and my camera captures that perfect golden moment when Maui wakes up. That's my office—and honestly, I wouldn't trade it for any cubicle on the planet.

I'm a 28-year-old adventure photographer, social media strategist, and full-time food enthusiast who's been calling Maui home since day one. Born and raised in the upcountry slopes of Makawao, I spent my keiki days plucking strawberries in Kula and bombing down Haleakalā on my bike before the sun even thought about rising. These days, you'll find me crashing waves down in Kīhei with my adventure buddy—a rescue poi dog named Hoku who's got more trail sense than most humans I know.

My Journey

College took me mainland to Colorado for an Outdoor Recreation degree, where I learned to love mountain peaks and powder snow. But you know what they say—you can take the girl out of Hawaiʻi, but you cannot take the Hawaiʻi out of the girl. Those trade winds kept calling me home, whispering about hidden waterfalls and secret coves that needed documenting.

Now I split my time between several passions that all revolve around showing people the real Maui. As a freelance photographer and social media strategist for eco-tour operators, I help visitors discover our islands responsibly. Weekends often find me hosting food tours, connecting people with the local grindz that fuel every great adventure. And as an adventure columnist for *Things To Do Hawaiʻi*, I get to share the trails, beaches, and plate lunch spots that make this rock so special.