My name is Makaiwa Kanui. I was born in Hilo, raised in Mauna Huʻihuʻi (Mt.View), ʻŌlaʻa. I currently live in Panaʻewa with my husband Maikaʻi, and our two wild boys Kauila and ʻEkemana. Mauna Kea is the mountain that raised me, a long with the brackish waters of Waiʻolena, and rains from Kauakuahine to Kanilehua. 

I am who I am because of the family, community, and lands that raised me and continues to nurture me. I come from a family of fish peddlers, and was raised cleaning, and preparing fish for the local community.  In my formative years of life I attended Hawaiian Immersion schools.  Later graduating from Kamehameha Schools, I pursued my Bachelors degree in Studio Art, and a minor in Ethnic Studies from Mills College in Oakland, California in Ohlone Territory. I serve as a campus minister and justice programs coordinator. I embrace being a musician, competitive powerlifter, and an artist!  I have a dream of owning my own art studio one day. Iʻm passionate about justice. Hawaiʻi raised and sustained me, and I seek to live in a co-sustaining, interconnected relationship with my homelands, myself, my family, and my Creator. Iʻm feel drawn to many different directions, but art and music has been a constant thread in my life to respond to the world around me.  Mahalo for taking the time to learn more about me. ʻOia!