Occupation Marketing & Events Manager at Queens’ MarketPlace, Alexander & Baldwin

How long you have lived in Hawai‘i? 7 years

Moved from New York City

Favorite beach The south portion of ‘Anaeho‘omalu Bay. If you walk south, past Lava Lava Beach Club, you’ll come across a series of less crowded sandy beach coves, tide pools, and incredible views of the Kohala Coast. Just be careful where you step, you’re bound to come across a honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle).

Favorite custom/tradition Calling your elders “Aunty” and “Uncle” as a sign of respect. This custom gives you an immediate sense of belonging and familiarity with your community.

Favorite hangout Queens’ MarketPlace of course. We have great boutiques and art galleries, exceptional restaurants, a luxury cinema, a yoga studio and the best salon & day spa on island. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here.

Favorite hawaiian product AO Organics sunscreen. It’s locally made and reef safe.

Favorite hawaiian band Hapa. Their songs remind me of my childhood. My mother is from here and I remember listening to their CDs in her car growing up. The duo have such angelic voices.

Favorite place for happy hour Kuleana Rum Shack for their laid-back atmosphere, world class cocktails made with locally-produced rum, and the afternoon sunlight that streams in to their open-aired dining room.

Favorite place to splurge Olivia Clare Boutique. Everything in the store is made in Hawai‘i. It’s the perfect place to find gifts and souvenirs that have been thoughtfully made by local artisans and designers. Although I usually end up getting something for myself too. It’s impossible to walk out of there without buying something.

Lucky you live hawaii because...Island life is a real thing. Moving here from New York City, I learned to slow down and enjoy the present moment more. It’s hard not to when you see how beautiful our sunsets are!

If you were a visitor, you would want to know... Come to Queens’ MarketPlace to watch a free hula show in the Coronation Pavilion. Once a week a local hula halau (dance school) performs a one-hour hula show performing both kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (modern) hula.