Kalani’s Kalo follows a young Hawaiian boy who ventures into the forest to learn how to grow kalo when he meets a mysterious elder who teaches him lessons in patience, tradition, and trust. How did your own experiences or connection to Hawaiian culture influence the development of the book?

I was born and raised in Hawaiʻi, although my ancestors came from Japan, and I grew up surrounded primarily by Japanese cultural traditions. By the time I entered school, however, many aspects of both Japanese and Hawaiian traditions had been pushed aside in favor of Western ideas and values.

Over the years, I have witnessed a growing interest in rediscovering and appreciating these cultural traditions. Subjects that were seldom discussed when I was young have become topics of fascinating conversations, particularly as people begin recognizing that ancient teachings may offer valuable insights into some of the challenges facing our modern world.

One thing that particularly interests me is the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Although Japanese and Hawaiian traditions are distinct, I have found intriguing similarities in their emphasis on respecting nature, recognizing the spiritual dimensions of existence, and understanding our responsibilities toward other living beings.

These ideas inspired me to explore traditional Hawaiian knowledge more deeply. I became particularly fascinated with kalo, not simply as a source of food, but as something deeply connected to Hawaiian history, family, spirituality, and the care of the land.

As an artist and storyteller, I wanted to bring some of these ideas to life through words and illustrations, creating a story that might encourage young readers to become curious about the natural world, appreciate the wisdom of their elders, and recognize the importance of caring for one another and the earth.

Why was it important to explore the relationship between a young learner and an older person who possesses traditional knowledge?

I believe that some of the most valuable knowledge we possess has been passed down through generations, often through personal experiences rather than written instructions. In traditional Hawaiian culture, the relationship between elders and younger generations has been especially important in preserving knowledge about the land, nature, and ways of living.

I wanted Kalani to discover that learning involves more than simply acquiring information. It also requires patience, humility, observation, and respect for those who have come before us. His mysterious teacher understands things that Kalani has yet to discover, and through their relationship, he gradually learns that wisdom involves not only knowing how to do something, but understanding why it matters.

I wanted Kalani to learn that wisdom involves more than knowing how to accomplish something. It also involves patience, respect, and an understanding of our relationship with the natural world. His mysterious teacher helps him discover these things, sometimes in ways he doesn’t immediately understand. I believe this relationship between the curiosity of youth and the wisdom of experience is something that readers of all ages can appreciate.

Why was it important to introduce a moment when Kalani must act on what he has learned, even without fully understanding the situation?

I wanted Kalani’s journey to be more than simply an adventure into the unknown. I wanted him to encounter situations that would challenge his understanding of himself and the world around him.

At a crucial moment, Kalani must make a difficult decision. He risks humiliation and rejection by his community if he acts, but he also risks disappointing his mysterious teacher and possibly losing the opportunity to fulfill his dream of growing kalo.

I think we all encounter moments when we must decide whether to follow our conscience or allow fear of what others might think to influence our actions. Sometimes we don’t have all the answers, yet circumstances require us to make a choice.

For Kalani, this becomes an opportunity to discover that the lessons he has learned are not simply about growing food, but about developing the courage, compassion, and responsibility to act when the well-being of others may be at stake.

When we believe others may be in danger, are we willing to act, even at the risk of being misunderstood?

Do you envision creating additional stories featuring Kalani or exploring other aspects of Hawaiian culture and traditional knowledge?

I have actually already written and illustrated two other storybooks featuring the adventures of Kalani, both preceding Kalani’s Kalo.

About this time last year, I began with Kalani Asks Tūtū Pele the Three Questions, inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s famous short story, The Three Questions. While Tolstoy’s story features a young king seeking wisdom from a hermit, I adapted the setting to ancient Hawaiʻi, where young Kalani sets out to discover the answers to three important questions about life.

Earlier this year, I created The Night the Mountain Moved, in which Kalani and his village are threatened when a volcanic eruption is observed on the summit of Mauna Loa, looming above their seaside settlement. As the villagers gather in uncertainty, an elder recites the Kumulipo, the ancient Hawaiian creation chant that describes the origins and unfolding of life.

I find traditional Hawaiian knowledge, mythology, and folklore endlessly fascinating. There is so much more I would like to explore, particularly the relationships between humanity, nature, and the spiritual world. I certainly hope to continue these explorations through additional adventures featuring Kalani, sharing what I discover along the way.

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