Nā Kumu Alakaʻi Pūlama
Stories of those who have created their own path in life
Finding Flavor: A Chef’s Recipe for Success and Self-Discovery
Chef Mark Noguchi, shares his own unique recipe for success and self discovery through his early struggles and how his connection with Hula helped prepare him for his eventual passion for cooking.
Dillon Quitugua - In Pursuit of the Pinnacle
A Campbell High School graduate, attempting to go from Ewa to Everest. Dillon Quitugua was a victim of child abuse, and is proof that no matter the cards you are dealt in life, you have control of your future. See how he was able to find his passion in life, through the struggles that were presented to him.
Kealoha - Follow Your Inner Fire
Dubbed the first Poet Laureate of Hawaiʻi, Kealoha is an internationally acclaimed poet and storyteller. Listen to his story and how he went from graduating from a top University studying Nuclear Engineering to completely changing his path and pursuing his true passion in life.
Jasper Wong - When Challenges Produce Passion
Jasper Wong is a brilliant artist in Hawaii and well-known throughout the world. Despite challenges he faced in the public school system, being raised by a single mother of 3 kids, and bouts of depression throughout childhood, he is now thriving and respected for his craft. Here is his story on how he found his passion.
Danny Keauhou Yamashiro | Every Person Has a Gift to Offer
Broken dreams and brain injuries opened a path for a new start. Find out how a traumatized boy survived falling 400-feet from the Pali and discovered his gifts to offer the world.
Kelis Kaleopaʻa | Be Happy and Let Life Play Out
Growing up in Waikīkī, Kelis found a love for surfing and the ocean. At a very young age she had to navigate through schooling and competitive surfing all at the same time. Hear her speak about her home, her mindset through it all, and why she chooses to do what she does and how she does it.
Lynell Bright | You Are Special Just The Way You Are
The youngest of 3 siblings, Lynell grew up under the shadow of her older sisters. As she got older she realized that she shouldn’t compare herself to others, and that she was different and unique in her own ways. Following her passion in music, she finds herself now teaching Music and Choir to kids at Kamehameha Schools.
Kimie Miner | Don’t Let Fear Overcome Your Passion
Meet our SPARX Hawai‘i poster girl, Kimié Miner, one of Hawai‘i Island’s own. Hear her inspirational story of how she got to the place she’s at in life and what she’s doing now to pay it forward.
Kamea Hadar | Life Isn’t a Straight Line
Meet another artist with a beautiful story of how he got to the incredible place he’s at in life–commissioned to do some of the greatest works of art in the world.
Lacy Deniz | Be True to Yourself
Lacy is such an inspiration! ANOTHER one of Hawai‘i Island’s own, you just gotta hear her testimony of the journey to becoming one of the most sought after spokeswomen in the state!
David Dunaway | Your Decisions Determine Your Destiny
You will be shocked to hear how much Dave has overcome in his lifetime. His story is one of bravery, determination and heart.
So how about you?
What is your role in someone’s path to mastery? Is it to encourage them to explore that thing that sparks interest in them? Is it to go easy on pushing them to decide what they want to be when they grow up?
Perhaps it’s less about finding or following our passion. It’s not this sort of treasure hunt of who can find the golden egg. Maybe it’s more like passion is a byproduct of the pursuit. Work hard at something, anything—get good at it—and passion will follow—you wherever you go.
This SPARX Hawai‘i music contest, whatever the outcome, is not the end of the road for the haumana who entered. It’s only the beginning.