Shar Tuiasoa didn’t start with connections, capital, or a clear plan. She started with late nights waiting tables in Kailua, raising kids while finishing her art degree, and returning home to Hawai‘i with no job prospects in sight. Fear was always there, but instead of letting it crush her, she learned to work with it. What began as “pretend” projects turned into a thriving art business rooted in bold, vibrant illustrations that now travel the globe.

From a toddler tied to a boogie board in Makaha to founding Nā Kama Kai, Duane DeSoto, the 2010 Oxbow ASP World Longboard Champion, has lived his life by the pull of the ocean. Surfing took him around the world, but it was coming home that sparked his greatest purpose: opening the waves to Hawaiʻi’s keiki. Read to find out how one person’s passion rippled outward, transforming joy into service, struggle into growth, and ultimately, leaving a legacy in motion.

From Kailua kid to Hale ʻAina Restaurateur of the Year, Dusty’s journey isn’t about short-term wins, but about growth, service, and building a body of work that attracts opportunity. Through it all, one theme has guided him: what others call luck is often the byproduct of choosing growth over comfort, again and again.

Growing up, design didn’t look like glossy magazines or showroom floors for Michelle Jaime. It looked like a VW van with curtains her dad sewed, drive-in movie sleepovers, and model homes in Mililani where she and her brother would daydream a life into being.

What if every student in Hawai‘i could see themselves in a future career and believe it’s possible right here at home? RiseHI’s ʻOihana Career Explorations is doing just that, and now our work is being recognized among many. Learn why founder Gabe Amey started this journey, how ʻOihana is changing what career exploration looks like for local youth, and how you can join in making sure every keiki has access to opportunity.

From backyard roots on Molokaʻi to building a community-owned brewery, Naehalani Breeland is redefining what it means to do business in Hawaiʻi. See how Ola Brew turned wasted fruit into $1.8M for local farmers and ownership for the lāhui.

Likkle Jordee didn’t grow up with voice lessons or a clear path. He grew up with backyard jams, hand-me-down ukuleles, and a feeling he couldn’t ignore. Read to see how Likkle found his voice.

Some founders start with funding. Tiana started with fear. Not the paralyzing kind. The kind that keeps you hustling, paying attention, and building smart. From waitressing shifts to running a tropical fashion brand, Tiana Gamble built Bikini Bird piece by piece while working full time, raising a family, and betting on herself.

Labeled “lazy.” Undiagnosed ADHD. No budget. No plan. Just one question: Why aren’t we as Native Hawaiians owning our own story? So, Keoni stopped waiting and built ʻŌiwi TV.

From Kalihi Valley to red carpets, from rejection after rejection to creating Hawaiʻi’s #1 primetime show, McKenna Maduli’s story is living proof that the nos aren’t dead ends—they’re detours to something better.

Some people wait for the perfect plan. Nainoa Langer picked up a GoPro instead. No roadmap, no guarantees—just a spark and a camera. That was enough to start something big.

He started with a sketchbook, shipping labels, and $12 an hour. Now his waves are on Adidas, Taco Bell, and the NFL. Find out how Aaron Kai turned stickers into a global art career—without waiting for permission.

People will tell you what’s realistic. They’ll size you up, dismiss your dreams, and tell you to aim lower. Lauren didn’t listen—and she made it to the Olympics. Maybe you don’t need to either.

Get ready to hit the green for a good cause. RiseHI’s biggest fundraiser of the year is back and better than ever!

No handouts. No blueprint. Just movement.

That’s how Keola Rapozo built one of the most iconic clothing brands in Hawaiʻi—from a kid hustling in Kahalu’u to co-founding FITTED, a streetwear staple woven into the identity of the islands.

How did this Kauai girl turn $4000 into a multi-million-dollar global brand? 5 real-talk lessons from Heather Aiu’s journey of bringing Aloha Collection to life.

Raised on Oʻahu and now living in Kona, Mahina Paishon’s journey as an entrepreneur, community leader, and cultural navigator is anchored by one guiding force: her why. It’s not a job title or a list of accomplishments—it’s her inner compass, pointing her back to purpose whenever the waters get rough.

Imagine starting with nothing but a tent at a farmers' market and a dream. Now, picture that dream turning into one of Hawaii’s most celebrated restaurants, featured on international food shows and earning prestigious accolades.

Kūhaʻo Zane, the lead graphic designer at Sig Zane Designs from Keaukaha, Hawai’i, didn’t just follow in his family’s footsteps, he forged his own path. But to do that, he had to leave home first.