
Welcome to the RiseHI Blog
Inspiring stories, Valuable Lessons
Stay connected with RiseHI through our blog, where we share inspiring stories and key updates. Discover how kamaʻāina creators and leaders drive positive change and align with our mission.
New posts every two weeks keep you informed and engaged with our community.
Passion Over Practicality | with Kelia Moniz
Born into a legendary surfing family, Kelia Moniz seemed destined to follow a specific path. Her dad, Tony Moniz, was a professional surfer and one of Hawai‘i’s pioneers in big-wave riding. Surfing wasn’t just a sport in their household, but a way of life.
Your Past Doesn’t Define Your Future | with Matthew Tapia
For Matthew Tapia, success was not something that was easily handed to him; it was something he had to chase, fight for, and prove he deserved.
RiseHI launches ‘Oihana Career Explorations, exploratory curriculum supporting CTE Learning
RiseHI is proud to announce the launch of 'Oihana Career Explorations, an innovative program designed to open doors for our keiki by providing them with access to a diverse array of career paths and local role models.
Finding Yourself Through Loss| with Chef Mark Noguchi
Pain and loss have a way of stripping life down to its rawest form, revealing truths we often ignore in the hustle of daily life. For Mark Noguchi—better known as Chef Gooch—career success came at a cost.
RiseHI Unveils "Make IT Happen" Curriculum for Middle Schools: A Bold Leap Toward Empowering Hawai‘i’s Keiki
RiseHI is thrilled to introduce its innovative "Make IT Happen" curriculum, a program tailored for middle school advisory classes that merges social-emotional learning with real-life inspiration from local leaders.
Small Steps To Success | with Kolby moser
Kāʻu native and award-winning storyteller Kolby Moser is an example of how no outcome is too far out of reach if you take small steps along the way.
Old Skills, New Creations | with Keola Rapozo
Keola Rapozo, a Castle High School graduate from Kahalu‘u and co-founder of the popular brand and clothing line, FITTED, demonstrates how thinking outside the box and embracing different approaches can lead to extraordinary success.
RiseHI’s 2024 Wrapped
As we close out the year, we’re looking back at some of 2024’s milestones.
Choosing Passion Over Fear | with Kimié Miner
Award-winning musician Kimié Miner highlights how pursuing her passions helped her to overcome her fears.
A Leap into the Unknown | With Zavier Cummings
Zavier Cummings' story illustrates how leaping into the unknown allowed him to find his passion.
The Power of Yes | with Kamea Hadar
Artist Kamea Hadar’s story highlights the power of saying “yes” and the unexpected opportunities that may follow.
The Value of Valuing Yourself | with Sheldon Simeon
Learn from Chef Sheldon Simeon the importance of valuing yourself and the unique talents that you bring to the table.