Housing Hawai‘i's Future

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Housing Hawai‘i's Future

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We activate young leaders, educate the public and convene stakeholders to address the housing crisis.

10/26/2026

Samuel Tafolo grew up in a multi-generational home in Kaimukī, sharing a two-bedroom apartment with his grandparents, mom, and brothers. Today, he still rents in Kaimukī but dreams of owning a property someday. Like many locals, he can’t see himself living anywhere else but Hawaiʻi.

10/16/2026

Five people, one bedroom. 🏠

Growing up, Etuini shared a room with his two younger sisters. Some nights he slept in the living room or on the floor. “That was just life for me.”

Things changed when Etuini and his family moved to Mānoa to care for his grandma in her four-bedroom home. Today he still lives with his family, saving up for one goal: buying his own home here in Hawaiʻi.

Housing stories like Etuini’s aren’t uncommon in Hawai‘i. Do you have a similar experience from your childhood or even now as an adult?

10/09/2026

Guyson Jaramillo-King was born on Maui, but life took him to Seattle when he was just six. He always knew Hawaiʻi was home, even when he lived in the diaspora.

After graduating from high school, Guyson returned to Hawaiʻi and studied at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and earned a degree in anthropology. Since then, he’s built a life on Oʻahu and currently resides in Mililani, close to family and in the place he wants to raise his own ʻohana.

For so many kamaʻāina who grew up away, coming home is the dream. If you left Hawaiʻi but came back, what was it like? Share your story in the comments.

10/05/2026

Every generation faces a different set of financial circumstances due to varying economic climates, housing markets, and costs of living.

From the Silent Generation to Generation Z, this post breaks down the median housing costs, median income, and other financial metrics that each generation of locals faced at 25.

Which generation do you think had the easiest time buying a home in Hawai‘i?

#808

09/28/2026

How would you describe Hawai‘i in three words? Let us know in the comments.

09/21/2026

Town or country? Cast your vote and let us know why.🤙

09/07/2026

After getting married and starting their family here in Hawai‘i, the Tuliloas moved to the continent to build financially. It didn’t take long for them to realize Hawai‘i is the place for them, even with financial struggles, and they returned home to Lā‘ie to raise their children.

08/20/2026

Introducing Chaz Umamoto, a family man, businessman, musician, and the CEO and co-founder of Craft Brewz Music.

Chaz is originally from Kalihi, but eventually moved to Los Angeles. Thanks to affordable housing, he was able to return home with his wife and two children, and raise their family here. Now that he’s back, Chaz is creating the best opportunities and resources possible for our local music community.

Want to hear more local housing stories? Follow us Housing Hawai‘i’s Future and don’t miss out on our next feature.🤙

08/04/2026

Introducing Teshya Alo, a local professional athlete, stunt performer, and Kamehameha graduate born and raised in Hauʻula, Hawaiʻi.

While Teshya stays in Hawaiʻi for many reasons, her main purpose to stay is for our keiki. She founded Alo Mana, a non-profit organization for local at-risk youth. At Alo Mana, Teshya uses her wealth of knowledge and experience in wrestling, judo, and jiu-jitsu to teach keiki “new skills, build [their] confidence, and form positive relationships with peers and mentors” (aloteshya.wixsite.com/website). She believes our youth is our future and wants the best for them.

Follow us Housing Hawai‘i’s Future and stay tuned for more from our 300 Stories series.🌺

07/29/2026

Leleaʻe Kahalepuna-Wong is a Kanaka Maoli singer, actress, writer, and artist who hails from Kaimukī, Oʻahu. She grew up in the family home her great-great-grandfather built in 1938, and still resides there with her parents and their two dogs. Leleaʻe cares deeply for Kānaka Maoli and locals to stay in and return to Hawaiʻi, and hopes for change that allows this to happen.

Follow us on Instagram and stay tuned for more stories from our 300 Stories series, Housing Hawai‘i’s Future.

Address

Hilo, HI
96720-96721

Website

http://hawaiisfuture.org/

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