A few days ago I got to drive to Nanakuli to meet and photograph Dan Ka’awa, a pure Native Hawaiian, for my Hawai’i Piha project . Uncle Dan was born there, delivered by his father, grew up, and still lives close by. We met at Depots beach where he hung out when he was a kid. The sunset on the west side was killer and the light was incredible. I’m glad I got to photograph him there in a place that’s so important to him.

Uncle Dan was awesome and I’m really glad I got to meet him and Aunty Janice. They are ‘ohana of my friend Rachel from high school. We graduated from the Kamehameha Schools together back in 2002. Mahalo to Rachel, Aunty Janice, and Uncle Dan for their kokua (help). Great people, food, drinks, and sharing stories and our culture at the beach in front of a sunset. It doesn’t get any better than that.

Uncle Dan’s hands are so incredible and huge. Pure Hawaiians have hands like none other. Knowing that hands like his are the ones that built great fishponds, heiau, and voyaging canoes is really awe inspiring. And trust me, it’s way bigger than it appears on screen.

To learn more aboout my project documenting the last remaining Pure Native Hawaiians, please check out Hawai’i Piha on my website.